James Auten

James Wayne "Sonny" Auten, 80, of Concord, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Sonny was born July 12, 1939 in Cabarrus County to the late James Emery Auten and Daisy Oretha Green Auten. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Danny Eugene Auten.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Friday, June 12, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. The graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at West Concord Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Larry Morgan. The family requests for everyone to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
He will lie in state on Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm for friends to pay respects without the family present.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra Kaye Tilley Auten of Concord; daughter, Jennifer Auten (Chad) Byrd of Concord; son, Jason Wayne (Tammy) Auten of Concord; sister, Shelby Jean (Brown) Stough; grandchildren, Jordan Byrd (Michael) Steinbacher, Cameron Jennings Byrd, Jaden Wayne Auten, Dylan James Auten; sister-in-law, Judy (Joel) Campbell of Denver; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sonny was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He always greeted people with a bright smile and a quick witted joke. He loved to fish, hunt, and spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. For over 35 years, Sonny was employed by Concord Telephone Company as an installer and repairman. Sonny honorably served his country in the United States Army and Reserves. He was always there for everyone he knew. Sonny had a huge personality and never met a stranger. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made to the Cabarrus County Veterans Honor Guard, PO Box 383, Midland, NC 28107.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Auten family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com