W. Dwight Tessneer

KINGS MOUNTAIN: William Dwight Tessneer saw his Lord and Savior on December 3, 2023, and joined his beloved Joanne in eternal glory. Dwight was a life-long resident of Cleveland County being born in the Shanghai community to the late Jim and Mabel Barnett Tessneer.
He met and married his wife, Joanne while attending and then graduating Boiling Springs High School. He was a dairy farmer in Cleveland County for many years before being called to be a funeral director. He attended Gupton-Jones Mortuary School in Atlanta, GA. He worked at many funeral homes in the area as well as being a founding member of Cleveland Funeral Services. His last employ was with Clay-Barnette where he worked with Eric Bester, whom he considered a dear friend and trusted colleague.
Dwight had a servant’s heart, not only towards Joanne, but also his community being a founding member of Shanghai Volunteer Fire Department, Shelby Rescue Squad, as well as serving on the squad for many years. Additionally, he served as Cleveland County coroner and Medical Examiner for 14 years, a job he took much pride in as he served the community with dedication as they had placed their trust in him by electing him in that position. Even serving as Cleveland County Sheriff for an “extended” term of six days in 2010, a job he readily relinquished to current Sheriff, Alan Norman-with no intent to ever run for it.
Dwight and Joanne were long time members of First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain and served with Gideons International, spreading God’s word throughout the world.
Dwight loved Joanne dearly and missed her terribly as she proceeded him in death along with a great grandson, Deacon McPherson.
He is survived by his four children, Roger Tessneer of Bostic, NC, Alan Tessneer (Julie) of Amarillo TX, Susan Blair (Timothy “Sam“) of Gastonia, NC and Betsy Tessneer (Tom Wells) of Kings Mountain, NC;
Grandchildren, Adam Tessneer (Mary-Allison) of Apex, NC, Samantha McPherson (Ben) of Gastonia, NC, Cameron Blair (Carmen) of Gastonia, NC, Derek Tessneer (Ashley) of Lubbock, TX, Destiny Tessneer of Amarillo, TX, Dustin (Julie) Tessneer of Star, ID, Riley Tessneer of Amarillo, TX, Summer Tessneer of Amarillo, TX; sister, Carolyn Queen (Floyd, Jr.) of Shelby, NC; and sister-in-law, Harriette Burnette of Cherry Grove, SC, along with numerous nephews.
The Tessneer Family would like to thank all Cleveland County law enforcement, paramedics/EMTs, first responders, nursing/hospital staff at local care facilities/hospitals for working with our Daddy as we shared him with you frequently. He thought very highly of all of you and was appreciative of all of your hard work and assistance over the years.
The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 9, 2023 in the Chapel of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. John “Chip” Sloan officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International or First Baptist Church of Kings Mountain. Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home and Aquamation Center in Shelby www.claybarnette.com