William Charles "Charles" Stephenson

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, a man who was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and his community went home to be with his Lord and Savior. William Charles Stephenson leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and goodness and we give thanks for the 80 years of his wonderful life.

Born on March 16, 1945, Charles was a lifelong resident of Haywood County and graduated from Clyde High School. Those who knew him will remember a man who was humble, kind, quick-witted, and generous. He would give the shirt off his back without a second thought, always ready to help anyone in need.

Music was an important part of his life, and in his younger years, he sang with a gospel quartet. Charles enjoyed bluegrass music and had attended several bluegrass festivals. On Mondays and Wednesdays, he never failed to tune in on the radio and listen to Tim Surrett with Papertown Roots. His love for his mountain heritage ran deep and true. He was a member of the Rough Creek Cloggers for 35 years and had served as the team director for 10 years. He also played an important role in the annual Canton Labor Day Festivals, organizing music, dance teams, and performers, holding onto the mountain tradition of music and clogging. Through the years of dancing and traveling, he formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Charles was deeply honored to have been inducted into America's Clogging Hall of Fame on November 13, 2021.

One of the great joys of his later years was tending to his goats alongside his best friend and wife, Rita. The two of them created a place of peace and happiness on their land, caring for their animals. If ever there was a true "goat whisperer, it was Charles, who had a gentle way with them and a calm presence that they trusted.

Charles lived his faith quietly but powerfully. He was of the Baptist faith, and he loved the Lord with all his heart. His daily Bible readings and devotions were a testament to his unwavering faith.

Charles dedicated 33 years of service to the Town of Canton, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor until his retirement. He was deeply respected by his co-workers – not just for his strong work ethic, but for his remarkable knowledge of the town itself. If something needed fixing, finding, or figuring out, Charles was the one everyone turned to. He seemed to know something about everything involving the Town of Canton.

Charles was a wonderful husband, dad, and papa. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. He was truly a good man with a heart of gold, and he will be missed every day. Like the mountains he called his home, Charles stood steady, strong, and steadfast, and will remain forever in the hearts of those he loved.

"Our world is a better place because of Charles- leaving every life he touched a little brighter."

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Warren G. Harding Stephenson and Nellie Marie Henderson Stephenson, and a niece, Sharron Price.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife, Rita Sorrells-Stephenson; his sons, Mark Stephenson (Ginger) and Matthew Stephenson (Ami); his grandchildren, Megan Wyatt (Tobie), Tyler Stephenson (Leah), Brantley Stephenson, Teague and Chloe Williams; his great-grandchildren, Bryce, Lucy and Ruby Stephenson; his sister, Jean McCracken (Neal); nephews, Stephen Price and David Sorrells (Crystal); great nephews, Jacob Sorrells, Levi McCall (Taylor) and Noah McCall; a great-great nephew, Elijah McCall; (Mollie); great-niece, Angela Courtney; great-great- nieces; Elora McCall and Annalee McCall; many cousins and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services to honor Charles will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home. Pastor Matt Pruett will be officiating, and special music will be provided by Tim Surrett and Marc Pruett. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Honored to be serving as pallbearers will be Mark Stephenson, Matthew Stephenson, Tyler Stephenson, Bryce Stephenson, Stephen Price, and Tobie Wyatt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 39 Robinson Rd, Clyde, NC 28721.