James A. "Jay" Carlisle, II
Owner, Funeral Director, Crematory Operator
Hello, my name is Jay Carlisle and I am the proud owner of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service. I have a wonderful and beautiful wife, Lora, two great kids, Lexa and Jac, several dogs and cats and as well other stray animals that happen our way. Welcome to this website and thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you a little about myself, my family and Hockaday, and what it means to be a vital member of the Roanoke Valley.
I grew up in Roanoke Rapids as the son of James and Beth Carlisle, the grandson of the late Acey and Mary Carlisle and Katie King Browning, and the brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Kim Carlisle, his wife Cheryl, and their sons, Matthew, Phillip and Brandon. As a senior in high school, I became interested in funeral service during Health Occupations II class where I worked as an intern in the local business, Branch Funeral Home. I selected it because I thought it would be a way for me to overcome my long standing fear of death. While working there, I realized there was nothing to be afraid of, and decided to make the business my life’s vocation.
I am now entering my 26th year and during those years I have personally dealt with every possible scenario that arises in this field. I have worked in various states, including Mississippi, Georgia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Maryland and the Canadian Province of Ontario. I have been involved in the services of most cultures, nationalities and religions and been responsible for all aspects of managing and overseeing cemeteries and funeral homes.
Several years ago, the opportunity presented itself for me and my family to return to the Roanoke Valley. I made the decision to come home for several reasons: to fulfill my dream of owning a funeral home, to be closer to friends and family, and most importantly, to raise my own children in the same hometown environment that I enjoyed.
In August, 2008, I became the legal owner of Hockaday and I have enjoyed the process of updating and refurbishing the facility, not making drastic changes but bringing it into the 21st century. I made the decision to maintain the Hockaday name because it is familiar to the citizens of the Roanoke Valley and creates a sense of stability and steadfastness. I have redecorated the interior, landscaped the exterior and created this website which is part of the plan to make available to the people, all there is to know about the business and the processes involved with losing a loved one.
I consider every human-interaction important because although most funeral homes operate in the same manner, word-of-mouth advertising is critical to our success. I participate in all of the local advertising mediums available but when satisfied families tell other families about us, we receive the best possible form of advertising: a personal recommendation and endorsement of what we offer.
As difficult as it is to encounter the hardships of others, I believe this is what I was created to do. I consider every human-interaction important and I take great pride in helping folks make educated decisions while putting them at ease during one of the most difficult times of their lives. I pray no one suffers a loss but if they do, I hope they will give Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service an opportunity to be of service. I will fulfill their every request as long as it is legal and ethical. I will serve the Roanoke Valley through the various community projects we offer and I will serve each and every family that walks through our doors to the best of my ability.
James A. "Jay" Carlisle, II
Owner, Funeral Director, Crematory Operator
Hello, my name is Jay Carlisle and I am the proud owner of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service. I have a wonderful and beautiful wife, Lora, two great kids, Lexa and Jac, several dogs and cats and as well other stray animals that happen our way. Welcome to this website and thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you a little about myself, my family and Hockaday, and what it means to be a vital member of the Roanoke Valley.
I grew up in Roanoke Rapids as the son of James and Beth Carlisle, the grandson of the late Acey and Mary Carlisle and Katie King Browning, and the brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Kim Carlisle, his wife Cheryl, and their sons, Matthew, Phillip and Brandon. As a senior in high school, I became interested in funeral service during Health Occupations II class where I worked as an intern in the local business, Branch Funeral Home. I selected it because I thought it would be a way for me to overcome my long standing fear of death. While working there, I realized there was nothing to be afraid of, and decided to make the business my life’s vocation.
I am now entering my 26th year and during those years I have personally dealt with every possible scenario that arises in this field. I have worked in various states, including Mississippi, Georgia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Maryland and the Canadian Province of Ontario. I have been involved in the services of most cultures, nationalities and religions and been responsible for all aspects of managing and overseeing cemeteries and funeral homes.
Several years ago, the opportunity presented itself for me and my family to return to the Roanoke Valley. I made the decision to come home for several reasons: to fulfill my dream of owning a funeral home, to be closer to friends and family, and most importantly, to raise my own children in the same hometown environment that I enjoyed.
In August, 2008, I became the legal owner of Hockaday and I have enjoyed the process of updating and refurbishing the facility, not making drastic changes but bringing it into the 21st century. I made the decision to maintain the Hockaday name because it is familiar to the citizens of the Roanoke Valley and creates a sense of stability and steadfastness. I have redecorated the interior, landscaped the exterior and created this website which is part of the plan to make available to the people, all there is to know about the business and the processes involved with losing a loved one.
I consider every human-interaction important because although most funeral homes operate in the same manner, word-of-mouth advertising is critical to our success. I participate in all of the local advertising mediums available but when satisfied families tell other families about us, we receive the best possible form of advertising: a personal recommendation and endorsement of what we offer.
As difficult as it is to encounter the hardships of others, I believe this is what I was created to do. I consider every human-interaction important and I take great pride in helping folks make educated decisions while putting them at ease during one of the most difficult times of their lives. I pray no one suffers a loss but if they do, I hope they will give Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service an opportunity to be of service. I will fulfill their every request as long as it is legal and ethical. I will serve the Roanoke Valley through the various community projects we offer and I will serve each and every family that walks through our doors to the best of my ability.
James "Jac" Carlisle, III
Operations Manager
James "Jac" Carlisle, III
Operations Manager
Jimmy Sawyer
Funeral Director, Crematory Operator
Jimmy is a native of Edenton, NC, the son of Lessie Chappell Sawyer and the late Rev. Donald E. Sawyer. He began working in the local funeral home in 1997 and during the following year, he started attending Fayetteville Technical Community College to achieve his goal of becoming a funeral director. Jimmy has worked in all aspects of the funeral home and has enjoyed serving families during their most difficult time. He now serves as a Funeral Director and Preplanning Specialist here with Hocakaday. Jimmy attends Christian Chapel Church of Christ, where he is active in their youth programs. He is the proud father of his three beautiful girls: Olivia, Ella Grey, and Addison and his two granddaughters Ruby and Sylvie. In his downtime, he enjoys a good fishing trip, going camping with his kids, going to the beach and he is an avid UNC basketball fan.
Jimmy joined our staff in August of 2017 as our advance planning specialist. He has a passion for assisting families with preplanning their services in advance; sparing their families the emotional and financial burden when death occurs. During 2022, he decided to serve in a dual role as our preplanning specialist as well as a Funeral Director.
Jimmy Sawyer
Funeral Director, Crematory Operator
Jimmy is a native of Edenton, NC, the son of Lessie Chappell Sawyer and the late Rev. Donald E. Sawyer. He began working in the local funeral home in 1997 and during the following year, he started attending Fayetteville Technical Community College to achieve his goal of becoming a funeral director. Jimmy has worked in all aspects of the funeral home and has enjoyed serving families during their most difficult time. He now serves as a Funeral Director and Preplanning Specialist here with Hocakaday. Jimmy attends Christian Chapel Church of Christ, where he is active in their youth programs. He is the proud father of his three beautiful girls: Olivia, Ella Grey, and Addison and his two granddaughters Ruby and Sylvie. In his downtime, he enjoys a good fishing trip, going camping with his kids, going to the beach and he is an avid UNC basketball fan.
Jimmy joined our staff in August of 2017 as our advance planning specialist. He has a passion for assisting families with preplanning their services in advance; sparing their families the emotional and financial burden when death occurs. During 2022, he decided to serve in a dual role as our preplanning specialist as well as a Funeral Director.
Judi Hux
Funeral Director
Judi Higgins Hux is a native of Northampton County. She is the daughter of Madie and the late Donald Higgins. She is a 1980 graduate of Gaston High School. After high school, Judi attended Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) in Wilson, NC where she received her BS Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1985. In 2002, she received National Board Certification in Middle School Physical Education. She also received her Master’s Degree in Health Education from East Carolina University in 2009.
Judi married Tim Hux in June of 1985. She and her husband, Tim, live in Gaston (in which she calls God’s country). She taught Middle School Physical Education for 30 years at Chaloner Middle School and retired in June of 2019. Upon retiring from teaching, she began working as a Funeral Assistant with Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service. In May of 2023, she began an apprenticeship working toward her license as a Funeral Director.
Judi and Tim are members of the Roanoke Rapids Church of God. She enjoys singing and teaching the Word of God. She enjoys traveling and camping with Tim. She and Tim have traveled to all 48 states on their motorcycle. Judi also enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, cooking, baking goodies, woodworking, and sewing. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Judi Hux
Funeral Director
Judi Higgins Hux is a native of Northampton County. She is the daughter of Madie and the late Donald Higgins. She is a 1980 graduate of Gaston High School. After high school, Judi attended Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) in Wilson, NC where she received her BS Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1985. In 2002, she received National Board Certification in Middle School Physical Education. She also received her Master’s Degree in Health Education from East Carolina University in 2009.
Judi married Tim Hux in June of 1985. She and her husband, Tim, live in Gaston (in which she calls God’s country). She taught Middle School Physical Education for 30 years at Chaloner Middle School and retired in June of 2019. Upon retiring from teaching, she began working as a Funeral Assistant with Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service. In May of 2023, she began an apprenticeship working toward her license as a Funeral Director.
Judi and Tim are members of the Roanoke Rapids Church of God. She enjoys singing and teaching the Word of God. She enjoys traveling and camping with Tim. She and Tim have traveled to all 48 states on their motorcycle. Judi also enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, cooking, baking goodies, woodworking, and sewing. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Chuck Hasty
Funeral Director
Chuck is originally from Jackson and was raised in Scotland Neck. He is the son of CT Hasty Sr and the Jeanette Smith. He is a 1989 graduate of Hobgood Academy. After graduating he earned his associate’s degree from Halifax Community College and later received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in 2014. He started his law enforcement career at Odom Correctional Institution in 1991. In 2000 Chuck received his BLET certification from Nash Community College and began working with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. Chuck worked as a Deputy, Investigator and Lieutenant of narcotics and patrol. Chuck has work for Halifax Regional Hospital (Chief of Security), Northampton County Sheriff’s Officer (SRO, Investigator, & Captain), Roanoke Rapids Police Department (Chief of Police) and Enfield Police Department where he retired as Chief of Police in January of 2022. He started part-time with Hockaday Funeral Home in 2018.
Chuck is married to Tonya Hasty, they have three children Trey, Macie and Karson. They are members of Victory Baptist Church. They enjoy spending time at their place on the Crystal Coast (Indian Beach).
Chuck Hasty
Funeral Director
Chuck is originally from Jackson and was raised in Scotland Neck. He is the son of CT Hasty Sr and the Jeanette Smith. He is a 1989 graduate of Hobgood Academy. After graduating he earned his associate’s degree from Halifax Community College and later received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in 2014. He started his law enforcement career at Odom Correctional Institution in 1991. In 2000 Chuck received his BLET certification from Nash Community College and began working with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. Chuck worked as a Deputy, Investigator and Lieutenant of narcotics and patrol. Chuck has work for Halifax Regional Hospital (Chief of Security), Northampton County Sheriff’s Officer (SRO, Investigator, & Captain), Roanoke Rapids Police Department (Chief of Police) and Enfield Police Department where he retired as Chief of Police in January of 2022. He started part-time with Hockaday Funeral Home in 2018.
Chuck is married to Tonya Hasty, they have three children Trey, Macie and Karson. They are members of Victory Baptist Church. They enjoy spending time at their place on the Crystal Coast (Indian Beach).
CJ Rogers
CJ was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids The son of Chris and Michelle Rogers and the Grandson of Joanne Waters and the late Bert Waters. He began working for Hockaday Funeral home in 2018.
He is a 2019 Graduate from Roanoke Rapids High School and a 2023 Graduate from Fayetteville Technical Community College with a Degree in Funeral Services.
He is married to Breanna Allen, he enjoys Hunting, working with EMS, and hanging with friends. He is a member of New Hope United Methodist Church
He has been a member of Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS and Warren County Rescue Squad since 2020.
CJ Rogers
CJ was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids The son of Chris and Michelle Rogers and the Grandson of Joanne Waters and the late Bert Waters. He began working for Hockaday Funeral home in 2018.
He is a 2019 Graduate from Roanoke Rapids High School and a 2023 Graduate from Fayetteville Technical Community College with a Degree in Funeral Services.
He is married to Breanna Allen, he enjoys Hunting, working with EMS, and hanging with friends. He is a member of New Hope United Methodist Church
He has been a member of Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS and Warren County Rescue Squad since 2020.
Tim Hux
Funeral Assistant
Tim Hux was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids. He is the son of Ginger and the late Ray Hux. He is a 1982 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. After graduating from Roanoke Rapids High School, he joined the United States Marine Corps were he proudly served his country for four years. While serving in the USMC, he married the love of his life, Judi. After being discharged honorably, he received his certification for Law Enforcement from the BLET in Salemburg, NC. Tim worked as a patrolman for the RR Police Department and later worked for the Halifax County Sherriff’s Office where he retired as a lieutenant in May of 2013. After retirement, he started part-time work as a Funeral Assistant with Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.
Tim and Judi are members of the Roanoke Rapids Church of God. He enjoys traveling and camping with Judi. He and Judi have traveled to all 48 states on their motorcycle. Tim enjoys working in the yard and spending time on his tractor. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Tim Hux
Funeral Assistant
Tim Hux was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids. He is the son of Ginger and the late Ray Hux. He is a 1982 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. After graduating from Roanoke Rapids High School, he joined the United States Marine Corps were he proudly served his country for four years. While serving in the USMC, he married the love of his life, Judi. After being discharged honorably, he received his certification for Law Enforcement from the BLET in Salemburg, NC. Tim worked as a patrolman for the RR Police Department and later worked for the Halifax County Sherriff’s Office where he retired as a lieutenant in May of 2013. After retirement, he started part-time work as a Funeral Assistant with Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.
Tim and Judi are members of the Roanoke Rapids Church of God. He enjoys traveling and camping with Judi. He and Judi have traveled to all 48 states on their motorcycle. Tim enjoys working in the yard and spending time on his tractor. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.
George Cullom
Funeral Assistant
George was born and raised in Halifax County, He attended Aurelian Springs High School until the schools were consolidated in 1970. George graduated in 1972 from Northwest at William R. Davie High School.
He worked as a mechanic for Quality Pontiac in Roanoke Rapids until joining the United States Air Force. George married his grade school sweetheart, Hilda Hawkins in 1973 and their first duty assignment was Torrejon Air Base in Madrid Spain. After finishing his military duty in 1979, he went back to work at Quality Pontiac. In 1981, George was hired at Champion International Paper Company, where he remained until his retirement in 2016.
George joined our staff in 2021. He and his wife Hilda have two grown daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is an avid fisherman, enjoys woodworking, playing the guitar, singing, and playing with his grandchildren.
George Cullom
Funeral Assistant
George was born and raised in Halifax County, He attended Aurelian Springs High School until the schools were consolidated in 1970. George graduated in 1972 from Northwest at William R. Davie High School.
He worked as a mechanic for Quality Pontiac in Roanoke Rapids until joining the United States Air Force. George married his grade school sweetheart, Hilda Hawkins in 1973 and their first duty assignment was Torrejon Air Base in Madrid Spain. After finishing his military duty in 1979, he went back to work at Quality Pontiac. In 1981, George was hired at Champion International Paper Company, where he remained until his retirement in 2016.
George joined our staff in 2021. He and his wife Hilda have two grown daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is an avid fisherman, enjoys woodworking, playing the guitar, singing, and playing with his grandchildren.
Stevie Salmon
Funeral Assistant
Stevie is originally from Littleton, but currently lives in Roanoke Rapids. He is the son of Boyd and Carol Salmon from Littleton. After graduating from Halifax Academy in 1990, he attended Appalachian State University were he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1995. He then attended BLET at Wilson Community College. He served our community in law enforcement until his retirement as a Lieutenant from Halifax County Sheriff’s Office in 2024. He is married to Susan Salmon, he has two children Cameron and Mallory and a stepson Dawson.
Stevie Salmon
Funeral Assistant
Stevie is originally from Littleton, but currently lives in Roanoke Rapids. He is the son of Boyd and Carol Salmon from Littleton. After graduating from Halifax Academy in 1990, he attended Appalachian State University were he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1995. He then attended BLET at Wilson Community College. He served our community in law enforcement until his retirement as a Lieutenant from Halifax County Sheriff’s Office in 2024. He is married to Susan Salmon, he has two children Cameron and Mallory and a stepson Dawson.
Warren Fugitt
Funeral Assistant
Warren was born in Rockville Maryland but was raised in Littleton North Carolina. He attended school at Norlina Christian academy.
Warren joined the national guard at the age of 17 and after 9/11 went active duty. Was station at fort Stewart Georgia 3rd infantry division. He served two tours in Iraq to include the invasion in 2003 and OIF 3 and was medically retired after his second tour. He proudly served in operation enduring freedom and operation Iraqi freedom.
Warren and his wife Shannon moved back to North Carolina a little over 3 years ago. He is the proud father of two kids; a son and a daughter.
Warren joined our team in 2022 and is in school currently to become a funeral director.
He is very active in the community and enjoys helping people. He volunteers at the veteran Museum in Littleton and is also part of the American Legion Post 308. When time is found in his busy schedule him and his wife enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, and spending time with friends and family.
Warren Fugitt
Funeral Assistant
Warren was born in Rockville Maryland but was raised in Littleton North Carolina. He attended school at Norlina Christian academy.
Warren joined the national guard at the age of 17 and after 9/11 went active duty. Was station at fort Stewart Georgia 3rd infantry division. He served two tours in Iraq to include the invasion in 2003 and OIF 3 and was medically retired after his second tour. He proudly served in operation enduring freedom and operation Iraqi freedom.
Warren and his wife Shannon moved back to North Carolina a little over 3 years ago. He is the proud father of two kids; a son and a daughter.
Warren joined our team in 2022 and is in school currently to become a funeral director.
He is very active in the community and enjoys helping people. He volunteers at the veteran Museum in Littleton and is also part of the American Legion Post 308. When time is found in his busy schedule him and his wife enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, and spending time with friends and family.
Dail Allen
Funeral Assistant
Dail is the daughter of the late Harvey and Kathleen Allen. She graduated from William R. Davie in 1967. Right after graduation, she married and had three sons: Rusty, Darrell, and Gene Miles. Dail spent most of her career as an insurance agent. After retirement she joined our staff as a funeral assistant. Dail enjoys working visitations and putting a smile on peoples faces during this difficult time. She enjoys reading, working in her yard, and spending time with her family.
Dail Allen
Funeral Assistant
Dail is the daughter of the late Harvey and Kathleen Allen. She graduated from William R. Davie in 1967. Right after graduation, she married and had three sons: Rusty, Darrell, and Gene Miles. Dail spent most of her career as an insurance agent. After retirement she joined our staff as a funeral assistant. Dail enjoys working visitations and putting a smile on peoples faces during this difficult time. She enjoys reading, working in her yard, and spending time with her family.
Terry R. Mabrey
Funeral Assistant
He has one daughter, Ashley Mabrey. He resides in Littleton, NC. He has been in the funeral business since 1980 and bought the funeral home in 1998 from the previous owner and founder, Leonard Hockaday, Sr.. He later sold the funeral establishment to his lifelong friend and coworker James Carlisle, II. Terry remains loyal to Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service and helps out as often as he can.
Terry R. Mabrey
Funeral Assistant
He has one daughter, Ashley Mabrey. He resides in Littleton, NC. He has been in the funeral business since 1980 and bought the funeral home in 1998 from the previous owner and founder, Leonard Hockaday, Sr.. He later sold the funeral establishment to his lifelong friend and coworker James Carlisle, II. Terry remains loyal to Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service and helps out as often as he can.
Ethan Rogers
Funeral Assistant
Ethan is the son of Chris and Michelle Rogers and grandson of Joanne Waters. He is a 2023 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and has worked at Hockaday Funeral Home since 2020.
He is currently enrolled at Nash Community College and dual majoring in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Management. He is a NC certified EMT, member of Warren Co EMS and Halifax County EMS as well as a volunteer firefighter with the Halifax Fire Department.
Ethan is a lifetime member of New Hope United Methodist Church where he is active in many capacities. In his spare time, he loves football (Washington Commanders), Hunting and hanging out with his friends. He began working with Hockaday in January of 2020.
Ethan Rogers
Funeral Assistant
Ethan is the son of Chris and Michelle Rogers and grandson of Joanne Waters. He is a 2023 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and has worked at Hockaday Funeral Home since 2020.
He is currently enrolled at Nash Community College and dual majoring in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Management. He is a NC certified EMT, member of Warren Co EMS and Halifax County EMS as well as a volunteer firefighter with the Halifax Fire Department.
Ethan is a lifetime member of New Hope United Methodist Church where he is active in many capacities. In his spare time, he loves football (Washington Commanders), Hunting and hanging out with his friends. He began working with Hockaday in January of 2020.
Johnny Pardue
Funeral Assistant
Johnny grew up in Yadkinville, NC. After graduating from Forbush High School in 1968 he attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. He married Linda Whichard in 1971 and they have three children: Andrea Jennifer, and John Scott and six grandchildren. He was a life insurance salesman prior to retirement. He is a member of Harvest Temple Pentecostal Church and has a passion for missions. He has made 11 trips to Central America to help build churches. He loves hunting, fishing, and teaching hunter education for NC Wildlife. He joined our staff in 2017.
Johnny Pardue
Funeral Assistant
Johnny grew up in Yadkinville, NC. After graduating from Forbush High School in 1968 he attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. He married Linda Whichard in 1971 and they have three children: Andrea Jennifer, and John Scott and six grandchildren. He was a life insurance salesman prior to retirement. He is a member of Harvest Temple Pentecostal Church and has a passion for missions. He has made 11 trips to Central America to help build churches. He loves hunting, fishing, and teaching hunter education for NC Wildlife. He joined our staff in 2017.
Tim Warren
Funeral Assistant
Tim Warren
Funeral Assistant
Brian Dickson
Funeral Assistant
Brian Dickson
Funeral Assistant
