E.D. Rector died at his house in Taylorsville, N.C., on March 24, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on March 10, 1927, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Parks (Pearl Martin) Rector, he was raised in Alexander County with an older brother, Donnie Rector, and a younger foster brother, Kenneth Cockrell, who predeceased him. He was married to Laura Neil Elder for 78 years, and they had one daughter, Carolyn (Mrs. Jerry Gilreath).

He worked primarily in the furniture industry for over forty years. Despite little formal education, he was naturally hardworking and frugal and, at the time of his retirement in the late 1980s, was directly responsible for over 300 employees, who widely regarded him as tough but fair.

In later life he continued to be active, working, gardening, farming, caring for his horses, and enjoying the beach with his family and friends. Until mobility issues limited him in his final years, he was a faithful attending member and longtime Sunday school class secretary and treasurer at Three Forks Baptist Church in Taylorsville. He leaves behind a legacy of community involvement, including helping to build the local hospital and as the last surviving founding member of the original Alexander County Rescue Squad. But his greatest and most lasting legacy is the tireless support and boundless love he gave to his family.

In addition to his wife and daughter, immediate family surviving him are one grandson, Shannon Gilreath; one granddaughter, Holly (Mrs. Derek Murzyn); and two great-grandsons, Yates Murzyn and Gentry Murzyn.

Burial will be a private graveside service. Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of E.D. Rector.