Max Richard Carland
November 1, 1948 ~ January 6, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailMax Richard Carland, 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
An Asheville native, Richard was the son of Nell Meadows Carland and of the late Max Gardner Carland.
Richard graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School, Class of ’68. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Following 31 years of service, he retired from the Asheville Fire Department, where he served as Deputy Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator. He also served for 12 years with the Buncombe Co. Sheriff’s Department on the G Squad and as a Deputy, and also spent time with the Buncombe Co. Rescue Squad. Though he was retired, he continued working for another 15 years for Young Transportation and Penske.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughters, Melissa Dawn Carland, and Chyrisse Hannan (Pete); sister, Patricia Carland Patton (Dan); and grandson, Brayden Carland.
His family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The memorial service, with Asheville Fire Department Honors, will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Allen Rash. Burial will then take place at Green Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Services
Visitation: January 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Memorial Service: January 17, 2026 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Inurnment: January 17, 2026 3:15 pm
Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-9831
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Richard and I worked many a fire investigation at AFD. He was a good and honorable man. God bless him and I offer my condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear about Richard,knew him from high school and him from the fire department for many years since I was working for Asheville Police a true friend and very pleasant to be around will be greatly missed.
Prayers for the family
I have know Max from high school, and from the AFD. He was a very kind man. Sending my condolences to his family.
Chyrisse and Melissa, We are so very sorry for your loss. Richard was a good friend, and we have many great memories of our family times together at church, camping and other adventures with you all. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for you.
Bob and Brenda Maxwell
I think of you both often and our family times together. Can’t believe time has passed so long since we have been together. Chyrisse
Neil and family, so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers. Veronica and Leonard Crook, Francis Asbury church
I’m so sorry. I remember when I was a kid and Mom introduced me. I was playing with fire and he said your son loves fire, he has that look in his eyes.
Im deeply sorry.
Tommy
Chyrisse, What a servant heart he had, you will miss him but he left his memories everywhere.
Don and Shara Brown
You must be so proud of your Father’s life of helping others be safe. We know you have great memories and in time they will ease the pain. You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
What a magnificent life. Your Dad is one of our true heroes, having served his community in such a noble profession. He is now enjoying Heaven! Steve and I will be at the Chapel tomorrow and light a candle in his honor.
To Richard’s family. Having worked along side Richard both as an Asheville police officer and a deputy, I knew Richard well. He was a fine man,a great friend and a mentor for many. He loved his jobs and gave 100 percent to everything he became involved in. He will be missed.
My sympathy to to the family. I worked with Richard at Buncombe EMS and later responded on calls along with him in his roles with Asheville Fire. He was a true professional dedicated to helping others in our community.
I went to high school with Richard and later our careers were spent at AFD. Richard served the people of Buncombe County in so many ways. Law enforcement, EMS, and Fire and Rescue. A lifetime of service to people. He was darn good at all of it too.
I met Richard as a fire instructor in the late seventies. Very good man knew his stuff and was very good at what he did. Sorry for your loss.
I knew Richard through the NC Fire/Arson Investigation Association. He was a kind person and a true public servant. My deepest Condolences to the family.
I worked alongside Richard while I was assigned to the A.B. Arson Task Force and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department. Richard was a good man, always willing to work to serve his community. He cared about people and the place where he grew up, all of which are traits that are uncommon nowadays. It was an honor to have known and served with him.
We honor his service as a Veteran and First Responder, and as a devoted Father. Our hearts are heavy for your tremendous loss, Chyrisse, Melissa and family.
Sad to hear the passing of Richard my condolences to his family
Max and I graduated from high school together and shared plenty of crazy adventures in those early years. We stayed close through many years on the reunion committee, and I’ll always smile thinking about our breakfasts with classmates at Tastee Diner—good food, good laughs, and great memories. Max will be truly missed.