David Franklin Jaynes

David Franklin Jaynes obituary, Canton, NC

David Franklin Jaynes

David Jaynes Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Crawford / Ray Funeral Home on Mar. 21, 2024.

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David Franklin Jaynes passed peacefully in his Lake Junaluska home in the very early hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Born July 4, 1933, in Canton, NC to the late Newman William Jaynes and Inez Ada (Eckenrod) Jaynes, David was a lifelong resident of Haywood County. After graduating from Waynesville Township High School in 1952, David joined the Marines with a handful of buddies. David was sure to let you know that he served as a postman in the Korean War. Upon his return to the States, he enrolled at Western Carolina using the GI Bill to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Business. During his time at Western, he developed a lifelong long devotion to his beloved Catamounts. David retired from Champion in 1995, forging many close friendships during his 30 years there.
David is preceded in death by his first wife and mother to his four daughters, Sarah Stuart Holcombe Jaynes; older brother, "Big Bill" Billy Joe Jaynes; stepson, Jason Stewart; and grandson Michael Huffman.
David is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Sharon Cragg Jaynes; four daughters: Allison Thrash (Dale), Ashley Sass (Dennis), Angie Leisey (Jerry), April Huffman (Roger); stepson, Christopher Stewart; 11 grandchildren: Christina Creech, Natalie Lowery, Jennifer Carr, David Thrash, Stuart Thrash, Kyle Huffman, Amy Dover, Josh Stewart, Noah Huffman, Anthony Leisey, Kayleigh Stewart; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Known for his overalls, tomatoes, LOUD sneezes and his boisterous laugh, David brought joy to any space he occupied. He shared this joy in a variety of ways. Some experienced it through his portrayal of Santa Claus. Some thought he was THE Santa Claus. Others experienced it through his sense of adventure. David was always up for a road trip. Particularly in retirement, as his grandchildren spread across every part of North Carolina, and eventually across the country. David rarely missed an opportunity to visit with his grandchildren, both near and far. It could be a trip to Wilmington to help put together a nursery for his first great-grandchild. Or a trip to Nevada to visit every casino in Vegas with his granddaughter. Or perhaps to Colorado for his grandson's wedding. Maybe it's Wyoming for college graduations and to visit his daughter's new home or to DC to do all of the tourist things with his granddaughter, walking the city until his feet were blistered. Amongst all of this travel, David's favorite place was Lake Douglas, enjoying time with friends and family.
David was known to most as Papaw. He loved college basketball, Nascar, The Andy Griffith Show, and was always up for watching an old western. He also loved the slot machines at the casinos, scratch-off lottery tickets, a good bowl of soup, and variations of banana pudding. He would talk your ear off or sit quietly and listen. David's infectious laughter and smile, kind heart, and gentle nature made him loved by anyone he met. In his 90 years, he met a lot of people, and not one was a stranger. David touched more lives than we will ever know. His joy will live on in all of us.
Services for Mr. Jaynes will be announced at a later date.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Jaynes family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home

1 North Main St. 7 North Main St., Canton, NC 28716

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