Charles Wesley 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.
His funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 9, at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St. A reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Interment will be private.
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.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
(Ed. Note: He taught American history at Barnesville High School in the 1960s.)