IRON STATION, N.C. - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Wallace “Wally” Kerns Earley, Jr., age 31, of Iron Station, on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

He was born on September 5, 1993, in Mecklenburg County, to Wallace Kerns Earley, Sr. and Melanie Clary Earley.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Wallace Earley, and maternal grandmother, Annie Belle Clary. He was self-employed in the construction/electrical industry. He finished his certification in Culinary Arts.   

Wally had a big heart. His love for his family was obvious to anyone who knew him. He was funny, outgoing, compassionate and intelligent. He was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about history. He immersed himself in many activities such as hiking, hunting, bull riding, playing pool, skateboarding and biking. Wally had an eclectic music taste, was an animal lover and his favorite thing to do was spend time with his daughter.

He was blessed with a large loving family and is survived by his parents, Wallace K. Earley Sr. and Melanie Clary Earley; daughter, Leilana Mae Earley; sisters, Crystal Earley, Samantha Smith (Cory), and Jessica Coyne (Brenden); brother, Sean Earley; maternal grandfather, Charles Clary; paternal grandmother, Sandra Earley; cousin and brother, Timmy Earley; brother-in-law and best friend, Buddy Prevatt; nephew, William Prevatt; nieces, Anastasia Prevatt, Arabella Prevatt and Clary Nell Smith; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Warlick Funeral Home. His funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dexter Geene officiating. The burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a trust fund, for his daughter, Leilana Mae Earley to 845 Great Dane Avenue, Iron Station, NC  28080, or to Samaritan’s Purse, Hurricane Helene Response, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC  28607.

Wallace will be remembered as a loving father, son, brother and friend. His kind spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Earley family.