McCain Funeral Home and Cremations

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Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services.

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Cody T. McCain Sr.

Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Mr. Cody T. McCain Sr. was born June 16, 1987, in Morganton to Mr. Bobby Ray McCain and Mrs. Sherry Corpening McCain. Cody’s journey of discovering his calling to the ministry of funeral service began at the age of four when he attended his first funeral (for his great-grandfather’s brother). It was during this funeral service that Cody developed a fascination with the presentation of a deceased and the flow of a funeral. As he grew, and attended more funerals, his fascination and interest grew stronger and stronger. Cody attributes his initial interest in funeral service by observing the operation of the former Ebony Funeral Service – under the direction of Mr. Edward R. McGimpsey II – which served Burke County and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. By the age of eight, Cody’s passion for honoring the dead took the form of conducting funerals for animals in his grandmother’s backyard! This passion never left him as he entered his adolescent and teen years. He professed Christ as his Lord and Savior at age twelve and was water baptized on March 11, 2001, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro.

As Cody began to exit the baptismal pool, his pastor Bishop George W. Brooks spoke a prophetic word to him that affirmed and confirmed his destiny of leadership. Cody took this word seriously and eagerly began to grow in his relationship with Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of fifteen. He graduated at the top of his class from the Math, Science, and Technology Academy at James Benson Dudley Senior High School in Greensboro, NC. He went on to pursue his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion – with a concentration in Theological Studies – from Campbell University, graduating Cum Laude in 2008. It was during the summer prior to graduating Campbell that Cody obeyed the voice of God and made the decision to follow his dream of becoming a licensed funeral director and mortician. Cody enrolled in the funeral directing program at Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2009, completing the director’s diploma program in December 2010. His first experience with working within a funeral home environment began at Purcell Funeral Home in Laurinburg, NC from 2009-2010. During his tenure at Purcell, Cody was afforded the opportunity to learn various embalming techniques from the late Mr. Kervin Hawkins. In January 2012, Cody began his apprenticeship at Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory in Fayetteville, NC and obtained his funeral director’s license on June 17, 2013 (the day after his birthday). Following licensure, he became the manager of the second location of Colvin Funeral Home in Lumberton, NC and served under the direction of Mr. Henry Mitchell Colvin Jr. (now Mayor of Fayetteville) for nearly 6 years. Cody also continued his dedication to his Christian walk while living in Fayetteville and joined Kingdom Impact Global Ministries – under the leadership of Apostle William T. Ford Sr. – where he served on the Campus Outreach Ministry, Levites Ministry, and the Intercessory Prayer Team.

While serving in Lumberton, he met and began dating Miss Shaunda Hester and the two were married on June 11, 2016. The summer of 2017 brought yet another time of transition in Cody’s life; after much prayer and wise counsel, he and his wife obeyed the unction of Holy Spirit and moved to Morganton to begin working on his dream of owning his own funeral home. Following the move, Cody completed his additional requirements to obtain his Funeral Service License (which is directing and embalming) and obtained the Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Service Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College. In February of 2018, Cody began working for Service Corporation International (SCI) as a trade embalmer and embalmed for a number of funeral homes in the area including Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, Kirksey Funeral Home in Morganton, Pendry’s Funeral Home in Lenoir, and several others. During the summer of 2018, he also became an embalmer for Hart Funeral Service in Asheville, NC and appointed as manager in July of 2019 where he continues to serve. It was during the same month that he became manager of Hart that the McCains welcomed the arrival of a handsome and healthy baby boy, Mr. Cody T. McCain II on July 22, 2019.

After enduring the assigned process of time, God’s Word concerning Cody came to pass on February 4, 2022, when he and his wife purchased the former Ebony Funeral Service and became licensed by the NC Board of Funeral Service as McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC on April 14, 2022. Cody also holds credentials as a licensed NC life insurance agent, a notary public, and a certified crematory technician. In his spare time, he enjoys the moments he spends with family and friends, working outdoors, trying new restaurants, and frequenting theme parks!

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Shaunda H. McCain

Co-Owner/Office Manager/Aftercare Coordinator

From the time she was a young girl, Shaunda has always had a passion to serve others and care for the needs of the hurting. Born in Rockingham, NC on December 27, 1981, Shaunda is one of eight children. She was inspired by the example of Christian character of her grandmother, the late Mrs. Ida Mae Hester, and began her walk with Christ at the age of 13 after experiencing the life changing power of the Holy Ghost. Shaunda was a member of Pemberton Temple Church of God in Christ in Hamlet, NC and served in various capacities such as a member of the youth department (YPWW), an usher, and member of the youth choir. She graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 2001 and later continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and now South College of Asheville, NC.

Shaunda’s journey reached new heights when she moved to Fayetteville during her twenties and joined Faith Tabernacle Christian Center in St. Pauls, NC under the leadership of Pastor Earl Goings. During her time at Faith Tabernacle, Shaunda truly began to discover and realize the special gifts and anointing upon her life. Shaunda served as a member of the Single Advisory Board for the Single’s Ministry, member of the Audio/Visual Ministry, an usher, member of the choir, and youth mentor.

In June of 2013, she first encountered her now husband Cody T. McCain Sr. as she comforted the family of a dear friend. Shaunda and Cody married on June 11, 2016 and moved to Morganton the following year. Having been employed with the US Department of Agriculture for 7 years, the end of 2020 brought the tremendous transition to Shaunda’s life as she heeded the voice of God to part ways with the USDA and join in helping her husband fulfill the vision which God had given him! She is the proud mother of Mr. Cody T. McCain II (“CJ”) and in her spare time she enjoys spending precious moments with family, watching Asian dramas, utilizing her creative giftings (in sewing, decorating, event planning, etc.), and traveling.

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Wilbert Caldwell (October 5, 1941 - January 25, 2025)

Funeral Assistant

Wilbert "Buddy" Richard Harris Caldwell Jr., 83 of Lenoir, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 25, 2025 while serving in his God ordained calling, at McCain Funeral Home and Cremations. Buddy was born in Caldwell County to the late Wilbert and Carrie Witherspoon Caldwell on October 5, 1941 and attended Freedman High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his late wife, Overseer (Pastor) Juristine Caldwell of Bibleway Church #10 Lenoir NC, three sisters, Della Kincaid, Fannie Parsons and Pastor Myrtle Carlton. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Montrose "Trosie" Caldwell, Charles Woodard and Frank Caldwell.

He was a member of Bibleway Church #3 under the leadership of the late Overseer Irene Corpening where he served faithfully as a deacon, musician, quartet singer, and general maintenance person. "Buddy" recently picked back up his four string bass guitar and began playing for New Deliverance Church of the Trinity in Morganton, under the leadership of Pastor Tammy Wakefield. Mr. Buddy worked for Ebony Funeral Service for many (50+ years) prior to its closing. Mr. "Buddy" was a mechanic, back hoe operator, gravedigger, gardener, Gospel singer, devoted friend, uncle, brother and father. He has currently worked for McCain Funeral Home and Cremations for three years as a funeral attendant. He was also one of the founders of The Gospel Enforcers and a current a lead singer of the quartet group, The New Gospel Messengers of Morganton, NC.

Buddy was an honorable, faithful, and dedicated servant and his presence will truly be missed at our establishment and in the community.

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Floyd Corpening

Funeral Assistant

Mr. Floyd H. Corpening is a lifelong resident of Burke County and is the grandfather of our owner Mr. Cody T. McCain Sr. He is the son of the late Thomas and Celia Corpening (the funeral home Chapel is dedicated to their memory) and is married to Mrs. Alberta Surratt Corpening; he has one daughter Sherry Corpening McCain. Floyd is a member of Corpening Chapel A.M.E. Church where he serves as head Trustee; he has a special gifting in the area of carpentry, having done work for many in the Morganton and surrounding areas. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family, frying fish, and working with his hands.

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Elder Van Jones

Funeral Assistant

Elder Van Jones is a native of Lenoir, NC but lived in Detroit, Michigan for a number of years. He is the pastor of "To God Be The Glory" Ministries in Lenoir along side his wife Co-Pastor Sunda L. Jones. He is also a licensed electrician and owner of Jones Home Improvement and Electrical Service. Elder Jones has a passion for serving God and others as well as ministering through music as a professional drummer.

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Charles Kincaid

Funeral Assistant

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Bryan Kincaid

Funeral Assistant

Mr. Bryan Kincaid is a native of Morganton and served a total of 27 years with the former Ebony Funeral Service. He also works for La-Z-Boy Logistics and has even worked with the USPS as a courier as well as VIP Courier Express. He is a member of Willow Tree AME Church and in his spare time, he enjoys Gospel singings, detailing cars, fishing, and eating various types of foods.

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Bobby McCain

Funeral Assistant

Mr. Bobby McCain is a native of Semora, NC and currently resides in Greensboro with his wife Sherry Corpening McCain. He is the father of our owner Mr. Cody T. McCain Sr. Bobby has a dedication to ensuring that the overall operation of our establishment is one of excellence. In his spare time, he enjoys family time and attending various local football games. He is a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Semora, NC.

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Angel Santiago

Funeral Assistant/Chaplain/Spanish Translator

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Haley Ruppe

Funeral Service Licensee, NC Notary Public

Haley is a native of Forest City, NC, where she graduated from Chase High School in 2018. She then went on to attend Western Carolina University where she gained experience working and volunteering within WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center, excavation of the Two Sparrows Town Site, and WCU’s Forensic Anthropology facilities. Haley received her Bachelor's degree in Forensic Anthropology from WCU in 2022 and graduated from the FTCC Funeral Service program in 2024; she completed her qualifications to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer in July of 2025. Haley has a passion for music and culture. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and hiking.

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Jacob Caldwell

Funeral Assistant

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Sarah Carter

Funeral Assistant

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Amore Connelly

Funeral Assistant

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Joseph Cunningham (February 17,2004 - May 8, 2026)

Funeral Assistant

Joseph Alexander Cunningham, affectionately known as "Jobie," passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 22. Born on February 17, 2004, Joe was a bright spirit with a heart that welcomed everyone he met. His joyful presence illuminated the lives of those around him, and his absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of family, friends, and community alike.

Joe graduated from Freedom High School in 2022 and pursued higher education at Western Carolina University, where he worked diligently to complete his degree. His dedication to both his studies and personal growth was evident to all who knew him.

In his career, Joe worked at Complete Kidz in Morganton, where his natural warmth and humor made him cherished among coworkers and families. His ability to bring light-heartedness and kindness to the workplace left an enduring impression. Additionally, his tenure at McCain Funeral Home & Cremations was marked by deep compassion and sensitivity, as he offered comfort and support to families during their most difficult times.

Joe's personality was nothing short of radiant. Known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and good-natured humor, he had a remarkable gift for bringing laughter into any room. His kindness and openness made others feel truly seen and valued. Those fortunate enough to know him carry cherished memories forged by his sharp, yet always loving, sense of humor and his genuine care for others.

Joe touched countless lives during his 22 years, forming meaningful connections wherever he went. He will be remembered not only as a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, coworker, and friend but most importantly as a joyful soul whose presence made the world a brighter place.

He is survived by his mother, Grace Rizzitano; stepfather, James Rizzitano; brother, Elijah Cunningham; sister-in-law, Jasmine Cunningham; niece, Zhavia Cunningham; Justice Cunningham; grandmother, Clara McLean; and uncle, John McLean. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Alonzo Eugene Cunningham and maternal grandfather Rev. Moses McLean.

Joe will be deeply missed by all who loved and cherished him. His memory endures in the laughter he inspired, the kindness he embodied, and the love he so freely gave. He leaves behind a legacy of joy and compassion that will continue to brighten the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.

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Justice Cunningham

Funeral Assistant

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Jakari Dula

Funeral Assistant

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Brian Ealey

Funeral Assistant

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Quentin Harbison

Funeral Assistant

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Mekhi Harris

Funeral Assistant

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Jamyon Hampton

Funeral Assistant

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Kimora Horton

Funeral Assistant

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Demarcus Lowrance

Funeral Assistant

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MiQuishia Patterson

Funeral Assistant

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Simeon Reid

Funeral Assistant

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Christopher Wilfong

Funeral Assistant