IN MEMORY

Mr. Charles Wykle

Charles W. Wykle, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, retired teacher, uncle, and friend, died Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Son of the late Clan G. and Pearl Wykle, and a native of Asheville, he devoted his life to education, service, family, and faith.

He was married to his beloved wife, Eleanor Rippey Wykle, for 39 years and cared for her devotedly until her death in January 1999.

Charles was the proud father of three daughters, Alesia Mullis (Alan), Lucinda Rosenberg (Eric), and Nancy Wykle (Matt), and his chosen son and daughter-in-law Carleton and Celeste Collins. He was a loving grandfather to Andrew (Kayla), Sarah, Tabitha, Maddy, chosen grandchildren Kathleen and Garrett, and great-grandfather to Kailynn, Liam, Mateo, and Vicky. Charles is survived by brother-in-law Robert Rippey, sisters-in-law, Linda Yokum and Jane Rippey, brothers Glenn Wykle and Earnest Hart, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister Dorothy Maxwell and brother Donald Hart.

For 30 years, Charles taught history at Asheville High School, where he educated and inspired thousands of students. He previously taught in Ohio and Florida and remained in touch with many former students he taught, some as many as 50 years ago. He was honored with multiple Teacher of the Year awards.

In 1992, a small group of former students established the Charles and Eleanor Wykle Scholarship Fund, which continues to award college scholarships each year to Asheville High School students. The scholarship fund was created to honor the Wykles’ dedication, accomplishments, and commitment to students and their profound contributions to young people’s lives. Charles, the group noted, had a unique ability to communicate with high school students, giving encouragement and advice.

Charles served on the Buncombe County Board of Education from 1984 to 1992. After retiring from teaching, he helped found the Slavic Resource Center, assisting refugees from Moldova and Ukraine. In a remarkable act of grace, a Moldovan family helped save Charles’ life after Hurricane Helene flooded his home in East Asheville. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Asheville.

Those who knew and loved Charles remember him as compassionate, generous, kind, gentle, wise, and intelligent. He found joy in helping others throughout his life. His family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to him by his caregivers, SECU Memory Care of Asheville, and Elizabeth House hospice care in Flat Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Charles and Eleanor Wykle Scholarship Fund, c/o Asheville City Schools Foundation, PO Box 3196, Asheville, NC 28802.

ERIC STEPHEN DARITY

ERIC

His smile so bright that it lit up the room,
His laughter contagious and it left us too soon.
Articulate, intelligent….. a kind and gentle soul,
His presence and friendship made you feel whole.

A spirit of excellence, both serious and fun,
A heart for the Father, the Spirit, the Son.

His mark he left with us in so many ways,
He will live on in our hearts for all of our days.

Eric's love will continue to exude through his mother and father, Shavonne and Steve, his brother Sean, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and all those he touched on this earth."

A college scholarship in memory of Eric will be awarded by the Asheville City Schools Foundation this May through the Asheville Promise Scholarship fund. To make a contribution. in memory of Eric, please visit www.acsf.org