Our Team

CLYDE D. CARPENTER, JR.

General Manager

Clyde D. Carpenter, Jr. (Don), of Woodhaven Rd., North Wilkesboro joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff on May 1, 1980. He is married to Donna Brown Carpenter and they have two children, Megan Carpenter Adams (Brian) and Marcy Carpenter Bryan (Nathan). They have three grandchildren, Sebastian Matthew Adams,  Evelyn Iris Adams and McKinnley Lynn Bryan.  Don graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1978. He attended Wilkes Community College from 1979 to 1980. He attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Funeral Service.  Don has been with Reins-Sturdivant his entire funeral service career. In November of 2001, Don was made vice-president/secretary of Reins-Sturdivant. In 2015 he became the General Manager.  He is a member and deacon at  Wilkesboro Baptist Church.  Don is also a member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

WAYNE E. MYERS

Vice President

Wayne E. Myers, of Wilkesboro joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff on May 15, 1976. Wayne is married to Kathy Caudill Myers and they have two children, Carrie Myers Holbrook who is married to Ryan Holbrook and John F. Myers. Wayne graduated from high school in Winston Salem in 1972, Appalachian State University in 1976 and Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA in 1979 receiving his funeral service license. He joined his father in law, the late H. D. Caudill, Jr. in business at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Wayne serves as Vice President of the company. He is a member of and served as President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association from 1992 – 1993. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and has served on the policy board of the National Funeral Directors Association. Wayne is very active in community affairs. He served on the North Wilkesboro Planning Board, United Way, past Chairman of Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce in 2001, Wilkes Vision 20/20, Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, Wilkes County Health Department and the Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Daycare Center.

RICHARD D. HINCHER

Funeral Director / Operations Manager

Richard D. Hincher of Airport Road Hays joined the staff of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in August 1998. He is married to Kimberly G. Hincher and they have one daughter, Abigail  Hincher Williamson and husband; Drew of Columbia, SC.  Richard graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1982 and from Wilkes Community College with an Associate’s Degree in applied science in 1984. He attended Fayetteville Technical Community College, graduating with his funeral director’s license in September 2004. Richard is currently serving on the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service. He is a past President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, and also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association. Richard is an active member of Arbor Grove Methodist Church.

Email: 

EDWIN RAY THARPE, JR.

Funeral Director/Aftercare Minister/Preneed Administrator

Edwin Ray Tharpe, Jr. of North Quail Circle, Wilkesboro joined the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in September of 1987. He is the Manager of Reins-Sturdivant Monument Company. Eddie is married to Jody McDaniel Tharpe and they have one daughter, Brittney Nicole Tharpe. Eddie graduated from East Wilkes High School. He attended Forsyth Tech and Fayetteville Tech, graduating with his funeral directors license. Eddie is a member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Eddie is a member of Oakwoods Baptist Church and the Pastor of Edgewood Baptist Church.

Email: 

LYNN RUSSELL

Funeral Director

Lynn Russell of Jonesville, joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff on December 5, 2022. She is married to Dariel Russell and they have three children, Lindsey Russell Blackburn and husband Eric, Preston Russell, and Kylie Russell. They have two granddaughters, Chloe May Blackburn, and Darcie Grace Blackburn.  Lynn is an Elkin High School graduate. After a 24-year career with Lowe’s Companies, she attended Fayetteville Technical Community College, where she graduated with her funeral director’s license in July 2021. Dariel and Lynn are faithful members of Marler Road Baptist Church in Hamptonville. 

Email: 

GARY C. STONE

Funeral Director

Gary Stone joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in March 1990. Gary is married to Gaynell Johnson Stone and they have one son, Matthew Gary Stone. Matthew and his wife Stephanie have two children, Eli and Paige. Gary graduated from North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam. Gary is a member and deacon of Union Baptist Church in Millers Creek, and a member of North Wilkesboro Masonic Lodge #407. He is a volunteer at the Wilkes Community College Walker Center and with the Wilkes Central High School athletic program. Gary is a licensed funeral director.

RANDY CHURCH

Funeral Director

Randy G. Church joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Staff on August 13, 2010. Randy is married to Elizabeth Brown Church and they have one daughter, Lisa, who is married to Andy Rash. They have one grandson, Carter. Randy is a life-long resident of Wilkesboro and attended West Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College, where he graduated the Funeral Director’s Program in May 2012. Randy is a licensed funeral director and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Email: 

ROBIN A. ENGLAND

Funeral Service Licensee

Robin A. England of North Wilkesboro joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff on July 12, 1978. Robin is married to Barbara Thompson England and they have three sons, Zeb Wright, Cole Wright and Luke England. Robin graduated West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte in 1972. After serving four years in the US Navy he attended John A Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, TN., graduating in 1978. Robin attends Wilkesboro Baptist Church and is a member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association. Robin enjoys running, cycling and playing the banjo.

JEFF KELLER

Funeral Service Licensee

Jeff Keller joined Reins-Sturdivant in June 2007. He graduated from Hibriten High School in 1985 and went on to Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1987. Jeff lives in the Kings Creek Community of Caldwell County and is married to Karen Walker Keller. He is a Mason and a member of Hibriten Lodge #262 in Lenoir.  Jeffs enjoys hunting and fishing.

SAMMY LEE INGRAM, SR.

Funeral Director Assistant

Sammy Lee Ingram, Sr. of Moravian Falls joined the Reins-Sturdivant staff on July 27, 1999. Sam is married to LeAnn Greene Ingram, and they have 6 children. He graduated from Hibriten High School of Lenoir in 1982. He is a member of Cub Creek Baptist Church. Sam worked for and retired from Lenoir Fire Department and Valmead Fire Department, where he served on the Board of Directors and as N.C. Forest Service Fast Team. Sam is an Assist Fire Chief for the Moravian Falls Fire Department and serves as President of their Board of Directors. He is also Vice President of The Wilkes County Fireman’s Association.

STEVE CASEY

Funeral Director Assistant

Steve Casey joined the staff of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in August of 2006 as a funeral director assistant after working for Vaughn Bassett/American Drew for over 30 years. He graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1973 and Wilkes Community College in 1975. Steve was married to Teresa Dancy Casey retired teacher at Mt. View Elementary for 39 years until her passing on March 9, 2023. Steve is a member of Journey of Grace Baptist Church.

KRAMER LIVENGOOD

Funeral Service Assistant

JOEY MINTON

Funeral Associate

Joey Minton joined the staff of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home part time in August 2015 following a 38 year career at American Drew. He is married to Angela Eller Minton and they reside in Purlear. Joey graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1977. At Lewis Fork Baptist Church, Joey serves as an active deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, as well as a teacher for the child Evangelism Fellowship program(Good News Club) at Boomer Ferguson School.

JAMES MINTON

Funeral Associate

James Minton joined the staff of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in April of 2017. He graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1978 and Wilkes Community College with an Associates in Applied Science Degree. He retired from the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office in 2010 with 30 years of service. James is married to Mary Handy Minton. They live in Hays, and attend Bethel Baptist Church.

LARRY VANNOY

Funeral Associate

Larry Vannoy joined the staff of Reins Sturdivant funeral home in February 2020 after a 21 year career with Lowe’s Companies.Larry is married to Jan Hamby Vannoy and they have three children, Jason Vannoy, Katie Henderson and Joseph Henderson. He is an Eagle scout, attended Wilkes Central High School and graduated from Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Larry and Jan reside on Raven Maple Drive in Wilkesboro and are members of Wilkesboro Baptist Church

RODNEY GRAHAM

Funeral Associate

Mr. Graham joined the Reins Sturdivant family in January of 2022.  He is a native of Wilkes County.  Mr. Graham has been married to his childhood sweetheart Cathy for over 45 years.  They have three children, two sons-in-laws, and four grandchildren.

Mr. Graham is a 1976 graduate of Wilkes Central High School.  He obtained his associates degree from Wilkes Community College and went on to attend Lees-McRae College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  He obtained both his master’s in elementary education and add-on licensure for school administration from Gardner-Webb University.  

After three years of service in the U.S. Army Mr. Graham worked in the business sector having been employed by Lowes Companies, Northwestern Bank, First Union bank, and later owning his own business franchise.  He is now approaching 30 years of employment with Wilkes County Schools where he has served as teacher assistant, teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Mr. Graham’s faith is of utmost importance to him and church is a big part of his life.  He plays piano and is blessed to have been able to provide worship music for multiple churches in Wilkes and surrounding counties for over 40 years.  He is a member of Grace Kingdom Life Ministries where he serves as the minister of music.

KIMI HAMBY

Funeral Associate

Kimi Hamby joined Reins-Sturdivant staff in 2017. After retiring from the Department of Public Safety with 31 years of service. He is a graduate of Wilkes Central High School. Kimi is married to Kathy McGuire Hamby and they have one son, Trevor. He attends Cub Creek Baptist Church in Wilkesboro. Kimi has been a member of the Moravian Falls Fire Department for more than 40 years and has served as Chief of the department for 27 plus years. He also was founding member and created the NC FAST team for the NC Forest Service. Kimi was the past NC Fire instructor and is currently the Fire and Rescue Chief for the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

PALMER THARPE

Funeral Associate

TERRY TAYLOR

Funeral Associate

Terry B. Taylor of McGrady joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in Nov. 2019. Terry is married to Kimberly Holbrook Taylor. They have two daughters Kandace Thorley who is married to Terry Thorley and Rylee Taylor. Terry graduated from Wilkes Central High School in 1974.  He attended Wilkes Community College and obtained his Paramedic degree. He was employed by Wilkes County EMS for 31 years and retired in December 2006. Terry served as a Medical Examiner for Alleghany and Wilkes Counties for 13 years. He has also been a part-time instructor for Wilkes Community College in the Public Safety Division for over 35 years. He was a member of McGrady Volunteer Fire Department for 36 years serving as Chief for 12 years. Terry is a member of Christian Fellowship Mission Church. 

DWIGHT LOWE

Funeral Associate

Dwight Lowe joined the staff of Reins-Sturdivant in June of 2022 as a Funeral Associate. He is married to Wanda West Lowe and they have two daughters and one son. They also have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Dwight is a lifelong resident of Wilkes County and graduated from Wilkes Central High School and Wilkes Community College. He attends Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church. 

KEVIN FOSTER

Funeral Associate

Kevin Foster joined the Reins Sturdivant staff in February 2013. 

Kevin is married to Brandie Osborne Foster and they have one son, Shaun Brooks. They also have one granddaughter Caroline Grace  Brooks of Millers Creek. 

Kevin is the son of the Reverend Roy Foster and mother Virginia of the Cricket community 

Kevin graduated from West Wilkes High in 1985 and also attended Wilkes Community College 

He has been involved in public service to the citizens of Wilkes County for the last 32 years. 

He began his public service in 1983 as junior firefighter for Cricket Fire Dept. Since that time he has also been a member of Millers Creek Fire Department, Wilkes Rescue Squad, and dispatcher for the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Dept. He is currently employed full-time as a paramedic supervisor for the county of Wilkes where he has worked since July 1994. 

Kevin enjoys all things outdoors especially his beekeeping hobby.

BILL SEXTON

Funeral Associate

STEVE DOWELL

Funeral Associate

Steve Dowell lives in the Mountain View community of Wilkes County and has worked part-time with Reins Sturdivant for 3 years. He is retired from the Town of Wilkesboro after a 30 year career with the Police Department-retiring as the Deputy Chief of Police. Hobbies/Interests include camping, coastal pier fishing and most anything outside. He attends Wilkesboro Baptist Church and participates with the Handyman ministry. He also volunteers with the Mountain View Fire Department and Wilkes County Safe Kids. Steve has two grown children and one grandchild.

DAVID CARSON

Funeral Associate

David joined the Reins Sturdivant staff in April 2004. David has two children Mallie and Cooper. David graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1988 and received a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Criminal Justice from Lees-McRae College in 2008. David has been involved in public service to the citizens of Wilkes County for the last 27 years, serving as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, Law Enforcement Officer, and youth athletic coach. David is retired from the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office where he served as Chief Deputy. David's hobbies include golf, baseball, fishing and other outdoor activities.

MARK BROWN

Funeral Associate

ROY PHILLIPS

Funeral Associate

Roy joined the staff at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home part time November 2015. After graduating from Wilkes Central High School Roy began working for Lowe's Companies INC., and retired with over 37 years of service. To stay busy he worked several more years at Speciality Company. Roy and Irene are members and attend Wilkesboro Baptist Church. Roy is a member of Mount Pleasant Masonic Lodge#573.

CHAD WAGONER

Transport - Reins Sturdivant

COLE WILLIAMS YOUNGER

Funeral Director

Cole W. Younger, of Statesville Road, North Wilkesboro joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff on December 14, 1974. Cole is married to Zee Prevette Younger and they have one child, Travis Cole Younger. Cole graduated from North Iredell High School. He attended Wilkes Community College. Cole attended Forsyth Tech and Fayetteville Tech graduating with his funeral director’s license. Cole is a member of Taylor Springs Baptist Church and the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association.

IN LOVING MEMORY - JASON R. PRICE

Funeral Service Licensee

Jason joined the Reins-Sturdivant family in May of 2018. Jason was a 2017 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia with an Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service and was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in North Carolina.  Prior to entering the Funeral Profession, he was in the Emergency Services and left there after twenty years of service.  He was a native of Yadkin County where he lived and was a Graduate of Starmount High School in 1994.  He volunteered with the Yadkin County Rescue Squad and the Boy Scouts of America. 

Jason passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023.  He is greatly missed by his Reins-Sturdivant family. 

WANDA MCGRADY TEAGUE

Office Manager Reins-Sturdivant

Wanda McGrady Teague, of Cane Creek Church Road, McGrady joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in October, 1993. Wanda has a son, Scott, his wife, Tonya Steelman Teague and two grandchildren, Jackson and Aden Teague. She graduated from Wilkes Central High School in 1968, Wilkes Community College with a degree in business data processing in 1977 and Magna Cum Laude at Gardner Webb University with a degree in information systems in 1987.

Wanda started her working career at Jenkins Wholesale as Data Processing Manager and Computer Operator.  After going back to school she went to work for Datafax as System Analyst and Programmer.  Later Wanda started her own Computer Systems Company, T & M Computer Systems,  installing software and training the users.  She also taught computer classes at Wilkes Community College. 

Wanda serves as office manager and accountant for Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Wanda is a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where she serves as Vacation Bible School Secretary, member of church choir, the special events committee and is chairperson of the cemetery committee. Wanda served as the first female member of board of directors of the McGrady Voluntary Fire and Rescue Department and two years as chairperson of the North Wilkes High School Booster Club.

BRENDA BILLINGS CRANFILL

Administrative Staff

Brenda Billings Cranfill of Hays, joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in January 2015. Brenda married David Cranfill on November l, 1987, they were married for 34 years until his passing on September 11, 2021.  Brenda has three children; Kimberly Turner and husband Chris, Timothy Church and wife Lindsay, Jamie Church and wife Courtney.  Brenda has five grandchildren; Kathryn, Caroline, Benjamin, Abigail and Sierra.  She graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1967.  She is a member of Mountain View Baptist Church where she serves as Church Treasurer. Brenda retired from Lowe’s Companies in 2004.     

Email: 

JENNA PATTERSON

Administrative Staff

Jenna Patterson of Purlear, daughter of James and Rachel Patterson joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in May 2022. Jenna attended Wilkes Central High School, but then went to Homeschooling and graduated High School in 2019. She enjoys traveling, riding side by sides, going to the beach, nature, visiting with her family, and spending time with her boyfriend and his son. Jenna was born and raised in Wilkes County. She has five siblings, two nieces and one nephew.

Email: 

KARENELLE ASHLEY

Administrative Staff

Karenelle Ashley joined Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home staff in May 2014.  She is married to Mike Ashley and has one step-daughter and son-in-law, Brittnee and Brett Rogers and two grandchildren, Peyton and Kyleigh. She is originally from Bristol, Tennessee. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Foods. She is a member of the Women’s Service League of Wilkes.

Email: 

KAREN BUMGARNER

Manager - Scenic Memorial Gardens

AARON SHUMATE

Wilkes Cemetery / Building and Grounds

AUSTIN HENDREN

Wilkes Cemetery / Building and Grounds