Tony Gerald Honeycutt, 80, of Woodfin, passed away on Saturday, August 23rd, surrounded by his family.
Born December 31, 1944, Tony spent most of his life as a member of the Little Creek Community in Yancey County. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany as a Hawk missile technician from 1966–1969, and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1972. After returning home, he attended Tennessee Tech University on the GI Bill and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
Most of Tony’s working life, he and his wife, June, owned and operated June’s Enterprises, a commercial subcontracting business placing reinforcing steel. They also owned and operated Little Creek Nursery, where they grew and sold native plants.
A naturalist at heart, Tony loved the outdoors, gardening, and fishing. Known as the “Fish Whisperer” and “Native Plant Man,” he shared his love of plants, wildlife, and nature with those around him. He often said, “I’m chock full of totally useless knowledge.” He also had a lifelong passion for music from a diverse range of genres. Friends and family will remember his gentleness, his vast knowledge of countless subjects, his love of loud music, and living room dance parties.
After his grandson, Kade, was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, Tony put his grief into action by making wreaths for the WNC Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC, contributing to the mission of the Wreaths Across America program. He continued this work for several years, one year making 200 wreaths by himself.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, June Honeycutt; daughter, Brandy Honeycutt (Nute) of Burnsville; son, Anthony Honeycutt (Katherine) of Asheville; daughter, Natasha Bowden of Burnsville; grandchildren: Dr. Zane Warriner of San Francisco and Ruby Sanders of Asheville; brother, Carson Honeycutt of Marion; sister, Stormy Honeycutt Nulty of Mars Hill; and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Biss and Dessie Hensley Honeycutt; sister, Lovie Honeycutt Carroll; brother, Robin Honeycutt; and beloved grandson, Kade Warriner.
Tony’s family is grateful to the staff of the Charles George VA Medical Center for their care and kindness.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 31st, in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The family will receive friends from 4 until 5 p.m. prior to the Celebration at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Burnsville Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in his honor.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
