John Lee "J.L." Setzer, Sr., 95, passed away early Saturday morning, November 26, 2022 at Atrium Health Cleveland.

He was born on March 14, 1927 in Hildebran, NC. J.L. grew up in Hickory, NC. He graduated from Hickory High School and North Carolina State University where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a World War II veteran, joining the US Navy at the age of 17 and serving on the destroyer USS Corry.

J.L. and his family moved to Shelby from Brevard, NC in 1960. He was employed by Fiber Industries in Earl as one of the original 25 employees. He retired from Fiber as the Director of Engineering in 1980. He then continued his career as a consultant in the textile industry.

J.L. was a devoted member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Shelby for 62 years. He served on the Church Council and Property Committee. His many interests included genealogy, hunting, fishing and all things needing repair or "design adjustments".

J.L. was preceded in death by his parents Albert Lee Setzer and Carrie Ola Eckard Setzer, and his wife Frankie Bolch Setzer who passed away in 2012. He is survived by a son John Lee Setzer, Jr. of Sharpsburg, GA and a daughter Lisa Washburn (Rick) of Shelby, NC, grandchildren Amanda Truett (Will) of Hickory, NC, Sarah Setzer of Washington, DC and Dr. Jenna Lee Washburn of Greenville, SC. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Tristan and Tobias Truett of Hickory, NC, niece Andra Pingel (David) and great niece Kathryn Pingel of Conover, NC.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00am at Ascension Lutheran Church with Rev. Kris Kramer officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. The graveside service, including a US Navy Salute, will be held on Monday, December 5th at 2:00pm at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory, NC.

The family is eternally grateful for the love and support of J.L.'s Ascension Lutheran Church family, beloved neighbors and friends, especially during the last seven months of his life. Also, Lisa and Johnny request that memorials be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 300 N Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Setzer.