Wilkinson Funeral Home

04/28/2026

When a death occurs, it’s the surviving family members who bear the stress and strain of planning a funeral in a short amount of time.

But what if you could make it easier on them? You can!

By putting your burial or cremation wishes in writing, you can save your family from added distress at a time of grief.

Simply give us a call at (704) 786-3168 to get started!

04/27/2026

04/25/2026

When honoring a veteran’s life, personalization is key, but you may not know where to start.

Whether you are planning ahead for your own personal wishes or creating a one-of-a-kind final tribute for a beloved veteran in your life, we will help you create a special send-off that will truly honor life, legacy, and commitment to our nation.

If you have any questions at all, please call us at (704) 786-3168 or visit www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com.

04/25/2026

Nicolas Rodriguez de la Cruz

Nicolas Rodriguez De La Cruz, 53, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 23, 2026.

A visitation will be held at the family’s home in Concord on Monday, April 27, beginning around 6:00 PM, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor his life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Saint James Catholic Church, officiated by Father Oscar. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.

Nicolas was born on September 10, 1972, in Mexico, to Rafael Rodriguez and late Maria Elena Rodriguez. He carried with him a deep love for his heritage and family throughout his life.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Nicolas was truly the heart of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Olga Blanco; his children, Britney Rodriguez, Ashley Rodriguez, Alexis Rodriguez, and Nicolas Rodriguez; his siblings; and his seven cherished grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy.

Nicolas was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to providing for those he loved. He spent many years working in construction, where he became known for his strong work ethic, skilled hands, and ability to fix just about anything. Whether he was on the job or helping someone in need, he always took pride in doing things the right way.

Outside of work, Nicolas found joy in life’s simple moments. He loved watching soccer, spending time outdoors, and being surrounded by his family. Above all, he was a family man—his greatest happiness came from caring for his loved ones and making sure they were always supported and safe.

His presence brought strength, comfort, and stability to his home, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Nicolas will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his dedication, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family he built with so much pride and care.

Nicolás Rodríguez De La Cruz, de 53 años, de Concord, Carolina del Norte, falleció rodeado de su amada familia el 23 de abril de 2026.

Se llevará a cabo una velación en la casa de la familia en Concord el lunes 27 de abril, comenzando alrededor de las 6:00 p. m., donde familiares y amigos están invitados a reunirse, compartir recuerdos y honrar su vida.

Se celebrará una Misa de Funeral a las 9:00 a. m. el martes 28 de abril de 2026 en la Iglesia Católica Saint James, oficiada por el Padre Oscar. El entierro se realizará a continuación en el cementerio de la Iglesia Católica Saint James.

Nicolás nació el 10 de septiembre de 1972 en México, hijo de Rafael Rodríguez y de la fallecida María Elena Rodríguez. A lo largo de su vida, llevó consigo un profundo amor por sus raíces y su familia.

Esposo, padre y abuelo dedicado, Nicolás fue verdaderamente el corazón de su familia. Le sobreviven su amada esposa, Olga Blanco; sus hijos, Britney Rodríguez, Ashley Rodríguez, Alexis Rodríguez y Nicolás Rodríguez; sus hermanos; y sus siete queridos nietos, quienes le brindaron un orgullo y una alegría inmensos.

Nicolás fue un hombre trabajador que dedicó su vida a proveer para sus seres queridos. Durante muchos años trabajó en la construcción, donde fue reconocido por su fuerte ética de trabajo, sus manos hábiles y su capacidad para arreglar casi cualquier cosa. Ya fuera en el trabajo o ayudando a alguien en necesidad, siempre se enorgullecía de hacer las cosas bien.

Fuera del trabajo, Nicolás encontraba alegría en los momentos sencillos de la vida. Le gustaba ver fútbol, pasar tiempo al aire libre y estar rodeado de su familia. Por encima de todo, era un hombre de familia: su mayor felicidad provenía de cuidar a sus seres queridos y asegurarse de que siempre estuvieran protegidos y seguros.

Su presencia brindaba fortaleza, consuelo y estabilidad a su hogar, y su ausencia será profundamente sentida por todos los que lo conocieron y lo amaron.

Nicolás será recordado por su fortaleza inquebrantable, su dedicación y el profundo amor que tenía por su familia. Su legado vive en las vidas que tocó y en la familia que formó con tanto orgullo y amor.

View Nicolas Rodriguez de la Cruz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/24/2026

Visiting a grief support group can help you in your grief journey, but what should you expect when you go? Read the article below to learn what your experience at a grief support group might look like.

Visiting a grief support group for the first time can be intimidating. Learn what to expect by reading this article!

04/24/2026

Carrol Hope Puckett Rebbert

Carrol Hope Puckett Rebbert, 89, of Concord, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at Copperfield Health & Rehabilitation.

A funeral service to celebrate Carrol's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Roberta Church, officiated by Pastor Chad Irons. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the Welcome Center. Burial will follow in the Roberta Church Cemetery.

Born on July 26, 1936, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Carrol was the daughter of the late Bonnie Linker Puckett Shinn and late Alfred Puckett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward "Ed" Rebbert; sister, Betty Riley; brother, Bobby "Buck" Wallace Puckett.

Carrol lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A lifelong member of Roberta Church, she was deeply involved in her church community for most of her life and found great joy in singing in the choir. Her faith was a steady and guiding presence, shaping the way she loved and cared for those around her.

She was a dedicated educator, spending many years as a teacher and tutor, touching the lives of countless students with patience and kindness. In addition to her work in education, Carrol had an entrepreneurial spirit. She owned and operated a Christmas and craft shop and was also involved in rental properties, always finding ways to stay active and engaged in her community.

Carrol had a love for life's simple joys. She enjoyed sewing and crafting, creating meaningful and beautiful things with her hands. She was also a proud graduate of Pfeiffer University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in education, and later received her master's degree from Appalachian State University.

Above all, Carrol was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be remembered for her warmth, her gentle spirit, and the care she showed to everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughter, Amanda "Mandy" Rebbert of Garner, NC; her son, Christopher Rebbert of Garner, NC; her sister, Peggy Hinson of Concord; and several beloved nieces and nephews, including Cathy Newsome, Diane Ezzell, Brad Riley, and Jeff Riley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

Carrol's life was one of quiet strength, faithful devotion, and genuine kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and service that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

View Carrol Hope Puckett Rebbert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/23/2026

James Walker Stowe

CONCORD- Beloved server of fish and men James Walker Stowe passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026 at the age of 86. While his family’s hearts are broken, they are grateful that he did not suffer and that he passed away surrounded by love and family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 5:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Church. Plan ahead – it may be hard to find a seat.

Jim was a native Concordian, graduating from Winecoff High School, where he attended Boys State among other honors, and attending Biscayne Southern College and King’s College after joining the Navy where he was stationed in Japan for most of his four-year tour. “They found out I took typing in high school so they made me a clerk on the USS Coral Sea. It was a good duty – I never got shot at!” he said.

After leaving the Navy, he became a body and frame repairman at a relative’s trucking company in Charlotte. But it was not long before the restaurant business – and the chance to be his own boss – called him to a friend’s empty storefront space in China Grove, where The Stowe-A-Way Fish House was born in 1964.

Jim soon relocated the Stowe-A-Way to Corban Avenue in Concord where he served friends and raised his family for 47 years. Like Jim, the Stowe-A-Way became a popular and beloved part of the Concord community. He gave generations of young people, including his children, their first start in the workforce, teaching them the values of hard work, service to others, integrity and responsibility. The Stowe-A-Way became the place where Concord gathered for club meetings, fellowship, and team supper after little league.

A lifelong member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Jim was an irresistible force of good there from childhood until shortly before his death. He served on the Administrative Council, the Pastor Parish Committee, and as Treasurer for more than 30 years. He started and managed the church’s hot dog sale for decades and worked with its Boy Scout Troop 34 for many years.

Through Mt. Olivet UMC, Jim participated in seven mission trips to Kenya, Africa. Alongside the mission team, he helped build a school, chapel, dormitory, kitchen, and dining hall. Jim saved up for these trips to serve others instead of going on vacation.

He lived out his faith daily through humble and steady service to others. He helped establish Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, served on its Board of Directors, and delivered meals for decades with his friends in Concord Rotary Club, incredibly running his last MOW route just two months before his death. He also served as the Food Chairman for the Share Cabarrus Festival for many years. He also worked part-time at Troutman's two months before his death.

No one exemplified the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” more than Jim Stowe. A devoted member of Concord Rotary Club, Jim was honored twice as Rotarian of the Year and recognized for 20 years of perfect attendance. He participated in a Concord Rotary trip to Peru to build playgrounds, ran the club’s fundraising fish fry for many years, and served on the Board of Directors and as Sergeant-at-Arms. Concord Rotary Club recently named its scholarship at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College the James W. Stowe Concord Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship to honor his many years of service above self to the Concord community.

Jim enjoyed bowling for many years in the Stowe-A-Way Fish House league, and loved s**g dancing, especially with his daughter Natalie. But mostly in his free time, he worked at church, Rotary, Meals on Wheels and other community events, always willing to help wherever needed and never requiring recognition or reward.

Jim Stowe served a foundational role in the maturing of his hometown and the organizations and people that shape it today. When he became ill so many signed up to visit that his family had to put limits on the waiting list. He will be remembered for his humble spirit, generous heart, unyielding faith, strong hands, and lifelong service above self to his family, church and community.

Above all, Jim loved his family and friends deeply. He retired early in part to help raise his five grandchildren after their father passed away. He was a devoted grandfather and great grandfather who never missed a ball game or recital and found great joy in being present in their lives, as they did in having him always there, ready to work, support, or share a laugh.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kathy Jean Stowe; grandson, Dylan Brice Burleson: and son-in-law, Michael Todd Burleson.

Mr. Stowe is survived by his daughter, Natalie Stowe Burleson of Concord; sister, Pansy S. Kiser of Concord; brother, Grady A. Stowe of Goldsboro ; grandchildren, Austin Blake Burleson (Elizabeth), Christian Michael Burleson (Olivia), Mary Claire Mullis (Kevin), and Jackson Walker Burleson; four great grandchildren(and one on the way); and special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, 342 Penny Lane NE, Concord NC 28025.

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

04/22/2026

Jeremy Michael Hofer

**Times and dates of service will be updated as they are determined**

CONCORD- Jeremy Michael Hofer, 48, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2026, at his home.

A local celebration of life service will be held in Concord soon.

A family gathering to celebrate his life will be held in Pennsylvania on July 4th weekend

Jeremy was born on November 27, 1977, at Miner's Hospital in Spangler (Northern Cambria) Penn. His father is Christopher James Hofer (Marilyn). Jeremy grew up as a very athletic child. He excelled in baseball, football, and golf. He graduated in 1996 from Northern Cambria High School. In 1998 he began his career in the communications cabling field. He loved traveling with his job, especially when work took him to coastal areas! He enjoyed fishing. He was an avid gamer. He passionately enjoyed music of many genres and multiple decades. Most of all, Jeremy cherished the time that he got to spend with his family and girlfriend, Michelle.

In addition to his father, Mr. Hofer is survived by his beloved daughter, Emma Marie Hofer of Salisbury; girlfriend, Michelle Stitt of Concord; Brother, Jason Christopher Hofer (Brittany) of Chesterland Ohio; Niece, Lila Hofer, and nephew, Ethan Hofer; and his dog, Bella.

In lieu of flowers, honor Jeremy's memory by spending time with a loved one in your special place.

View Jeremy Michael Hofer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Michael Telford

Michael Telford, 92, of Concord, NC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 17, 2026.

A memorial service to celebrate Michael's life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Pitts Baptist Church, with Rev. Scott Davis and Rev. Sammy Pierce officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.pittsbaptistchurch.com/watch-live

Born on November 17, 1933, in Durban, South Africa, Michael was the son of the late John Telford and the late Doris Avery Telford.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his son, Nolan Roy Telford "Pomps"; his granddaughter, Selma Anna Telford; and his sister, Colleen Proctor.

Michael was a dedicated and accomplished businessman in the wholesale shoe and manufacturing industry. As the owner and founder of Footwear Factors International, he built a respected and successful enterprise through hard work, discipline, and vision. He also founded and co-owned Neptun Boot, a prominent manufacturer of Wellington boots, helping grow a brand that became widely recognized across Southern Africa and beyond. Michael took great pride in his work and in providing for his family through his entrepreneurial spirit. After many years of leadership and success, he sold his business in 1998, marking the close of an extraordinary professional chapter defined by perseverance and achievement.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Michael was a longtime and devoted member of Lake Normal Baptist Church and subsequently Pitts Baptist Church, where he had been active since 2010. His faith was a steady foundation throughout his life, guiding his decisions, shaping his character, and providing him strength through both challenges and blessings. He lived his beliefs quietly but faithfully, finding comfort in scripture, worship, and the fellowship of his church community.

Michael was a man of strong character, quiet wisdom, and deep devotion to his family. He loved golf and was a member of the Divots, a golf group at the Durban Country Club in South Africa, and the Lions Club in the States. He also enjoyed rugby, fishing, birdwatching, travel, following the stock market, and finding a good bargain. In South Africa, he was especially proud of helping establish the Inselweni Bush Camp in the Umfolozi Game Reserve, a place that held many treasured memories for him and his family over the years.

Above all, Michael loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was marked by hard work, loyalty, and love. His family will remember him for his strength, his wisdom, his frugal nature, and the many ways he cared for those he loved. He especially cherished time spent with his family-whether at home, traveling, or on special trips together, including a wonderful family reunion in Greece in 2007 - creating lasting memories across generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Wendy Janet Moon Telford; his children, Bruce Telford and wife Anne of Mooresville, NC, Walter Telford of New York City, David Telford and wife Maria of Troutman, NC, Rodney Telford and wife Pamela of Oregon, and Julia King and husband Andrew of Huntersville, NC; his grandchildren, Struan Telford and wife Kayla, Sarah Bell and husband Christopher, Michael Telford, Liam Telford, Tom Telford, Lily Telford, Eagan Telford, Calum King, Joshua King, and Hannah King; and his great-grandchildren, Ronin Telford, Vivian Telford, and Natalie Bell. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pitts Baptist Church, 140 Pitts School Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027.

Michael's life was one of faith, resilience, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a life well lived across continents and generations. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

View Michael Telford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/21/2026

Kenneth Wayne Sutton

Kenneth Wayne Sutton (Ken), 82, of South Port, NC passed peacefully at home on Friday, April 17, 2026. Ken was born in Concord, NC on June 30, 1943.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22nd at 2:00pm at Roberta Church, 3925 Cochran Rd, Concord, NC with Pastor Chad Irons officiating. The family will receive friends at the church Wednesday from 1:00-2:00pm. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Ken is predeceased by his parents, James and Evelyn Sutton; his nephew, Larry Hammett. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Sutton Hammett. His two sons, Greg Sutton and wife Jodi, Brian Sutton and wife Joy, his grandchildren, Brianna Poirier and husband Jason, Nick Sutton and his significant other Victoria, and Liam Sutton. His great granddaughter, Jeslynn Poirier.

He served and retired in 1966 from the U.S. Navy, where he was a deck electrician. After his retirement from the Navy, he started his long-term career of 30 years with AT&T before retiring in 1998.

He spent his retirement years following Nascar and enjoying surf fishing.

All though Ken is no longer with those who loved him, his wisdom and life-lessons will be carried on and will not be forgotten.

The family will gather privately at the home of Ken's eldest son, Greg Sutton, in the afternoon of Tuesday April 21st.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

Roberta Church, 3925 Cochran Rd, Concord, NC or Dementia Society of America.

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

04/17/2026

If you have a loved one entering hospice care, there are likely many questions on your mind about their care. One of those concerns may pertain to medical supplies and equipment. Where do they come from? Does hospice provide them? Click the link to learn more as you prepare to care for your loved one in their final days.

Not sure whether hospice care provides medical equipment and supplies? Check out this article to get your questions answered!