Earl Dean Auton Jr., 62, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.

Junior was born December 11, 1960 in Cleveland County to Roena Setzer Smith and the late Earl Dean Auton Sr. Junior was employed at Drexel Heritage for twenty six years and loved woodworking and building things. He also had a great love for Led Zeppelin.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Auton and Terry Auton.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Roena; daughter, Erica Pezzullo and husband Joseph; son, Justin Tyler Auton and wife Kristel; significant other and love of his life, Trish Adkins and her children, Jordan Adkins and wife Taylor, Britnye Campbell  and husband Charlie; and grandchildren, Krisma Auton, Catie Auton, Richland Campbell, Bayleigh Campbell, and Blake Adkins; his brothers, William Dean Biddix and Hajji Robert Biddix and wife Dianne; sisters, Gidget Angerillo, and Penny Martinez and husband Juan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his step-mother, Ning Auton and step-brothers, Jesilu Mazo and Jerry Mazo.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Eldon Hinegardner officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.