Obituaries
Keith McSwain
Aug 10, 2025
SHELBY: Keith McSwain, of Cleveland County, was born on November 17, 1954, and completed his earthly journey in his hometown on August 10, 2025, at the age of 70.
A dedicated employee of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Keith spent his career ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of countless individuals, bringing integrity and diligence to his work. Beyond his...
Brenda Garner
Aug 9, 2025
SHELBY: Shelby, North Carolina lost a one- of- a- kind woman, Brenda Garner on August 9, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on March 6, 1963. Known for her infectious spirit and stubbornness that made her unforgettable. She was the kind of person who could turn a simple day into an unforgettable adventure.
Brenda was a woman of many passions,...
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
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 Raymond 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...
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...
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 fortunate...
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
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 Homer 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
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
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
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
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...
Ila 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 her...
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
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
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
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
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, where...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
