Wells Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Candler, Forest Lawn

05/21/2026

05/06/2026

To our wonderful community,

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for voting us "Best of Haywood County." We are truly honored by your support.

It is a privilege to serve this community every day, and we couldn't have achieved this without you. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the very best in the years to come.

With deep gratitude,

The Team at Wells Funeral Home & Cremation Services

03/17/2026

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03/14/2026

Charles H. Brown

Charles H. Brown, a dedicated professional and beloved family man, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the NC State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Born on April 23, 1941, in Madison County, NC, Charles lived a full life marked by service, commitment, and community.

Charles proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany alongside his wife, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and patriotism that stayed with him throughout his life. Following his military service, he built an enduring career as a meat supervisor at Ingles, where he was employed for over 30 years. His sharp business acumen and work ethic were well-known among colleagues and customers alike, reflecting a professional dedication that defined much of his life’s work.

Beyond his career, Charles was known for his warm personality and engaging spirit. He loved playing golf almost every day, year-round, a testament to his active nature and appreciation for continual personal improvement. Additionally, a fan of NASCAR racing, he enjoyed the excitement and camaraderie the sport offered. Friends and family often remarked on his penchant for being well-dressed, his bright smile, and his happy and pleasant demeanor—qualities that made him a joy to be around. Mr. Brown was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church where he loved to sing in the choir.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Linda Marie Little Brown; their son, Scott Brown of Candler; and his sisters, Joann Lail and Geraldine Brown of Fletcher. He was also a cherished companion to his beloved dog, Koko. He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Essie Price Brown; his son, Dewayne Brown (1959); his daughter, Belinda Brown (1961); and his brother, Lawrence Brown.

A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Candler, NC. Pastor Allen Rash and Pastor Nathan Hawkins of Trinity Baptist Church will be officiating.

Charles H. Brown’s life was characterized by steadfastness, loyalty, and a joyous embrace of the everyday. His legacy endures in the hearts of those who knew him and in the community he served with distinction.

The care of Mr. Brown has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Charles H. Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Today we recognize National Funeral Director Day and the calling that so many of us proudly serve. Being a funeral director is more than a profession, it is a commitment to compassion, dignity, and respect for families during the hardest moments of their lives.

The long hours, late nights, and unexpected calls are simply part of the responsibility we carry. Many times we place our own lives on hold, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, to ensure that every family we serve is cared for with the attention and respect they deserve.

It is an honor to walk beside families in their time of grief and help them celebrate the lives of those they love. Today I’m grateful for every funeral professional who serves with heart, strength, and unwavering dedication. Thank you for the work you do each and every day.

03/11/2026

Ray Carroll Johnson

Ray Carroll Johnson of Canton passed away peacefully at Haywood County Regional Medical Center on February 24, 2026. A native of Haywood County, he is the son of the late Wiley Carroll Johnson and Eve Marie Davis Johnson.

Ray was an avid baseball fan and played little league through high school where he pitched for Canton High School. This earned him the nickname "Brown Dog". He served in the Canton National Guard, where he took classes to be a medic. Ray bowled many years and accumulated several trophies. He worked at American Enka and Champion International Paper from which he retired.

He loved living in the mountains and enjoyed fishing and hunting while growing up. In his retirement years, he spent time feeding and watching the birds at his home. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Johnson Paxton; and his nieces, Kathy Hoglen Booe and Kristy Hoglen Noble.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Canton Recreation Park on March 22, 2026 at 2:30 pm

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Haywood County Meals on Wheels at 157 Paragon Parkway, Ste 300. Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Johnson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home.

View Ray Carroll Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Joyce Ann Roberts

Joyce Ann Roberts, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Buncombe County, NC, where she was born on March 14, 1951. A dedicated and hard-working individual, Joyce was employed by Woolworths for over 30 years before recently transitioning to work at Ingles Deli. Her commitment to her career was only matched by her devotion to family and friends, as she cherished the simple moments in life.

Joyce enjoyed a serene and modest lifestyle, often found sitting on her porch surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories and telling jokes that brought laughter to those around her. She found joy in crocheting, cooking, fishing, and relishing quiet moments that allowed her to connect deeply with nature and those she cared about.

She is survived by her son, Clyde Roberts (Rhonda) of Oakley; her sisters, Linda Plowe of Asheville, Shirley Parham of Leicester, and Carolyn Maltry (David) of Asheville; her brothers, Bruce and Tom Coleman, both of Asheville; her grandchildren, Jason Roberts, Brandon Roberts, Kelcey Thompson, and Marcus Goff; her great-grandchildren, Jarius Thompson and Riley Goff; and her cherished chihuahua, Peanut.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Roy Coleman and Mazel Seay, as well as her son, Steven Roberts. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will remember her for her kindness, laughter, and the loving moments they shared together.

A private family graveside funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, North Carolina.

The care of Ms. Joyce Roberts has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Joyce Ann Roberts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

Eddie A. Gosnell

Eddie A. Gosnell, born on November 22, 1948, in Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville. He was 77 years old. Eddie's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to family and friends. He honorably served in the United States Army, a testament to his character and commitment, stationed in Vietnam, where his legacy of service began.

Eddie spent 20 dedicated years as a machine mechanic at Anvil Knit Wear, where he was known for his strong work ethic and friendly demeanor. But beyond his professional life, it was the moments shared with his beloved family that defined him. Eddie was a quiet yet humorous man with a simple, easy-going spirit, effortlessly bringing joy to those around him. He cherished the time spent with his wife of 55 years, Peggy Gosnell; together they created a partnership filled with love and laughter. Their bond was further enriched by the presence of their daughter Lenay Marlor, son Dain Leard, and treasured grandchildren Alicia Leard, Chelsea Harley, and his Best Sweetie, Hope Marlor, along with four great-grandchildren who brought immense joy into his life.

Eddie's culinary talents were a shared delight within the family. Many cherished memories were made over delicious meals, particularly his famous soups, chili, and biscuits and gravy. These gatherings served as a reminder of the love that came so easily to him, nourishing not just the body but also the soul.

He had an enduring passion for classic cars and would frequently spend hours attending car shows with his prized '67 Chevy Biscayne, a true reflection of his love for timeless beauty and craftsmanship. His understated presence and genuine spirit drew people in, but those closest to him cherished the unique wit he shared, sprinkling laughter throughout their lives.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Conley and Pearl Johnston Gosnell, who undoubtedly watched with pride as their son built a life filled with love and devotion.

As family and friends gather to celebrate Eddie's life, they will remember him not just for the achievements and passions he pursued, but for the love he cultivated, the laughter he shared, and the memories that will forever remain imprinted in their hearts.

A graveside service to honor Eddie will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, North Carolina, starting at 2:00 PM. Pastor Steve Smith will be officiating. In this time of sorrow, may all who knew him find comfort in the wonderful memories of a truly amazing man who enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

The care of Mr. Gosnell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Eddie A. Gosnell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Julia Ann Shuler

Julia W. Shuler, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Rosalee White.

Julia was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, fishing buddy, gardener, adventure partner, and mischief maker. She loved to laugh and found great joy in being with her family and friends. She had a way of welcoming everyone into her home while offering care, a listening ear, and a few good belly laughs.

She and James were married 63 years. They both loved the outdoors and relished many happy days trout fishing and exploring obscure little streams in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They were snowbirds who enjoyed spending winters working in their little citrus grove in Florida. They were adventurers who would load their pick-up truck and camper and head west to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and many other places with beautiful streams to fish and explore.

Julia is survived by her daughter, Jill Shuler (husband Bill Hurni), and two grandchildren, Tonna Davis (Damien) and James C. Shuler (Kristin), as well as 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 siblings, Sandra Lawing (Garvin) and Carroll White (Patricia). For the past 2 years she was blessed with the care and companionship of her niece, Deanna (Susie) Shelton. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmer Shuler, and her son, James Edwin Shuler.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm located at Wells Funeral Home of Canton with Pastor Eric Hill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (PO Box 1460, Hendersonville, NC 28793) to support the incredible work they do for the children of Henderson County.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Julia Ann Shuler.

View Julia Ann Shuler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Sammy Gilbert Smith

Sammy Gilbert Smith, a beloved figure in the hearts of those who knew him, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Mission Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Buncombe County and graced the lives of those around him with his gentle kindness and infectious spirit.

Sammy had met the love of his life, Sue Hall and they married in 1966. Sue was Sammy's world, and he was devoted to her care for over 50 years until her passing in 2017. Sammy joins his beloved wife, Sue Hall Smith (2017), in eternal rest, along with his parents, Blake and Juanita Grindstaff Smith, daughter, Anna Marie McCarson (1989), and brother, Kenneth Smith (2025).

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Sammy earned both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, celebrating bravery both on the battlefield and in life. He remained committed to serving his community, becoming a respected member of the local VFW, where he even took on the role of chapter president.

Sammy’s professional life began when he joined the workforce at American Enka at the young age of 24. Over the next 41 years, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his career, retiring at the age of 64. His dedication to his job spoke volumes about his character, marked by loyalty and commitment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammy was known for his unwavering devotion to family and his church community. Firmly rooted at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he served as the head deacon for many years, he cherished every moment spent with his church family. His warmth resonated far and wide, as he never met a stranger and had a unique gift for striking up conversations, discovering connections, and bridging relationships among people.

Sammy found joy in the great outdoors, immersing himself in hobbies such as deer hunting and fishing in serene lakes and streams. His passion for nature was matched only by his obsession with people and their stories, as he delighted in making connections and learning about others’ lives.

He is survived by his loving son, Danny Lee Smith (Tracy) of Candler; his siblings, Reed Smith of Arkansas, Phil Smith (Gail) of Candler, Bill Smith of Barnardsville, Diane Brackett (“Blue”) of Fletcher, Darlene Frisbee of Alabama, and Luke Smith (Trina) of Candler; along with his cherished grandchildren, Trent Smith (Morgan), Kolbie Smith, and Taylor Warren (Bronson); and two bright great-grandchildren, Bristol Holland Smith and Hannah Blaike Smith.

The funeral service to honor and remember the life of Sammy Smith have been rescheduled and will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 5th at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Candler with Pastor Ty Allen officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church from 12:30 to 2:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Smith to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 43 Mt. Pisgah Church Road, Candler, NC 28715.

The care of Mr. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Sammy Gilbert Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.