Clifford "Cliff" Gilbert Pethel

Clifford “Cliff” Gilbert Pethel, 78, of Kannapolis passed peacefully surrounded by family on April 8, 2024, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis after a period of declining health.

A celebration of life gathering will be held to remember Cliff at Whitley’s Funeral Home on Saturday, April 13, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.

Cliff was born April 21, 1945, in Cabarrus County, a son of the late Robert and Louise Albertson Pethel. In addition to his parents, Cliff was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Pethel and Kelly Smith. He went to work at an early age and among other jobs was a loom fixer at Cannon Mills for many years. He was a member of Living Water Community Church in Kannapolis. Cliff was known as a man of few words but he had true love for NASCAR, Drag Race, and his Pepsi Colas.

Those left to cherish his memory, includes his wife Shelby Humphries Pethel of the home, his daughters; Jackie Pethel of Concord, Kelli Humphries of Kannapolis, Amber Pethel (Xavier) of Concord and his sons; Chris Pethel and Steve Pethel (Tess) both of China Grove. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren Apryl Humphries, Kortnie Curl, Sir Watson, Sia Watson, Terrence Pethel, Ivey Pethel and 5 great-grandchildren Malaya Archie, Kameron Bellamy, Ximena Elox, Margot Durham and Khambrel Buchanan.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com and in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Whitley’s Funeral Home for all final resting expenses.