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Briggs Funeral Home, 103 E Salisbury Street, Denton, NC (2026)

04/09/2026

Roby Loflin

James Roby Loflin, 91, of Denton, North Carolina passed away at his home, Tuesday, April 7.

Roby was born December 12, 1934 to Robert and Maie Lanier Loflin in Davidson County, North Carolina. A devoted husband, father, pawpaw, and great-grandfather, he will be remembered for his dedication to hard work and love for his family, but most of all, for his love for his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a member of Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church (Thomasville) and loved his church family.

Roby was a graduate of Denton High School Class of 1953. He was a US Army veteran serving in Germany from 1958-1960. Roby was a farmer by profession but in his later years he found enjoyment in both buying and selling antiques. He also became a master woodworker, in fact, many of his pieces are found in homes in the area.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by all of his siblings; brothers, Paul Loflin, Eavens Loflin, Dalton Loflin; sisters, Naomi Gallimore, Dorothy Loflin, and Virgie Goodwin.

Left to cherish Roby’s memory is his wife of 67 years, Betty Lou Bean Loflin; children, Monica Loflin Garner and husband Zane, Gay Loflin Shelton and husband Jaye, Lyle Loflin and wife Pam all of Denton. Ten cherished grandchildren; Breanna Olson (Eddie), Kivett Hicks (Hilary), Daniel Hicks (Jenny), Amanda Safford (Johnny), Alyssa Winfield, Christopher Small (Kaylan), Caleb Shelton, Matthew Shelton (Julianna), Katelyn Scarlette (Cole) and Hunter Loflin. Ten great-grandchildren whom he adored; Brooklyn, Mae Lee, Colton, Mabry, Jackson, Weston, Carly, Mason, Chandler, and Jayden and many other dear friends and family members.

A Memorial Service in remembrance of Roby Loflin will be held Monday, April 13 at Mt Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville at 2:00pm with Pastor Kivett Hicks and Pastor Luke Jackson officiating. A visitation to receive family and friends will be held Sunday, April 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton and other times at the home. The graveside service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Denton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Roby’s honor to The Bible Broadcasting Network, https://1.bbnradio.org or Mt Zion Wesleyan Church, Thomasville, NC.

View Roby Loflin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/08/2026

David Austin Adams

David Austin Adams, 81, of Denton, NC passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Hinkle Hospice House. Born on November 21, 1944, in Davidson County he was the son of Robert "Bob" Green Adams and Dora May Carrick Adams.

David had worked in the furniture industry as an upholster and was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. In his spare time David loved to fish no matter what conditions he would endure, in later years David begin making picture frames another hobby that he found great joy in. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Jearleen Cross Adams; by siblings, Hoyt Adams, Preston Adams, Phoebe Adams, and Viola Owen.

left to cherish his memory is his son, Jeffrey Adams and his wife Diana; granddaughter, Leah Adams; brothers, R.Q. Adams and his wife Frances and Kelton Adams and his wife Denise; sisters, Yvonne Snider and Karen Woods.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 16 at Fairview United Methodist Church with Rev. Amy Higgins officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 on Thursday prior to the service starting at the church.

Memorials in David's memory can be made to Hospice of Davidson County 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292.

Arrangements are by Briggs Funeral Home.

View David Austin Adams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/05/2026

Evelyn McDaniel Ward

On March 26, 2026, Evelyn McDaniel Ward, in her 99th year, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, leaving a life of kindness and caring, friendship and encouragement, and quiet but profound achievements.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Saturday, April 11 at First Baptist Church in Denton by the Rev Vern Peterson. A private burial will be held at the Ward Family Cemetery.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

She was born on November 2, 1926 in Miami, to John Randolph McDaniel and Lillian Buck McDaniel. Growing up during the Great Depression – sometimes envying the farmers who could grow their own food - she learned to respect and empathize with people from all walks of life. Later, she was instrumental in starting the first daycare center in Denton, and the Mt. Vista Health Park.

“Mac,” as she was known to her college friends, was one of the first, and youngest, women to attend Wake Forest College (now University) during World War II, where she met and married a returning wounded warrior. She taught at Trinity High School before raising her family. She hosted and taught three generations in the family as children, always doing something just for fun during their visits, balanced with and something that would broaden their interest in art or history or science. She enjoyed travel, touring on five continents with various members of the family, young and old. She had a fascination with genealogy when that required going through dusty records rather than computer clicks. She organized a church circle of the older, shut-in ladies who literally recalled the horse and buggies days.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Judge Hiram H. Ward; her brothers James H. McDaniel (and his wife Norma), and John R. McDaniel (Athena); her in-laws Katherine Ward Spencer Peters (Charles), and Leslie Ward (Doris); and her nieces Margaret Spencer Lang (Bill); and, Carol Lynn Ward Thomas.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, William M. (Bill) Ward, and Judge J. Randolph (Randy) Ward (Lynne); nieces and nephews, H. Charles (Chuck) Spencer IV (Melinda); Gregory McDaniel (Heather); Carolyn McDaniel; and, Robert K. (Bob) Ward; Rob Faria (Tina); her grandchildren, Daniel R. B. Ward (Melissa), William A. (Will) Ward, Alexander H. (Alex) Ward, and Eden E. Ward Jaime (Jesus); her great grandchildren Liam, Mia, Lila, Evie, Harrison, James, and Ivy; and, many other descendants of the Ward family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Clifton Baker and his associates; Belinda Thomas and Cathy Shuskey; and, the ladies of the Love Cathedral Church, for their dedication and skill caring for Evelyn. We are all indebted to Bill Ward, whose care and management over the years enabled Evelyn to stay in the surroundings she loved.

View Evelyn McDaniel Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Homer Ray Workman

Homer Ray Workman, 72, of Denton passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center. Born on November 19, 1953, in Davidson County, he was the son of the late Will Archie Workman and Dorothy Lamb Workman.

Mr. Workman had worked as a lumber packer and attended the Denton Church of God. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Will Archie Workman, Jr., Lee Workman, Alvin Workman, Robert Workman, and Richard Workman; and by sisters, Denie Hill and Elma Cody.

He is survived by a step-son, Gary Layton; a brother, Rickey Workman and his wife Rhonda; and a sister, Ethel Freeman and her husband Gary and by numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 4, at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel officiated by Rev. Jamie Autry and Rev. Jamie Draughn. Interment will follow at Summerville Baptist Church Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton. At other times the family will be at their respective homes.

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03/24/2026

Joseph Dale "Woodle" Huffman

Joseph Dale "Woodle" Huffman, 69, of Denton, NC passed away early Monday morning at Atrium Health Baptist Medical Center in Lexington. Born on December 24, 1956, in Davidson County the son of the late Jacob Ralph Huffman and Lillie Marie Watkins Huffman.

He had worked in the lumber industry but was known for his attention to detail in automobile detailing as he was the owner and operator of Huffman Auto Detailing. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Jacob "Junior" Huffman.

Dale leaves behind many cousins, special friends, and his beloved canine companion, Peanut.

A celebration of Woodle's life will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Thomas Frizzell officiating. Prior to the service there will be a gathering of family and friends starting at 3:00 PM.

Dale will be remembered for being a good friend to many, his big smile, and great personality.

Briggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View Joseph Dale "Woodle" Huffman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Marie Vanhoy Hill

Marie Vanhoy Hill, 80, of New London, NC passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at her residence. Born on June 22, 1945, in Davidson County she was the daughter of Clarence Vanhoy and Mabel Grubb Vanhoy.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Misenheimer. Prior to the service the family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton. At other times the family will be meeting at the residence.

Ms. Hill had worked in the textile industry for Klopman Mills. She was of the Methodist faith, having attended Alleghany Methodist Church until a decline in health. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Larry Max Hill, a granddaughter, Kimberly Marshall; siblings, Peggy Berrier, Jane Vanhoy, Gene Vanhoy, C.J. Vanhoy, and Bobby Vanhoy.

left to cherish her memory are her son, Rodney Fivecoat; daughter, Tracie Marshall (Johnny); sister, Polly McDowell; grandchildren, Melissa Wagoner (Richard), Hayden Fivecoat (Brandi), and Jason Fivecoat; great-grandchildren, Zane Wagoner, Zoey Wagoner, Akasha Berry, Rayne Hicks, Raine Vinson, Weston Fivecoat, and Abbie Greer

Memorials can be made to Alleghany Methodist Church in Denton.

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

03/16/2026

Daniel Willard Smith

Daniel Willard Smith, age 52, of Pinehaven Drive, New London, NC passed away on March 14, 2026 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Charles Moses officiating.

A visitation will be held prior to the memorial service from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Briggs Funeral Home.

Daniel was born in Oscoda, Michigan on May 20, 1973 to Danny Smith and Myra Deaton Smith. He was of Wesleyan faith. Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willard Smith and Ira & Lottie Deaton.

Mr. Smith was a graduate with South Davidson High School class of 1991. Daniel loved going to the beach, fishing, racing and watching anything sports. He was a Foreman for the Pipe Fitting Union.

Daniel is survived by his parents, Danny and Myra Deaton Smith of Denton; grandmother, Grace Trotter Smith of Denton; brother, Aaron Smith and his wife Candice of Denton; nephews, Devon, Joseph and Noah Smith; fiancée, Brenda Clark and her son Bryce Elrod of New London.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to South Davidson High School Athletic Boosters Club, P.O. Box 1223, Denton, N.C. 27239.

View Daniel Willard Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Alma Rea Russell

Alma Rea Russell, age 80, of King Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church with pastor Brian Faircloth officiating. Burial to follow at New Hope Global Methodist Church Cemetery.

A visitation will be on Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton.

Alma was born in Randolph County on October 2, 1945 to Lonnie Russell and Erma Jean Yates Russell. She was a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Alma was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Robert Russell, L.A. Russell, Alvin Russell, Willis Russell and Houston Russell; sisters, Betty Gordon, Ethel Woodlief and Jane Chester.

She is survived by sisters, Dot Shaw of Denton and Patty Parnell of Asheboro and a sister-in-law, Patsy Russell of Ramseur.

Briggs Funeral Home is serving the Russell family.

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03/01/2026

Mitzi Hulin Starnes

Mitzi Darlene Hulin Starnes, 68, of Shoreline Rd., New London, died Friday, February 27, 2026 at her residence. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Liberty Fellowship Church, with Rev. Jamie Draughn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton and other times at the residence.

Born in Davidson County on October 18, 1957, she was the daughter of Jessie Lee and Blanche Maxine Walker Hulin. She attended Liberty Fellowship Church. Mitzi was preceded in death by her husband, Luther “Tripp” Starnes in 2024, 3 brothers, Jessie Hulin, Michael Hulin, and Jimmy Hulin.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Brenda Rowe (Kelly) of New London, and Angel Rozier (Rodney) of South Carolina; 2 brothers, Robert Dale Hulin (Teresa) and Donald Ray Hulin, both of Silver Valley; 2 sisters, Patty Swaney (Jessie) of Denton and Brenda McLure of Thomasville; 4 grandchildren, Jerry Oldham, Heather Oldham, Shayna Scarrow, and Michalia Rozier; 4 great-grandchildren, Rylea Rowe, Nova Oldham, Everley Smith and Noel Scarrow; a special pretend daughter, Beth Fant (Dustin).

Briggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View Mitzi Hulin Starnes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Carl Wayne Johnson

Carl Wayne Johnson, 82, of Denton, NC, passed away peacefully at his residence on February 25, 2026. Born on June 15, 1943, in Randolph County, he was the son of the late Loyd Johnson and Clara Mae Johnson.

Carl had a multifaceted career that spanned the sawmill, farming, and furniture industries He approached each aspect of his work with dedication and a strong work ethic, qualities that served him well throughout his life. His commitment to his craft was matched only by his service to his country, as Carl proudly served in the US Marine Corps as a Corporal and paratrooper.

For many years, Carl faithfully attended Amity Hills Baptist Church, where he found community and solace until health challenges necessitated a change in his routine. He held his faith close, drawing strength from his beliefs.

Carl was a family man at heart and cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He relished working on 2 cylinder John Deere Tractors alongside his son, Keith, creating lasting memories and bonds through their shared interests. His love extended to his wife, Hope Hunt Johnson, with whom he shared nearly 54 years of marriage, demonstrating a partnership built on mutual respect and enduring affection. Carl is survived by his son, Keith Johnson, and his wife Melissa; his daughter, Karen Johnson; his sister, Jackie Harris, and her husband David; and his brother-in-law, Rayford Latham. He was a proud grandfather to Amber Johnson and her husband Jessie, Danielle Whitley, Levi Johnson, and Addison Whitley, and though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will continue through them. Carl’s canine companion, Cash, was a loyal presence by his side.

Carl was preceded in death by his beloved son, Bradley Johnson, and his sister, Bunny Latham. The loss of these family members weighed heavily on his heart but also reinforced the value of family in his life.

Carl Wayne Johnson will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, deep love for his family, and his significant contributions to both his community and country. His life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and the importance of family bonds that will resonate for generations to come.

A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Tom's Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

In memory of Carl the family request memorials be made to Baptist Children's Home in Thomasville at PO Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361.

Briggs Funeral Home is serving the Johnson family.

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

02/19/2026

Larry Joe Taylor

Larry Joe Taylor, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Morgan County, GA on February

17, 2026.

Larry was born March 27, 1938 in Asheboro, NC. He was brought home to the family farm in

Denton, NC. where he spent his childhood raising chickens and cows and learning about

tractors, steam engines, and helping run the family saw mill. Larry graduated as salutatorian of

Denton High School’s Class of ’56 and went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from

N.C. State in 1960.

After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Air Force via the ROTC program and

upon earning his wings, selected C-130’s as his primary platform. After 4 years of active duty he

transitioned to F-102’s in the Louisiana Air National Guard based in New Orleans while

beginning his career with Delta Airlines. He retired from Delta after 32 years as an International

L10-11 Captain, amassing over 27,000 flight hours.

Following his retirement from Delta, Larry’s love of aviation led him and Joan to fly their WWII

trainer, (Stearman biplane) round trip from their farm and grass airstrip to San Diego, Maine,

and various other aviation attractions. He was especially fond of giving airplane rides from the

grass strip which had quickly replaced a cotton field on the farm. Friends, relatives - almost any

willing passenger was welcome for a brief ride - or even, an occasional loop or roll for those who

dared, he was more than willing to oblige. Once the children left home, Larry grew tired of

fixing fences and chasing cows, and his interest in antique airplanes continued to grow.

Children and relatives spread across the nation presented excuses for trips to North Carolina,

Florida, Louisiana, California, Maine, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Oklahoma. Any place

with a grass runway was especially appealing to him. He never grew tired of the attraction that

the sound of that round engine seemed to have for WWII vets who were almost guaranteed to

appear at those smaller airports with stories of the last time they saw an open cockpit plane on

their runway.

Larry maintained close ties to his roots as well as he ran a steam powered sawmill for 30 years

at the Southeast Old Thresher’s Reunion in Denton, NC. He loved living in the jet age while still

volunteering to demonstrate steam power as a way to educate all who were interested in the

ways of the past.

While Larry was flying for Delta from New Orleans, a blind date at a rodeo in May of 1968

introduced him to Joan Schaller. They married that December 28th and bought the farm in

Georgia three months later. It was on that farm where he would gently pass away surrounded

by family after 58 years of marriage.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Jesse Caswell Taylor and Ethel Elliott Taylor, his

brother Caswell Leonidis Taylor, and his grandson Jackson Wellington Hatfield.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Schaller Taylor, daughter Amanda (Mike) Hatfield and their

children, Katherine Jane Hatfield, and Jeb Thomas Hatfield, his son Matthew (Candace) Taylor and their children, Jocelyn McKenzie Taylor and Maxwell James Taylor, and his son Benjamin

(Anna Greta) Taylor and their children, Benjamin Caswell Taylor, Mary Ella Anne Taylor, and

Abigail Grace Taylor, his sister Angeline Taylor (William) Mills, and their children Taylor Mills and

Lou Ellen Mills.

A graveyard service and reception will be held on February 23rd at 4 PM at Lineberry United

Methodist Church in Denton, NC. A celebration of life will be held on March 14th at Bostwick

United Methodist Church in Bostwick, GA with a reception to follow at Taylor Farm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jack Hatfield Memorial Scholarship.

Donations can be made at BSH Knights, (please specify Larry’s name) or they can be mailed to:

Jack Hatfield Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School

2501 Academy Road

Powhatan, VA 23139

Briggs Funeral Home in Denton is handling local arrangements. The family was also assisted by A.E. Carter Funeral Home in Madison, GA.

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02/17/2026

Billy Gene Surratt

Billy Gene Surratt passed peacefully early Saturday morning at Mountain Vista Health Park after a long battle with dementia, with his daughters and caregivers, Lisa and LaRonda by his side. Billy was born on June 26, 1939 to Grady and Virgie Frank Surratt. Billy was a member of Pleasant Grove Church.

Billy was a contract mail carrier for many years following in the steps of his father. He drove so many miles twice a day, rarely missing a day regardless of the weather or if he wasn’t well. He never had an accident or a citation of any kind. He and Iva were life long farmers and did everything together. They grew their poultry business with daughter, LaRonda and son-in-law Chip. The four of them working together for many years. Along the way, they operated a small manufacturing business and a sawmill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life and partner for 57 years, Iva Cranford Surratt, sister Beverly Surratt Poist and son-in-law Chip Peacock.

Billy is survived by his daughters and caregivers, Lisa Kennedy (Michael, Caitlin Kennedy of Scottsdale, AZ & Jordan Mackney and Corbin Kennedy) and LaRonda Peacock (Josh & Holly Peacock of Pittsboro NC, Brooke Peacock & Taylor Thompson, Alex & Austin Cook).

Daughter, Debbie Kinney (Cody & Kaylee Kinney, Brian & Heather Kinney); Stepchildren, Ronnie Harker (Pat, Cristy & Shannon Morris, Dana & Mark Floyd, Tracy Williams & Linda), Kathy Browe (Jamie Ferrell & Mike, Sandy and Brian DeLattre).

Billy is survived by several great grandchildren and his special little constant visitors that he loved dearly are great-grandchildren, Novie & Tillie Peacock and Jaxon Cook.

He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn Surratt Garner of Denton.

Billy truly had a servant’s heart and never said no to helping anyone. He so enjoyed visiting others, sharing his love of food and eating out with anyone he could get to join him. He was a life long NASCAR fan (Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson), he never missed a Carolina basketball game or a Carolina Panthers game. He spent his retirement years caring for Iva as her health declined, mowing his yard, caring for his cats and his flowers. His favorite yearly tradition was going to Southern Supreme with Lisa and LaRonda to purchase fruitcakes for Christmas gifts. He gave out many and mailed several over the years.

Billy was a very special and kind man. His constant, sweet smile and wrinkling his nose will be forever missed.

We would like to thank his special friend and neighbor, Christine Lanier, for her many visits that always made Dad smile; Dr. Baker and Dad’s niece, Angie Loftin and the rest of the staff at Denton Healthcare for always being so kind and loving to Daddy. Also special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Mt. Vista that loved and cared for Daddy since May 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, Feb. 22, at Pleasant Grove Church with Rev. Brett Chappell and Rev. Scott Davis. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:45 PM prior to the funeral service. At other times the family will be at the home of LaRonda Peacock.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Church 2565 Loftin Rd. Denton, NC 27239; Meals on Wheels Davidson County, 555-B West Center Street Ext., Lexington NC 27295 and Mt. Vista Health Park, 106 Mountain Vista Health Park Road, Denton NC 27239.

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