Lavorn Dewey Salley

Mr. Lavorn Dewey Salley (Poppy), age 74, of Southport, NC formally of Elkin passed away Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare in Bolivia after a brief illness. Mr. Salley was born October 2, 1946 in Surry County to Robert Edward and Elsie Vestal Salley. Mr. Salley was a 1965 graduate of Elkin High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969 where he was stationed in San Diego, CA aboard the naval destroyer the USS Stoddard. During his time in the Navy he did two tours of duty in Vietnam. After his military service his went to work in July 1970 for Abitibi in Roaring River and remained there until his retirement in 2014. After retirement he moved to Southport and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as, volunteering at the North Carolina Baptist Assembly with their senior retreats. Mr. Salley was a member of Beach Road Baptist Church in Southport. Prior to moving to Southport he was a longtime member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church where he had served as deacon, usher, R.A. and youth leader. Mr. Salley was a member of Yadkin VFW Post 10346. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen “Bo” Salley. Survivors include: his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Salley of the home; four children, Shannon Clark and husband Adam of Greenville, SC, Amy Southerland and husband Mark of Southport, Theresa Bowling and husband Bradley of Caswell Beach, Ryan Salley and wife Olivia of Southport; six grandchildren, Gracie Clark, Kyle Bowling, McKenzie Bowling, Charleston Southerland, John Clark, Josiah Clark; three brothers, Gary Salley and wife Gayle of Elkin, Eddie Salley and wife Bertha of Elkin, Tiny Salley and wife Phyllis of Elkin; and special “sons”, Rodney Crouse of Southport and Anthony Burchette of Greensboro. A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at Elkin Valley Baptist Church with Dr. Johnny Blevins and Mr. Ryan Salley officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by US Navy Honor Guard and Yadkin VFW Post 10346 will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell, c/o Lavorn Salley Seawall Swing Memorial, 100 Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island, NC 28465. The family would like to thank the staff of Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Elkin Funeral Service; and Peacock, Newman, and White Funeral Home of Southport for their care.