Rev. Clarence “Joe” Edward Dellinger, 87, of Statesville, N.C., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 18, 2022. He was born on October 11, 1934, in Iredell County to the late Lee Roy Dellinger and Effie Horton Dellinger. He attended Monticello and Scotts School of Statesville and then married Nancy Louise Auton Dellinger, who survives, on March 14, 1953.

He loved to preach, and preaching was his life’s work. He was the founding minister of the Hillside Baptist Church, formerly Crossroads Baptist Church. In 1972, he was the founding minister of Redemption Baptist Church, where he served as minister until retiring full-time following 57 years of ministry to his Lord. He enjoyed visiting hospitals and nursing homes and ministering to many people over the years.

In addition to his wife of 69 years, Rev. Dellinger is survived by three daughters, Debbie D. Mitchell (Dennis), Amelia D. Tucker, and Teresa D. Lentz (Keith), and one son, Kenny Dellinger (Jeannie), all of Statesville. Seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, 23 foster children, two sisters, Nancy D. Shoemaker (Fred) and Brenda D. Grant, and special pet dog, Sarah, also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Dellinger, and two sisters, Lorene Benfield and Ruby Sharpe.

Rev. Dellinger’s homegoing service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Redemption Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Holland and Rev. Curtis White officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Redemption Church fellowship hall.

The family has requested that memorials may be made to the Redemption Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.