R.V. "Junior; Shorty" Putnam Jr.

R.V. Putnam, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Asheville VA Medical Center after a courageous battle with chronic kidney disease.

R.V., affectionately known as "Junior" or "Shorty" to friends, family, and coworkers, was born in Waynesville, NC, on May 23, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rixie Virgil and Edith Putnam, and two sisters, Barbara Jean Collins and Betty Sue Cagle.

He is survived by his brother, Jimmie Putnam, and his wife Katrina, his daughter, Trudy Rogers and her husband, Mark, his son, Robert Putnam and his wife, Robyn, 4 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, who were all his greatest blessings, and several nieces & nephews.

R.V. graduated from Bethel High School in 1959 and served proudly in the United States Navy. After leaving the military, he had a successful career with Lowe's Home Improvement, retiring from Lowe's in 1982, and he went on to be a driver for Youngblood Trucking and worked for Lustar Dye and Finishing as well. He loved riding motorcycles as well as being outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Having any opportunity to fish our local rivers or spend time on the lake brought him much joy.

R.V. was a faithful supporter of St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to St. Jude’s, PO Box 1000, Dept. 495, Memphis, TN 38101-9801.

A private memorial service will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC