Baxter Leroy "B.L." Starnes

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 for Ruby Parker Starnes and Baxter Leroy Starnes of Waxhaw, NC, from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, with a celebration of their lives beginning at 2:00 PM. They will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with family and close friends following the ceremony at Lakeland Memorial Park where military honors will be rendered for Mr. Starnes.

Baxter Leroy “B.L.” Starnes, 91, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in the home surrounded by his loving family and was received into the presence of his Lord and reunited with his beautiful bride and the love of his life Ruby. Baxter was born February 4, 1933, to the late Marvin Hoyle and Kate Harmon Starnes.

Baxter was a devoted husband and father who loved them well and was the perfect example for what a husband, father and grandfather should be. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren they were his pride and joy. He also loved sharing his love of baseball with his great grandchild Taki. When he reached a point that he could no longer go watch him play he would tell him that when he was playing with the Atlanta Braves (their favorite team) he would be watching him from above. His great grandson Atlas shares the same love for building things as his PawPaw, so he may just be flowing in his footsteps.

He served in the military as a Corporal from 1951-1953. He was a master craftsman in construction and served on the board of directors with Union Power Cooperative for 47 years, 26 of those years as President. Baxter was the pillar of the community and his church serving as a deacon for many years. He was always the go to person for everyone he knew.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hoyle and Kate Starnes, three brothers M.H., Jim and Pat Starnes and two sisters Nell Starnes and Jody Batson.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Ruby Parker Starnes, 92, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family and was received into the presence of her Lord. Ruby was born September 21, 1932, to the late Lon and Velma Parker.

On November 12, 1955, she married the love her of life and for 69 years she walked hand and hand with her loving husband Baxter. She loved spending time with her family. She was vested in the lives of her children and thought of their spouses as her own. When grandchildren and great grandchildren came along her capacity to love grew larger with each new addition. Through her great grandchild, Taki she acquired a love for little league baseball and when her great grandson Atlas walked in the room she had the biggest smile on face. Ruby had a keen sense for fashion and always ensured she along with her girls and husband looked their absolute best. She was an amazing homemaker who always ensured the home was run perfectly and that her children and husband were taken care of. She was a true servant who gave of herself to many. She was active and involved in many different aspects throughout her community and her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lon and Velma Parker, seven brothers Sam, Pete, Tom, Will, Carl, A.L., and Wilson Parker and three sisters Evelyn Ashe, Mozelle Long and Julia Wolfe.

They had a true love for travel and had many adventures together. They especially enjoyed their annual beach trips with their family. They had a special love for the beautiful mountains of Pigeon Forge.

Ruby and Baxter are survived by their daughters, Kathy McCray (Doug), and Gina Jordan (Kenneth), grandchildren, Caitlin Tsiamis (Tony), Rachel Huggins (Matt); two great-grandchildren, Taki Tsiamis, and Atlas Tsiamis.

We would like to thank our angels on earth our amazing caregivers: Kathy Fuzz, Peggy Porter, Teresa Laney and Tanya Nolan and our hospice nurse Brittany Horne.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice Via Health Partners at https;//www.via giving.org/donating and to the Council on Aging, 1401 Skyway Drive, Monroe, NC 28110

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Starnes Family.