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Obituaries

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Recent Obituaries

Gastonia, North Carolina and surrounding areas

William Larry Rabon

William Larry Rabon

Mar 25, 2026

William "Bill" Rabon

William "Bill" Rabon was born on February 28, 1951, in Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina, to the late Sidney Heyward Rabon and Margaret Jaunita Thompson. Bill went to meet the Lord on March 25, 2026, after a long struggle with lung cancer.

Bill was first and foremost a family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy...

Tammy Faye Messer

Tammy Faye Messer

Mar 24, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tammy Parks Messer, who left us peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the age of 63.

A native of Gaston County, she was born on April 9, 1962 to the late Jesse and Patsy Parks.

Tammy dedicated her career as a Benefits Case Worker with the Gaston County...

Donald Christian Gillelan

Donald Christian Gillelan

Mar 23, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Christian Gillelan, who left us on March 23, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on August 21, 1970, in Gaston County, North Carolina, Donald was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend, known for his warm spirit and genuine love of life.Donald grew up in North Carolina...

Margaret Ann Christmas

Margaret Ann Christmas

Mar 21, 2026

Margaret Ann Vickers Christmas, 59, of Clover, SC, went home to be with the Lord on March 21, 2026, at Atrium Health in Pineville, NC.She was born May 18, 1966, to Barbara Vickers Morrow and the late John Lee Vickers, Sr.In addition to her mother, Margaret is survived by her brother, John Lee Vickers, Jr.; sisters, Virginia Lynn Vickers and...

James Blair Smith Jr. (Jimi)

James Blair Smith Jr. (Jimi)

Mar 20, 2026

James Blair Smith, Jr. (Jimi), age 62 of Gaston County, North Carolina went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 20, 2026.

James was born February 08, 1964, in Gaston County to James Blair Smith, Sr and Peggy Derreberry Smith, who preceded him in death.

James is a lifelong resident of Gaston County and was known for his kind...

Anthony Bruce Painter

Anthony Bruce Painter

Mar 19, 2026

Obituary for Anthony Bruce Painter

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony "Tony" Bruce Painter, beloved brother, son, friend, who left this world on March 19, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on February 2, 1952, Anthony lived a life full of passion for the simple joys that made him truly happy.

Residing in Gastonia, North...

Carolyn McKinnish

Carolyn McKinnish

Mar 18, 2026

Carolyn McKinnish, a beloved family member and friend, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on August 28, 1942, in Anson County, North Carolina, Carolyn lived a life full of love and laughter in Stanley, NC.Carolyn was a dedicated monitor technician, proudly serving at Caromont Regional Medical Center for over 20 years before retiring....

Veral Elizabeth Porter

Veral Elizabeth Porter

Mar 18, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Veral Elizabeth Porter, a cherished soul who graced our lives from the gentle shores of North Carolina to the vibrant community of Gastonia. Born on August 22, 1931, Veral's journey through life was a beautiful canvas, painted with love, laughter, and creativity.As a devoted mother, she leaves behind her beloved son, David Porter,...

Debra Marie Kerpsie

Debra Marie Kerpsie

Mar 17, 2026

Debbie Kerpsie, loving wife of John Kerpsie, mother of three, and grandmother of six passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Debbie was born on September 29, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to the late James and Jane (Smith) Rarick. She was a sister to her three younger siblings, John, Steve, and Colleen, who also preceded her in death. Her survivors include...

Ernest Glenn Sprinkle Jr

Ernest Glenn Sprinkle Jr

Mar 17, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ernest Glenn Sprinkle Jr., affectionately known as "Poppy," who left this world on March 17, 2026. Born on December 4, 1959, in Morris, IL, Ernest dedicated his life to his family.A proud father and loving husband, Ernest was blessed with three daughters: Tanya Worley, Amanda Adams, and Natosha Dada,...

Philip Joel Costa

Philip Joel Costa

Mar 16, 2026

Philip Joel Costa

Philip Joel Costa of Kings Mountain, NC, born July 7, 1947, in Corning, New York to Winifred and Anthony Costa, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026.

He will be remembered as a truly great storyteller-if Phil began a story, you knew to settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy the journey, because it was sure to be...

Dennis Wendall McCraw

Dennis Wendall McCraw

Mar 15, 2026

Dennis Wendall McCraw, 75, of Gastonia, North Carolina, passed peacefully away on March 15, 2026.

Dennis was a lifelong resident of Gastonia and was known for his kind heart, hardworking nature, and dedication to those he loved. He touched the lives of many through his friendship, generosity, and quiet strength. Dennis will be remembered for the joy he brought to family...

Elizabeth Jane Grindstaff

Elizabeth Jane Grindstaff

Mar 15, 2026

Elizabeth "Jane" Grindstaff, 84 of Gastonia, NC, entered her heavenly home surrounded by family at Covenant Village on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Jane was born on June 13, 1941 and is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Dorothy Coleman along with her brother Earl Coleman Jr.

Jane loved the Lord with all her heart and was a member...

Ellwane Williams

Ellwane Williams

Mar 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellwane Williams, who left us peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on December 19, 1941, in Bryson City, NC, to the late Kelly and Leah Herron.

Ellwane cherished her family above all else and leaves behind her beloved sons, Ronnie Ramey (Tracy), Eddie Malcolm...

Chester Martin "Marty" Boyd

Chester Martin "Marty" Boyd

Mar 14, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chester Martin "Marty" Boyd, aged 72, of Bessemer City, North Carolina. Chester was born on February 16, 1954, and departed this life on March 14, 2026.Marty was a vibrant soul who embraced life with a passion that inspired those around him. He loved the thrill of NASCAR racing and...

William Gene Hill

William Gene Hill

Mar 14, 2026

William "Gene" Hill, 88, of Vale, NC, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Carolina Caring HospiceHouse in Sherrills Ford, NC.Gene was born August 21, 1937, in Gaston County, NC, to the late William Martin Hill and Lula Allen Hill.Gene was a hard worker and loved his family. He was humble, kind, very patient, and never raised his voice. The...

Ethel Deloris Branch

Ethel Deloris Branch

Mar 13, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ethel Deloris "Dee" Branch, of Ranlo, a beloved mother, sister, and cherished friend who left this world peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 77.Dee was born on April 30, 1948, daughter of the late Paul and Ruby Bailey, and spent her life nurturing and caring for...

Jeremy Keith Simmons

Jeremy Keith Simmons

Mar 10, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jeremy Keith Simmons, who departed this life on March 10, 2026, at the age of 34. He was born on February 28, 1992, in Gaston County,North Carolina. Jeremy was a beloved husband, father, son, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.Jeremy was...

Judith Ann Fowler

Judith Ann Fowler

Mar 10, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith Ann Fowler, age 78, who left us on March 10, 2026. Born on November 20, 1947, in Columbiana County, Ohio, Judith spent her later years in McAdenville, North Carolina. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend and a dedicated machine operator at Pharr Yarns Complex 46. She...

Barbara Anne Shore

Barbara Anne Shore

Mar 9, 2026

It is with a mix of sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of Barbara Anne Shore, born on May 4, 1936, in Gaston County, North Carolina. Barbara peacefully left us on March 9, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by the love of her family.Barbara was a vibrant spirit who left an indelible mark on the lives...

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