Waynesville, NC - Joe David Fugate, 69, passed away on August 21, 2020.
A native of Haywood County, NC he was the son of the late Ben and Louise. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Aaron Fugate; two brothers, Kenneth and Jim Fugate.
Joe was an excellent sawyer, learning his skills at age 14 working for his father in the family cove, he developed a lifelong passion for sawing. He was well known all over the country for being an excellent sawyer and ran several different sawmills, owning his own at one time, working a total of 55 years in the sawmill business.
Joe is survived by his children; Cindy Noland, Larry (Cindy) Fugate of Waynesville, Cathy (Paul) Carson of Canton, Mary Beth Akers, Stephanie and Charity Fugate, and a stepson, Daniel Black, all of Waynesville, NC. His partner of 7 years, Laura Sullivan and her four children. His grandchildren; Kendra and Kelby Noland, Taylor Fugate, Hannah Brown, Paige Fugate, Tristan and Cayden Carson, Chloe Fugate, Emma Akers, Ivy Blazer, Anna Leigh, Isiah and Enoch James. Six great grandchildren; one sister, Patricia (Sam) Sharp of Canton; one brother, Jerry (Teresa) Fugate of Washburn, TN and sister-in-law, Maxine Fugate of Waynesville and Judy Fugate of SC.
Joe was a simple man who loved his family. He developed a passion for animals at an early age. He loved being in the woods; riding horses, coon hunting, bear hunting and telling tales with his buddies. If you went to see Joe, you could usually find him at the barn with his horses or tending to the dogs and chickens or cruising the cove on his tractor. When family went to visit, he would saddle the horses for a all day ride. When it came time to leave, he always sent you away with a dozen eggs.
Pallbearers are Justin Carver, Andy Caldwell, Arnie Nelson, Burlin King, Jesse James, Howard Clark and Honorary Pallbearers are AJ Jones and Jack Lewis.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Garrett Hillcrest Memorial Park with the Reverend Barry Willett officiating. The family will hold a private family viewing at Garrett Funeral Home due to Covid restrictions.
Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the family. A message of may be made to the family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
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