Wilkinson Funeral Home

11/05/2025

Landing in a different time zone can feel disorienting and exhausting if you’re unprepared. Read the article below to discover a few ways to beat jet lag as you travel.

Experiencing jet lag is almost inevitable after most long haul flights but there are some simple ways to minimize the effects.

11/05/2025

Stress affects each and every one of us in different ways, but did you know that laughter is the best medicine? Laughing relieves your stress response and relaxes your muscles. So, to reduce your stress today, pull out your favorite comedies or hang out with your funniest friends.

11/03/2025

11/01/2025

What is a funeral? What type of service should I have? Who are funeral directors and what do they do? These are just a few of the questions that people often have about funerals and funeral homes.

Wilkinson Funeral Home has a dedicated section on our website to help answer these frequently asked questions.

We invite you to visit our page at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com/resources/frequent-questions, and check out this resource and our many other available resources.

11/01/2025

It’s that time again! Don’t forget to turn back your clocks tonight.

10/31/2025

Cremation continues to be a popular choice, but did you know there are now two forms available in many states? Read this blog to learn more about the differences between flame-based and water-based cremation!

Did you know there are two forms of cremation? Read this article to learn about the differences between water-based and flame-based cremation?

10/30/2025

Did you know that choosing cremation can give you a little bit more time to plan a final tribute?

If you’d like, you can schedule the memorial service to take place weeks or even months after cremation. This allows you to focus on personalization and give far away family members time to travel.

Simply call us at 704-786-3168 to speak with one of our funeral directors about your wishes, and we will work with you to come up with a plan that best fits your family’s needs.

10/30/2025

Wayne Tomberlin

Mr. Phillip "Wayne" Tomberlin, 75, of Concord, NC passed away on Tuesday October 28, 2025.

Mr. Tomberlin was born on March 19, 1950 in Mecklenburg County to the late Franklin Alexander and Louise Smith Tomberlin. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Jeannette "Fran" Houser Tomberlin, one daughter Tracy Tomberlin Vanover (Kevin), two sons, Jeffrey Scott Tomberlin (Ellen) and Patrick Alan Tomberlin (Tricia), one brother James Tomberlin (Gayle) and ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Tomberlin was owner and operator of Tombstone Trailer Service, and retired from Fruehauf Trailer Corp where he worked from 1969-1992. He enjoyed golfing and going camping. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11-12 at Wilkinson Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at Noon in the chapel of Wilkinson Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Newton officiating. Burial will follow at West Concord Cemtery.

View Phillip Tomberlin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/29/2025

Eating well while traveling can sometimes feel impossible, but with a few swaps, it can be easier. Check out this article for a few tips on healthy snack options when you’re traveling through an airport or driving cross-country!

Discover dietitian-approved options like protein-packed nuts, fresh fruit, and veggies to keep you fueled during your adventures.

10/29/2025

Geraldine Ball Caughell

Mrs. Geraldine Ball Caughell passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, David & Gay, where she has lived for the last 4 years. She was surrounded by her family when she went to her final home in Heaven to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on November 15, 2025 at Providence Baptist Church in Harrisburg (5315 Highway 49 S, Harrisburg, NC 28075). The service will be officiated by Rev. Jim Hood. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 PM to 2 PM. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Gerry was born January 4, 1934 in Buffalo, NY, to the late John Frank Ball and Mary Mucha Ball. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bruce Vanstone Caughell, who passed away in 2016.

Gerry was raised in Cheektowaga, NY, where she lived until she met and married Bruce. Gerry was a homemaker. She and the family moved to Saugerties, NY, in 1965 where Gerry was busy raising four children. She was also involved in the Women’s Club and was a Girl Scout leader. Bruce, Gerry, and their children moved to Concord, NC, in 1980. It was here that Gerry became active at Kerr Street United Methodist Church, Cabarrus County Home Extension, a neighborhood gourmet club, the Red Hat Club, and delivering Meals on Wheels with Bruce. Bruce and Gerry delivered Meals together for 25 years. They also served meals at the Open Hearts Community Soup Kitchen on Kerr Street for over 10 years. Many people were blessed by their presence at the community dinner… both those they served and those they served with at this ministry which continues on today. Son, Douglas, is thankful for their love and support of this wonderful ministry. Bruce and Gerry began camping with National Camping Travelers and Good Sam groups while still in NY. They continued to enjoy many years of camping with NCT and Good Sam after they moved to NC. They enjoyed traveling across the country with best friends, Cy and Ginny Holdeen, as well as traveling often with their grandchildren. In her later years, she enjoyed lunches with the Gettysburg Girls, playing cards with a few different groups of friends, and continuing to deliver Meals on Wheels with daughter, Deanna. Gerry loved her family, adored her grandchildren, and was lovingly known as Gigi by her great-grandchildren. Debbie, Deanna, and Christine will miss their shopping adventures… the Southern Christmas Show and Black Friday shopping were annual favorites. Gerry amazed everyone with the number of hours she could shop on Black Friday. Just last year, she shopped for over 6 hours (at 90 years old!).

Gerry is survived by children David Caughell and wife Gay of Harrisburg, Douglas Caughell and wife Claudia of Kannapolis, Deborah Sloop and husband Carl of Concord, and Deanna Parker and husband Tim of Kannapolis; grandchildren Christine Price and husband Byron, Matthew Parker and wife Allison, Wesley Caughell and wife Taylor, Jason Hinson, Sarah Casteline and husband Danny, and Joshua Sellers and wife Allison; great-grandchildren Airyana Price, Ella Price, Logan Parker, Luke Parker, Hazel Sellers, Meridith Johnson and husband Wesley, Madison Hernon, and Mya Hernon; great-great-grandson Jace Johnson; as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family.

The family would like to thank Mom’s wonderful friends that kept her active after she gave up driving. Her friends picked her up for cards, Red Hat meetings, lunches, and outings. Mom loved her friends and loved spending time with them.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, 342 Penny Lane, Concord, NC 28025.

View Geraldine Ball Caughell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/28/2025

Ralph Heath

Mr. Ralph Lee Heath of Concord, North Carolina, passed away early Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11 on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at Friendship Southern Baptist Church. His funeral service will immediately follow at 12 o’clock by Rev. Jesse Watkins.

Ralph was born January 25, 1943, in Walstonburg, North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Heath and Gertrude Harrison Heath. He was also preceded in death by his son, David Anthony Heath, and five of his six siblings, Geneva, Mildred, Gerald, John, and James Heath.

Ralph grew up on his family’s farm in Eastern North Carolina. He attended Walstonburg High School where he was the captain of the basketball team. After graduating in 1961, he studied Business Administration at East Carolina University, he then left school and joined the United States Army in 1964. During his time in the Army, Ralph was a Medical Corpsman stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. While on leave back home in North Carolina, he met his loving wife, Brenda, also known as “Pat”, and on February 20, 1965, they were married. In September of the same year while still in Louisiana, they welcomed their first son, David Anthony, into the world. In 1966, Ralph, Brenda, and David moved to Durham, North Carolina where Ralph began his long career in the electrical supply business working for Electric Supply Co. in Raleigh. In July of 1971, they welcomed their second son, William Patrick, into the world. Ralph continued to work for various electrical supply companies in different capacities for the next 55 years until he ultimately retired in 2021.

Ralph loved his work and took much pride in everything he did but he also enjoyed his leisure activities as well. From staying in their camper at Emerald Isle and Lake Gaston to taking family trips to New Orleans, Bermuda, and Acapulco, Ralph loved spending time away from everyday life with his friends and family. He also never met a stranger; he would greet every new face with a smile and firm handshake or hug. Ralph always made people feel welcome and would speak as if he’d known them his whole life. He was larger than life and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Brenda “Pat” Fields Heath; son William Heath of Wilmington, grandchildren Lee and Lillianne Heath of Kannapolis; brother and sister-in law Carroll and Edith Heath of Greenville; Sisters in-law Beatrice and Sarah Heath of Greene County; other extended family members; and his dog Mellie.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Southern Baptist Church, 180 West Ave SW, Concord, NC 28027

View Ralph Heath's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/28/2025

Jacob Powers Dziadziola

Jacob “Jake” Powers Dziadziola, age 18, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away on October 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength that will be remembered forever by all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, with Father Glenn Parker officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wilkinson Funeral Home.

Born on December 21, 2006, in Concord, NC, Jacob is the beloved son of Dr. James “Jim” Kenneth Dziadziola, Jr. and Karen Powers Dziadziola and beloved brother to James Kenneth Dziadziola III. A 2025 graduate of Christ the King Catholic High School, Jacob was attending Central Piedmont Community College, where he pursued his fascination with technology and innovation. His creativity and curiosity were boundless—he loved exploring computer engineering, 3D printing, and anything that allowed him to bring ideas to life.

Jacob’s brilliance was matched only by his kind and gentle heart. He was thoughtful, deeply introspective, and had a unique way of seeing the world. Whether gaming with friends, designing something new, or spending quiet time with family, Jacob brought light and meaning to the moments he shared.

He is survived by his loving parents, Jim and Karen Dziadziola; his brother, Jimmy Dziadziola; his grandparents, James Kenneth Dziadziola and Margaret Ann Dziadziola; Uncle Jeff and Aunt Gloria Dziadziola, Uncle David Dziadziola, Uncle Ken and Aunt Susan Powers, Uncle Patrick Powers, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Tom Walsh; along with many loving cousins and close family friends.

He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Alexander Powers and Anita Powers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 139 Manor Ave SW, Concord, NC 28025, in Jacob’s memory.

Jacob’s life, though far too short, was filled with purpose, creativity, and love. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that his gentle spirit will live on through every memory he inspired and every life he touched.

View Jacob Powers Dziadziola's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.