OBITUARIES

Alicia Carey Larsen

Alicia Carey Larsen

Aug 8, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alicia Carey “Lisa” Watson Larsen, who left this world on August 8th, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her children.

Alicia was born on April 27th, 1969, in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she was also raised. Known to many as Lisa, she carried the heart of Wilmington with her throughout...

Jerry Lee West

Jerry Lee West

Aug 6, 2025

Jerry Lee West, born on April 16, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 79.

Jerry was a dedicated educator who devoted nearly two decades of his life to the Rochester School District in Vermont. During his tenure, he served as an educator, advisor, coach, and principal, touching the...

Charles R. Varner, Jr.

Charles R. Varner, Jr.

Aug 4, 2025

On August 4, 2025, the world lost a truly remarkable man, Charles Raymond “Charlie” Varner, Jr., who passed away peacefully at Novant Health-Wilmington at the age of 74. Born on September 24, 1950, in Greensboro, NC, Charlie lived a life filled with passion, dedication, and love.

Charlie spent his formative years in Guilford County, North Carolina, where he embraced his southern...

Grady Keith Blanton

Grady Keith Blanton

Aug 3, 2025

SHELBY: Grady Keith Blanton, born on March 12, 1969, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, completed his earthly journey on August 3, 2025, at the age of 56. He was a cherished member of his community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Grady's life journey brought joy and warmth to many, leaving a lasting impression on those...

James "Jimmy" Wray

James "Jimmy" Wray

Aug 3, 2025

LAWNDALE: James Christopher Wray, affectionately known as Jimmy, passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 53. Born on February 3, 1972, in Columbus, OH, James brought warmth and kindness to everyone he encountered. He peacefully departed in Lawndale, NC, surrounded by the love of his cherished family.

James was a sweet, kind-hearted man who found joy in life's...

Julian J. Wilkins

Julian J. Wilkins

Aug 2, 2025

Julian James Wilkins, born July 19, 1946 passed away August 2 , 2025. He was born and raised and lived in the United Kingdom with his parents Walter and Isobel Wilkins, until he emigrated to the United States. His memory, a collection of our families’ and friend’s personal anecdotes and experiences, will live on shared in mirth. In a way,...

Brandon Russell Ropp

Brandon Russell Ropp

Aug 1, 2025

SHELBY: Brandon Russell Ropp, of Shelby, North Carolina, born December 4th, 1996, passed away unexpectedly following a tragic accident. He was 28 years old.

A Beloved Son, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Brandon had a spirit that was both bold and kind. He was known for his strong personality, his quick wit, and the big heart he carried beneath a tough...

Norman H. Vreeland

Norman H. Vreeland

Jul 26, 2025

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord,” Norman H. Vreeland passed away peacefully July 26, 2025 at the end of a long and active life.

He proudly served his country for 35 years as a U.S. Marine. He celebrated being married to his high school sweetheart for over 70 “grand and glorious” years which he claimed were “unhindered by progress.”...

Roy McArthur Lewis

Roy McArthur Lewis

Jul 24, 2025

Grover: Roy McArthur Lewis, age 82, of Cleveland County, completed his earthly journey on July 24, 2025. Born on January 10, 1943, in McDowell County, Roy lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a steadfast love for his family and community.

Roy was the beloved store owner of Friendly's Stop & Shop, Shelby & Lewis Corner Store, and served the...

Brittney Danielle Gaddy

Brittney Danielle Gaddy

Jul 22, 2025

KINGS MOUNTAIN: Brittney Danielle Gaddy, affectionately known as Brittney, passed away on July 22, 2025, in Kings Mountain at the age of 37. Born on October 31, 1987, in Shelby, NC, she brought a unique sparkle and warmth into the world from the very beginning.

Brittney was a remarkable woman who possessed an infectious energy that could light up any room...

Margaret Ann Mayhue

Margaret Ann Mayhue

Jul 16, 2025

SHELBY: Margaret Ann Mayhue, born on January 12, 1948, gracefully departed this world on July 16, 2025, at the age of 77. Her life was a testament to the beauty found in simple pleasures and the joy that comes from embracing each day with love and laughter.

Margaret's days were filled with color and creativity, as she delighted in bringing vibrant...

James Howard Crotts

James Howard Crotts

Jul 14, 2025

SHELBY: James Howard Crotts, entered into his eternal rest surrounded by his family on July 14, 2025, in Shelby, North Carolina, at the age of 78. Born on January 25, 1947, in Cherokee County, South Carolina, James lived a life full of warmth and kindness, touching the hearts of all who knew him.

James was a man of dedication and hard...

lla Leonhart

lla Leonhart

Jul 11, 2025

Kings Mountain: Ila VanDyke Leonhart, born on January 27, 1928, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, completed her earthly journey in her hometown on July 11, 2025, at the age of 97.

Ila was a devoted homemaker and the owner of a cherished general store, where she spent many years serving her community with dedication and warmth. Her life was marked by...

Thomas James Morris

Thomas James Morris

Jul 3, 2025

SHELBY: Thomas James Morris, born December 9, 1959, departed this life on July 3, 2025, at the age of 65. He leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness, having touched the lives of many with his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty.

Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Olsen.

He was survived by his wife, Branch Morris of thirteen...

Richard Allen McMullin

Richard Allen McMullin

Jun 30, 2025

Richard "Rick" Allen McMullin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 30, 2025, at his home in Rocky Point, NC, at the age of 72. Born on February 7, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH, Rick lived a life filled with love, dedication, and an unwavering zest for living.

Growing up in Cincinnati, Rick demonstrated an early work...

Robert E. Blanton

Robert E. Blanton

Jun 28, 2025

SHELBY: Robert E. Blanton, born October 18, 1966, departed this life on June 28, 2025, at the age of 58. He leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness, having touched the lives of many with his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty.

Robert was the glue that held his family together, always there to lend a helping hand or offer a...

Kelly B Lanier

Kelly B Lanier

Jun 25, 2025

SHELBY: Born on October 18, 1945, in Boiling Springs, NC, Kelly B. Lanier bid farewell to this world on June 25, 2025, in Shelby, NC, at the grand age of 79.

Kelly was truly one-of-a-kind—a man whose humor could light up any room and whose sage advice made everyone feel they were listening to a prophet in disguise. Lovingly known as...

Wendy Burnette Lowery

Wendy Burnette Lowery

Jun 20, 2025

SHELBY: Wendy Burnette Lowery, age 56, completed her earthly journey on June 20, 2025, in Cleveland County. Born on October 30, 1968, in Yancey County, Wendy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother whose vibrant spirit touched all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Wendy dedicated many years of her life to her work as a machinist in manufacturing,...

Judy Lovelace

Judy Lovelace

Jun 18, 2025

SHELBY: Judy Morehead Lovelace, was reunited with her loving husband on June 18, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on September 20, 1946, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, Judy was the beloved daughter of the late Harvey Morehead Sr. and Lillie Warlick Morehead.

Judy was a devoted wife to her late husband, Jimmy Lovelace Sr., with whom she shared 57...

Bobby Darrell Moore

Bobby Darrell Moore

Jun 16, 2025

SHELBY: Mr. Bobby Darrell Moore, 61, of Shelby, died Monday, June 16, 2025 at Autumn Care of Saluda. A native of Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Herman “Bud” Moore and Frances Pearson Moore. He retired from Wal Mart Private Fleet in 2016. Bobby loved to be with his family, friends, and his beloved Dachshund, Lucy....