It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Mr. Frank Kelly Imes of Statesville, N.C., at the age of 79. He was born on May 22, 1942, in Iredell County, to the late Daniel June Imes and Ethel Odell Scott Imes. Frank peacefully entered eternal rest on March 4, 2022, at Iredell Memorial Hospital with the love of his family surrounding him.

Frank was a graduate of Unity High School. He was a former member of Highland Acres Church of Christ. Mr. Imes formerly was employed by Uniglass Industry as a manufactory laborer until he retired. As a passionate bowler, he was a member of one of the local bowling leagues, and he earned several trophies. After retirement Frank spent his time watching sports from basketball to baseball to NASCAR racing and he was a loyal Carolina Tarheels, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Braves fan.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his devoted son, Steven Franklin Imes; four brothers, William “Sonny” Imes Sr., George Edward Imes, Jim Imes, and Harvey Imes; one sister Evelyn “Penny” Imes; father-in-law, Elder Rufus Charles Moore; mother-in-law, Overseer Henrietta Ellis Moore; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Imes and Ruby Gray; and two brothers-in-law, West Clark and Wade (Sonny) Gray.

On February 4, 1962, Frank was married to Overseer B.M. Imes. The two were blessed with 60 years together, and from that union they were blessed with four sons.

Frank leaves to cherish the memory of his life his loving wife, Overseer B.M. Imes; his children, Jeff Imes, Ronnie (Dorothy) Imes, and Barron (Vonda) Imes; daughter-in-law, Kim Imes; two brothers, Jerry (Phyllis) Imes and John Imes; one sister, Martha Ann Clark; sisters-in-law, Mary Imes and Agnes Imes; eight grandchildren, Kensley (Ebony) Dalton, Chaven (Tiesha) Rucker, Stephanie Imes, Ronnie Imes Jr, Paris Imes, Tyler Imes, Kobe Imes, and I’Ronye Vanderburg; twelve great grandchildren, Marques Dalton, MaKayla Dalton, MaKinzie Dalton, Taven Rucker, Jaden (JD) Rucker, Chaven Rucker Jr., Ayden Rucker, Caleb Imes, Elijah Imes, Chloe Sharpe, Noah Sharpe and Josiah Sharpe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Greater Lilly’s Chapel Church. Overseer B. M. Imes is Pastor. Elder Wade Ikard will officiate, and Elder Keith Williams will eulogize. Burial will follow on Friday morning, March 11, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Iredell Memorial Park.

Mr. Imes will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 11:30 a.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 12 noon until 1 p.m., but they will assemble at the residence at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Imes at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Frank Imes.