CHERRYVILLE, N.C. - Mr. Gary Bennett "Half Pint" Earwood Sr., 75, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.

Benny was born in Cleveland County on March 31, 1949 a son of the late Julius M. Earwood and Lounell Grigg Earwood. He worked in textiles and also helped at Thunder Valley and Gaffney Speedways. Benny enjoyed helping his family and friends and loved racing. He also enjoyed sitting on his front porch and listening to the Swap and Shop and American Legion Baseball on WCSL.

Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Beck (Ken); a son Gary Earwood (Kim) both of Cherryville; two grandchildren, Tara Beck Khan (Monis) and Tatum Barber (Trenton); two great-grandchildren, Noland and Noah Khan and one great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Janie Neill of Cherryville; a brother, Randy "Catfish" Earwood (Sarah) of Lawndale; a niece, Cindy Neill; three nephews, Michael Earwood, David Earwood and Bryan Neill; special friends, Danny Hudson, Russell Jones and Todd Spangler. Also surviving is his canine-companion Pearly Mae.

The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home and at other times the family will be at the home of his sister, Janie Neill, 407 Oak Grove Drive, Cherryville, NC 28021.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Norris Willis officiating.

Burial followed the service at Double Shoals Baptist Church Cemetery in Shelby.

Memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Gaston County, 306 S. Columbia Street, Gastonia, NC 28054.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Cherryville, N.C. is serving the Earwood family.