Adams Funeral Home, LLC

02/07/2026

James Franklin Carlisle Jr., age 64, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC.
James endured many health challenges over the years, including multiple surgeries, and was a cancer survivor, a massive heart attack survivor, and a three-time kidney dialysis patient. His most recent surgery followed complications that required the amputation of his left big toe. Through it all, he fought with remarkable strength, faith, and perseverance, never giving up despite the many obstacles he faced.
Born on May 31, 1961, in Lenoir, North Carolina, James lived his life with a blessed, free spirit and an unwavering love for God and his family. He gave everything he had to those he loved, never asking for or expecting anything in return. Wherever James went, he always seemed to run into someone he knew. Once you became his friend, you were a friend for life.
James was known as a loving and devoted family man, a dedicated truck driver for over 42 years, and a man who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He truly was a friend to all and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
James was preceded in death by his beloved and loving mother, JoAnn McCall Carlisle Mette, and his loving father, James Carlisle Sr.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Carlisle; his two sons, Shaun Carlisle and girlfriend Brandy Arney of Lenoir, NC, and Kenneth Carlisle and girlfriend Kearston Bayes of Taylorsville, NC; four daughters, Chasity Vines of Taylorsville, NC, and loving friend Chris Roten, Rebecca Osborne and husband Chris of Hudson, NC, Jamie Pacheco and husband Jose of Tennessee, and Ashley Carlisle Green and husband Robert Green of Taylorsville, NC; his brothers, Johnathon Carlisle and wife Dana of Lenoir, NC, and Fredrick Carlisle and wife Angela Carlisle of Taylorsville, NC; multiple grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
James trusted in the Lord throughout his life and now rests in His eternal care. While he will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort in knowing he has been welcomed home, free from pain, and reunited with loved ones who went before him.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of James Franklin Carlisle Jr.

02/05/2026

Phyllis Billings Frye, age 90, of Taylorsville, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Gordon Hospice House.
Phyllis was born December 24, 1935, the daughter of the late Duel Billings and Annalee Fox Billings.
Phyllis worked in a Hosiery Mill and at Frye Hospital, where she retired after 20 years of service. She was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church. After her husband passed her best friend was her dog Patches. She enjoyed watching soap operas. Her daughter Jewell and her grandson Sean was her caregiver for a number of years. Phyllis being the only girl growing up with five brothers made her who she is today! One tough woman.
Including her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Rayford William Frye; daughter, Sandra Frye Taylor; infant sister Jemmalee; brothers, Ted Billings, Melvin Billings, Donald Billings; half-brother, Lindbergh “Charlie” Fox.
Those left to cherish and honor Phyllis’s memories include: daughter, Jewell Steele (David) of Taylorsville; son, Billy Frye (Lisa) of Conover; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald “Babe” Billings of Taylorsville; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Joel Frye will officiate. Burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery.
Pallbearers include: Brandon Frye, Shane Frye, Jordan Frye, Derek Steele, Mark Harrington, Allen Yoder, and Artur Hofer.
Honorary pallbearer and caregiver Sean Steele.
Memorials may be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers Marilyn, Jill, and nurse Casandra.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Phyllis Billings Frye.

02/04/2026

Paul “Fate” Hefner, age 91, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his home.
Paul was born on September 24, 1934 in Alexander County, the son of the late Hayden Hefner and Ona Lee Bowman Hefner.
He was a carpenter, loved to farm, and later was the owner and operator of Heritage Frame Shop. He also loved to fish, especially with his brothers and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a good man that loved the Lord and was the glue that held their family together.
Including his parents, he is preceded in death by: his wife, Katherine Ruth Warren Hefner; his sister, Bobbie Little and Helen Hammer.
Those left to honor and cherish his memories include: his sons, Danny “Moe” Hefner (Dottie) of Taylorsville, Derrick Hefner of Taylorsville; his grandchildren, Matthew Hefner, Megan Hefner (Justin Winstead), Caleb Hefner (Kimberly); his great grandchildren, Crofton Fishel, Skylar Hefner, C**t Hefner, Hadley Hefner, Cody Horrocks; his sisters, Jewel Elder (Joe) of Taylorsville, Diane Hollar of Taylorsville, Patsy Wray of Lincolnton, Kathy Wike (Jacky) of Taylorsville, his brothers, Hubert Hefner of Conover, Wayne Hefner (Betty Russell) of Hickory, Hal Hefner (Vickie) of Taylorsville, Jerry Hefner (Paulette) of Taylorsville; a sister-in-law, Betty Edge of Pineville; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Friendship Lutheran Church. Pastor Craig Sigmon will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Friendship Lutheran Church.
Pallbearers include: Andy Wike, Bradley Wike, Terry Hefner, Wade Warren, Mike Hefner and Leslie Elder.
Honorary pallbearers include: Jon Hayes, Jeremy Hefner, Derrick Hefner and Ronnie Little.
Memorials may be made to: Friendship Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Paul “Fate” Hefner.

02/03/2026

Shaane Arthur Smiley, age 61, of Taylorsville, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at his home.
Shaane was born June 30, 1964, in New Castle, Indiana, to Kaye Smiley and the late John Smiley.
Shaane enjoyed all types of construction work, he was a man of many talents. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed fishing, going to Brown Mountain, he loved cooking, watching Old Western movies, but most of all spending time with his daughters.
Those left to cherish and honor Shaane’s memories include his mother, Kaye Smiley; his daughters, Savannah Lynn Smiley (Stephen) of East Patchogue, NY, Jada LeAnne Smiley of Taylorsville, Chloe Lynn Smiley of Conover; his sister, Staci Slavin (Steve) of Muncie, Indiana; his nephews, Ben Slavin (Kaelyn), Stevie Slavin; his furry companion, Chloe.
The family will do services at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Shaane Arthur Smiley.

02/03/2026

Judy Carswell McKinney, age 84, of Hickory, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Valley Nursing Center.
Judy was born March 11, 1941, in Catawba County, the daughter of the late Ben Teague and Bessie Godfrey Carswell.
Judy worked for General Electric for many years and was of the Christian faith. She loved her family especially her granddaughter Victoria.
Including her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Jimmy McKinney; her sisters, Betty Stowe, Ruth Mingus, Juanita Yount; her brothers, Jack Carswell and Bud Carswell.
Those left to cherish and honor Judy’s memories include: her son, Michael Eckard (Christine Song) of Hickory; her granddaughter, Victoria Eckard of California.
No services are planned at this time.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Judy Carswell McKinney.

02/02/2026

Kay Shook, age 72, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at her home surrounded by family following a lengthy illness. II Timothy 4:7 (I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.)
Kay was born March 16, 1953, in Iredell County, the daughter of the late Franklin Ingle and Ola Mae Dishmond.
She worked for Energy United for many years in the Taylorsville office and was a member of Little River Baptist Church. She loved the mountains, to bake pound cakes, chocolate pies, and chocolate oatmeal cookies and loved working in her flowers. But most of all she treasured her grandchildren and her great-grandson.
Including her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Frankie Ingle.
Those left to cherish and honor Kay’s memories include: her daughters, Elisha Shook Fox (Randy), Leah Shook Keaton (Joseph); her grandchildren, Caleb Fox (Brianna), Dylan Fox, Brady Keaton, Davis Keaton, Tessa Keaton; her great-grandchild, Oliver Fox; her sister, Sylvia Pennell; her niece, Denise Pennell; her nephews, Mark Pennell (Alyson), Jamie Pennell (Whitney); many other relatives, neighbors, and friends..
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in Kay’s honor at a later date.
To honor of Kay’s memory please consider sharing small acts of kindness with others.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Kay Shook.

02/02/2026

Dennis Gale “Rocket Man” Rockette, age 70, of Claremont, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home.
Dennis was born January 15, 1956, in Catawba County, the son of the late Everette Obie Rockette and Annie Bryant Rockette.
He worked as a carpenter and also in textiles and the furniture industry He was of the Baptist faith and loved the outdoors, loved his animals, chickens, goats, dogs, horses. He also enjoyed water tubing and skiing out west.
Including his parents, he was preceded in death by: a grandson, Anthony Wright; brothers, Randy Rockette, Michael Rockette, and Jeffrey Rockette.
Those left to cherish and honor Dennis’s memories include: his long-time companion, Barbara Travis; his sisters, Barbara Shukis of Lenoir, Debbie Hoover (Tony) of Claremont, Alice Kay Rockette of Lenoir; his brother, Everette Rockette Jr. of Claremont; his precious dog, Jill; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Catawba Valley Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Dennis Gale “Rocket Man” Rockette.

01/30/2026

Don Grover Hatton, age 82, of Taylorsville, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home.
Don was born February 20, 1943, in Alexander County, the son of the late Thomas Wilson Hatton and Beatrice Pennell Hatton.
Earlier in his working career he was a sawmiller, then worked at Sipe Lumber Company and retired from Broyhill Furniture. He attended Mt. Ridge Baptist Church. He enjoyed working at his saw mill, and watching NASCAR Racing.
Including his parents, he was preceded in death by: a sister, Edna Hatton; brothers, Willard Hatton, Jimmy Hatton, Larry Hatton, Tommy Hatton.
Those left to cherish and honor Don’s memories include: his wife, Linda Childers Hatton of the home; his sons, Donald Hatton (Jennifer), Jermey Hatton all of Taylorsville; his grandchildren, Jacob Hatton (Hayle), Zachary Hatton, Emma Hatton; his sisters-in-law, Betty Hatton, Linda Hatton; his brother, Herman Hatton (Geraldine) of Taylorsville; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services and burial will be at Mt. Ridge Baptist Church. Dates and time will be announced later.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Don Grover Hatton.

01/30/2026

RESCHUDELED!!!

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

Thomas Overton “Tod” Deal, age 74, of Taylorsville, passed away on January 29, 2026, at his home.
He was born May 11, 1951, in Wilkes County, to the late Dr. Glenn Perry Deal Sr. and Rosemary Dabney Deal.
He was a graduate of Taylorsville High School and attended both Appalachian State University and UNC Chapel Hill. After retirement from Department of Transportation, he worked for DSS as an Adolescent Counselor. He coached many sports teams over the years including teams for Alexander County Recreation Department, AAU and ACHS. He was of the Lutheran faith. He spent lots of time hiking, especially at Wilson Creek. He also loved Carolina basketball.
Those left to cherish and honor Tod’s memories include: his daughter, Rosemary Deal Guthrie of the Bethlehem Community; his son, Robert Hayes Deal of Hudson; his sisters, Patti Haynes Deal, Jane Deal Gant; his brothers, Glenn Perry Deal, Jr., John Dabney Deal; grandchildren, Aiden Stephen Guthrie, Parks Anderson Guthrie, Mollie Elisabeth Guthrie, Caleigh Faye Deal, Kyler Hayes Deal; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A family led Gathering of Friends will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Reformation Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alexander County Recreation Department and ACHS Athletic Dept.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Thomas Overton “Tod” Deal.

01/28/2026

Nell Dean Pennell Dyson Goodman, born November 8, 1938, went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following a lengthy illness. She was of the Baptist faith. She worked in the furniture industry and her last twenty years of working she worked at Hickory Springs in Hiddenite. She loved flowers and gardening. She was one of fifteen children.
Nell Dean was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Pennell and Fannie Walker Pennell; her first husband, Billy Ray Dyson; granddaughters, Melinda Moore, Melita Moore; sisters, Marilee Hurlbut, Alma Adams, Marie Kolenette; brothers, Thurston Pennell, Glenn Pennell, Fred Pennell, Don Pennell, Miller Pennell, Wayne Pennell, William Pennell, Jonie Pennell, and Rayford Pennell.
Those left to cherish and honor Nell Dean’s memories include: her daughters, Deanna Peterson (Rick), Teresa Moore (James), Billie Patterson (Richard); grandchildren, Michelle Moore, Latasha Martin, Carrie Patterson, Brigette Walker, Wesley Walker; great-grandchildren, Taya Moore, Alia Moore, Gunner Abernathy, Marcus Deal, Cameron Deal, Jesse Walker, Haagen Walker, Jaxon Daniels; sisters, Loretta Brann (Elliott) of Hiddenite, Lucille Hendricks of Washington State; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Darren Peterson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Abernathy Laurels, 102 Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC 28658.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Nell Dean Pennell Dyson Goodman.