V. Elwood Dalton, 87, of Statesville N.C., passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice in Statesville. He left all earthly pain behind and passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Elwood was born on November 13, 1937, in Carroll County, Va., to the late Everett Luther Dalton and Nelva Mitchell Dalton. After proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was a lifetime master mechanic until retirement.
His love for restoring and collecting classic Ford cars was known by all that knew him. He enjoyed classic car shows, bluegrass music and was an avid NASCAR fan. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and “Paw Paw.”
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Barbara C. Dalton; children V. Elwood Dalton Jr. (Grace), Sharon Ratcliff, Bonnie Shumaker, Benny Dalton (Amy), Vickie Dalton, Michelle Guzik (James) and Mark Dalton; grandchildren, Timothy Ratcliff, D.J. Shumaker, Norman Dalton, Jessica Ratcliff, Brennen Guzik, Alexis Dalton, Zoe Dalton, Caitlin Guzik, Connor Dalton and Abigail Dalton; and great grandchildren, Whitney Ratcliff, Natalie Dalton and Leah Shumaker.
A graveside service for Elwood will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery, 114 N Oakwood Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.
I met Elwood at Muffler Masters in Statesville. Elwood had a strong voice and a great sense of humor. His love for his job and his old cars set him aside from others, especially his ’40 Ford or ’56 Ford, which he treated like children. Rest in Peace, my Friend! Your knowledge and Smiles will be missed!