Howard "Jap" Bateman Sr.
Jan 25, 2026
Howard “Jap” Grady Bateman, Sr., 86, of Nantahala, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by family. He was born on June 19, 1939, in Nantahala to the late George Washington Bateman and Thelma Maude Baldwin Bateman. Jap enjoyed the simple pleasures of life fishing, wagon trains, and camping and he carried a deep love for the outdoors throughout his years.
He was...
Judy Ann Carpenter
Jan 24, 2026
Judy Ann Curtis Carpenter, 84, of Franklin, NC, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Judy was born in Macon County to the late Charlie Curtis and Minnie McCall Curtis on January 6, 1942.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Elsie Brendle, Christine Brabson, Charles Curtis Jr., Willie Curtis, Claude Curtis, Verlin Curtis,...
Ryan Ferreira
Jan 22, 2026
Ryan Phillip Ferreira, 26, of Franklin, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was the beloved son of Ryan A. Ferreira and Yeimi Alvarez.
Ryan was a proud new cadet with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and was excited to begin his career in law enforcement. He earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Southwestern Community College,...
Karen Elaine Young
Jan 22, 2026
Karen Elaine Young, 63, of Franklin, NC, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Karen was born in Haywood Co. to Jerry and Betty Wyatt Young. She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry. She was a member of Ellijay Missionary Baptist Church.
She worked in the front office at the physical therapy clinics in Franklin. She was always kind and helpful...
Bud Green
Jan 21, 2026
Bud Green, officially named Thomas Alton Green, was born on April 27, 1936, to Lawrence A. “Tony” and Sybil Blaine Green. Following a brief illness, he passed on to Glory on January 21, 2026, at his home on Potts Branch Road surrounded by his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Green.
Bud...
Gregory L Simon
Jan 21, 2026
Gregory Lynn Simon, 75, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
He was born in Auburn, NY, to the late Lester and Alma Moore Simon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Simon. He loved traveling, liked Nascar and camping, he was a big Dale Earnhardt fan. He loved spending time...
Joann A Dale
Jan 17, 2026
Joann Atha Wolford Dale, 94, of Franklin NC, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026.
She was born to the late Oscar and Effie Moyers Wolford in West Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Braxton Dale; siblings, Jim Wolford, Byron Wolford, Gene Wolford, and Jimmy Wolford.
She was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church....
Horace Hurst
Jan 16, 2026
Mr. Horace A. Hurst, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Grandview Manor surrounded by his family. Born on December 9, 1939, in Macon County, he was the son of the late Henry and Frances Hurst.
Horace was a devoted member of Watauga Baptist Church for many years, where he faithfully served as a deacon. His quiet strength,...
William Patrick Ramey
Jan 16, 2026
Patrick Ramey, 70, passed away on January 16, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 27, 1955, in Macon County, he was the son of the late Venice Alexander and Beulah Hazel Lowe Ramey.
Patrick lived a full and hands on life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, racing, carpentry, and could often be found tinkering...
Patricia Ann Craig
Jan 15, 2026
Patricia Ann McConnell Craig, 76, of Franklin, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Born in Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Fred McConnell Sr. and Dorothy Mae Long McConnell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Tallent, and her brother, Freddie McConnell. Patricia was a devoted member of...
Charles Dwight Southard
Jan 15, 2026
Charles Dwight Southard, 80, of Franklin, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Born in Macon County to the late Roy and Ruth Dills Southard, Dwight lived his entire life rooted in the community he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Edna Southard, and his brother, Raymond Southard.
Dwight was a lifelong and...
John Wymer McClure
Jan 14, 2026
John Wymer McClure, 74, of Franklin, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. A lifelong resident of Macon County, John was the son of the late William Howard McClure and Alma Hastings McClure. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Billy McClure and Charlie McClure; his sister-in-law, Patti McClure; and his brother-in-law, Gary Boston.
John spent most...
Barnard Bruce Bryant
Jan 13, 2026
Barnard Bruce Bryant, 72, of Asheville, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after an extended illness. Barney was born October 2, 1953, and was the son of the late Bruce and Freda Bryant. He grew up in Franklin, NC and graduated from Franklin High School in 1970. Barney attended Mars Hill College and later graduated from Sandhills Community College...
Brannon Jeffrey Keener
Jan 11, 2026
Brannon “Jeff” Keener, 48, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Maurice “Biff” Keener and Linda Joyner.
Jeff was a man who loved the outdoors and the simple joys of life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his dogs, and playing the drums. He was a talented carpenter during...
Pauline Starling Luke
Jan 9, 2026
Pauline Starling Luke, 100, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, January 9, 2026.
She was born in Valdosta, GA, October 15, 1925, to her parents, Juniper and Maggie Starling. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Grace Smith, Alzada Davis, her twin, Irene Luke, (who passed at the age of 93), and two brothers, Johnny...
Reba Talley
Jan 9, 2026
Reba Blackwell Talley, 62, of Highlands, NC, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026.
She was born in Oconee, SC, to the late Joseph and Amy Wilbanks Blackwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rickey Talley and son, DJ Talley. She always wanted to make people laugh and saw her children’s friends as her own....
Reverend Ronnie Owens
Jan 9, 2026
Ronnie Owens passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.
Born in Macon County to the late Euell Cordell and Blanche McCoy Owens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Sandy Owens Tippett, Patricia “Tootsie” Akin, and Beverly Owens.
Surviving Mr. Owens are his wife Kathy Angel Owens; son Joshua...
William Harold McGaha
Jan 8, 2026
Mr. William Harold McGaha of Franklin, NC born November 26th, 1947, passed away Thursday January 8th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Harold was the son of the late Felton and Ruth McGaha. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Barbara Posey and nephew Tony Posey.
Harold is survived by; son, William Todd McGaha with wife...
Tessie Evelyn Walters
Jan 7, 2026
Tessie Hickman Walters, 88, of Franklin, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Tessie was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Walters. She liked to watch gameshows, complete crossword puzzles, and reading the Bible. She had a pet cat “Ivan”,
She is survived by her children, Rick Harville, Dianne Carroll (Alan), Alan Harville (Robin); sister, Carolyn McCoy; five grandchildren; and six...
Marissa Carmella Burton
Jan 4, 2026
Marissa Carmella Johnson Burton, “Mamaw”, 55, of Highlands, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Born in Buncombe County, to Lucille McClure Johnson and the late Charles Johnson. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her father‑in‑law, Chuck Burton, and her uncle, Curtis Dodgins.
Marissa worked as a dedicated tax consultant for H&R Block, where she...
