Recent Obituaries in Kannapolis, NC

Aug 3, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Cindy Vellente, who departed from us peacefully on August 3, 2023, at the age of 66.

She was born into the loving family of Frank and Shirley Vellente, who preceded her in death.

Cindy leaves behind her loving sister, Tammy Vellente Stearns, her devoted nephews...

Aug 2, 2023

Leza Thomasee Jr., 92, of Kannapolis passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at his home. He was born December 31,1930, in Monroe, Louisiana to the late Leza Thomasee Sr. and Rissie Fletcher Thomasee.

Leza was a veteran serving in the Marines and Navy. He enjoyed traveling and would often go back to Louisiana and enjoyed visiting...

Aug 1, 2023

Phyllis Mae Dillard Crayton, 80, of China Grove, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening, August 1, 2023, at her home.

Born June 13, 1943, in Cherokee County, she was daughter of the late Claude Saul and Mamie Josephine Garrett Dillard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Curtis Boone; sisters,...

Jul 31, 2023

Horace Wayne Rodgers, 74, of Kannapolis passed away unexpectedly while fishing on Lake Tillery on Monday, July 31, 2023.

His funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM Tuesday, August 8 at New Testament Independent Baptist Church, 5140 Irish Potato Rd. Kannapolis 28083. Rev. Tony Kiker will be officiating. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in...

Jul 31, 2023

Grady “Keith” Gulledge, 64 years old, of Kernersville, formerly of China Grove, passed away on July 31, 2023, after a battle with Stage 4 COPD.

Keith was born on March 5, 1959, in Cabarrus County to the late Grady Gilford Gulledge and Peggy Sue Davis.

Keith was extremely proud of his family, especially his two...

Jul 28, 2023

John “Jake” Edward Melton, 79, of Rock Hill, formerly of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Jake was born on August 26, 1943 in Cabarrus County. He was a cherished son of the late Oscar John Melton and Nora Lee Aycoth Melton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in...

Jul 25, 2023

Dorothy “Dottie” Jean McLaurin Swanson, 60, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

Dottie was born on November 1, 1962 in Panama. She was a cherished daughter of the late Jerry Thomas McLaurin Sr. and Judy Collier Church, and stepfather, Earl Church.

Dottie had a rare talent for...

Jul 24, 2023

Paula Rodgers Wagner, 65, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023, at her home, following a period of declining health.

Born in Cabarrus County on August 2, 1957, Paula was the daughter of the late James William and Mary Alice Gamble Rodgers. She was also preceded in death by a niece, Jamie Rebecca Stewart Ginn.

A...

Jul 24, 2023

Joy Crainshaw Adams Purser, 71, of Kannapolis, passed away Monday morning, July 24, 2023, at her home, following a period of declining health.

Born February 29, 1952, in Cabarrus County, Joy was a daughter of the late Charlie and Allie Mae Graham Crainshaw.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Leslie...

Jul 23, 2023

Fidel Velazquez, Jr., 37, of Kannapolis, NC passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Atrium Health Cabarrus from injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident. Fidel was born on October 17, 1985, in Fort Myers, FL.  Fidel was a warm and outgoing guy who radiated happiness and a love for all life had to offer. His smile and...

Jul 22, 2023

Venita Marie Phillips Sims, 72, of Kannapolis went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 22, 2023 at her residence. She was in declining health but death was unexpected.

Venita was born August 7, 1950 in Cabarrus County, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ray Gibbons Sims, Jr. on November...

Jul 22, 2023

George William (Bill) Messer, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home July 22, 2023.  Bill was a lifelong resident of Kannapolis NC and a faithful member of First Baptist Church.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Hilda Sides Messer, his daughter Laura Spears and husband Mark, son Mitch Messer, and brother-in-law Bobby Sides and...

Jul 21, 2023

Brenda Louise Thomas Drake, 71, of Kannapolis, died on July 21, 2023, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte following a brief illness.

Brenda was born on August 28, 1951, to the late R.C. and Alma Buchanan Thomas of Spruce Pine, North Carolina. She was a 1968 graduate of Harris High School and lived in Spruce Pine until...

Jul 20, 2023

Richard Wayne Perry, 70 of Kannapolis, passed away at his home Wednesday, July 20, 2023, He was born November 18, 1952, in Cabarrus Co. to the late Loyd Alexander Perry and Virginia Marie Royal Perry. Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during the Vietnam war, early in life he worked in roofing and most...

Jul 19, 2023

Jane Carolyn Cress Ritchie, 94, of Kannapolis, NC, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at home following several years of declining health.

Jane was born on May 26, 1929, in Baltimore, MD, a daughter of the late Frank Pierce Cress and Jamie Josephine Lee Cress. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years,...

Jul 19, 2023

Terry Lee Hall, 65 of Kannapolis NC passed away Wednesday, July 19th, 2023.

Terry was born on August 6th, 1957, to the late Landis Archie Hall and Evelyn Vernita Hollins Hall of Herndon VA. Terry lived in Virginia until moving to North Carolina in 1996. Terry was employed with Caryl Mechanical Heating and Cooling, Indian Trail, NC....

Jul 19, 2023

Reid Wayne “Rusty” Smith, 79 years old, of Rockwell, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2023. Rusty was born on August 25, 1943, in Cabarrus County to the late Ray and Pansy Faggart Smith.

Rusty proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Viet Nam war serving from 1964...

Jul 18, 2023

Donald “Don” Ray Sutton, 89, of China Grove, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Don was born on May 18, 1934, in Rowan County, NC to the late Alex Sutton and Julia Webb Sutton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, John Sutton, Harold Sutton, Ed Sutton and Walt...

Jul 16, 2023

Kannapolis, NC

Harold Eugene Isenhour, age 92, also known as “Ike” (in the community) & Daddy or Papa (in the family) went peacefully to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at The Tucker Hospice House following a brief illness.  He was born on December 23, 1930, at his home in Cabarrus County, NC,...

Jul 13, 2023

Bill Leon Zeigler, 85, of Harrisburg, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 13, 2023 after a period of declining health.

Bill was born on November 23, 1937 in Richmond County to the late L R Zeigler and Ploma Elizabeth Nowell Zeigler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved...