Area Obituaries

Susan Rufty, 74, of Taylorsville, passed away in Hickory on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the Brian Center Hickory East. Susan was born April 3, 1945, the daughter of the late Merl Vance Rufty and Ruth Wike Rufty. She had worked with Alexander Opportunities and was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Taylorsville.…

David Lee Reid, 61, of Taylorsville, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2020 in the Catawba Regional Medical Center. Born March 18, 1958, in Alexander County, to Joseph Burton and Ruth Keever Reid, he was self-employed in mechanics and construction. David was known to be a jack-of-all trades. He was preceded in death by his maternal…

Alice Marlene Starnes, 53, of Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Alice was born January 11, 1967, in Catawba County, the daughter of the late Edward Starnes and June Marlene Isenhour Willis. She was of the Christian faith and was a loving sister, aunt, and friend. Including her parents,…

Robert “Bob” Doughton Pennell, 93, of Marsh Patterson Lane, Hiddenite, passed away Friday, February 14, 2020 at Accordius Health Nursing Home in Statesville. Robert was born June 30, 1926, in Alexander County, the son of the late Grover Pennell and Mary Thomas Pennell. He was a US Navy veteran, who had served during WW II.…

Billie Collins, 70, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020 at her residence. Billie was born October 9, 1950, in West Virginia, the daughter of the late William Mullins and Ruby Damron. She had worked as a caregiver and was a member of Millersville Baptist Church. Including her parents, she was preceded in…

Deby Cox, 61, of Fair Acres Lane, Taylorsville, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Forsyth Medical Center. Deby was born on May 22, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of the late Billy Joe Roberts and Elizabeth Roberts. She was retired and was of the Christian faith. She loved her grandchildren and loved her…

Joe James, 88, of the Sugar Loaf Community, Taylorsville, passed away in Caldwell Hospice on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Born May 28, 1931 to the late Perry Lee and Hessie Coffee James, in Wilkes County, he was a graduate of Taylorsville High School. Mr. James also received a Certificate in Corrections from East Carolina University.…

Jerry “Steve” Johnson, 73, of Hiddenite, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. He was born to Robert Johnson and Betty Mary Kennedy Ball, in Surry County. Steve, after retiring from the Air Force having served during the Vietnam era and attaining the rank as a Senior Master Sergeant, worked at Craftmaster…

Tony Austin Gant, 42, of Shasta Lake City, California, formerly of Stony Point, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at his home. Tony was born September 1, 1977, the son of Johnny A. and Carol S. Gant of Taylorsville. Tony was known for his jovial nature and good humor. He enjoyed volunteering his time…

Kenneth Lee Austin, 67, of Taylorsville, passed away at his home on February 11, 2020. Born to the late Walter Theodore and Marie Little Austin, in Catawba County, he worked for the NC Department of Transportation in Alexander County as a motor grader operator and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Kenneth was an…