Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Inc.

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

Sharon Payne

Sharon Marie Lunsford Payne, April 23, 1954 - May 28, 2026, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmas and Doris Chambers Lunsford, sister Debra West and brother-in-law Gary Payne.

Left to cherish her memory: husband Perry Gene Payne, daughter Amy Payne (partner Denis), sister Connie Moses (Ken), brother-in-law Danny Payne (Ruth Ann), brother-in-law Gene West and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

She also leaves behind her precious pets: Henry, Maggie and Cathy.

Sharon loved and thrived in her role as a retail clerk at Belk in Asheville, NC, where she helped train many others, thanks to her kindness and unwavering patience. Sharon was born an artist, known for her pastel and oil paintings. She also had strong seamstress skills. Sharon sang in many church choirs, played piano, and essentially any brass instrument she picked up. Additionally, she was a treasured Girl Scout Leader (Troop 149) and “band mom” during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:00pm prior to the service. Reverends and dear friends, Larry Sprouse and Roger Boone will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Red Hill Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Madison County, NC.

The family would also like to thank Karen Fox for her continued love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the National Kidney Foundation through their website, https://www.kidney.org.

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

View Sharon Payne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Grief ebbs and flows, and some days can be harder than others. The anniversary of a loved one's death is one of those days. To learn 9 tips to help you cope with your loved one's deathiversary, read the article below.

The anniversary of a loved one's death can be a difficult day. Learn about 9 different ways you can cope with a loved one's deathiversary here.

05/27/2026

Billie Maxine Schalow

Billie Maxine Wyatt Schalow, 83, of Weaverville, passed away, May 23, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Fred C and Pauline Dodd Wyatt. Billie was a retired US Navy Veteran. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Emma Lee Edwards and Anneta West and brothers, Kermit and Charles Wyatt.

Billie is survived by her brother, Roy Wyatt (Darlene), sister-in-law, Mary Wyatt, nieces and nephews, Douglas Wyatt, Christy Clements, Jonathan Wyatt, Mark West, and other nieces and nephews.

A service will be held 2pm Thursday, May 28, 2026, At the WNC Veterans Cemetery.

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

View Billie Maxine Schalow's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Brandon Scott Holcombe

Brandon Scott Holcombe, 54, of Candler, went to rest at his home, May 24, 2026. He was the son of Jean Edmonds Ramsey and the late Bruce W. Holcombe. Brandon worked as an electrician with Hayes and Lunsford for many years. He was always protective of his three girls and would only show his goofy and silly side while spending time with them. Brandon enjoyed horseback riding at a younger age. He had a green thumb and loved working on his farm, along with riding his Harley. He loved spending time with his three girls and especially time together over their home cooked meals. In addition to his father, Brandon is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James W. and Maurice G. Holcombe and maternal grandparents, Hal and Ernie Edmonds.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his daughters, Ashlyn Gosnell (Kirstin), Adison Davis (Mason), McKinley Holcombe (Griffin Kennedy) and as Brandon would say, his fourth daughter, Kendall Ramey; mother of his girls, Heather Cadwell; "Pops" to his granddaughter, Ivy Gosnell and his grandson on the way; and aunt Barbara Wyatt and an uncle David "Smiley" Parker along with several cousins and many loved ones.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverend Ken Parker will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12-1:00pm prior to the service. The burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Enka.

The family requested flowers to be either apple trees or shrubbery.

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

View Brandon Scott Holcombe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is set aside to remember and to dwell on the lives of the many men and women who have given their lives to preserve our country. You have the thanks for a grateful nation. If you would like to honor a specific veteran, please share their story with us in the comments.

05/23/2026

James Allan "Eddie" Ballard

James "Eddie" Ballard, 69, passed away on Friday May 22, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1956, in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Opie J. and Annie Mae Proffit Ballard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Ballard.

Eddie is survived by his brother, Hoyle Ballard; and sister, Viola Hughes.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, with Reverend Troy Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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

View James Allan "Eddie" Ballard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/23/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You made it! Best wishes as you embark on a new season of life!

05/22/2026

Johnnie Whitt Shook

Johnnie Whitt Shook, 95, of Mars Hill, NC passed away on May 20, 2026, at The Greens in Weaverville, NC.

Johnnie was born in her current home of residence to the late John & Lucity Arrington Whitt on August 18, 1930. She worked at Kellwood Manufacturing for 18 years and another 18 years at AB Emblem Company. Johnnie was a lifelong member Ivy Hill Baptist Church and had served as a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Ernest Shook, daughter-in-law, Merla Hartford Shook, sisters Dessie Higgins, Elma Walker, Melda Shirlen, Catherine Emory; brothers Kelly, Josephus, Donald and Rubin.

Johnnie is survived by her son, Danny Shook (Faye), Step granddaughters Kathy Haskell, Sherry Connelly, Rhonda Marx, Step Grandchildren Shawna Call, David Ostraysky and great grandchildren Kasey Call and Landon Call, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, May 29, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Reverend Philip Emory will officiate. Burial will follow at Whitt Cemetery.

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

View Johnnie W. Shook's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/22/2026

As we remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, take time to consider how you can honor their memory by providing much-needed assistance and care to our current veterans and active-duty service members. Click the link to learn more!

Memorial Day is about so much more than hot dogs, family gatherings, and the beginning of summer. Click the link to learn more!