Obituaries

Mitchell Jenkins

Mitchell Jenkins, 63, of Whittier went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January 1, 2022. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Helen Jenkins of Bryson City and the late Robert Jenkins. He was a member and Sunday School Teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Ruthie Styles Hoyle

On December 27th, Ruthie Styles Hoyle, 68, passed away peacefully after a short illness. She was born October 30, 1953 to Mark Styles and Euna Jenkins Styles of Bryson City. Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Hoyle, and brother Ronald Styles.

Peggy (PJ) Hayes

Peggy (PJ) Hayes, 58, of Bryson City was an Angel who gained her wings on Saturday, December 25, 2021. A native of Swain County she was the daughter of the late James and Peggy Jo Hayes. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Hayes.

Paul Dexter Collins

Paul Dexter Collins born April 8, 1949 went to his Heavenly Home on January 2, 2022. He was preceded in death by his Father Carl Clayton Collins, four baby brothers, and a baby sister.

Laura Ann Shields

Laura Ann Shields, age 48, went unexpectedly to her heavenly home on December 25, 2021.  Laura was a graduate of Swain County High School (Class of 1991) and of Southwestern Community College.  She was a member of the Dan Springs Baptist Church.

Thomas (Tommy) Shuler

Thomas (Tommy) Shuler, 73, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Friday, December 24, 2021. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late Lawson and Hyacinth Shuler.

Robert “Dean” Staples

Robert “Dean” Staples went to be with the Lord this week unexpectedly December 27, 2021. He was a Kentucky native who worked for HMC Paving & Construction Company for the past 12 years. He was an honest, dedicated man & friend. He was family to us all and will so greatly be missed.

William Roy Smith

William Roy Smith 80, known to everyone as “Sonny” went home to be with the Lord December 26 2021. He was the son of the late Nath and Hazel Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife Rhonda and a brother Tim Smith. He was a member of East Alarka Baptist Church.

Duane Wilson

Duane Wilson age 52 died unexpectedly at his home in Whittier, NC, on December 20, 2021. Duane was a Master Technician board Certified by Ford Motor Company. He’s always loved mechanics he started when he was in high school and never lost the love for it.

George Ray Morgan

George Ray Morgan, 49, of Bryson City passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Murial Morgan of Bryson City and the late David Dennis Morgan. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Morgan.