Candler – Wiley “Gene” Proffitt, 79, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the CarePartners Solace Center.

A native of Sevierville, TN, he was a long-time employee at American Enka and later worked for Colbond, Inc. where he served as the Union Vice President advocating for improved benefits for his co-workers until his retirement. In addition he was a farmer, master carpenter and woodworker having remodeled or built houses and other structures throughout Buncombe County for decades. From his love of music and woodworking, he was proud of his handcrafted mountain dulcimer collection. As a husband and father, he always worked hard to provide the best to his family, and his family was the most important aspect of his life.

Mr. Proffitt was a son of the late John Luther Proffitt and Mary Annette King Proffitt. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Kenneth Proffitt, and his beloved dog, Cotton.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia Elizabeth Warren Proffitt; daughters: Katrina Jean P. Evans and husband Matthew Bridges, Angela Marie Proffitt Cathcart, and Teresa Gail Proffitt Thompson; grandchildren: Amanda Machelle Norton and husband Zack, Daniel Marcellus Evans and wife Amanda, Dakota Lee Cathcart, and Casey Gene Thompson; great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Beck; brother, James Luther Proffitt and wife Rue; sister, Shirley Ann Proffitt McKnight; sister-in-law, Barbara Sue Proffitt; many nieces and nephews; and favorite cat, Wendy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with his daughter, Rev. Katrina Jean P. Evans officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1 till 2 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: Friends 2 Ferals, P.O. Box 2532, Asheville, NC 28802 or online at: https://friends2ferals.org or to: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, 31 Meadow Road Asheville, NC 28803 or online at: ashevillehabitat.org

Anders-Rice Funeral Home is honored to serve the Proffitt family.