Harold Monroe Sechler

Harold Monroe Sechler, 103, of Kannapolis passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Services to celebrate Harold’s life will be held at St. John’s Reformed Church in Kannapolis on Friday, April 10th. His visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and his funeral will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday in the church sanctuary, with Dr. Chris King officiating the service. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery in China Grove.

Harold was born on February 5, 1923, in Rowan County. He was a son of the late James Monroe and Ethel Overcash Sechler. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret Sloope Sechler, his son Michael Sechler, and his brother, Baxter Sechler.

Harold was a lifelong piedmont resident. He received his education in Rowan County, graduating first in his class at Landis High School in 1940. Harold later attended Lenoir Rhyne College and graduated with a certificate in business administration.

Harold was a proud World War II veteran. He joined the war effort soon after his graduation and served stateside as a separation specialist in the Army’s Air Corps division. During this time period, he resided in both San Antonio Texas and Sacramento California with Margaret. When he passed, he was one of the oldest living World War II veterans in Cabarrus County.

Following World War II, Harold returned to Kannapolis and began his career in textiles at Cannon Mills. Throughout his working years, he held various management positions and traveled throughout the country representing Cannon Mills’ business interest. After more than 40 years, Harold retired in 1985 as an Assistant Vice-President for Cannon Mills.

Harold was a man of faith and an active member of the Kannapolis community. He and his wife Margaret were longstanding members of St. John’s Reformed Church (formerly St. John’s UCC) in Kannapolis. In his lifetime, he served as a Deacon, Elder, and Trustee, helping guide his church community through moments of change into the twenty-first century. Harold was also a longstanding member of the Beaver-Pittman American Legion Post #115, where he proudly served as post Commander in 2003 and 2004.

Above all else, Harold was a family man. To his family, he was known as Dad, Papaw, Grandaddy, and Great Grandaddy. Origins of the Papaw/Grandaddy distinction continue to be debated by family members! Throughout his life, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, who treasured spending time with his family on the shores of Lake Norman. Harold is survived by his loving daughter, Julia Caudle and her husband Terry Caudle of Richfield; his grandson Kris Caudle and his wife Danielle Caudle of Charlotte; his grandson Erich Sechler and his wife Rebecca Sechler of Charlotte, and his two great grandsons, Shepherd Sechler and Thomas Sechler.

Harold leaves behind a distinguished legacy of service to his country and local community, along with many cherished friends and fellow veterans. The family wishes to give a special thank you to Freda Elder and Billy Elder who provided loving care for Harold as his health declined.

The family looks forward to sharing stories of Harold’s life and hearing many more memories from members of the community who he cared for so deeply.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Johns Reformed Church located at 901 N. Main St. Kannapolis, NC 28081; or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.