Henry William Starnes

Henry William Starnes, 90, of the Atwell Community passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his home, after a period of declining health.

He was born December 28, 1934 in Rowan County to the late Henry Lee Starnes and Ardella Overcash Starnes.

Henry was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired form HVAC work at The VA Medical Center and became a full-time farmer. He was a lifetime member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where he was a youth advisor and involved with various committees. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Earlier in his life, he was a volunteer Fireman for Atwell Fire department. Henry and his late wife, Jo, were lifetime members of Corriher Grange, the South Rowan FFA Alumni and also belonged to a square-dancing/camping club. Henry will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Sarah Jo Starnes, three siblings Harry Starnes, Darthy Murph, and Faye Southard.

Those left to cherish his memory, three children: Lisa Adams (Jim), Charles Starnes (Kimberly) and Eddie Starnes (Brandy) all of Mooresville, six grandchildren; Nathan Hartsell (Katie), Taylor Bankhead (Cameron), Katherine Severt (Josh), Thomas Starnes (Madison), Ben Starnes and Emry Starnes; six great grandchildren: Avarie, Casen and Branson Hartsell, Rilynn Hartsell, Addilynn Bankhead, and David Severt, and many other loving family members, including Charlie Brown (Shane) and Scott Woodward.

The family would like to thank Shauna, Tamara, Lucy, Annette, and Sandra for their kind loving care of Henry.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Church with Rev. Carlin Ours and Rev., Dr. Larry Bost officiating. Henry will lie-in state one hour prior to the service from 1-2 pm in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will follow the burial from 3-5 pm in the Family Life Center at Concordia.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 185 Concordia Church Road, China Grove, NC 28023, or South Rowan High School FFA Alumni 1655 Patterson St. China Grove, NC 28023.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.whitleysfuneralhome.com .