Christopher Jay Thaxton

     Christopher J. Thaxton, 55, passed away on June 11 at Memorial Mission Hospital. He was born in Asheville, NC in 1963 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Chris graduated from AC Reynolds High School in 1981, where he was an honor student and athlete. He continued his education at the University of NC Chapel Hill, earning a BA in Political Science. After graduation, Chris worked as a paralegal in San Francisco. He loved to discuss politics, law, current affairs, had a heart for philanthropy and was a voracious reader with an incredible memory.
     Chris' life took a sad direction when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992. He was a loving son and a gentle soul but suffered from mental illness for the rest of his life. Survivors include his mother, Betty J. Stout Thaxton of Asheville NC; brothers, Thomas P. Thaxton, Jr. of Cumming, GA, Michael L. Thaxton (Yulianna) of Winston-Salem, and many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his father, Thomas P. Thaxton, Sr. and brother, David Arthur Thaxton.
     Special thanks to Dr. Steven Henderson and his staff in ICU and all who cared for Chris with compassion while he was in their care.
     A memorial gathering to honor Chris is planned for Saturday, June 30 for all who knew Chris and would like to attend, to be held at his mother's home; 110 Bell Rd, Asheville, NC from 4pm-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at NAMI North Carolina, 309 W. Millbrook Rd, Ste 121, Raleigh, NC 27609. 
Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort in knowing Chris is finally at peace. Burial will take place in the Thaxton-Barnwell Cemetery, Prospect Hill, NC.
Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Thaxton Family. 

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