Richard "Rick" Wayne Earp

Richard Wayne Earp (“Rick”), age 71, of Taylorsville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Wilkes County.

            The son of the late Nelson Robert Earp and Mary Lue Jolly Earp, Rick was born on April 20th, 1953, in Iredell County.

             Rick married Marlene Lou Burgess on September 23, 1972, in York, South Carolina and have resided in the Sugar Loaf community of Taylorsville for the past 52 years where they raised their son (Jamie) and daughter (Brittany).  He was a member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church           

             Since retiring from the furniture industry after a long career, Rick spent virtually all his time alongside his wife, enjoying and loving each other and their well-earned free time together.  He enjoyed the outdoors and walking with his wife, working around the yard, and always had a long list of projects to keep him busy. He personified the attitude of being a good servant, not only for his family and friends, but to anyone in need of help or just “something to be fixed”. And over the past 5 years, Rick loved nothing more than spending time with and being the most amazing and loving Papaw to his beloved grandson Kiefer.

            Including his parents, he was preceded in death by: a brother, Robert Earp Jr.; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Vee Jolly; paternal grandparents, Hill and Rosa Earp; and son-in-law, Billy Pierce.

            Those left to cherish and honor his life and his memory include: his wife, Marlene Earp; his children, Jamie Earp (Hannah), Brittany Pierce (Mike); his grandson, Kiefer Earp; his siblings, Ned Earp (Jennifer), Minnie Lee Moore (Lynn), Larry Earp (Mickie), Roy Earp (Shelby), Raymond Earp (Frances), Paul Earp (Lois), Diane Chapman (Henry), William Earp (Kendra); and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

            The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 5 p.m. officiated by Dr. James Smith, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church (17 Mt. Hebron Church Court, Taylorsville, NC 28681).

            Memorials may be made in Rick’s honor to: Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Mission Fund, 862 Silas Deal Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

            Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

            Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Richard “Rick” Wayne Earp as we remember and celebrate his life.

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