Kenneth Lee Dellinger Sr.
July 9, 1936 – April 13, 2016 

Mr. Kenneth Lee Dellinger Sr., age 79, a resident of 293 Roberson Road, Washington, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born July 9, 1936 in Kannapolis, NC, to the late Eva Mae Shaver Dellinger and John Garthan Dellinger. He grew up in the 400th block of York Avenue in Kannapolis and formed life-long friendships with his neighborhood pals.

After his formal education was completed, he embarked on a journey in the United States Army, which included sixteen months in Korea and seven months in Alaska. After his departure from the military, he worked in the textile industry, eventually moving from Kannapolis, NC to Washington, NC to work for National Spinning Company. He was employed by National Spinning Company for several years before going on to establish Deerfield Acres Mobile Home Park with the help of his wife, Doris. In 1987, Ken and Doris opened Dellinger’s Pawnbrokers in Historic Downtown Washington. Ken enjoyed the pawnshop business immensely, but retired in 2002 so he could spend more time traveling, enjoying his family and his many hobbies.

As a young man, Ken enjoyed a variety of sports including boxing, softball and bowling. He excelled at boxing, earning a spot to represent the Carolinas in the Golden Gloves tournament. He was also an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. Many mornings he could be found socializing with friends at Slatestone Grocery while enjoying his cup of coffee. He also enjoyed many social organizations including the Washington Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge #675, where he was a Shriner, and was a member of the Sheriff’s Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jeffery Doyle Dellinger and three brothers, Jerry Dellinger, Charles Alford Dellinger and John Henry Dellinger.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four daughters, Sherry Mullis (Henry) of Rockwell, NC, Eva Rebecca Mitchell (Carlton) of Allen, TX, Marie McKinney (Robby) of Washington, and Julianne Dahlman (Daniel) of Washington; and one stepdaughter, Kathy Hodges (Joe) of Chocowinity; two sons, Randy Lynn Dellinger of Concord, NC, and Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Dellinger Jr. of Supply, NC; and one stepson, Calvin Mayo (Vicki) of Greenville, NC. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service with Pastor Greg Ramsey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow the service in Oakdale Cemetery. Joe Hodges, Daniel Dahlman, Robby McKinney, Henry Mullis, Calvin Mayo and Carlton Mitchell will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Service and other times at the home, 293 Roberson Road, Washington. Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla., 33607.

You may share a memory with the family and view Mr. Dellinger’s memorial by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Dellinger family.