Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Inc.

06/23/2026

Losing someone dearly loved is heart-wrenching. Here at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service, we commit to providing top-quality funeral care, but even more than that, we want you to feel heard and known.

We’re here to offer a listening ear. To help you find grief resources that work for you. To provide support long after the funeral is over because you matter.

Simply give us a call at (828) 680-0287 or stop by! We are here for you when you need us.

06/23/2026

David English

David English, 72, of Mars Hill, went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He was the son of the late Ed English and Gwendolyn Shook English.

David had a passion for woodworking and gardening. He loved making rolling pins, biscuit cutters, and, most of all, baseball bats that he lovingly gave to children. In the wintertime, David could often be found grooming ski slopes and working on snow guns. In the summertime, he enjoyed spending time on his beloved red Mahindra tractor, plowing fields and baling hay.

Even after being paralyzed on his left side during the last several years of his life, David's determination never wavered. He continued to grow tons of tomatoes and other produce in the Madison Manor courtyard. His wise cracking jokes and contagious laughter will be missed tremendously. David especially looked forward to attending church each Sunday.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 35 years, Sharon English; his daughter, Brittainie Austin (Tyler); his grandsons, Grayson and Max; his brothers, Orville English (Debbie) and Marvin English; a special niece, Kim; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Madison Health and Rehabilitation for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care they provided David during the past three and a half years. They would also like to extend a special thank you to the hospice team for the care, comfort, and compassion shown to David and his family during his final days.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church. Reverends, Ronnie Robinson, Nelson Ponder and Richard Pate will officiate. The burial will follow in the Lower English Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-2:00pm prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Goin, Nick English and Tyler Austin, Levi, Blake and Austin Crane and Brian Mace. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Orville, Marvin, Harvey, and Andy English and Larry Fox.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridsgefuneralservice.org

View David English's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/23/2026

Courtney Farmer

Courtney Patricia Fisher Farmer, 50, of Texas, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 21, 1975, in Asheville, NC, Courtney lived a life filled with love, devotion, and unwavering strength.

A graduate of North Buncombe High School, Class of 1993, Courtney went on to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina of Asheville.

Courtney's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Brent Farmer; her daughters, Olivia Ann Farmer, Katie Anderson, and Madison Farmer; her sons, Deion Sampson, Breckin and Triston Anderson, and Ethan Farmer; and her cherished grandson, Liam Farmer, who called her KiKi. She is also survived by her parents, Joanne Tate (Sam) and James Fisher; her brother, Jaymie Fisher (Missy); her sister, Heather Fletcher (Megan); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Courtney was a beautiful soul whose love knew no bounds. If she loved you, she loved you fiercely and wholeheartedly. She found happiness in caring for her family, baking for those she loved, and creating a warm and welcoming home. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful places, but nothing brought her more excitement than cheering on her beloved Dallas Cowboys.

While her presence on earth will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm Friday, June 26, 2026, at Mt. Bethel Freewill Baptist Church, Weaverville, NC. Reverend Mike Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jeff Davis Fundraiser Benefit, at standingwithjeffdavis.com

Courtney's legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

View Courtney Farmer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/23/2026

Scottie "Scott" William Smallwood

Scottie "Scott" William Smallwood, 53, of Spruce Pine, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was a native of Illinois, having lived the last several years in Mitchell County. He graduated from AB-Technical Community College with a constructional management degree and was employed with Disaster Ministries of UMCOR.

Scott is preceded in death by his mom, Marjorie Lane Smallwood, father, Gerald Melton, and a brother, Jereme Melton.

Scott enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, hiking, and listening to music. He also loved barbecuing for friends and family. Mexican food was his favorite, especially meals from Puerto Nuevo, where he was known as one of their most loyal customers. Many friends knew him best as "Lucky Charm," a nickname that he was given because of his red hair and it reflected his joy in celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Scott was always there for others and never hesitated to help someone in need. He cared deeply for his friends and considered many of them to be family.

Scott is survived by his daughters, Chelsea Elaine Thielemier and Sloane Windrose Smallwood; sons, Michael Hertzner, and Elijah Scottie JM Smallwood; sister, Tammy Mae Melton; brother, Todd James Melton (Laura); mother of his children Sloane and Elijah, Katrina Smallwood; bonus parents, Bob & Mindy Koeneke; maternal grandmother, Marjorie Leonardis; nieces and nephews, Jereme, Christine, and Toby Melton, Austin Dubberley, Kayla, Lacy, and Nicole Richeson; one granddaughter, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and bonus brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12pm Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverends Ben Spangler and Juanita Nidiffer will officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, a love offering to assist Sloane & Elijah to Cash App account $katwnc, or Sloane & Elijah with future needs may be sent to , or Sloane and Elijah Smallwood, PO Box 745, Weaverville, NC 28787.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

View Scottie "Scott" William Smallwood's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/22/2026

06/21/2026

Can you believe that summer is already here? Time really flies. What are you looking forward to most about this summer? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day! Today is about celebrating the fathers in our lives. Is there a very special dad, second dad, mentor, or friend you'd like to honor today?

06/19/2026

You aren't alone if you are grieving this Father's Day. For many, the day is a reminder of heartache and loss. This article shares thoughtful tips and suggestions on ways to grieve this Father's Day.

Father's Day brings challenges when you are a child grieving a father or a father grieving a child. Check out this article for helpful tips!

06/19/2026

Vincent Bechtol

Vincent Bechtol, 71, of Mars Hill, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was the son of the late Jack and Irene Bechtol. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Regina Bailey, and his brothers, Victor, Michael, and Phillip Bechtol.

Vincent is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Phyllis Bechtol; his daughters, Jennifer Lewis (Joey), Stephanie Moore (Clayton), and Susan Whitt (Cory); and his cherished granddaughters, Sarah and Hailey Moore, and Cady, Claire, and Kyleigh Whitt.

He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Bechtol, Treva Murray (Vance), Vivian Lunsford, and Vickie Jane Lively; and his brother, Landon Bechtol (Linda).

Vincent will be greatly missed for his humor, wit, and ingenuity. He will be forever remembered and dearly loved by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters, and the many special friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

View Vincent Bechtol's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.