Wells Funeral Homes Inc & Cremation Services - Waynesville

02/18/2026

Justin Michael Beatty

Justin Michael Beatty, a vibrant soul whose spirit left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2026, at his home. Born on February 3, 1995, in Salem, New Jersey, Justin was a one-of-a-kind person overflowing with a zest for life that inspired everyone around him.

Despite facing a lifetime of medical challenges, including numerous surgeries and procedures, Justin’s unyielding strength and positivity were nothing short of remarkable. His infectious happiness had a unique way of engaging those he met; from warm handshakes in stores to high-fives shared with strangers, he brought a spark of joy into the lives of many. He was known for his playful spirit, often delivering good-natured pranks accompanied by his signature shout of "psych!" when he managed to pull one over on someone.

Justin's passions were as diverse as his personality. A devoted fan of baseball and golf, he played in the special needs softball league, "The Challengers," in New Jersey, where he earned the affectionate nickname "Choo-Choo Beatty." His enthusiasm for life extended into his love for movies, especially his obsession with Star Wars and the Three Stooges, and an appreciation for music that spanned across all genres.

Family meant everything to Justin, particularly his cherished niece and nephew, Leila and Ziggy Tepper. Together, they created everlasting memories, whether playing baseball in the yard, or sharing laughter that delighted their hearts. His playful humor, loving nature, and pretend lunches endeared him even more to those little ones, ensuring that their times together would be treasured forever.

Justin is survived by his loving parents, Frank William Beatty, III of New Jersey, and Lori Rathbone Beatty of Waynesville. He leaves behind a supportive sister, Sheena Rathbone of Cruso, along with his adoring nephew Ziggy and niece Leila. He is also remembered by his paternal grandparents, Judith Slingwine (Delton) of Delaware, and Vicki Beatty of New Jersey; and beloved relatives including aunts Linda Holbrooks (Tim), Terry Fender (Gary), Carol Beatty, and Amber Beatty; uncle Bob Beatty; special “Pop-Pop Al” Bryce; as well as numerous cousins and friends who were fortunate to know his bright spirit.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Justin Beatty will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, February 23, 2026 in the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 to 12:00 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow at Fulbright Cemetery in Lake Junaluska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a GoFundMe that has been set up for Justin's family.

Though he has departed from this world, Justin Michael Beatty’s legacy of joy, laughter, and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of all whom he encountered. He will be deeply missed but cherished in memory for the light and warmth he brought into each moment.

The care of Justin Beatty has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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02/17/2026

Joseph Timothy Smart

“The Final Tractor Ride”

Joseph Timothy “Tim” Smart, 67, of Crabtree, North Carolina will be having his final tractor ride this Saturday, Feb. 2, as he will be laid to rest. Tim passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 14. He was found by his brother and children in the place he always lived – inside his tractor, having passed away from a heart attack.

Born Nov. 17, 1958, Tim was raised on his family’s generational farm, Tim was a steward of the land for over 40 years. He cared for crops and his beloved dairy cows. Tim was a caretaker. He was in awe of God’s Creation as he worked tirelessly to care for all which the Lord entrusted to his care. Tim considered the farm and his family his great responsibilities and took pains to ensure both were held together through the harsh storms that life threw their way. Tim’s tractor was often his church, and his field his altar of prayer. Tim, roughened from life’s hardships, still had one of the biggest hearts and protected and loved his family and farm well.

Tim was a teacher. He taught his children about agriculture and life. He instilled the pillars of work ethic and loyalty to family in his children. Tim was a holder and teller of history and stories. Tim was a private man. While he wasn’t afraid to chat your ear off, few caught glimpses of his innermost thoughts. Tim was an excellent judge of character, which allowed him the ability to provide wisdom for his family. He could be counted on during times of trouble; many people in the community can recount the times that he stood up to help and provide stability during chaos. A farmer was the very first profession of creation. Tim was a farmer in every sense of the word. Tim loved to care for the land, animals, and for people. He welcomed any and all to eat at his table. He had no qualms at providing a meal to anyone. Tim was rough around the edges and rarely made time for leisure, but you couldn’t help but love and respect him. He could fill a room with his presence, in part due to his 6’8” height, but mainly because he always had something fun or wise to say.

Thomas Jefferson described a man like Tim well: “Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has made his peculiar deposit for substantial and genuine virtue.” Tim was simply exceedingly busy upon the earth and going about his important business of caring for his family and farm, and he carried a great weight similar to Atlas. Our Lord has allowed Tim to lay down those burdens. His legacy will live on through his children and farm.

Tim was a son, brother, and husband. However, the greatest of all was that he was a Daddy and a GrandPappy. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cathy Lee Gregg Smart; his children, Sarah Smart Nolte (William Nolte), Joseph Aaron Smart, and Jonathan Adam Smart (Abigail Plemmons Smart) and his cherished granddaughter, Vera Lee Nolte. He is survived by his beloved older brother, Donald Ross Smart (Sharon Erwin). He was predeceased by his parents, Joe Davis Smart and Geneva Ross Smart, and numerous well-loved friends and family.

The family will be receiving friends at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Friday, Feb. 20, from 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, with Rev. Josh Evans and Rev. Ray Sheppard officiating. A tractor parade following the service will carry our farmer home to Crabtree on one final tractor ride following the service. Tim lived to farm and spent much of that life in a tractor, and so in death he shall be carried to his resting place at the Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery in the same fashion. Tim never did care for the somberness of traditional memorial transportation.

This fourth-generation farmer’s worries are over. The fences are mended. The labor is complete. The crops are cared for. The cows are milked. No drought, flood or fire will ever touch him or his farm. He can put away his tools and shut his office door and cut the tractor off. The family he loved and who loved him will carry on his legacy and anticipate their reunion. The Lord has called this farmer home to farm the golden fields above. Rest easy, precious Farmer, Brother, Husband, Daddy, Pappy.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

-Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

“Let the farmer forevermore be honored in his calling; for they who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.”

-Thomas Jefferson

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

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02/17/2026

Nettie Lee Hannah

Waynesville, Nettie Caldwell Hannah, age 84, of Sutton Town Road, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab.

A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Nettie was born and raised in Cataloochee Valley. She was the daughter of the late Lucius C. and Maggie Love Caldwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Medford Hannah.

Nettie made her home a warm and welcoming place for everyone and farmed to***co, cattle and Christmas trees alongside her husband. Nettie enjoyed time spent at the lake and especially enjoyed her and Joe’s shared passion of fly fishing for trout.

Nettie was preceded in death by siblings Bertha Sutton, Dorothy Messer, Riley Caldwell, Irene Sutton, Walt Caldwell, and L.C. Caldwell.

She is survived by her sister Sally Messer (Buck) of Sutton Town Rd, and brother Stokey (Geraldine) of Maggie Valley, and longtime neighbor, friend and sister-in-law Peggy Hannah. She is lovingly remembered by her two children, Anita Hannah Burgin and her husband John of Waynesville, and Gary W. Hannah and his wife Bonni of Asheville; four grandchildren Meredith Burgin, Julianne Burgin, Elliott Hannah and his wife Emma Howle, Carson Hannah and his wife Madeline; and great-grandson Hudson Hannah.

The family will receive friends at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026. A private interment of ashes will occur at a later date.

The family thanks all of the wonderful in-home caregivers and the amazing staff on the 500 hall at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab for their care and compassion.

The care of Ms. Hannah has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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02/16/2026

Linda Gail Mathis

Linda Gail Mathis 73, of Waynesville, went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong friend and former husband, William Ewart of White Oak.

Linda was one of the kindest and most giving people you could ever meet. She has always put others before herself. She had a heart that loved deeply and without limits. Her generous spirit and gentle heart touched everyone who knew her.

In 2021 her dementia progressed, and the family made the difficult decision to place her at Maggie Valley Nursing Rehabilitation. Throughout her life and especially in her late years, her granddaughter Natasha O’Kelley of Maggie Valley was her devoted and loving caregiver.

Linda is survived by her mother, Wilma Price of Lake Junaluska; her two daughters, Dawn Clark and her husband Barry Clark of White Oak, and Samantha O’Kelley and her boyfriend Jason Fuller of Maggie Valley; her grandson, Dakota Clark and his wife, Kisha Clark, and their daughter, Willa Clark, all of Waynesville; and her granddaughters, Natasha O’Kelley of Maggie Valley and Mickey Clark of White Oak.

She is also survived by her roommate and dear friend, Genevieve, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.

In accordance with her wishes, no service will be provided.

The care of Ms. Mathis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville

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02/13/2026

William "Bill" Hollingsworth

William “Bill” Hollingsworth, age 87, made his trip to Heaven on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Please check back for a completed obituary.

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

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02/12/2026

02/09/2026

Barbara E. Stallings

Barbara E. Stallings, a treasured soprano singer, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Waynesville, North Carolina. She was born on February 24, 1940, in Scottsville, Kentucky, and her journey through life was marked by her profound love for music and her unwavering compassion for others.

Barbara’s musical talent was a gift that she shared immensely, bringing joy to countless lives as she sang at various churches throughout her life. Following a master’s degree in church music from Scarritt College for Christian Workers (now Peabody College at Vanderbilt University) she came to Rocky Mount, NC as the choir and children’s ministry director for the First Methodist Church. There she nurtured the voices of many, leading them in heartfelt worship creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness through song.

The first person in her family to attend college, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Middle Tennessee State College and a master’s degree in English from the University of Arkansas, where she proudly became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her educational pursuits reflected her intellectual curiosity and her dedication to the art she cherished.

Moving back to her hometown of Nashville TN in 1985 she became director of programs at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. In 1988 she married David and moved to Murfreesboro TN where she taught English as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University and directed the choir of the Wesley Foundation at the university.

Her church was important to her. She was a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church and was also a Stephen Minister. As a member of First Methodist Church in Waynesville NC she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served in many other ways.

Barbara’s vibrant personality and kind spirit made her a beloved figure to those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was outgoing and friendly, always the first to extend a helping hand, offering kind words, thoughtful cards, or support to anyone in need. Her warmth drew people to her, and she forged lasting friendships throughout her life. A master gardener, Barbara spent countless hours each morning tending to her garden, where she found solace and beauty, mirroring the love and care she offered to others.

In addition to her musical endeavors and gardening, Barbara was an active member, past president, and past secretary of P.E.O. International, a sisterhood organization that empowers, educates, and celebrates women. This involvement exemplified her commitment to uplifting and supporting not only her community but also the women within it.

Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, David W. Stallings; her children, Christopher Jefferson Estes (Cherie) of Washington, D.C., Deborah Beth Merritt of Santa Monica, CA, Charles Philip Stallings (Heather) of Plymouth, NC, and Sarah Candace Stallings of Philadelphia, PA; and her cherished grandchildren, Clayton, Ellis, Kai, Philip, Michael, Evangeline June, and Wilson.

She also leaves behind cousins Mary D. Simmons, Kathleen Hardie, Sarah McCall, Joe Simmons, and Jean Simmons, as well as sister-in-law Nancy Simmons of Sandy UT and nephews Paul and Michael Simmons, in addition to many dear friends who were touched by her kindness and love.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, James A. Simmons and Pearlie Thomerson Simmons; her brothers, Lattie Grey and David Simmons; cousin, John Simmons. Her legacy of love, music, and compassion will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life is will be announced in March.

Memorials may be made to Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745, or to a charity of your choice.

The care of Mrs. Stallings has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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02/05/2026

Brenda Gail Franklin

Brenda Gail Franklin passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on November 20, 1941, Brenda grew up in Hazelwood and proudly became a sixth generation having grown up in Haywood County.

A graduate of Waynesville Township High School, Brenda nurtured a passion for the arts throughout her life. She was known for her artistic talents, enjoying drawing and painting, which reflected her vibrant personality. Traveling was one of Brenda's joys, as she embraced adventures and created cherished memories with her family. She fondly remembered camping trips and the joy of playing card games with loved ones, further enriching her treasured moments.

Brenda dedicated 38 years of her life to BASF, where her work ethic and commitment were exemplary. Following her retirement, she continued to contribute meaningfully to the workforce by taking on a position at K-Mart, working there for an additional 10 years. Her industrious spirit was admired by her colleagues and friends alike.

Brenda leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years, James Robert Franklin. Together they built a home filled with warmth and laughter. She was the proud mother of Lurissia Moore (Robert) and Cherie Buchanan (David). Brenda's legacy continued through her grandchildren—Shawna, Jesse, Mikaela, Brooke, Johnny, Jake, Jonas, James, and Kristie, Rachel, Lauren, Collins—as well as her 14 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride. And she loved dearly her brother-in-law, Michael Franklin who was her best friend and companion.

A devout Christian, Brenda loved her Lord and Savior deeply. She was known for her grace and commitment to faith, believing in the importance of saying a blessing before meals, an embodiment of her core values.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Ruby Powers Nichols, as well as her beloved son, Derek (Bulldog) Russell, and daughter, Letitia Lynn Faulkner, grandson, Zachary Russell and great grandson, Levi Stinnett. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Dick & Rock Powers.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Brenda Nichols Franklin leaves behind a wealth of memories and a legacy of love that will be deeply missed yet fondly remembered in the hearts of all who loved her.

The care of Mrs. Franklin has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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02/03/2026

Sammy Barnett

Sammy Barnett, 87, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Born on July 15, 1938, in Jackson County, North Carolina, to the late Harley and Mary Etta Rabb Barnett. Sammy dedicated 34 years of his life to Dayco as an extruder operator, where he was known for his unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Sammy Bryan Barnett, in 2017. He was also welcomed into eternal rest by his siblings, Charles, Tommy, and W.H. Barnett, along with Hazel and Edna Mae Duncan, and Bill, Gerald, & Alden Bryson, each of whom he treasured deeply.

Sammy's personality was as vibrant as the gardens he tended. He was a loving, fun, and hardworking man who never met a stranger. His devout Christian faith guided him through every season of life, making him a source of inspiration for all who knew him. As a true farmer and gardener, he found joy in nurturing the beauty of nature around him. He was the kind of man who could fix almost anything, always finding ways to lend a helping hand to his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Jane Hunter Barnett, who stood by his side through the many seasons of their life together. He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Pamela Barnett, two cherished grandchildren, Adrian Eskew and Ashley Moody, along with six great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to his life. His legacy continues through a host of nieces, nephews, and a variety of special friends and extended family who were touched by his kindness and generosity. The bond he shared with his dearly loved in-laws, Bill & Sara Hunter, Nancy Sutton, Jean Hunter, and Dorothy "Red" Barnett, was woven with laughter and unforgettable memories. The roots Sammy instilled in his family became his proudest accomplishment, and he took great joy in watching them mature and thrive.

In honor of Sammy’s life, a visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC, followed by a funeral service celebrating his remarkable journey from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

As we gather to remember Sammy Barnett, let us carry with us the warmth of his spirit, the lessons of love he imparted, and the enduring legacy of family he cultivated throughout his life. He will be profoundly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

The care of Mr. Barnett is handled by Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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02/02/2026

Janie H. Shepherd-Wells

Janie Haining Shepherd-Wells, age 92, a resident of Waynesville, NC and Winona, MS, passed away peacefully on January 29 at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and educator who lived life fully.

Born on December 19, 1933, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Walton and Hazel Haining. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dacus Haining and her first husband, Bill Shepherd.

Janie devoted her life to children, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Millsaps College and Western Carolina University. Janie taught 39 years, and 28 of those were in Haywood County. She delighted in telling her current third-grade grandsons that “it took her 28 years to get out of 3rd grade”. Her faith was a vital part of her life and after retirement she volunteered countless hours in church and community, including serving on the boards for KARE and Youth For Christ. A favorite pastime was helping as a stagehand for HART theater productions.

Also following retirement, Janie and Bill spent years traveling. She visited all 50 states, mostly scouting National Parks and lighthouses. She loved to play cards and Bingo! A bridge player in her younger years, she enjoyed playing other card games with friends and family. She usually won at cards and bingo even though “she never had good cards!”

A life-long doll collector, she filled several cabinets and enjoyed giving dolls away to the grandchildren when they visited. Other hobbies included reading and watching sports. Janie’s favorite books were mild mysteries. She never missed one of her sons’ sporting events and also attended most of the grandchildren’s games, and was always willing to assist the umpires! An avid fan of Mississippi State, Janie went to countless baseball and basketball games and watched faithfully on TV.

Janie was a master quilter. She made her children and grandchildren numerous quilts, hand-quilting most of them until later in life and also shared her knowledge with family and friends. As recently as November, she helped make her final quilt for her newest great-grandson-a tangible symbol of the love she stitched into her family.

Janie married her high school sweetheart, Bill Shepherd, in 1955. They moved to Waynesville in 1965 and were married 46 years until his passing in 2001. In 2003 she married Billy Wells and returned to Winona, Mississippi. She and Billy also traveled extensively and stayed very active with friends and family. Her health required her to return to NC in 2023, but they still enjoyed yearly beach trips with family and she visited him whenever she could.

As full as her life was, Janie’s true joy was family, especially grandchildren! In addition to Mr. Wells, she is survived by sons Billy (Denise) and Mark (Becky), grandchildren Kenlyn Wurzel (Will), Andrew Shepherd (Mandy), Zack Shepherd (Sierra) and Walton Shepherd (Kayla). Her

great grandchildren who adored their “grandmommy” are Hudson and Hazel Wurzel, River Shepherd, Monty and Amelia Shepherd, and Liam, Lillian and Levi Shepherd.

Her stepson, Bill Wells (Kena), and his family were very special to Janie and she considered them her own. Grandchildren are William (Kristy), Elizabeth, and Caroline (Billy) with another great-granddaughter on the way!

The care of Mrs. Shepherd-Wells has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. A family graveside service will be held in the spring. The family wishes to express gratitude to Hospice and especially to Donna Norton whose compassionate care along with family made it possible for Janie to remain at home during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moore Memorial Methodist Church, PO Box 467, Winona, MS 38967.

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02/02/2026

Mary Burgin

Mary Lindley Burgin, 82, of Lake Junaluska, passed away on January 25, 2026, at her home from Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases.

Mary was born in Old Fort, North Carolina, in August of 1943 to George Edward Lindley and Elizabeth Lipe Lindley. She was an alumna of Brevard College and spent her working life as an administrator and executive assistant. Mary worked with Harry & Bryant Funeral Home and SCI in Charlotte, and with the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference office and with The Foundation For Evangelism at Lake Junaluska. She was a member of Clyde Central United Methodist Church.

Mary kept in close contact with many of her Old Fort High School classmates, including Polly Kelly, Maggie Vess, and Locke Kelly. Her signature color was purple and she enjoyed wearing it in clothing and accessories and seeing it in her garden. Home was always the mountains of western North Carolina, but she loved traveling with her children and grandchildren. She was known as “Mocha Mary” at a local coffee shop. She loved flowers, hummingbirds, and puzzles. She delighted in reading, music, and her friends and family.

In 1963, she married William Grady “Bill” Burgin, Jr. and shared 45 years with him, until his passing in 2009. Mary was a much-beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her children are Kathy Lynn (Tim) Sisk, Karen Cheryl (Mark) McLaughlin, and William Clark (Leslie) Burgin. Her grandchildren are Haley (Jake) Turney, Elizabeth (David) Cananzi, Mark McLaughlin, Jr., and Andy McLaughlin. Great-grandchildren are Liam Turney, Julia Cananzi, Sophia Cananzi, and Noah Turney. Her brother is Clark (Betty Ann) Lindley, and her sister-in-law is Nancy Burgin (Terry) Rankin.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, aunt Edna Lipe, brother Charles Lindley, and husband Bill.

The family would like to express our gratitude to Mary’s wonderful caregivers, Theresa Amissah, Megan Couser, and Susie Dickerson, to the staff of Memory Care of Waynesville, and to Four Seasons Hospice and Nurse Elizabeth Dupree for the excellent care, support, and kindness they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Memory Care, Four Seasons Hospice, or The Foundation for Evangelism.

A celebration of her life will be held on August 1, 2026, at the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home, Waynesville, time to be determined

The care of Mary has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Waynesville.

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01/27/2026

Aidan Michael Patton (Service Update Below)

The Celebration of Aidan's Life has been moved to Kanini's Restaurant and Catering in Waynesville NC

Aidan Michael Patton, 24, left us to be with God on January 25, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Aidan was born on May 15, 2001, in Haywood County, the son of Erin Arendell Patton and Michael David Patton. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Catherine Elizabeth Patton, and his brother, Finn Arendell Patton. He also leaves behind stepparents, Catherine Harlan Patton and Jennifer Leichssenring, and stepsiblings: Morgan Harlan, Zak Harlan, Tristan Leichssenring, Emma Leichssenring and Wesley Leichssenring.

Aidan was a graduate of Tuscola High School, class of 2019. He continued his education at East Tennessee State University, graduating in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Business, with a concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. While at ETSU, he was a brother of the Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tennessee Gamma Chapter.

Aidan loved fishing with his dad and playing video games with his dad, brother, and friends. He cherished his church, First United Methodist in Waynesville, where he attended mission trips alongside his siblings and friends. He loved the lake and the beach. He was a devoted fan of the Washington Capitals and Washington Commanders, attending many hockey games with family. Babies and young children loved Aidan and were drawn to his comforting presence.

Aidan worked with his mom at Kanini’s as a cook, where they shared a joy of cooking for others and experimenting in the kitchen. He deeply loved his cat, Pooh, who was his faithful companion through many changes in life.

Aidan had a wonderful sense of humor, his smile and laughter will be forever missed. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a loving sibling and a devoted son. This world will miss the person he was and the person he was becoming.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 3;00 p.m. at the Wells Event & Reception Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sarges Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Ste B., Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Aidan is handled by Wells Events & Reception Center

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