Robert Arnold Cathey

Robert A. “Bob” Cathey, a lifelong servant-leader whose dedication to education, forestry, and community touched countless lives, died on August 12, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 82.

Born on May 28, 1943, in Transylvania County, North Carolina to Ray and Alice Cathey, Robert spent his entire life in the Pigeon Valley area of the Bethel community. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1961 and earned a Forestry degree from NC State University in 1965. He began his career as a public-school teacher at Bethel High for one year before embarking on a remarkable 34-year tenure with the U.S. Forest Service. At retirement, he served as Head of Data Collection for Forest Inventory and Analysis in the Southern Research Station, overseeing work across 13 Southern states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Robert’s commitment to education extended far beyond the classroom. He served five elected terms on the Haywood County Board of Education, including multiple terms as chairman, and represented the Bethel District with distinction. His leadership roles included service on the NC State School Board Association’s Board of Directors, the Governor’s School Dropout Council, the State Appeals Board for Employee Grievances, and numerous local and state committees. In 1990, he was recognized as the NC Outstanding School Board Member of the Year for Region 8 and appointed to the “All State” school board. His dedication to higher education was also evident in his long service on the Haywood Community College Board of Trustees, including terms as both vice-chairman and chairman.

Robert’s leadership extended to financial services as well. He served on the Mountain Credit Union Board of Directors for 38 years, 36 of those as chairman. Under his leadership, the credit union expanded from two branches to seven, grew its membership and assets dramatically, and earned state and national recognition. In 2024, he was honored with the title of Director Emeritus in recognition of his decades of service.

Robert also gave generously of his time to civic and environmental stewardship. He chaired the Bethel Community Cemetery Board for many years, helped rebuild homes after Hurricane Hugo, led the Center Pigeon Fire Department Board, and served as an elected Supervisor for the Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District from 2002 until stepping down in 2022, where he played an active role in environmental stewardship and community resource management. His love of the outdoors and nature fueled his desire to care for the land. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing, and found great satisfaction in working the soil, being outside, and cheering for the NC State Wolfpack.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Julie Ketner Cathey; his three children, Laura Cathey Hart (Walter), Robin Cathey Stone (Bill), and John Cathey (Stephanie); grandchildren Drew Bennett, Nicholas Bennett, Emma Bennett, Savannah Hart, Patrick Hart (Miranda), Tyler Hart (Tiffany), Bryanna Cash, and Caylor Cash; great-granddaughter Lily Hart; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Nix Cathey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Alice Cathey; his brother, Kenneth Cathey; and his in-laws, John and Jane Ketner Capps.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, NC, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. (noon), followed by interment at Bethel Community Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice for their excellent care and support of both Robert and Julie, particularly caregivers Veronica Coley and Mandy McMahan; the Center Pigeon Fire Department for their assistance; the Mountain Credit Union staff; Joe and Joanne Curtis; and Stacey Trull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathey Family Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance for a local high school student to attend college and major in education, honoring the legacy of Robert, his wife Julie, and his mother Alice as teachers and long-time supporters of education in Haywood County. Contributions may be sent to:

The Cathey Family Scholarship Fund c/o Mountain Credit Union 1700 Russ Avenue Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mr. Cathey has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton, North Carolina.