Jose Luis “Luis” Navarro Maillard

Jose Luis “Luis” Navarro Maillard, 77, passed away on December 6, 2025, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, he was the son of the late Luis Navarro and Graciela Maillard.

Luis was a man of intellect and dedication.

He began his education at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). He then moved to the United States to continue his studies at the University of Tennessee where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.  He also proudly served one year in the Servicio Militar Nacional in Mexico.

Throughout his long and distinguished career as a food technologist, Luis’s expertise took him across the United States, Central America, and Europe. Outside of his professional life, he was a passionate tennis player and found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and his beloved pet dog.

He is survived by his daughter, Elena Navarro Fredrick, and her husband, Aaron, of Asheville, NC; his brother, Jorge Navarro of Mexico; his cherished grandchildren, Aaysa Navarro Fredrick and Ethan Cash Fredrick; and the mother of his daughter, Shiela Wood Navarro of Knoxville, TN.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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