John Slayton

John Gould Slayton, age 79, of Henredon Road in Spruce Pine, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Watauga Hospital in Boone. Born on July 9, 1946, in Mecklenburg County, he was the son of the late V.O. and Laura Gould Slayton.
John was a longtime member and deacon of Green Valley Baptist Church, where his faith was the steady center of his life. Alongside his beloved wife, Inza, he owned and operated Spruce Pine Florist for thirty-three years, serving the community with kindness and care. He also proudly served as a volunteer fireman with the Altapass Fire Department, which later became Parkway Fire Department, and spent time working with the Spruce Pine Police Department. Over the years, John and Inza also owned and operated the Mountain House Bed & Breakfast, welcoming guests with the same warmth and hospitality they showed to everyone they met. He was a man who could fix anything and loved to lend a hand. Whether he was out on his four-wheeler, exploring the mountains, or watching the birds that gathered in his yard, John's heart was always tuned to the simple, good things in life.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Inza Hall Slayton of the home; his brothers, Lynn Slayton and wife, Susan, of Sherrills Ford, and Jerry Slayton of Charlotte; his brother-in-law, Gary Hall and wife, Connie, of Niceville, FL; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. To many in the family, he will always be remembered as "Uncle Tex"-a man whose care, humor, and steady presence made a lasting mark on every generation.
The funeral service for John Slayton will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Green Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Griffith and Billy Robinson officiating. Interment will be in the Green Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted and appreciated. Memorial donations may be made to: N.C.A.L.S. Foundation, 4 N Blount St #200, Raleigh, NC 27601 (www.als.org); Healthwell Foundation Grants, 20440 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874 (www.healthwellfoundation.org); or Green Valley Baptist Church.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who provided exceptional care and support throughout John's illness: the Compassionate Care team, especially Randi; the CenterWell Home Health Care team; the ALS Clinic in Charlotte; Parkway Fire Department; Joe Glenn at Springmaid Mountain; and the Mitchell County Senior Center. Special thanks are also extended to Earl Yelton, the Green Valley Baptist Church family for their many prayers, and all of our neighbors and family members who offered help and encouragement. The family is deeply appreciative of everyone who stepped forward during Helene-including churches, relatives from out of town, and all who brought generators, supplies, and comfort when it was needed most.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by visiting www.webbfh.com, selecting John Slayton's name, and signing his guestbook. Webb Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Slayton and is honored to serve the Slayton family. Mr. Slayton's obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewing.