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Whitley's Funeral Home

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Kannapolis, NC
Whitley's Funeral Home

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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.

11/04/2026

James Donald O'Kelly

James Donald O’Kelly, 82, of Concord passed away, Sunday, November 1, 2026, surrounded by his family at Tucker Hospice House.

He was born February 24, 1944, in Cabarrus Co. to the late Daniel Willard O’Kelly and Minnie Pennell O’Kelly.

James was a graduate of A.L. Brown and Rowan Cabarrus Community College, James served his country serving in the U.S. Army, he was a supervisor at Cannon Mills until they closed, he then went on to work part time at RCCC, He was a former Ham radio operator, James loved playing golf and traveling and he treasured his time with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Oscar Stackleather, and sister Betty O’Kelly Bresett.

Those left to cherish his memory, his wife of 39 years and caregiver Anita O’Kelly, son, Richard O’Kelly (Angela), grandsons, Daniel O’Kelly (Michelle), Ryan O’Kelly (Kendyl), brother, Homer Stackleather, Richard’s mother, Sharon O’Kelly, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 9, 2026, at Memorial Baptist Church in Kannapolis with Rev. Jason Barber officiating, a visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cabarrus Co. Hospice 5003 Hospice Ln. Kannapolis, NC 28081 or to the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

View James Donald O'Kelly's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2026

Shirley Beatrice Murph Burleson

Shirley Beatrice Murph Burleson, 81, of Salisbury passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

She was born May 15, 1945, in Rowan County to the late Thomas O. Murph Jr. and Exie Louise Kirk Murph Wilson.

Shirley was a CNA most of her working career, She enjoyed going out to eat, going to the beach, listening to country music, She collected salt and pepper shakers, Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt.

She was preceded in death by her parents and great-nephew, Michael Erwin.

Those left to cherish her memory, son, Billy Burleson (Angie), daughter, Audrey Burleson (Johnny R. Greenwood), grandchildren, Miranda Burleson, Johnny L Greenwood, Brandy Fearrington (Phillip), and great grandchildren, Daemon, Connor, Corbin, Ethan, Riley, and Dani’elle, also one sister, Brenda Leonard (Donald) and her family; Mike, Darren, Michelle, and Kayley.

Private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a Hospice of Rowan County in Shirley’s name.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

View Shirley Beatrice Murph Burleson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2026

James Billy Weaver

James Billy "Bill" Weaver, 87, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC.

He is now reunited with his wife of nearly 45 years, Betty Jean "Jean" Richardson Weaver, who passed away in 2007. Bill was always there for his family. No matter how much he traveled for work, he made time to be home for his kids' activities and to coach their football, basketball, baseball, and softball teams. He was kind, and he expected kindness in return. He also had a bit of sense of humor and enjoyed playing pranks on family and friends. Wherever he went, he looked for ways to make things better for his family and his community. He will be deeply missed by his family and everyone who knew him.

Bill was born in Taylorsville, GA, moved around quite a bit during his childhood, graduating from Summerville High School in Summerville, SC in 1956. He joined the Air Force after graduation and served just over four years as a radio intercept operator. He then moved to the Marietta, GA, area, where he met and married Jean. The couple moved to Shreveport, LA, where Bill built a successful career in finance through hard work and determination. He was just as committed to his church and community, volunteering in his children's schools and at the Southern Hills YMCA, where he coached boys' and girls' sports leagues and helped the organization grow.

After retiring from finance, Bill and Jean returned to Georgia to be near and care for family, and Bill began a second career as an independent mortgage broker. After fully retiring, Bill settled in the Rock Hill, SC, area. He had learned tennis earlier alongside his kids, and it became his favorite hobby. He became a fixture at the Rock Hill Tennis Center, first as a player and then as an organizer who helped build the senior tennis leagues that continue today.

Bill is survived by his brother, Robert Dean "Bobby" Weaver; his daughter, Lynne Busey, and her husband, Jeff; and his son, Brian Weaver, and his wife, Wendy. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Lynne and Jeff's sons: Jacob Busey, his wife Melody, and their son Jameson; and Matthew Busey and his fiancée, Vanessa Grisafe Brian's children: Jarrett Weaver; and Sara Weaver Whitehead, her husband Jason, and their daughters, Caelyn and Olivia

In addition to Jean, he was preceded in death by his brother Wayne and his parents, Ed and Bonnell Grant Weaver.

A celebration of life will be held graveside on Thursday, November 5 in the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Marietta, GA, where Bill will be laid to rest beside Jean.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.

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

11/02/2026

April Marie Kiesznowski

April Marie Kiesznowski, 55, of Mint Hill, NC, has been called home and is now resting in peace. April touched the hearts of all who knew her and was quite the character. You never knew what she might say next. She enjoyed many activities and always wanted to help out wherever she could. She loved her family and friends.

April is survived by her sister, Sheri Anne Kline and her husband David; nephews Eric Muse and David G Kline; nieces Heather Hernandez and her husband Josh; Alyson Peck and her husband Will, and Caitlin Kline. Preceding her in death were her parents Kenneth F. Kiesznowski Sr. and Dolores Kiesznowski.

April was very special. She attended St. James the Greater Church in Concord, NC. It was here where April experienced what it meant to belong and be a part of a church family. Through the church she was able to participate in various groups and events. She was a member of the Columbianites and the Women’s Guild. She liked to help at the Special Olympics and enjoyed being a greeter for church.

April had an incredible distinctive laugh. No one had to guess who was the one laughing. The sound of her laughter may be gone but the memories she helped create will last forever. Yes, she will be missed but knowing where she is, in the arms of Jesus, brings us peace and comfort. Till the day we see each other again……

View April Marie Kiesznowski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/01/2026

Ronald Blane Milam

Ronald Blane Milam, 63, of China Grove, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Ronald was born on September 22, 1963, in Cabarrus County. He was a cherished son of the late Cecil Milam and Letha Melton Milam. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Denise Milam Griffiths.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Randy Milam (Terri); his nieces and nephews, Amy Milam (Randy Hamilton), Brad, Allan Griffiths (Ashely), Bradley Milam, and Tracy Griffiths; and his beloved cat, Angel.

Ronald was a special person who found happiness in the things he loved and took pride in the life he lived. He was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys, and UNC Tar Heels. He enjoyed working puzzles, playing video games, watching Disney movies and John Wayne westerns, and had a special love for horses, country music, and gospel music.

Ronald was especially proud of his work at Rowan County Vocational Workshop. He also loved his cat, Angel, who was a special companion and brought him much happiness. Though he will be deeply missed, he will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Royal Oaks Baptist Church in Kannapolis. The funeral service will follow the visitation beginning at 12:00pm with Rev. Justin Willems officiating. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Rowan County Vocational Workshop http-://www.rowanvocopp.org/ or to Royal Oaks Baptist Church Food Pantry- 904 Texas St, Kannapolis, NC 28083.

View Ronald Blane Milam's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/01/2026

Joan Eudy Penland

Joan Eudy Penland, 88, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on October 29, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1938, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to Margaret and Clegg Eudy.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband, Dr. Arnold Clifford Penland Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Penland Schingel (David) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Beth Penland Causey (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her cherished grandchildren, Luke Schingel, Matthew Schingel (Sorell), Jamison Causey, and Andrew Causey.

Joan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a master's degree in education from East Carolina University. She dedicated her professional life to music education, teaching throughout the Southeast. She spent more than 30 years inspiring students in Gainesville, Florida at Fort Clarke, Lincoln, and Westwood Middle Schools.

A committed educator and leader, Joan was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional society for women educators, and served in several leadership positions over the years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan found great joy in cooking, baking, and candy making. Her love of collecting cookbooks was legendary, and at one point her collection filled three floor-to-ceiling walls of her bonus room. She delighted in sharing her culinary creations with family and friends.

Before moving to Charlotte six years ago to be closer to family, Joan was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida. She faithfully supported the church's music programs and treasured her close friendships, especially with her Wednesday Night Ladies group, which gathered weekly for more than twenty years to share meals, crafts, games, laughter, and fellowship.

Joan will be remembered for her love of music, her dedication to education, her generosity, and the deep care she showed to her family, friends, students, and community.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in China Grove, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montreat Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, Florida.

View Joan Eudy Penland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/01/2026

Bobby "Joe" Joel Moon

Bobby Joel “Joe” Moon, of Salisbury, went to be with his Heavenly Father on October 27, 2026.

He leaves behind his adoring wife of 60 years, Dianne Scott Moon; three children, Chris Moon, Jason Moon (Tara), and Jennifer Moon; grandchildren Forrest Moon, Davis Moon, Diana Alfaro, and Gabriela Alfaro.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, James Bineum and Odell Kidd Moon, his brother James “Bill” Moon, and his sisters Margaret O’Daniel, and Teresa Riddle.

In his lifetime, Joe was an accomplished musician, who studied the saxophone at Appalachian State University and went on to tour alongside with several Grammy-award-winning artists across the country. Joe was also a corporate salesman, real estate investor, custom home builder, associate pastor, and music minister. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and tennis, and loved providing the best musical instruments and guidance for his children's and grandchildren's own musical endeavors.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Joe loved his pets and had dozens of cats, birds, and dogs throughout his life so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to faithfulfriendsnc.org.

View Bobby "Joe" Joel Moon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2026

Coy Lee Thompson

Coy Lee Thompson, 84, of Enochville, passed away, Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home.

He was born May 8, 1942 in Iredell Co. to the late Coy Price Thompson and Odell Auton Thompson.

Coy was a highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Vietnam, after his service to his country Coy was a truck driver for 30 years. Coy was a jack of all trades from automotive, electrical, he could fix it. He enjoyed fishing, he enjoyed helping people, he loved his family and cherished his time with them.

He was preceded in death by his sisters; Shirley Donahue, Rachel Graves, Evelyn Reece and Infant sister Reba Thompson, brothers; Lloyd Thompson (his twin brother), and Wayne Thompson.

Those left to cherish his memory, his wife of 60 years Jean Weaver Thompson, daughters, Dawn Thompson, Jennifer Lynn Marlow (Casey), seven grandchildren, Kaity Barrier (Colton), Sarah Smith (Scott), Thompson Baxter (Bri), Shelby Donaldson (Chris) J.J. Thompson, Bailey Bost, Reagan Bost, 13 Great grandchildren, Sophia, Samuel, Addison, Donnie, Carter, Lydia, Raelynn, Jacob, Riley, Silas, Chloe, Waylon, Willow, also surviving a brother James Thompson (Paulette), and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Enochville Church of God, with Rev. Carl Fosdick officiating, a visitation will be prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday at the church. Burial will be Tuesday November 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Westlawn Memorial Park. If you would like to go in procession please meet at 2:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donate to any veteran’s charity of your choice in Coy’s name.

Online condolences may be left at www.whiteleysfuneralhome.com.

View Coy Lee Thompson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2026

Laura "Sam" Jeraldine (Parson) Rodgers

Laura "Sam" Jeraldine Parson Rodgers, 70, of Kannapolis, died at Best of Care Assisted Living on Friday October 30, 2026, after a period of declining health.

A graveside service will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove at 12:00 PM Monday, November 2 with Rev. Alan Thompson officiating.

Sam was born September 16, 1956, in Cabarrus Co., a daughter of the late John F. and Betty Sue Harbison Parson. In addition to her parents, Sam was preceded in death by her brothers, Pete "John" Parson and Johnny "Ed" Parson.

Sam was employed at China Grove Cotton Mills and then at Terry Products. She then retired to be a homemaker. Sam was a homebody and loved being a homemaker and enjoyed listening to music and mowing her lawn.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steven Rodgers of the home, her daughter, Dolly Brock (Charles) of Concord, her sisters, Eunice Branton (William) and Betty Davis, both of Kannapolis and many beloved nieces and nephews.

View Laura "Sam" Jeraldine (Parson) Rodgers'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

Website

http://www.whitleysfuneralhome.com/

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