Transylvania County Government lost a leader with the passing of Commissioner Will Cathey on April 30, 2020. County buildings have lowered flags to half mast in memoriam of Commissioner Cathey for seven days by the order of County Manager Jaime Laughter effective today. Commissioner Cathey has been a county leader throughout his life in various capacities and joined as an elected official as a Transylvania County Commissioner in 2018 by election of the citizens. The Board of Commissioners and County staff wish to extend our deepest condolences to Commissioner Cathey’s family and colleagues as they grieve this sudden loss.
“Will was one of those rare people who served the county for many years in many ways. He was a key part of making Rosman a better place and, in his time as a county commissioner, he continued his good work. On a personal level, I will remember that the last time I saw Will, which was following Monday’s Commissioner meeting, he was laughing and very positive. We will miss him,” Commission Chairman Mike Hawkins said.
“I lift up Will’s family during this tragic time. I respected Will’s passion for the history of this county and his commitment to maintaining the essence that makes this community unique. Will was a man of high intellect, unlimited interests and a perpetual student. The lack of his presence on our Board will leave a large hole,” Commission Vice Chair Page Lemel said.
“I met Will shortly after I moved to Brevard over 40 years ago and developed a strong working relationship with him through the court system. He will always be remembered as quite a character with his courtroom demeanor and a personality larger than life itself. More importantly, he will be remembered for his brilliant mind. Will was a true country lawyer and it is my honor to have known and worked with him and serve alongside of him as a County Commissioner,” Commissioner David Guice said.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cathey family during this time and I pray God comforts and gives them peace as only he can. Will was a long time and personal friend who had a long career serving the citizens of our community. A former mayor of Rosman, former Assistant DA, to a fixture in our Court House to a sitting County Commissioner and attorney. He served this community in many different ways. He had a presence and whit that was unmatched. We shared a common love of Rosman Football, history, and a love for individual freedoms. In any conversation you had with Will you would have been treated to a history lesson, instruction in Latin and as someone said recently a story that Mark Twain would have been proud of. I will always remember our discussions and I will miss my friend," Commissioner Jason Chappell said.
The county invites all citizens to join in support of the Cathey family as they grieve during this difficult time.