CHINA GROVE — Grover Winford “Pete” Earnhardt, 85, formerly of China Grove and a resident of Autumn Care Nursing Home, Salisbury, died Sunday (Jan. 7, 2007) at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury.

Born May 2, 1921, in Stanly County, Mr. Earnhardt was a son of the late Burval and Ida Holt Earnhardt. He attended Rowan County schools and later Rowan Tech and retired from China Grove Cotton Mill after 51 years of service as a master mechanic in the machine shop.

A lifelong member of South China Grove Baptist Church, he was a former deacon, Sunday school member and sound technician for church events.

His his wife of 57 years, Carrie Smith Earnhardt, died March 20, 1999; and his son, Ted L. Earnhardt, died April 4, 1999.

Survivors include daughter Myra Jolly, Salisbury; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Services: 2 p.m. today (Jan. 10, 2007), South China Grove Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Derald Adams, former pastor. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes before the service. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation: The family will be at the home of his daughter.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home was in charge.

Memorials: Grover Earnhardt Memorial Fund, South China Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 163, China Grove, NC 28023.