James Arvel Kuykendall

On Saturday, November 19, 2022  James Arvel Kuykendall, age 85, entered into his glorious eternal place of peace.

James was born December 30, 1936 to the late William Oscar Kuykendall and the late Fannie Mae Sales Kuykendall. Mr. Kuykendall had proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He had made his home in Haywood County all of his life and retired from Dayco Corporation with 31 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, he was employed with Laurel Bank Campground and also Western Carolina University. It seemed as if James was always busy and he was indeed a hard worker and dedicated to anything he undertook.  James had a great personality, always joking and fun-loving, and enjoyed watching his favorite westerns every day.  As we remember James wonderful memories of him working in his vegetable garden, his trips of deer and coon hunting and also going horseback riding every chance he could find truly describe what a busy man he always was. James was a devoted Pisgah High School football fan and supported the team faithfully each and every season.  His family was the most important part of his life and he loved them with all his heart and soul.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Juanita Kathleen Kuykendall; his sons, Tommy Kuykendall, and Jimmy Kuykendall; and a son-in-law, Robert "Robbie" Shelton.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sue Kuykendall Rowe (James) of Rhodhiss, NC, and Doris Kuykendall Shelton of Waynesville; granddaughters, Stacey Deal of Hickory, Kimberly Merwin (Miles) of Arizona, Stephanie Haskett of Rhodhiss, Holly Kuykendall (Angela) of Clyde, Carlin Shelton of Cullowhee, and Lindsey Kuykendall of Asheville; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Gabriella, Wyatt, Garyn, and Aubrey; great-great-grandchild, Kian; a daughter-in-law, Becky Clark Kuykendall of Clyde.

A service of remembrance to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Kuykendall will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 3, 2022 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

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