James Edward Townsend

James Edward Townsend, 91, of Hickory, passed away, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. He was born on March 24, 1932 in Avery County to Monroe and Fannie Leona Townsend Townsend. He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard serving during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the City of Hickory Fire Department as Captain with 32 years of service, and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir. After retirement he worked with Harris Teeter/Lowes Grocery and was an avid golfer until his health declined.

Mr. Townsend was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Merle Bollinger Townsend; seven sisters, Jennie Townsend, Clara Townsend, Thelma Townsend Sigmon, Ruth Townsend Little, Vertie Townsend Hedrick, Margie Townsend, and Brenda Townsend Young; eight brothers, Martin Dean Townsend, Carroll Dock Townsend, William Glenn Townsend, Sherman Ellis Townsend, Max Henry Townsend, John Mark Townsend, Raymond Monroe Townsend, and Robert Lee Townsend.

He is survived by three daughters, Kim M Gragg of Lenoir, Robyn T. Phillips, of Lenoir, and Lisa Townsend of Hickory; son, Mark Townsend of Morganton; brother, Truman Townsend of Rocky Mount; three grandchildren, Kristi Townsend, Logan Jones, Kyndel Jones; three great- grandchildren, Maverick Crowe, Easton Townsend, and Ophelia Blanton.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home, Hickory with Rev. J. Bert Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Hickory, with Military Rites. Members of the Hickory Fire Department will serve as Pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Falling Creek, VIA Hospice and Carolina Caring Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the Townsend family at www.drumfh-hickory.com

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Townsend family.