Max Richard Carland

Max 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.