Obituary of Charles Richard Ensley

​Charles Richard "Dick" Ensley, age 85, of Bryson City, passed away peacefully in his home on May 16, 2023. Known to many as "Coach Ensley," Dick was a native of Bryson City and was the youngest son of Dennis "Dent" Harrison and Nora McCracken Ensley. ​Dick was a graduate of Swain County High School and Lenoir Rhyne University. He was a teacher and coach for 29 years, starting at North Buncombe High School and coming back to Swain County High School in 1966. He taught history and Driver's Education until his retirement in 1989. ​His great love was coaching--during his tenure he coached baseball, JV and Varsity Basketball and JV and Varsity Football. He loved his players and instilled in them sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication. He remembered every play and would tell stories of the many victories over the years! ​After his retirement, Dick served as a member of the Swain County Board of Education from 1991-93 and later as a County Commissioner from 1998-2002. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for a number of years. He was an avid Atlanta Braves and Maroon Devils fan and could be seen on the sidelines on Friday nights supporting his football team! ​He enjoyed Mountain Perks Coffee Shop, where he spent a lot of time visiting with friends old and new. Dick loved his community, his church, his friends and family dearly. ​In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy, Bobby, Bill, Dent and Jim Ensley, sisters, Jessie Sue Ensley, Georgia Belle Sawyer, and Margaret Pederson. ​He is survived by his wife, DeAnne Wilson Ensley; son Richard Harrison "Tiger" Ensley; daughter DeLisa Ensley; sisters-in law Betty Grant, Opal Mashburn, Carolyn Morris and Rella Reece; brothers-in-law Steve and Terry Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. ​A private family ceremony will be held at graveside on Wednesday, May 24. A Celebration of Life for his family and friends will be held in the Swain High Gymnasium in June The date and time will be announced when confirmed. ​In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.