Val Ray Waggoner, 90, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Val was born on May 21, 1936 in Ohio. He was a cherished son of the late Albert Boone Waggoner and Pansy Sims Waggoner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jean Waggoner; sister, Adelaide Waggoner Pall; and nephew, Cary Pall.

Val began his career as a sports editor for Patterson Co-op High School in Dayton, Ohio, and went on to spend more than 50 years at Fleet Graphics, taking ownership of the company in 1973. His passion for young people and athletics led him to run the youth basketball program at Shaw Elementary for 14 years and serve as Chief of Umpires for Youth Baseball at BCAA.

Val was also Editor-in-Chief of KYH and an honorary member of Shikar Safari Club International. Beyond his many accomplishments, he cherished Jeep trips, bluegrass music, traveling, and Siberian Huskies. Val will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara Rakonza Waggoner; children, Mark (Sue)Waggoner, Scott (Ingrid)Waggoner, Darrin (Amy) Waggoner and K.C (Kristie)Waggoner; grandchildren, Erin, Brian, Laura, Taylor, Brooke, Cole, Allison, Kaitlyn and Branden; great-grandchildren, Breelyn, Koralie, Lilah, Adyline, Blakely, and Haidyn.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on August 29, 2026 at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.