CHERRYVILLE — Everette Earl (Red) Dellinger, of Cherryville, NC, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012.

Red was born in Lincolnton, N.C., on January 25, 1926, to the late Marshall and Addie Jane Chapman Dellinger — the seventh of their ten children.

Patriotism and adventure led him to enlist in the Army in World War II, at the age of 16. He fought in both the 1st Battalion, 3, 79th Infantry of the US Army as well as the 551st AAA AW Battalion. He served in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre of Operations including participation in the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day, the liberation of Buchenwald, and the infiltration of the Siegfried Line. His country recognized his service with: the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, World War II Victory Medal, and the prestigious Bronze Star Medal. Red was also awarded the French commendation "De La Reconnaissance de la France." Those with whom he served were lifelong friends who gathered at annual reunions until 2006.

He returned to complete his education at Lincolnton High School, where he met a young Frances Patrica Lineberger, who was to become his wife of 61 years.

He coached Golden Glove Boxing, managing Larry Boyles in his efforts, all the way to his bout at Madison Square Garden. Red was a member of the Cherryville Volunteer Fire Department, taught Bible Training Union classes, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Red was a longstanding figure in the Cherryville business community, owning and operating Cherryville Dry Cleaners. He also worked for Carolina Freight Carriers for 32 years.

Family was always foremost in Red's life. His personal values, gentle humor, and generous nature personified this honorable citizen, friend, husband, and father. He appreciated his city and its people.

His dear wife Frances Patricia Lineberger Dellinger precedes him in death.

He is survived by his loving daughters Sherry Dellinger Bingham of Cherryville, Debbie Dellinger Harllee of Winston-Salem, Anita Dellinger Trisch of Troy, MO and son James Marshall Dellinger of Marina Del Ray, CA: three grand children- Brandon Edward Bingham, Justin Blake Bingham, Bryan Jennings Byers, and Hannah Everette Dellinger, great-grandson Parker Blake Bingham, and great-granddaughters Riley Olivia Bingham and Amanda Staton. His sister Edna Dellinger Lutz also survives him.

Visitation is Sunday, January 15, 1:00 – 2:30 PM at Carpenters Funeral Home. Service is at 3:00 PM at Cherryville First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Vince Hefner.

Memorials may be directed to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.