Mr. James Leslie McFalls

Mr. James Leslie McFalls, 90, of Waynesville, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was born in Morganton, NC on February 9, 1936, the son of the late William Henry McFalls and Ruth Mae Mull McFalls. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers Rex McFalls and Marvin McFalls, both of Morganton, NC.

Better known as Les to wife and friends, and Pop to the rest of the family, he worked many years at both Giles Chemical and then Dayco, ultimately retiring from there. He was a lifelong active member of the Baptist Church, serving as Deacon and the person you would ultimately go to if you wanted anything with the church building and grounds fixed, changed, or upgraded. He was faithfully there every time the church was open to get the lights on and the heat going when needed. Always the jokester, it’s certain that any of his former work buddies (and family for that matter) can tell some stories. If there is any best way to describe Mr. McFalls, “tough as nails” and “salt of the earth” definitely come to mind.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 70 years, Glenda Lee McFalls, three sons all of Waynesville, Barry McFalls and his wife Ronda, Jeff McFalls and his wife Teresa, and Brian McFalls, and a daughter Cindy Stipe and her husband Ken of Cartersville, GA. Grandchildren are Levi McFalls, Jamie McFalls, Jessica Russell, Ashley Vigil, Maddie Vigil, Stephanie Vigil, Will McFalls, Meghan Stipe, Heather Gunter, and Scotty McFalls, as well as nine Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild.

The family will receive friends at New Beginning Baptist Church in Clyde, NC on Day, April 18, 2026 from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm, with the service to follow officiated by Pastor Dewayne Rathbone. A private committal service for the family will be held at the family cemetery in Waynesville.

Serving as pallbearers will be Will McFalls, Jamie McFalls, Levi McFalls, Ken Stipe, Scotty McFalls, and Terry McClure.

Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the McFalls family. Messages of comfort and remembrance may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com.