Wilkinson Funeral Home

01/24/2026

Gary Drinnen

It is with many happy memories and great sadness that the family and friends of Dr. Gary L. Drinnen announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Gary was a man who made everyone he met feel special, often through his trademark good-natured teasing and infectious sense of humor. He always had a joke to tell and there was laughter in every room he occupied. He loved people and people loved him. To his nieces and nephews, coworkers and students, he was a beloved father figure and mentor. As one neighbor recently lamented, "Gary was truly the glue that held us all together."

Gary graduated from Central High School in 1953 and enrolled at The University of Tennessee. After 1 year of schooling, he changed course and enlisted in The United States Army, where he proudly served our nation for 2 years, and met and married the love of his life, Billie Shealy. After the Army, Gary decided to go back to school at Carson Newman and graduated in 1962. Upon graduation, he found his true purpose in life as an educator, coach and servant-leader. Gary began his career as a teacher and coach at Harrisburg High School before taking a position as a teacher, football coach and the inaugural track coach at Central Cabarrus High School from 1966-1974. Proving he could take teasing as good as he could give, his students often affectionally referred to him as Coach Gary "Chrome Dome" Drinnen, due to his trademark bald head. As he began furthering his education, he was promoted and served 1 year as principal at both Bethel Elementary, and then Mt. Pleasant High School. After earning his Doctor of Education degree from Duke University in 1982, he was named Principal of Central Cabarrus High School, where he served for 9 years, retiring in 1991. He was a student and faculty favorite because he sincerely cared about and knew each of them. Gary's professional legacy and outstanding career were recognized in 2016, by the North Cabarrus County Board of Education with the naming of the Dr. Gary Drinnen Field House in his honor.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary was always thinking of others. He showed love through gifts and service and enjoyed hand painting personalized nautical signs for hundreds of people- family, neighbors, fellow teachers, former players, acquaintances, friends, and friends of friends. These signs will forever be tangible reminders of his love and thoughtfulness in homes across so many communities.

Gary was born on July 17, 1935, to Dr. Tom and Fern Drinnen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie in 2017; his parents; his brother, Dr. Tom Drinnen; half-brother, Jimmy Bittle and lifelong friend, Walt Burr.

He is survived by his youngest brother, Dr. Dan (Sue) Drinnen; his sister-in-laws, Mrs. Anita Drinnen and Mrs. Sharon Bittle; his nieces and nephews, Susan, Tommy, Vickie, Valerie, Danny, Missy, Lane, Matt, Sean and Lindsey, and a dear cousin Becky Cooper Shaffer; lifelong friend, Gordon Thomas, and sweet Maggie, all of whom will miss Gary greatly. The family also wishes to express deep gratitude to Ann Burr and her children, Betsy Biggers and Ben Burr, who were cherished and loved as family by Gary and Billie throughout their lives. The family would like to offer special gratitude to Betsy, who served Gary daily in the last weeks, and lovingly walked him home.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 4, at Rocky River Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Rev. Neal Carter officiating. The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Rocky River Presbyterian Church, 7940 Rocky River Road, Concord, NC 28027.

View Gary Drinnen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/23/2026

Most funeral homes are staffed by people who care and want to go the extra mile for you and your family. But how do you know if a funeral home doesn't have your best interests at heart? This article shares 7 warning signs to look out for, so you can ensure that you and your family receive the best funeral care and service available in your area!

When you need help planning a funeral, you want to work with the best. To make sure you do, review these warning signs to look out for!

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

H. LeRoy Deabler

On Friday, January 16, 2026, Herdis LeRoy Deabler passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Sarah (nee Henley) of Concord, NC, his sons Greg of Montverde, FL, and Kevin of Boston, MA, daughters-in-law Danielle and Jennifer, and his grandchildren Brooke, Ashley, Andrew, Fiona and Nolan. He is also survived by his sisters JoAnn Crawford (Frank) and Beth Corwin (Rick). He was predeceased by his sister, Donna J. Durant.

LeRoy was born on January 24, 1944 in Aurora, Illinois to his parents, Dr. Herdis L Deabler and Oleva Deabler. He spent his youth in Gulfport, MS. He was a graduate of Hingham (MA) High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. LeRoy met Sarah in Scarborough, ME, while he was a lifeguard and she was a waitress at the Atlantic House Inn. They married in 1966. He was drawn to serving community health, which led him to study Healthcare Management at Columbia University in New York City. During the Vietnam war era he was a commissioned officer for the United States Public Health Service under the Surgeon General. He later served as a Hospital Administrator in Toledo, OH, Wooster, OH, and Littleton, NH. He moved to Concord, NC, in 1988 to serve as Administrator of the H&M Medical Clinic. In 1990 he directed the design of Pakistan's first cancer hospital in Lahore. In 1992 he served as a surveyor for The Joint Commission- the country's leading healthcare accreditation agency.

LeRoy was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Concord for over 37 years, serving on the leadership council and teaching men's Sunday School. He tutored numerous immigrant children, helping them adjust to their new lives in Cabarrus County. He led several missions to build churches in Costa Rica. This volunteerism late in his life earned him a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Over his life he was active in the Rotary Club, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the American Hospital Association.

He enjoyed an active life traveling and visiting family with Sarah, playing tennis, skiing, and hiking with Greg and Kevin, and being with his grandchildren regardless of where they lived. He was a tennis referee for the USTA for local college and amateur competitions. Bridge was a passion late in his life- he enjoyed the competition and the many relationships it created for Sarah and himself.

His family is deeply appreciative of the care he received from his family, friends, healthcare professionals and his hospice nurse, Jenna, and caregiver, Tina, during his battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Central United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Stacey Lundy. The family will greet friends following the service in the Coltrane Memorial Room.

Memorials may be given to Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union Street North, Concord, NC 28025, or to the American Cancer Society.

View H. LeRoy Deabler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/19/2026

Jonas Cecil Powers, Jr.

Jonas Cecil Powers, Jr., known to most simply as "Cecil," passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Sunflower Springs in Indian Land, South Carolina.

Cecil's life was defined by strength, laughter, and devotion to the people he loved. He was a man of grit who faced life head-on and carried a strong sense of responsibility for those he cared about.

He loved his daughters deeply, and that love never faded, even through life's challenges.

Cecil will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, and the strength of his character. His legacy is love, and he will be missed

Born on December 11, 1954, in Concord, North Carolina, Cecil was the son of the late Ada Presley Powers and Jonas Cecil Powers, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Powers Nash, and her husband, Wayne.

Cecil grew up in Cabarrus County and proudly graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School, Class of 1973. During those years, he became well known for his love of the game and his time on the football field. He later played briefly with the Concord Cardinals, an accomplishment his family remembers with pride.

A hardworking and dependable man, Cecil spent much of his career in manufacturing and management, serving in several supervisory roles over the years. He also followed in his father's footsteps by owning a restaurant, though he was happiest simply cooking a good meal for others. Cecil believed in showing up, doing the job well, and taking care of responsibilities.

Outside of work, Cecil found joy in the beach, sports, and cars and motorcycles. Above all, he cherished time with his family. He coached his daughters in basketball and softball, seasons that became treasured memories and lasting lessons. Cecil also had a special love for dogs, and his family fondly recalls the bond he shared with his beloved dog, Angel, and the comfort that companionship brought him.

Cecil is survived by his daughters, Brandy Sloop (Chad), Candice Little (Zach), and Windy Ulrich (Andrew); and his cherished grandchildren, Hunter and Kaylah Sloop, Tanner, Autumn, and Tenley Little, and Aikman and Crue Ulrich. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Mowrer (Jimmy) of Myrtle Beach, and Cheryl Nash of Concord, his former wife and the mother of his daughters.

A memorial service to celebrate Cecil's life will be held at Sojo Church on Friday, January 23. Family will receive friends at the church from 5pm to 6pm with memorial service to follow.

Sojo Church

848 Union Street S.

Concord, NC 28025

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01/19/2026

Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful voice for social justice and equality in our nation. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, let's celebrate the progress we've made but also commit to continuing his work toward a more united, more equitable United States of America. Thank you, Dr. King - you made a positive difference and the ripples of your impact are still going today.

01/17/2026

Shirley Hunsucker

Concord

Shirley Ann Green Cress Hunsucker, age 73, of Concord, passed away peacefully at her son's home Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 23, 1952 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Shirley was the daughter of the late Oscar Lawrence Green and Lena Ruth Green. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester Lee Hunsucker who passed away in 2003; her daughter, Julie Ann Cress; her parents, Oscar Lawrence Green and Lena Ruth Green; and brother and sisters, Kathy Parris, Oscar L. Green, Jr., Danny Robert Green.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 20 from 1-2 PM at Wilkinson Funeral Home with a funeral service following at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel.

Shirley grew up in a large family where she was the third of nine children. She was a spitfire from the day she was born until she took her last breath. She loved her parents and all of her siblings with everything in her. She looked after and took care of her siblings like they were her own. Then her children came along, and then her grandchildren, and then her great-grandchildren. She loved every single one of them more than anything. It didn't matter if she didn't birth them, they were all still her babies, no matter what. She worked at Cannon Mills and Concord Screen Printers for many years. She used to love to fish. She enjoyed listening to music and absolutely loved playing bingo. She loved spending time with her family above all else.

She is survived by her two loving children, Carl "Junior" (Loraine) of Lexington, and Shelly (David) of Concord.

She is also survived by her siblings, Ruth Marie "Susie" of Concord, Mary Elizabeth "Kitty" of Coats, Sandra of Concord, Peggy of Concord and Kelly of Concord. As well as 7 grandchildren, Julie, Justin, Brian, Kyle, Samuel, Alan, and Alyssa; and 8 great-grandchildren, Cambria, Alaina, Collins, Braxton, Jaxson, Ryder, Isabella, and Kinzley; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever cherish her life and memory.

Memorials may be made to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, 5 East Main Street Thomasville, NC 27360.

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01/16/2026

Music touches our hearts in ways that words just can?t. If country music holds a special place in your heart, take a few moments to listen to this list of the top 12 country songs for a celebration of life service, and let us know if you have any favorites you would add to the list!?

01/15/2026

Lawrence Gene Carrow

Mr. Lawrence Gene Carrow, of Concord, passed away at his home Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Steve Ayers. The burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

Lawrence was born February 28, 1927 in Dry Branch West Virginia to the late Ira and Cora Carrow. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Louise Williams Carrow in 2023, sister Silvie Carrow, Lois (Sissy) Pettry, Genevieve Slack, Annabelle Hancock, Robert Carrow, Donald Carrow and sister-in-law Wava Williams.

Lawrence worked most of his life with Ward Baking Company and then Tip Top Baking Co. in Cleveland and Brook Park, OH.

He and his wife Betty were active members of Park Heights Baptist Church for over 36 years. Lawrence served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and most loved "Candy Man" and was awarded official "Candy Man" by the Mayor of the city of Brook Park, OH. He also enjoyed playing Santa Clause at Christmas parties.

Lawrence and Betty moved to Concord in 1998 and soon joined McGill Baptist until death serving faithfully as an usher and greeter especially for funerals.

He and Betty also were in the mile walkers club at Concord Mills Mall and walked over 5000 miles well into their 80’s.

Lawrence loved the Lord, his family, dogs and spectator sports and will be truly missed.

He was also a WWII Veteran of the US Army, having served overseas.

Lawrence is survived by daughter Karen C. Miller and her husband Fred of Concord; son Gary Carrow and his wife Charlotte of Litchfield, OH; grandchildren Fred Miller, Jr., Matthew Miller, Kevin Miller (Beth), Shane Carrow, and Erin Caron (Robert); great grandchildren Kasey, Lilly, and Cole Caron; sister Eileen Carrow of Elkview West Virginia and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC 28027.

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01/15/2026

Louise Barbee

Mrs. Ida Louise Gray Barbee, age 84 of Concord passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Morningside Assisted Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at Parkwood Baptist Church on Sunday, January 18th with visitation starting at 12:30 pm and the funeral to follow at 1:30 pm with Pastor Michael Waters officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Louise, as she was known to family and friends, was born October 4, 1941 having lived her entire life in Cabarrus County. She was one of 3 girls born to James Lloyd Gray and Grace Smith Gray, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, John Currie Rowden II.

Louise graduated from Winecoff High School. In 1960, she married Bobby Ralph Barbee, and they divorced in 1997. In 2002, she retired from Concord Telephone Company after many years of service.

Louise attended Parkwood Baptist Church and was blessed with weekly visits from church members. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed family trips to Ocean Isle Beach. Louise's last few years was at Morningside Assisted Living Center. The staff took exceptional care of our mom.

She is survived by two children: her son, Devin Barbee and wife Heidi, their children, Elizabeth Barbee and Wesley Barbee and wife Courtney; great-grandchildren, Barrett and Silas; her daughter, Angie Barbee Rowden and husband John, their children, Benjamin Barker and wife Amber, great-grandchildren, Roman and Brody, Allison Madrid and husband Dustin, great-granddaughter, Madi, Rhyne Rowden and wife Hannah, great-granddaughter, Ashley, Rachel Rowden, great-granddaughter, Kylie, Anna Rowden, Elijah Rowden, and fiancé, Diana Montoni; sisters, Doris Goodman and Hilda Kruse and husband Ron; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be made to Parkwood Baptist Church, 1069 Central Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027.

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01/15/2026

Jude Sullivan Peters

Jude Sullivan Peters, 11, of Charlotte, North Carolina, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

A celebration of Jude's life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 17, 2026, at The Refuge. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and again after the service at the balloon release. A reception celebrating Jude's remarkable life will follow in true Jude celebratory style.

Jude was born on April 17, 2014, in Charlotte, to Hannah Collins Peters and Sullivan Peters. Though his time here felt far too short, Jude's life was filled with purpose-marked by courage, bravery. tenderness, and a joy that changed everyone who came near him.

From the very beginning, Jude was a fighter. At his birth, he made his presence known with a strong warriors cry-one of many moments that would define the way he lived: brave, determined, and full of light. Jude was diagnosed as an infant with Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata (RCDP), a rare and life-limiting genetic condition. Yet Jude wrote his own story. Known by many as "Super Jude" and lovingly called "Joyful Jude," and "Brave Little Warrior" he became a living testimony to faith, perseverance, and the beauty of a life deeply loved.

Jude communicated in his own special ways-through his expressive eyes, his smile, and the sweet sounds and gestures understood best by those closest to him. He had a gift for bringing people together and inspired an outpouring of love far beyond his home. Through his life, Jude touched countless hearts, reminding all who followed his journey of the power of hope, prayer, and unconditional love. His multitude of followers became known as "Jude's Tribe". Jude's life impacted multiple media outlets including The New York Times, David Sentendrey of Fox News and Molly Grantham's organization Molly's Kids. They become more than story tellers, they became like family.

Jude especially loved balloons and lights, dancing and cuddles. And his sweet puppy friends Archie and Betty simple joys that reflected the brightness he brought into the world.

Jude is survived by his loving parents, Hannah Katelyn Collins Peters and Sullivan Thomas ("Sully") Peters; his grandparents Darla and Keith Collins of Charlotte, and Judith and Craig Peters of N. Wilkesboro; and his great-grandparents Tommy and Delano Johnson. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Amber Rhodes (Benjamin), Ashton "Sissy" Roland (Aaron), Jennifer Hamby (Brandon), Stephen Peters (Kayla), Sean Peters, and Craig Peters, Jr. (Roxanne).

Jude is lovingly remembered by his cousins Everett Rhodes, Teddy Sullivan Rhodes, Eloise Rhodes, Penny Rhodes, Henry Rhodes, Oliver Roland, Tommy Jude Roland, Stevie Peters, Liliana Peters, Oakland Peters, Charlotte Hamby, Ari Peters, and Piper Peters, along with many other extended family members, Rhizo Warriors and their families and dear friends who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents J.B. and Arliss Murrell, Thomas and Beatrice Peters, Dianne Brown, James Sullivan, Sherrill Mason, Eugene Malcolm Collins, III. And many Rhizo Angels who greeted him at heaven's gates.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate medical teams and caregivers at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, A.I. duPont Children's Hospital, Rhizo Kids International, Med-life Discoveries and Children's Harbor whose dedication, expertise, and unwavering care and love supported Jude and his family throughout his journey.

The family welcomes flowers. Memorial donations may also be made in Jude's honor to Rhizo Kids International.

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01/12/2026