Conley Eugene Starnes

1932 - 2025

Conley Eugene Starnes

February 17, 1932 - September 24, 2025

Conley Eugene Starnes of Granite Falls passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at his residence.

Born February 17, 1932, in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late Sherman Bedford Starnes and Minnie Bell Starnes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Starnes Whitener; sister, Thelma Hildebran; brothers, Wayne Starnes, Dale Starnes; and grandson, Dusty Ferrell.

Mr. Starnes was a co-owner of Starnes Brothers Milling Co. He was an original member of the trustees of Caldwell Community College, and board member of Terry's Farm Service. Conley was a local businessman and with his family invested in our local town opening the new Winn Dixie, which is now the Fairvalue Grocery Store.

He was a lifetime member of Dudley Shoals Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. He started the children's chapel ministry where his great-granddaughter Autumn Sigmon and husband Noah continue the work. He was instrumental with starting the "Training Union" of Caldwell County Baptist Churches. He served on numerous committees at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church.

He loved to travel, and with his wife, he visited every state in the country and enjoyed golfing.

He was a loving son, father, grandfather, great- and great-great-grandfather, and a father figure to many others.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Dorothy Louise Sears Starnes of the home; son, Terry Eugene Starnes and wife, Terry of Granite Falls; daughter, Katrina Starnes Ferrell of Granite Falls; sister, Peggy Starnes Huffman of Hickory; brother, Bedford Starnes of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Wyatt Starnes, Whitney Starnes, Kyle Whitener, Shana Shivel, and Courtney Keller; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, 4 p.m., at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church, with Pastor Kyle Lloyd, and Rev. Roger Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Dudley Shoals Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 to 4 p.m. prior to the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wyatt Starnes, Kaleb Keller, Noah Sigmon, Kyle Whitener, Chris Shivel, and Mylan Moretz.

Memorials may be made to the Children's Chapel, Dudley Shoals Baptist Church, 1882 Dudley Shoals Rd., Granite Falls, NC 29630.

Online condolences may be made at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.

Bass-Smith Granite is serving the family.