All Obituaries

Our sweet precious mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Betty Jean Messick Baity, entered the gates of heaven on Friday, January 27th, 2023. Betty was born on June 26, 1941, in Iredell County. Her parents were, Reid and Mary Evelyn Moose Messick. Betty was married to the love of her life Billy J, Baity for 59 years. She began working for the Iredell County Clerk of Court's office in 1960 until 1990 when she was elected Iredell County Clerk of Court.  She held office for...

Benjamin Garry Overcash of Statesville, NC, lost his valiant battle with Basal Cell Carcinoma, and its complications, on Monday, January 23, 2023. Garry was born in Iredell County to the late Howard Benjamin Overcash and Margaret Beaver Overcash.  He graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1954.  While in high school, Garry joined the Air National Guard, he was honorably discharged upon graduation and then enlisted in the US Marine Corps.  After his military service,...

David William Brown, Sr., 83 of Statesville, passed away Monday, January 23, 2023. Mr. Brown was born June 25, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland the son of the late Baxter William Brown and Ruby Hutchinson Brown.  David was a graduate of Sparrows Point High School in Baltimore and proudly served his country in the US Army.  He made his career as a supervisor in the furniture industry. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife, Linda G. Brown, his son David W....

Julia Anne Morrison Netterwald, 86 of Statesville, passed away Monday, January 23, 2023 at her home. Julia was born May 5, 1936, the daughter of William Edwin Morrison and Blanche Ellis Morrison, both of whom preceded her in death.  An infant sister died at birth in 1938 and her brother William Edwin Morrison, died in 2017. Julia attended Iredell County Schools, a graduate of Statesville Senior High School, Class of 1954, Mitchell Junior College, Class of 1956, Weaver Airline...

On January 22, 2023 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Daniel Joe Forsythe entered into his Savior’s arms after a valiant fight against Glioblastoma. He is survived by: his loving parents, Pastor Richard L. Forsythe & Diana L. Forsythe; his brother, Richard M. Forsythe along with spouse Gina F. Forsythe; his sisters Dori F. Smith along with spouse Henry B. Smith, Danette F. Sigmon along with spouse Donald K. Sigmon, Lydia M. Forsythe along with fiancé...

David Wayne Martin, 64, of Statesville, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at his home. David was born on February 24, 1958, in Iredell County to the late Odell Preston and Dorothy Church Martin. He graduated from North Iredell High School and went on to marry his wife, Joyce Evans Martin, who survives. David served as the Iredell County Director of Emergency Management. Previously, he volunteered on the Rescue Squad and Ebenezer Fire Department. David also served as assistant...

Ricky Lynn "Smiley" Thompson, age 58, of Troutman, NC, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023. He was the son of the late JC and Eula Mae Jones Thompson.  Ricky was a graduate of South Iredell High School and worked as a glass mechanic with Denver Glass. He enjoyed fishing, hunting for arrowheads, and taking care of all of his nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his family. He is survived by his aunt, Edith Jones Martin; two sisters, Sandra Davis and Tammy (Jeff)...

Carol Ruth Winecoff Lapish, 90 of Statesville, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mrs. Lapish was born in Iredell County, September 18, 1932 the daughter of the late Willie Winecoff and Mabel Sloan Winecoff.  She was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and was a member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church.  Ruth was a church secretary, sang in the church choir, hosted meetings for the Women’s Mission Circle and was the co-secretary of the...

Stephen Paul Trudnak, II, 67 of Harmony, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Mr. Trudnak was born December 8, 1955 in Gaston County, NC, the son of the late Stephen Paul Trudnak, Sr. and Martha Ray Rhyne Trudnak.  He was a graduate of North Gaston High School and was employed as an Electrical Superintendent and worked in the electrical field for over 40 years.  Steve loved to ride motorcycles, travel, and he enjoyed working outdoors.  Steve was married to his beloved...

Mrs. Joyce Hammer Harris, 85, of Hiddenite, passed away, Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Harris was born February 26, 1937 in Alexander County and was the daughter of Arthur Hammer and Opal Dearman Hammer. She was a graduate of Stony Point High School and was married to the late Rev. Robert “Bob” Harris. She previously worked at the Statesville Auto Auction and was a member of Pisgah United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, was...