Whitley's Funeral Home

Whitley's Funeral Home We are dedicated to providing your family the care and compassion that you need in this important time.

For more than 90 years we have served the families of Cabarrus and Rowan Counties in their bereavement. Now in our third generation of family ownership, we are still committed to service excellence.

Dona Harriette Shore BaucomDona Harriette Shore Baucom, 82, of Salisbury, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Nova...
04/20/2026

Dona Harriette Shore Baucom

Dona Harriette Shore Baucom, 82, of Salisbury, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Dona was born on December 5, 1943, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to the late John Harry Shore and Lora Maybelle Anderson Shore. She graduated from Wilkes Central High School and went on to attend Appalachian State Teachers College, where she earned a degree in Business and Economics. She later earned her master’s degree in business from Winthrop University.

Dona devoted her career to education and to helping others. She worked at the Washington School for Secretaries and later taught Office Occupations. She retired from Union County Public Schools after more than 30 years of service.

She loved her family deeply and enjoyed traveling, her faith, and gospel music. She traveled to Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, throughout the United States, as well as to the Holy Land and Europe. She was very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and regularly attended sporting events, band concerts, and school activities, always showing her support.

At her church, Dona was active in Sunday School, choir, and handbells. She played piano for the children’s choir and helped with Vacation Bible School. She also enjoyed serving others, including helping with community Thanksgiving meals. She faithfully raised her children in the church, and through her example, helped lead others to Christ.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lewis Dale Baucom; her children, Patrice Spillane (Sean) of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Marcia Brown (Drew) of Mt. Gilead, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Stephan Mosher, Jonathan Mosher, Michael Brown, Cory Brown, and Kayla Brown; six great-grandchildren; and her sister, Paget Anders (Dennis). She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, 101 North Main Street, Kannapolis. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Dr. Thomas Cabaniss. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mt. Olivet Road, Kannapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

View Dona Harriette Shore Baucom's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Kenneth Willard BlackwelderKenneth Willard BlackwelderKenneth W. Blackwelder of 103 Dale Ave, Kannapolis, NC died Thursd...
04/17/2026

Kenneth Willard Blackwelder

Kenneth Willard Blackwelder

Kenneth W. Blackwelder of 103 Dale Ave, Kannapolis, NC died Thursday April 16, 2026, at Atrium Hospital at 1:00 PM.

Kenneth was born at home in Kannapolis in 1939. He was the son of the late Clyde and Stella Blackwelder also of Kannapolis.

He was a past Master Mason of the Allen Graham Masonic Lodge in Kannapolis. He was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, and an all-star high school and legion baseball player. He was passionate about collecting antiques and became an avid car show participant and attendee in his “Little Red” 1954 Chevy truck in the later years of his life. He was a previous member of West Point Baptist church in Kannapolis, NC. Most of all, Ken was a friend to everyone he knew and a man with a massive generous heart. He genuinely “never met a stranger”, and those who spent time with him would attest that they were far better for knowing him. He was a loving husband, a patient father, and a dedicated friend.

Ken began his career as an Electrician with Litaker Electric in Kannapolis, NC; and later was president and owner of Spectrum Sales based in Concord, NC. He retired in 2009.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Russell Blackwelder in June of 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Ray Blackwelder in 2013, and his granddaughter, Heather Alana Blackwelder in 2020.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Kendall D. Blackwelder of Kannapolis, Chad R. Blackwelder (wife, Becky) of Cu***ng, GA, granddaughter Harley Cook of Flowery Branch, GA, two great-granddaughters Alaina and Johanna Cook of Flowery Branch, GA and his significant other, Debbie Welch Jarrell of Concord, NC.

Funeral services will be conducted at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis, NC. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral home in Kannapolis. Interment will follow a procession to Carolina Memorial Park in the Mausoleum at 2:00 PM.

View Kenneth Willard Blackwelder's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

View Wilson Richard Hough, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Willie Lou SextonWillie Lou Sexton, 89, of Concord, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 11, 2026, wit...
04/15/2026

Willie Lou Sexton

Willie Lou Sexton, 89, of Concord, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born May 8, 1936, to the late Kelly Ray and Bessie Mathis Ray in Yancy County. Willie married the love of her life, John Wesley Sexton, on June 19, 1959, in Asheville, NC. He preceded her in death on July 26, 2018. Willie dedicated 28 years of service as a sales manager with...

View Willie Lou Sexton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Judy Lee Fellinger TaggartJudy Lee Fellinger Taggart, 85, of Concord, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Apri...
04/15/2026

Judy Lee Fellinger Taggart

Judy Lee Fellinger Taggart, 85, of Concord, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 3, 2026. Judy was born on December 22, 1940, in Picture Rocks, Pennsylvania to the late Ebner and Florence (Hacker) Fellinger. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Daniel Taggart; children, Sherry Kafka (Ken) of Candor, NY, Daniel Taggart of Concord, NC, and Bonnie Larson (Brian) of Apalachin, NY; grandchildren, Justin Larson (Callie), Colleen Kafka, Dustin Larson (Lydia), and Caitlin Kafka; and...

View Judy Lee Fellinger Taggart's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Ralph “Guy” HendrenRalph “Guy” Hendren, 95, of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 9, 202...
04/11/2026

Ralph “Guy” Hendren

Ralph “Guy” Hendren, 95, of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Guy was born on March 8, 1931, in Cabarrus County. He was a cherished son of the late James Clyde Hendren and Edith Bost Hendren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Claudine Herrin Hendren and second wife, Gail Powers Hendren; stepdaughter, Diane Wagner; brothers, J.C Hendren and Carl Hendren; sister, Merle Hendren Honeycutt;...

View Ralph “Guy” Hendren's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Arleen LuRay Benton PeeleArleen LuRay Benton Peele, 82, of Kannapolis, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Mt. Pl...
04/10/2026

Arleen LuRay Benton Peele

Arleen LuRay Benton Peele, 82, of Kannapolis, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant House. Arleen was born June 7, 1943, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina to the late George LuRay Benton and the late Theo Roberson Benton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Loneda Wiberg. Survivors include daughter, Shalah Holbrooks (Mark) of Concord, NC; grandchildren, Sara Grace Hollingsworth (Ryan) of Kannapolis, NC and Ben Holbrooks of Concord, NC; and several nieces and nephews....

View Arleen LuRay Benton Peele's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Royce Lee Morgan Sr.Royce Lee Morgan, Sr., 83, of Kannapolis, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his residence, ...
04/08/2026

Royce Lee Morgan Sr.

Royce Lee Morgan, Sr., 83, of Kannapolis, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his residence, with his family by his side. Royce was born November 2, 1942, in Cabarrus County, the son of the late Royce C. Morgan and Ethel L. Eudy Morgan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a baby sister; his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara Parker Morgan, lovingly known as “Carolina Star”; his sons, Bobby Lee Morgan and Royce...

View Royce Lee Morgan Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Dale Furr DuganDale Furr Dugan, 76, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, April ...
04/07/2026

Dale Furr Dugan

Dale Furr Dugan, 76, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Dale was born on November 26, 1949 in Cabarrus County. She was a cherished daughter of the late Dewey Wilson Furr and Oma Lee Mullis Furr. In addition to her parents and being a widow, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Furr; sisters, Cathy Allison, and Judy Smith; and her loving companion, Mike Davis. Dale Spent her career...

View Dale Furr Dugan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Dr. Stephen Mabry SnipesDr. Stephen Mabry Snipes passed away November 9th at the age of 82. He served the Asheboro and C...
04/06/2026

Dr. Stephen Mabry Snipes

Dr. Stephen Mabry Snipes passed away November 9th at the age of 82. He served the Asheboro and Concord areas for over 40 years as a Doctor of Optometry as owner of both Asheboro Optical Center and Contact Lens and Spectacle Shop. Born December 5, 1941, Stephen was the son of the late Clarence and Jeanette Snipes. He is preceded in death by his wife, Meda Wiser Snipes they were married 51 years. He is survived by 2 daughters, Stephanie...

View Dr. Stephen Mabry Snipes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Billy Roy PostonBilly Roy Poston, 83, of Landis, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at Liberty Commons in Salisbury. He w...
04/06/2026

Billy Roy Poston

Billy Roy Poston, 83, of Landis, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at Liberty Commons in Salisbury. He was born April 17, 1942 in Rowan County to the late Nellie Poston. Billy worked at Cannon Mills until they closed, then he went to work in maintenance at UNC Charlotte. He was a dedicated member of Grace City Church where he served as assistant minister and various committees. Billy loved mowing grass and he loved people he was a prayer warrior...

View Billy Roy Poston's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Harold Monroe SechlerHarold Monroe Sechler, 103, of Kannapolis passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 31, ...
04/06/2026

Harold Monroe Sechler

Harold Monroe Sechler, 103, of Kannapolis passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after a period of declining health. Services to celebrate Harold’s life will be held at St. John’s Reformed Church in Kannapolis on Friday, April 10th. His visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and his funeral will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday in the church sanctuary, with Dr. Chris King officiating the service. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery...

View Harold Monroe Sechler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

1748 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard
Kannapolis, NC
28083

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5pm
Sunday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+17049332222

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Whitley's Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Whitley's Funeral Home:

Share