George Howard “Pete” Starnes, 96, of Granite Falls, departed this life to his heavenly home on Monday April 14, 2025 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese, following a period of declining health.

Pete was born on November 4, 1928 in Caldwell County to the late George Elisha Starnes and Dewey Blanche Teague Starnes. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, during the Korean Conflict; and was an Industrial Engineer with Shuford Mills, Inc. for over 49 years.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Goble Starnes; his brother, Henry Starnes; and his sisters, Dot Riggan and Sue Wentz.

Survivors include his son, Chris Starnes and wife Margie of Granite Falls; his daughters, Sharyn Shore and husband Tom of England, and Karen Wallace of Granite Falls; his grandchildren, James Starnes, Caitlin Frank and husband Hayden, Taylor Bell and husband Matthew, Samuel Wallace and Benjamin Wallace; also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Amberly Bell, Elara Bell, and Delilah Bell.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday April 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Granite Falls, with Rev. Jay Worsley officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife Jeanette.

The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Granite Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 1721 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the Starnes family.