Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Rebecca “Becky” Boyd Phelps; daughter, Melanie Harrison and husband PJ of Cleveland, TN; son, William “Scott” Phelps of Charlotte; sisters, Mary McClamroch and husband Bryant of Harmony, Peggy Cromer of Woodleaf; brothers, Marvin Phelps and fiance’ Twila Martin of Cleveland and Charlie Phelps and wife Dena of Mocksville; and he was a loving Pop Pop to his grandchildren, Camille Harrison, Julian Harrison and Lyla Harrison.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Milford Hills United Methodist Church.

James Kenneth Denaux, 92, of Salisbury passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. He was born July 20, 1926 in Charleston, SC to the late Raymond Ladeveze Denaux and Mary Theresa O'Rourke Denaux. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Marines during World War II. He also served 30 years in the NC National Guard (Concord, NC) where he received numerous honors and awards. He also served as a Scout Master for 25 years with the Boy Scouts of America at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a lifelong member. He was very active in Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. Ken retired from the VA Hospital after working 40 years in the X-Ray/Nuclear Medicine Departments. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and an infant daughter. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Wire Denaux; daughters, Mary Foster (Jeff) of Acworth, GA; Carol Cupples (Gary Harrison) of Salisbury, NC; Ann Campbell (Roger) of Rockwell, NC; Joan Denaux of Salisbury, NC; and sons, David Denaux (Zulal) of Valdosta, GA; Charles Denaux (Anastasia) of Denver, NC; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers: Vickie Adams, Martha Adkins, Elizabeth Blanton, Dionne Pharr, Christy Cain, and Randi Daughterty.

Captain Ernest E. McCray, Jr. (Retired Captain of the Salisbury Fire Department), 85, of Salisbury, N.C. peacefully passed away Monday, March 11, 2019 at The Laurels of Salisbury. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Ernest E. McCray, Sr. and Wendlian Moore McCray Moss. He was the step-son of the late Grady E. Moss, Sr. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his brother, Grady E. Moss, Jr. and a niece, Miss Karina Moss. Ernest was a graduate of J. C. Price High School, where his talents in football earned him the title of “Mr. Touchdown.” He was inducted into the Price High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007; honored by the City of Salisbury Schools for Football Championships in 2012; and inducted into the Salisbury-Rowan Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. While attending North Carolina Central University, Ernest received the draft and joined the United States Navy. He served ten years in the Navy. During this time, Ernest received a commendation for saving the life of a fellow ship-mate aboard the USS Chara (AKA-58), the China Services Medal, National Defense Service Medal and was also named “Sailor of the Month.” Some of Ernest's civic awards were: Human Society Award for the Rescue of Animals; Optimist of the Year; Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award; Optimist Presidential Award of Rowan County; and the Habitat for Humanity of Rowan County “Construction Volunteer of the Year” Award. Ernest was a dedicated member of Soldiers Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church of Salisbury. He organized a Boy Scout Troop and served as its first Scoutmaster. Faithfully serving in various positions at the church, Ernest most loved working with and serving the children of the Zion Hills ministry. The church awarded him the “Outstanding Dedication and Support” Men's Day Award in 2013. In 2005, Ernest was featured in an article in the Salisbury Post entitled “Mr. Touchdown – End Zone McCray's Home.” He was also honored with a feature display at the Rowan Museum as the first Black Officer of the Salisbury Fire Department. Ernest also served as Vice-President of Pete-Earl-Bea, Inc., a family owned business. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Frances M. McCray; two sons, Ernest “Pete” McCray, III (U.S. Army - Ret) and William McCray, Sr. (Shanna); one daughter, Wendy McKie (Herman); a sister-in-law, Shirley Moss; seven grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces and cousins; God-children, Rev. Emily Rivers, Robyn Rivers, and Ebony Rivers-Boyd; family- in-Christ, Tom, Evelyn and Matthew Lowman; and his comrades of the Salisbury Fire Department.

Ronald Lee Niederman, 84, of Salisbury passed away Wed., Aug. 19, at Autumn Care of Salisbury. Mr. Niederman was born January 22, 1936 in Hamilton, Ohio the son of the late Verna Lucille Kehr Niederman and John C. Niederman. He was a graduate of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Ohio. He retired from the insurance business and started a landscaping business in Salisbury. Ron was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and past vice-chairman of the church and church council member for 28 years. Served as assistant and scout master and program chairman for the Rowan district and 16 years as course director for Central North Carolina Council wood badge. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents is his wife Nancy Dulli Niederman on June 25, 2011. Those left to cherish his memories are his son Ronald K. Niederman of Salisbury and daughters Cynthia Ann Loflin (Dave) of Salisbury and Wendy Ann Murray of Lexington; brother Neil V. Niederman (Roberta) of Union, KY; sister-in-law Paula Dulli of Naperville, IL; grandchildren Adam and wife Jennifer, Anna Lacey, Maryann, Madeline, Jessica Taylor and Jarrett; great-grandchildren, Adelyn and Emory and numerous nieces and nephews.

Glenn Theodore Stebe, 62, of Salisbury, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019. Born April 13, 1957 in Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Caroline Keller Stebe and Theodore Stebe. He graduated from Wantagh High School, Wanagh, NY. Mt. Stebe served in the US Air Force and US Army for a combined total of 28 years before retiring. He was employed at the W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a 4 H Shooting Sports coach for 12 years. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 401/443. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 36 years, Beth Wengler Stebe; children, Kurt Stebe of Salisbury, Heather Stebe and Christian Stebe of the home; brother, Perry Stebe and wife Jan of New Salem, IN; grandchildren, Cameron Smith and Addyson Stebe.

Steve Williams, age 70 of Salisbury passed away unexpectedly at his home in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2020 after a period of declining health. Steve was born April 18, 1949 in Rowan County to the late James H. and Mildred Moose Williams. Over the years, he held many positions in and around the county and loved working with people.

Steve was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church and attended the Senior Sunday School Class. He was a Scout or Scouter for over 50 years. He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and adult leader. A Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and a longtime member of the Cook Team. Steve helped take Scout units to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico 4 times. He was an active leader of the troop at Grace Lutheran Church and a longtime leader of Troop 375 at First Methodist in China Grove. He was a Woodbadge trained leader and assisted at District and Council events. The Scouts loved him because he could make the boys laugh and feel comfortable while camping. He kept many a homesick Scout involved and active. He loved playing cards and making a difference in the lives of so many. He was a vital part of our Scouting program.

Steve was an avid sports fan, especially baseball where his favorite team was the Atlanta Braves. He also loved the Carolina Panthers and spent endless time “bantering” with Pastor Jerome about them. Steve was extremely outgoing and loved people. He loved his family and “cared” for his mother prior to her death.

Left to cherish his precious memory are his sister, Linda Williams of the home and his most beloved dog, Tiny. He also leaves behind many cousins and numerous friends.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/china-grove-nc/steve-williams-9003683

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky

On April 25, 2020 John W. Earnhardt, Jr. was undoubtedly dancing the Carolina shag as he crossed the finish line — and entered heaven's pearly gates. He was born May 13, 1941 in Salisbury to the late John W. Earnhardt Sr and Helen Cline Earnhardt of Salisbury. John was baptized into the Lutheran Church as a child and continued to faithfully serve the church his entire life. In his early life, John displayed his love for music by joining the children's choir at age 6. He would continue to sing praises to his Lord in church choirs for another 72 years, until he joined the heavenly choir. At age nine, Johnny got his first job mowing yards. “Johnny” was a busy young boy, involved in Future Farmers of America, 4-H club, and the family farm on which he worked tirelessly. He took great pride in his farming skills, and his “best-laying hens” in Rowan County. As a boy, Johnny's dream was to be the biggest farmer in NC. Along with farming and music, Johnny was very active in Boy Scouts. He earned every merit badge available to him. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and received two very distinguished awards - Pro Deo Et Patria (For God and Country) and the Eagle Scout award. The values and principles he learned through scouting helped John to become the southern gentleman and scholar that he was to be.