OBITUARIES

Randy "Harley" Flay Whitworth

Randy "Harley" Flay Whitworth

Aug 4, 2025

SHELBY: Randy Flay Whitworth, affectionately known to many as "Harley," went to his heavenly home on August 4, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on July 17, 1956, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, Harley lived a life rich in love, family, and passion.

Randy was a man who cherished his time with family above all else. He found great joy...

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...

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...

Dennis Wayne Blanton

Dennis Wayne Blanton

Jul 31, 2025

SHELBY- Dennis Wayne Blanton, 66, died Thursday, July 31, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Faith Baptist Church with Pastor Johnny Owens officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. 

Craig Lemar Davis

Craig Lemar Davis

Jul 25, 2025

Craig Lemar Davis, age 65, of Morganton, NC passed away on July 25, 2025 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, JB Davis and Roxie Geraldine Dockery Davis, and two brothers, Roger Davis and Johnny Davis. Left to cherish his memory are his loving sisters Billie Rizkallah (George)...

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 Fairview...

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...

Nellie Lou Dover Smith

Nellie Lou Dover Smith

Jul 18, 2025

Grover: Nellie Lou Dover Smith, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and cherished friend, completed her earthly journey on July 18, 2025, in Cleveland County at the age of 85. Born on August 20, 1939, in Cleveland County, she lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.

Nellie spent her career as an Inspector in the Textile...

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...

Violet Melton

Violet Melton

Jul 16, 2025

SHELBY: Violet T. Melton, lovingly known as "Violet," made her final homecoming on July 16, 2025, in Shelby, North Carolina, at the age of 82. Born in Cleveland County on May 15, 1943, she graced this world with her generous spirit, warm smile, and open heart.

Violet's life was deeply enriched by her love for family, friends, and community. She found...

Vonnie Faye Lemmons Bridges

Vonnie Faye Lemmons Bridges

Jul 14, 2025

Shelby: Vonnie Faye Lemmons Bridges, a resident of Cleveland County, was born on November 23, 1932, and completed her earthly journey on July 14, 2025, at the age of 92. Her life, marked by dedication to family, faith, and creativity, was a testament to love and quiet strength.

Born and raised in Cleveland County, Faye lived her entire life surrounded by...

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...

James Robert Crawley

James Robert Crawley

Jul 13, 2025

SHELBY: James "Jake" Robert Crawley passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, in Shelby, North Carolina, at the age of 78. Born on September 17, 1946, in Cleveland County, Jake was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jake dedicated over 30 years of his life to a fulfilling career...

Ila Leonhart

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...

Frankie Eugene Humphries

Frankie Eugene Humphries

Jul 7, 2025

SHELBY: Frankie Eugene Humphries, born on May 31, 1964, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, took his final journey home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 61, in his hometown.

A beloved son, brother, and friend to many, Frankie was known for his sharp intellect and kind spirit. His profound love for old classic cars, particularly Camaros, was a defining...

Larry J Porter

Larry J Porter

Jul 3, 2025

SHELBY: Larry J. Porter, gracefully exited the carousel of life on July 3, 2025 at the age of 79. Born on March 22, 1946, Larry was a native of Cleveland County and the son of the late JB and Annis Porter.

Larry's professional escapades took off at Kate’s Skating Rink where he spent a decade from the mid-80s to the mid-90s...

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 years, a...

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...

Vanessa "Lynn" Simmons

Vanessa "Lynn" Simmons

Jun 28, 2025

It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Lynn Sipe Dedmond Simmons, a beloved family member and friend. Born on the 25th of December, 1952, Lynn has left a profound mark on everyone who knew her with her friendliness, humor, and wit.

She was predeceased by her mother, Lola Hutchins Thomas, her father, Arthur Sipe, and her...

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 "The...