Butch McGaha, always true to his family, faith and friends, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021, at the age of 81.

The son of Martin Alonzo and Nellie Brown McGaha, Butch grew up in Haywood County. Following his graduation from high school, he served his country in Korea as a soldier in the U.S. Army. He later returned to Haywood County, going to work for Champion Papers' plant in Waynesville, farming and raising a family.

Butch retired from Champion in 1999. In retirement, he could often be found in a hay field, horse ring or tree stand. He loved to hunt, he loved to ride - and he certainly loved sharing stories of each. But, most of all, he loved being surrounded by family and friends, all to whom he remained fiercely devoted until his final day.

Butch is survived by his wife, Barbara; his four children, Deanna James, Thomas McGaha (Ilyana), Leslie Rhinehart (Andy) and April McGaha; his six grandchildren, Morgan Munger (Jason), Justin McGaha, Seth McGaha, Sesalie Rhinehart, Samuel Rhinehart and Bailey Ownbey (Jeff); two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Millicent Munger; and four sisters, Erma Bond, Barbara Hannah (Donald), Thelma Keen and Dorothy Gardner (Bill).

In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Jane Worley; two brothers, Clarence "Vester" McGaha and Milburn "Jim" McGaha; and a sister, Ethel Hyson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills or The Pisgah Conservancy.
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