Olen "Oley" Clifford Sawyer

WEAVERVILLE – Olen "Oley" Clifford Sawyer, age 73, of Weaverville passed away at his home on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Olen was born on May 2, 1951, in Buncombe County and was a resident of Weaverville all his life. As a lineman for 35 years, he was deeply proud of his work and was employed first at CP&L, and Progress Energy where he retired in 2005. In his career he competed in many lineman rodeo competitions and made many friends there. He was first on scene for many of the big storms, blizzards and hurricanes- helping to restore power to the communities he served. Olen loved working on cars and maintaining his old red truck. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and woodworking with his tools in his shop. He was stubborn as an ox but loved his family and was kind to everyone no matter who they were. His favorite meal was the seafood platter at Tommy’s Restaurant in Weaverville. He was a graduate of North Buncombe High School class of 1969.

Olen was the son of the late Ernest and Dorothy Parker Sawyer and was also preceded in death by his beloved rescue dog, Allie.

Surviving is his daughter, Erin Whitson and husband Ryan; son, Tyler Sawyer and partner Kaye Sewell; sister, Shirley Franklin and husband Stevie Joe; grandchildren, Amethyst Sawyer, and Easton and Track Whitson; and nephews, Shannon and Steven Franklin and their families.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Mr. Sawyer’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.