Lynn Howard Way

Lynn Howard Way of Ashville NY, age 71, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Smithfield, NC, following a brief illness. Lynn was born in Jamestown, NY and was a lifelong resident of the area. He leaves behind his son Aric Way (wife Laura, and child Nolan), and daughter Ambryann Way (children Trent, Tegun, Tiahna, Talaya, Thena). He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Way, mother, Geraldine Giebner Way, and sister, Linda Destro.

Lynn attended Southwestern High School through his junior year and graduated from Panama High School where he excelled in track and gymnastics; he was one of few who could hold an iron cross. During that time Lynn met a lifelong friend that he considered a brother, Dan Barry, and through the years they shared many adventures. He was later drafted into the United States Army where he served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. As he was a kid at heart, Lynn never really did know what he wanted to do when he grew up, so he tried many different careers ranging from tool & die, to private pilot, surveying, and a general manager at a motel.

Being a bachelor for much of his life, Lynn was a particular sort. He enjoyed anything outdoors (as long as it was not in the sun), traveling (as long as he didn’t get motion sickness), teaching and playing bridge, riding ATV’s with friends, hunting out west, woodworking, fellowship fires and breakfasts, and he always had a home project going on. He loved ginger ale (without ice of course), sweets of all kinds, flashlights, flannel shirts, and was an avid reader. He loved to surprise people with a late-night call whose only purpose was telling a joke; the Porky Pig one was his favorite to spring on an unsuspecting stranger. One can only imagine that upon his earthly departure his last words were those of the Road Runner before he’d run off, Beep! Beep! Fortunately, his family supplied him with plenty of last-minute Dad jokes to have on the ready upon entering into the presence of the Lord.

The family would like to thank his caregivers at WakeMed Raleigh and SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, which although brief, showed incredible care, compassion, and empathy.

Friends and family are welcomed to attend a Celebration of Life gathering, Saturday April 19th, 2:00-5:00pm, at the Ashville United Methodist Church, 2180 N Maple Ave, Ashville, NY 14710. Please bring a favorite Lynn story or joke to share!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ashville Free Library, 2200 N. Maple Avenue, Ashville NY 14710, where he often frequented to check emails and take out books.