John Calvin “Pete” Linney was born on May 12, 1950, in Statesville, N.C., to the late James C. Linney Sr. and Beulah E. Wilson. He was the grandson of the late Emma Linney Walker and Lewis Adams. His maternal grandparents were the late Lynn and Lillian Feimster Wilson Sr. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Andrea Linney Stockton, Elizabeth “Libby” Wasson Pearson, James C. Linney Sr., and William (Fookie) Linney Sr.
During his early years of life, he was employed by Uniglass Industries, Wheeling Corrugated and Iredell Container, and the City of Statesville. His most favorite job was working with his cousin, Willie Bellamy, on home repairs and renovations. “Pete” was a hard worker and had a heart of gold and loved to dance. His favorite was “My name is Pete’ Linney, and I don’t have a penny.” Some of his friends called him “Coco Cola Cowboy,” “Little Bo Beep,” and, of course, he would answer “I’m Pete Linney.”
“Pete” was a member of First Baptist Church on Garfield Street, and he loved helping the women of Calvary Presbyterian Church with the yard and any other projects that they needed help with. He attended Morningside Jr. High and Statesville Senior High School.
He leaves to cherish the memories of his life three sisters, Gail Linney Powell and Glander Wasson, both of Statesville, and Mary Carolyn Miller of Charlotte; two brothers, Michael Timothy (Betty) Wasson of Statesville and Steven Wasson of Charlotte; one uncle, Charles Kenneth (Virginia) Sharpe of Charlotte; one aunt, Deloris Wilson of Winston Salem; one brother-in-law, Leon Pearson of Statesville; and two sisters-in-law, Anita Linney and DeHaven Reeves, both of Harmony. “Pete” loved his nieces and nephews, and they loved him dearly. His nieces are Tonya Perrin (Michael) , Monique Linney, Ann Carpenter, Kim Linney, Lisa Pearson, April Clements, Keisha Frazier, Kinberly Tracie and Candice Wasson; nephews, Brian A. Stockton, William (Sharon) Linney Jr., Antonio Linney, James (Flip) Linney, Shawn McCombs, Michael T. Wasson, and Jason Geter. He also loves his great nieces and nephews, giving them all nicknames; also a host of friends, including Ricky Lackey, June Keaton, Michael Houston, Jason Moss, Patricia and Mary Lois Holland, Joanne Rinehardt, and Pam Miller; other cousins, neighbors, his First Baptist Church Family, his Calvary Presbyterian Church Family, and other relatives and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Garfield Street, Statesville, N.C., where Reverend Kenneth Robinson is the Pastor. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Reverend Michael Linney will officiate, and Reverend Timothy Bates, will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery.
Visit the book of memories for John Calvin “Pete” Linney at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Linney family.