Robert Peter Vance McLean

October 12, 1951 ~ June 26, 2025

Robert Peter Vance McLean (Pete), age 73, of Sparta, was born in Statesville, N.C. to Hattie Gudrun (Susie) Nasvik McLean and Robert Vance McLean. He died on June 26, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife, Lee Anne.

Peter was the fourth of five children – the only boy, the only blond and the only “lefty”. He was a sweet child, loved by teachers, coaches, neighbors and friends. He attended Statesville public schools where he was active in sports and student council. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BA in Business and was a member of ZBT fraternity. He had a 45-year career in computer sales. 

He is survived by Lee Anne of the home, children Matthew and Rachel, grandson Archer, sisters Linda, Carmen and Diana, and Lee Anne’s 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He is predeceased by both parents, sister Dayle, grandmother Annie and Aunt Lucile, and dear friends, Lethco and Frances Murdock.

Peter was a true gentleman, dedicated father and brother, and devoted husband to Lee Anne, who brought out the very best in him. He was loyal to friends from all stages of his life, making efforts to keep deep connections with them. He loved muscle cars and rock and roll music, UNC sports, and road trips. He shared many wilderness adventures with Lee Anne and loved living in the mountains.

A memorial service will be held on August 2nd @ 2:00 pm at the Statesville Historical Society, 117 S. Center Street

. Please contact Mike Stegall if you plan to attend: mjsrph@aol.com or call 336-816-0747

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Susan Corbett Dawson closed the book on her amazing life on June 9, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born December 1, 1951, in Statesville, N.C., Susan cultivated a life of service and caring for both people and her furry friends.

She lived an adventurous life as well, starting at age 21 as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, a career she absolutely loved and would do for the next 48 years.

Later in life, she married the love of her life, Jack Dawson, a Delta captain, and together they lived a life of pure joy.

After retirement, she returned to Statesville to be near her high school friends with whom she had kept in touch over the years. During this time, she developed and cherished many new friendships and acquaintances.

Susan was a dear friend to many, and relished her time being with them.

Close to her heart and soul was her deep love for animals and all God’s creatures. She rescued many and supported numerous animal shelters and rescues in their efforts.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Dawson; parents, Betty and Bill Corbett; and brother Michael. Surviving are his sister, Nancy Corbett Fields (Harold); brother Jeff Corbett; nephews Alex Fields (Tamara), Matthew Corbett, and William Corbett (Valerie); and three grandnieces, Ellie, Junie, and Winnie.

Nancy and Jeff wish to thank the amazing staff at Jurney’s Assisted Living in Statesville, whose remarkable care made her last days a time of peace and comfort. The family also gives thanks for the wonderful care given to Susan by Hospice of Iredell County, especially Stephanie, Lindsay, and Jesica.

Per Susan’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Instead, the family asks that you do a kindness for someone who will never be able to repay you. In lieu of flowers and food, Susan requested any gifts in remembrance go to Bella Vita Animal Rescue at https://petlover.petstablished.com/online_donations/organization/1008009 and select “Tribute” as the Donation Type.

It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch, and Susan touched us all with her laughter, her friendship, and her love.

Wanda Holton Underwood passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on April 23, 2025 in Wilmington, N.C. Wanda was 73 years old, just one day shy of her 74th birthday.

She worked at Davidson College and UNC Wilmington, from where she retired in 2020. Wanda was born in Statesville, N.C., on April 24, 1951. She raised her family (Allison and Robert) on Lake Norman, eventually moving to Wilmington to be closer to her grandchildren. Wanda’s three grandchildren (Sebastian, Abby and Hannah) were the light of her life. All three spent many happy summers, holidays and weekends with Wanda, who they affectionately referred to as “Dee Dee.” She brought joy to their lives, teaching them to love and cherish simple, small things in the world around them. She was kind and nurturing and gave her all to make sure they always felt happy and loved. She is loved dearly and will be missed every day.

She will be honored in a small, family service.

A donation to any reputable charity devoted to helping find a cure for and/or assist families of Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Eric Murdock October 5, 1951 - August 17, 2024 

Colonel Eric C. Murdock (Retired), 72, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC, with his family by his side. He was born Oct. 5, 1951, in Charlotte, NC. 

Eric was the son of Conda Murdock and Betty Lazenby Murdock. He was married to the beautiful Kathryn Bennett Murdock of Asheville, NC, for 30 years. 

Eric is survived by his sons Jason Eric Murdock (Ella) of Canton, GA, and Benjamin Wilson Murdock (Delia) of Seattle, WA, his four grandchildren Pierce, Ansley, Aiden, and Carter, sister Anna Murdock of Statesville, NC, and brother Steven Edgar Murdock of Huntersville, NC. 

Eric was baptized at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Statesville, NC and was active in Sunday School and youth activities. He was an Eagle Scout and Boy Scout Leader. A graduate from Statesville High School in 1969, he was the student body president and a member of the Grenadier Band. He was also on the wrestling team. 

A recipient of the Morehead Scholarship, Eric got his Bachelor of Arts in Zoology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then got his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UNC-Charlotte, and his Master of Science in Nursing Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Eric joined the United States Air Force in 1978, where he served for 24 years. He also served two tours in South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 169, Statesville, NC, 28687, or Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC, 28625.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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SILAS DAVID HARRIS

Silas David Harris Jr., 71, entered into eternal life Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. We were told that he had been battling cancer for some time. 

The celebration of life services will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., at First Greater Living Baptist Church in Statesville. The visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 20, at Iredell Memorial Park. Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the Harris family.

Danny James Johnson

A popular 1969 SHS classmate, Danny Johnson, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021, at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a brief battle with cancer.

Danny was born August 24, 1951, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Carl and Helen Shew Johnson. He is survived by his wife Carol; son, Seth (Liz); granddaughters, Sarah and Susanne Johnson; brother, Tony Johnson (Sharon); sister, Ginger Neely (Jim); and two nephews, Hunter and Luke Johnson, all of Statesville.

He loved all things to do with heavy equipment. He and his father worked in grading, operating Johnson Construction Inc. for nearly 30 years, winding down in 1997. In his younger days, he would tell you he could “get the good out of” whatever type of machine he was operating. Following the sale of Johnson Construction, he and his brother built and operated Buffalo Storage in Statesville until they retired in 2020.

In his free time, Danny cared for his family and wanted whatever was best for them. He was generous with his advice and experiences, but only when welcomed; he was always unassuming. His favorite times were spent with family anytime, but especially on a warm summer day at the lake or during the holidays. He loved Christmas. Danny made everyone feel welcome and knew how to have a good time. Although he planned to be with us much longer, he left those close to him with much wisdom, strength, generosity and an example of how to live life. He was the cornerstone of our family for many years and he will be dearly missed.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 18, at Oakland Presbyterian Church A private family burial was held at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oakland Presbyterian Church, PO Box 5362, Statesville, NC 28687 or to the Beverly Hedrick Scholarship, c/o Mitchell Community College, 500 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

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Helen Sloan York

Helen Sloan York, 68, passed away peacefully at her home in Harmony. She was born May 2, 1951, in Statesville, to Avery Sloan and Edith Warlick Sloan, both deceased, of Statesville. She leaves behind a husband, Bill York of Harmony; two daughters, Dare York of Harmony and Emily York Salter (Benji Salter) of Weaverville; three grandchildren, Avery, Lila, and Bennett; her brother, Andy Sloan and his family of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; numerous cherished family members and friends; and her dear childhood friend, Amelia Cates. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Gail Sloan and Anita Sloan. Helen was a loving wife, mother, and caretaker. After she was married, Helen and her husband, Bill, settled in Harmony, on the York family farm and raised a family. She worked alongside her husband and father and mother-in-law in the tobacco fields and at the family auction company. As her daughters were about to move onto high school and college, she went back to school at Mitchell Community College in Statesville, where she obtained her CNA degree. Helen worked several years as a CNA for a home health company and retired from Iredell County Hospice and York Auction. She experienced many joys in her lifetime: watching her daughters grow up and receive their master's degrees, the births of her three grandchildren, and time spent being surrounded by a large, loving family, circle of friends, and community. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers; the York family for all their love and support; and the Iredell County Hospice. At this time, due to the current global health concerns, the family will hold a private graveside service and will follow with a public memorial service at a later date at Clarksbury United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Iredell County Hospice. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. 

Wes Jones

APRIL 2, 1951 – JANUARY 27, 2020

John Wesley "Wes" Jones, III, of Raleigh, passed away on January 27, 2020 following an extended illness. Wes was born to Ruth “Bouchie” Scott Jones and John Wesley Jones, Jr., on April 2, 1951 in Japan, where his father was stationed while in the US Army.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kathy, daughters Lesley and Lindsay, and granddaughters, Aubrey and Alyanna. Surviving siblings are Janet Andrews, Katherine Carpenter, Gordon Jones, and David Jones. Also surviving are four nephews, three nieces, and one great-niece. 

Wes grew up in Statesville, NC, graduating from Statesville High School in 1969. While at SHS, he played football and discovered a passion for music. This passion extended from his high school years to present, first playing in rock-n-roll bands and later in church praise bands for 20 years. Completely self-taught, he mastered several instruments but his favorite was his Fender Strat guitar. 

After graduating from N.C. State University with a B.A. degree in Economics, Wes made his home in Raleigh. While at State, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity and became a diehard lifelong Wolfpack fan.

An expert in North Carolina history, Wes spent decades as a Civil War reenactor and living historian, and delighted in exploring his family’s ancestry and genealogy.

Wes retired from a career of nearly thirty years with Motorola. He served in various positions of sales and technical support for two-way communications, traveling extensively throughout the U.S. In retirement, Wes volunteered at the City of Raleigh Police Department and worked in the Police Service Center.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home in Raleigh. Family will receive friends during the reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Raleigh Ministries.