Jerry Ray Starnes

Jerry Ray Starnes, age 77 of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. Born in Alexander county to the late Loy Hugh and Mattie Corabell Ritchie Starnes, on Jan. 26, 1940, he was a self-employed building contractor and manager of rental properties. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rochelle Roper and an infant brother Kenny.
Jerry was founder of Bethlehem Hardware and Oil Company, and was well known as a builder of custom homes. He was instrumental in the construction of the Forgiven Prison Ministry Building in Taylorsville, and remained involved in their ministry. He had played golf, but was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing. He was an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Gant Starnes of the home, as well as a daughter and son: Lisa Alexander of Lake Wylie, SC and Jason and wife, Laura Dagenhart Starnes of Bethlehem. Jerry has four grandchildren, whom he adored, Andrew Little, Jonathan Clontz, Mattie Starnes, and Karlee Starnes. He has one nephew, Randy Icard of Bethlehem and one niece, Roslin Miller, of Asheville.
Mr. Starnes has too many fishing, hunting and breakfast buddies to name.
Due to construction at Bethlehem Baptist Church, visitation will be held at Millersville Baptist Church on Monday, Nov. 27 from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services will be held at Millersville Baptist on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Wayne Caviness and Rev. Gary W. Jennings, will officiate. Rev. David Ross will assist at the graveside. The body will lie in state thirty minutes before the funeral hour. Pallbearers will be, Ronnie, Jeff, and Hunter Hartness, Marty Gant, Randy and Isaac Icard. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class of Bethlehem Baptist Church and his hunting buddies. Burial will follow in the Liledoun Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, 7500 NC Hwy. 127, Taylorsville, NC 28681.