Rudolph Locklear

Rudolph Locklear was born October 9, 1938 in Scotland County, North Carolina. He departed this life for his heavenly home on May 6th, 2026, at the age of 87. 

His 87 years on this earth reflected a life grounded in hard work, dedication and determination. These qualities reflected in his marriage to Mrs. Ruby Locklear for over 63 years. They created a loving home full of memories, forgiveness, and a promise to never give up on each other. God blessed them with 3 children, Clayton (Darlene), Connie, and Deborah (Carmel). They have 7 grandchildren, Ariel, Amelia, Josh, Valerie, Daniel, Blake, and Kyla; 9 great grandchildren, Ailea, Jabre, Nevaeh, Amiya, Nixon, Jayahna, Harliana, Ahnola, and Nova. He provided them with stability and love. They will forever cherish the memories of their beloved PAPA.

Rudolph was the son of the late Curtis and Quessie Locklear. He was also proceeded in death by 2 infant children and his brother, Curlee Locklear.  Along with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Locklear, Marie Locklear, Jessie Bell Oxendine, and Marchelle Bullard.

He revealed loyalty to his job as a textile weaver for 37 years at Westpoint Stevens. Prior to this job he worked on James Farm with his sister Dorothy as teenagers, their transportation to work was a horse and wagon. He loved his horses Shorty and Nell. His mule was named Kate; she loved to chew tobacco. He would ponder about these good ol’ days with laughter and joy! In his later years, he reverted back to the farm life in a leisure manner. He loved feeding his chickens, gathering his eggs, raising hogs, milking his cows, and riding his horse. Rudolph’s most cherished hobbies involved going on bike rides, taking walks with his wife, resting in his chair to watch his wrestling/western shows, and bringing in the Christmas spirit with Hallmark movies, last but not least driving to Maxton in his 1981 Ford Truck.

Rudolph and Ruby gave back to their community with an annual fish fry for the 4th of July celebration for numerous years. They had plenty of fish, homemade lemonade and ice cream. They loved to end it with a grand firework show. He also loved his church, Gray Pond Baptist. He dedicated his life to his Savior at the age of 77, what a blessing that day was! Even in his absence, his hard work, love, and dedication will remain instilled in us for generations to come. We love you always Husband/Dad/Papa.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Gray Pond Baptist Church with burial in the Stewartsville Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service on Saturday beginning 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Gray Pond Baptist Church.

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