John Whitfield Drye

John Whitfield Drye, of Landis, NC passed away November 15, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born September 4, 1951 in Rowan County, NC to the late Lane Cox and Sarah Linn Drye.

He graduated from South Rowan High School in 1969, NC Textile School, Belmont, NC., and Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. For 25 years, he worked for Linn-Corriher Mills in Landis (later to become Dominion Yarns).

Needing a change, he received his Funeral Directors license and began working for Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home. He had found the position he was meant to have, as he loved getting to meet and serve the community. For 31 years, John was a dedicated and beloved part of the staff at Linn-Honeycutt where he became a true pilar of the community. He truly had a gift for being fully present with families on the hardest days of their lives. Families trusted him, not just because he was good at his work, but because he cared deeply. His presence brought peace, and his kindness carried people through moments when they needed it most.

He was as funny as they come, the kind of man who could turn strangers into friends in minutes. He never went anywhere without striking up a conversation, and everyone who met him felt like they had known him forever. His presence was steady, warm, and unforgettable. His love for his family and his community will continue to echo through every life he touched.

He was a loving husband, father, and papa, a friend, and a bright light in this community. He was one of a kind. And though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit- caring, funny, and unforgettable- will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Joy Goodman Drye. His greatest pride, his children, daughters Ashley Robertson (Aaron) of Franklin, TN, Andie Davis (Graham) of China Grove, and son John Taylor Drye of Landis. His grandchildren who lit up his world, Luka and Stella Davis, and August and Monroe Robertson.

Also survived by his sister, Mary Linn Drye Schnitger (Hans), of Domburg, The Netherlands, niece and nephew, Patricia Schnitger and Diederick Schnitger(Judy), and their two children, Quirijn and Charlotte.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home.

The service honoring John's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025 at First Reformed Church in Landis, NC with Pastor David Franks officiating.

Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to Rowan Helping Ministries 226 N Long St. Salisbury, NC 28144 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

The staff of Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is both honored and humbled to continue the compassionate care that John so graciously extended to this community for so many years. It is our privilege to serve his family in this time of sorrow, as he did with dignity and dedication throughout his life.