In loving memory of Christian Michael Viera of Statesville, N.C.
Christian Michael Viera, 51, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Christian’s journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of strength and resilience. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Christian is survived by wife of 29 years, Shannon; and their two children, Max and Aidan. He also leaves behind his father Benjamin (Wanda) Viera; and two sisters, Mayra (Luis) Viera-Delgado and Maria (Jonathan) Viera-Gonzalez. Christian will be missed by his nephews, Matthew, Jose, Jesus, Gavin, and Dylan; his niece Mariely; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
He was predeceased by his mother, Maria; mother-in-law, Susan; his aunt Evelyn; and grandmother Anna.
Christian was a proud Navy veteran and was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Photographer’s Mate, serving as an aerial photographer. Christian’s honors include air crew wings, national defense service medal, marksman rifle ribbon, expert pistol ribbon, Southwest Asia service medal, Kuwait liberation service medal and Government of Kuwait medal.
His passion for photography stayed with him long after his military service ended. Christian had a successful sports photography, wedding, and commercial business for over 30 years until he retired in 2022 due to illness. A few memorable photo sessions include flying with the Blue Angels and being on the sidelines for the expansion NFL team, Jacksonville Jaguars.
In honor of Christian’s love of photography, an annual Christian Viera Creative Arts Award has been created and will be managed through the Iredell Arts Council. This fund will be used to give not only photographers but also any artist that may need financial support in their field. Each year on September 28 (Christian’s birthday) funds will be distributed. At this time, the family asks that donations be made to this award in Christian’s honor. To donate, please make a check out to the Iredell Arts Council and tag it as the Christian Viera Creative Arts Award.
A military service will be held 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Nicholson Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life at The Watering Hole. Family, friends and the community are welcomed to attend both the service and Celebration of Life.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
We love you always ❤️
To Shannon your boys ,your family and the Viera family: My family and I would like to send our condolences and love to you all on the loss of dear Christian. You are in our thoughts and heart. May God Bless you. Love, Lydia Rivera (Viera)
You will be so missed! I’ve loved you a long time and will continue to love your family. RIP
An amazing neighbor, husband and father. We will miss his smiling face, kindness and spirit.
Such great memories of Christian from our boys going to school together, playing ball together and he, Shannon and I serving on the Dixie Youth Board together. Love this family and although we know where Christian is now, it still stings to know he’s gone from this earth. What a blessing he was and will continue to be through the scholarship. We love you guys.
The strongest, bravest man I have ever known. I’m so proud to be your little sister. We’ll miss and love you always ❤️
Always loved never to be forgotten ❤️
We will miss you dear friend but rejoice that you are now in the presence of Jesus, completely healed!
My Condolences to The Viera Family my Supervisor Nicole Loved You Dearly
From Labor to Rest 🙏🏾
Dottie
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Such a gentle soul….I will always remember his beautiful big smile. He watched me grow up with the girls. Always about his family. We will miss you so much Chris. You have left us all with a broken heart. I pray God gives full peace and tranquility to your wife, boys and sisters. No more suffering….RIP Chris. Love you always ❤️⚓️🕊️
Shannon and family: You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shannon and family: The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is thinking of you.
Chris, my dear childhood friend. Writing this pains me deeply as you will always be the Big Annoying Brother that I always wanted and now you will continue to be as our guardian angel. I have shared stories of our joys and fights with my sons, especially my favorite when you got into a fight on the block and I stepped in to break it up and dodged a misdirected punch from you and you yelled at me for jumping in (that was my first almost fight). Then my Mom took us upstairs and she reprimanded you as she always did all of her sons. Brother and friend, you will forever be loved. See you in the next chapter and this time maybe you’ll get to dodge my fists of fury 🥊🙏🏼🫶🏻
Dear cousin: May you rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Gone but you will never be forgotten❤️ Praying for your sisters, wife, sons and family ❤️
We are thinking about you and the boys now and the days to come. We love y’all!
Losing you has broken many hearts. We are going to miss you so much bro. Despite always fighting with you when we were little, you was my hero. You always protected me. It hurts to know we will no longer speak. I always admired your strength and wanted to follow your example. Love you always Chris. For eva my big bro. 😞😪 Love Mayra, Jesus, Mariely and Toro
We will miss you our dear friend. We thank God for your life and that you are now healed. We love you always ❤️