Leroy Worley

Leroy Worley, age 88, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home, where he had been cared for by his beloved wife of almost 69 years, Patricia.

Born on June 28, 1937, to the late James Monroe Worley and the late Gracie Miller Worley. Leroy was born and raised in the Beaverdam Community of Canton. He was a man whose life was a testament to faith, family, and country.

From Leroy's earliest years, he embodied the values of hard work and true dedication to anything he undertook. He answered the call to serve his country with honor and pride, enlisting in the United States Army. Stationed in Korea for 18 months, he served with great distinction and was discharged as a specialist E-5, now equivalent to the rank of Sergeant, and was recognized as an expert marksman. His military service was a source of deep pride, and Leroy carried that sense of duty and discipline throughout his life.

Following his service in the Army, Leroy built a long and dedicated career with Champion International, where he worked until his well-earned retirement. His talents extended far beyond the workplace. He was a gifted craftsman – laying rock, building furniture, and laying tile with precision, operating heavy equipment with ease, and even building his own inground swimming pool. Leroy's hands were always busy.

A loyal Atlanta Braves fan, he also enjoyed playing golf with his friends, and he so loved the freedom of riding his motorcycle on the winding mountain roads. Leroy was also a talented photographer, capturing many special memories with his camera. And of course, we can never forget how proud he was of his vintage Volkswagen Van.

At the heart of his life was his unwavering faith. A devoted member of Beaverdam Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and operator of the church sound system. Leroy was also a member of the church worship band, where he played his harmonica and praised his Lord and Savior with his music. He studied his Bible with diligence, and he will be forever remembered as a truly good man.

Leroy held a great love in his heart for his family, and he will be deeply missed each and every day.

In addition to his parents, Leroy is preceded in death by his sons, Gregory Worley and Brannon Worley; and a sister, Edith Roberts.

Surviving are his loving wife, Patricia Smathers Worley; his children, Dwayne Worley and wife Kelly of Pendelton, IN and Stephen Worley and wife Tamara, of Canton, NC; his grandchildren, Laura Worley and Dominik Reisinger of Pendelton IN., Kelcey Worley of Indianapolis, IN., Wesley Worley and wife Christina of Todd NC, Sarah Nikola and husband Tyler of Greensboro NC, Micah Inman and Cody of Leicester, NC, Mckenzie Smalling and husband Travis of Sylva NC, Chase Worley of Sylva, NC, and Tana Worley of Sylva, NC ; his great- grandchildren, Ophelia, Colter and Ivan Reisinger, and Miles Smalling; a sister, Nancy Mckell of Jasper, GA and a brother Tommy Worley of Canton; also many good friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Beaverdam Baptist Church. Pastor Gene Worley will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in the Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Chase Worley, Wesley Worley, Jason Worley, Zack Worley, Shane Riddle, Rick Chambers, and Matthew Pless

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Worley family.