Frank Wilson Puett

Frank Wilson Puett, a resident of Morganton and Asheville, died January 14, 2015 in Asheville, N.C. following a long and courageous battle with cancer which he saw as a challenge to meet with his usual wit and stoicism allowing him to exceed all expectations.  Born September 28, 1940 in Morganton, N.C. to Edison Lenoir Puett and his first wife, Wray Burgin Crawley, he was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Stuart Vance Lingerfelt, and half-sister, Debbie Puett Mabe.  He is survived by a son, Mark Stanley Puett; his half-sister, Vickie Puett McMahan; two nieces, Brittany Jane and Elizabeth JoAnna McMahan; and a nephew, Joshua B. Mabe, and numerous cousins.  He is also survived by long-time friend and business partner, Elizabeth Candler Graham.

Frank received his education from the Morganton Public Schools, Mars Hill Junior College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where his focus was math and science.  He was a Protestant and a small “d” democrat.

A born salesman and entrepreneur, Frank was most comfortable describing himself as a capitalist. Over his career, he was an independent insurance agent, a resort investor and developer and a consultant in the restaurant industry.  In Asheville, he owned & operated The Peddler Steakhouse. Despite his many business ventures, Frank delighted in describing himself as “just a poor old dumb country boy trying to make my way in the world.”

 In retirement he developed a strong interest in the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution and enjoyed visiting the battle sites where his ancestors fought. He was proud to be descended from numerous early settlers of Burke, McDowell, & Buncombe Counties including James Dysart of Dysartsville, Dr. Joseph Dobson who treated the wounded at Kings Mountain, and William Moore, the first permanent settler west of the French Broad River.  All of his ancestors arrived in the colonies prior to the Revolution and all lines fought on the Patriot side. He was amused to discover that he was also descended from Alfred the Great & Charlemagne through his most “laid back” grandparent.  Frank was a member of The Order of Founders and Patriots based on his paternal lineage dating to 1637 Virginia.

Frank was an ardent native son.  He believed that North Carolina was the best state, Burke County was the best county, and that the prettiest place on earth is where Burke and Avery counties connect. 

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The service will be officiated by Father Greg Miller of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Weaverville, NC, the eulogy will be given by David Candler Nutter, and remembrances by Benjamin Crawley.  Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.  The visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.  A reception will be held at 2:30pm the home of Francis Crawley McKinney in Morganton.

Memorials may be made to: Burke County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 661, Morganton NC 28655 or History Museum of Burke County, 201 West Meeting Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or the Genealogical Research Room of the McDowell County Library, 90 West Court Street, Marion, N.C.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.