Sterling Thornton Dalton

Sterling Thornton Dalton went to his eternal home with Jesus Christ his savior on Friday, March 26th, 2021 at the age of 89. Sterling was born to Luster and Irene Dalton on July 27, 1931 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He graduated from Chase City High School in 1949 and joined the US Army four years later in 1953. Sterling served our country for a total of eight years, with the last six being in the Army National Guard.
Sterling is survived by his niece Lori (Keith) Hawkins of Rock Hill, SC his grandnephew Tyler (Kara) Cummings and son Easton of Candler, NC, and his grandniece Melissa (Shell) McCain and baby Summer (arriving in July) of Rock Hill, SC. Also, many nieces and nephews from the Palmer, Nunn, and Dickerson families.
In 1956, Sterling met Beulah Mae Dickerson and they were married a short time later. Sterling would always vividly recall to everyone, that the first time he saw Beulah, he knew that day, he was going to marry her. Most of Sterling’s work life centered around his employment with Leggett Department store in Oxford. Sterling was also a faithful member of West Oxford Baptist Church where he served for many years in numerous leadership roles. Sterling’s faith in Jesus Christ was displayed by the way he treated and encouraged people. Simply put, Sterling was a servant. Although Sterling did not have any biological children, he acted as a father and a grandfather to the children in his extended family. Sterling loved to go on visitations with the Pastor’s to pray with the sick and shut ins. Sterling loved to sing and listen to gospel music. From solos to choirs or duets or anytime he could sing, he would always be available. Sterling loved to laugh and loved to pick with and be funny with everyone in the room. He loved taking bus trips and going to shows to watch singing and entertainment. He also loved to eat, especially sweets! Most of all, he loved caring for Tyler and Melissa when they were younger. To see both of them graduate from High school, College, and marry awesome spouses made his life complete. Finally, he loved “the boy”, that is what Sterling called him, Tyler, and Kara’s son Easton.
Sterling was preceded in death by his parents Luster and Irene Dalton, his wife of 47 years Beulah Dalton, and two sisters Joyce Nunn and Betty Mae Palmer.
Visitation will be at West Oxford Baptist Church at 1 PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 with the funeral service to follow at 2 PM. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Oxford, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Oxford Baptist Church, “In Memory of Sterling T. Dalton”, P.O. Box 458, Oxford, NC 27565.
The Dalton family is proudly being served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home.
Online memorials: www.GNVFuneralHome.com.