Carlene Pinnix Cave

Yadkinville – Ellen Carlene Pinnix Cave passed away on November 8, 2024 at Novant Medical Center. She was born on October 3, 1935 to the late Carl Wilson Pinnix and Ellen Shore Pinnix. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Billie Folger Cave; son, Billy Keith “Chubby” Cave; sister, Viola Dobbins; and brothers, Charles Pinnix, Jack Pinnix, and Herbert Pinnix. Those left to cherish her memories are daughter, Lynn Cave Shore (Louis); Daughter-in-law, Claudette Cave; granddaughters, Carla Cave Nicks (Houston), Rebecca Aplin Pardue (Dylan); great-granddaughters, Ayla Nicks, Camryn Nicks; and several nieces, nephews and friends.  

Carlene graduated from West Yadkin High School in 1953. She was affectionately known as Mamaw to many and was a gifted and hard-working woman. Carlene retired from RJ Reynolds Tobacco with 29.5 years of service. She helped farm with Bill and could do whatever was needed. Carlene was selfless and always put others first. She loved her church, friends and most of all, her family. The addition to our family of Ayla and Camryn, great-granddaughters, brought immense joy to her life. Carlene loved all events Carla and Becca were involved with and she was willing to travel anywhere to support them. It was amazing how she followed baseball, football, and other NC State sports. 

She was a faithful member of Longtown United Methodist Church and held roles as a member of the Administrative Board, Sunday School Teacher, and United Methodist Youth Leader. She received the Laity Award from UMC on October 16, 2016. Carlene was an active board member and volunteer coordinator at Yadkin Christian Ministries for several years. The family is appreciative of those who provided assistance to Carlene in so many ways. Faye Marion, Lori Earp, Lillian Hatfield, Steven O’Hern, Kathy Gray, Elaine Chipman, Lorene Cummings, Joann Soto, Marilyn and Rex Fletcher, and the staff of Atrium Yadkin Dialysis Center. 

The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A service to honor and celebrate her life will follow the visitation at 3:00 PM in the Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating. The interment will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Cemetery where she will rest alongside her beloved husband, Bill. 

Family requests donations be made in Carlene’s honor and memory to Yadkin Christian Ministries or a charitable foundation of their choice. 

Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkinville is serving the Cave family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.