Our Staff

Meet Our Caring Staff

At Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, our caring and dedicated staff is committed to serving each family with compassion, professionalism, and personal attention. Our experienced and licensed professionals are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step with understanding and respect.

We believe families should always feel comfortable reaching out to us. Please feel free to contact any member of our staff at any time. It is our privilege to serve you and your family.

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James A. "Jay" Carlisle, II

Owner, Funeral Director, Crematory Operator

Jay Carlisle is a lifelong resident of Roanoke Rapids and the proud owner of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service. He and his wife, Lora, have two children, Lexa and Jac, along with several beloved pets.
Jay’s interest in funeral service began during his senior year of high school while interning at a local funeral home. That experience led him to pursue funeral service as a lifelong career. Over the years, he has worked in several states and gained experience in many aspects of funeral home and cemetery operations.
In August 2008, Jay became the owner of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service and returned home to serve the community where he was raised. Since then, he has worked to preserve the trusted Hockaday name while updating the facility and expanding the services offered to families.
Jay considers funeral service more than a profession. He is committed to treating every family with compassion, honesty, dignity, and respect, and considers it a privilege to serve the families of the Roanoke Valley.

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James "Jac" Carlisle, III

Operations Manager

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Jimmy Sawyer

Funeral Director, Crematory Operator

Jimmy is a native of Edenton, North Carolina, and the son of Lessie Chappell Sawyer and the late Rev. Donald E. Sawyer. His career in funeral service began in 1997 when he started working at a local funeral home. The following year, he attended Fayetteville Technical Community College to pursue his goal of becoming a licensed funeral director.
Through the years, Jimmy has gained experience in nearly every aspect of funeral service and has developed a genuine passion for helping families during difficult times. He joined Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in August 2017 as an Advance Planning Specialist, helping families make important decisions in advance and easing some of the emotional and financial burdens that can accompany the loss of a loved one.
In 2022, Jimmy expanded his responsibilities at Hockaday and began serving as both a Funeral Director and Preplanning Specialist. He considers it a privilege to guide families through funeral arrangements while also helping others plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind.
Jimmy is the proud father of three daughters, Olivia, Ella Grey, and Addison, and the proud grandfather of Ruby and Sylvie. Away from the funeral home, he enjoys fishing, camping with his family, spending time at the beach, and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Jerry Barnes

Funeral Assistant

Jerry R. Barnes and his beloved wife of 34 years, Dee, are the proud parents of two wonderful sons, Colling and Cody, and the proud grandparents of four grandchildren: Emily, Silas, Emerson, and Gwen.

Family is at the heart of everything Jerry and Dee do. Their greatest joy comes from spending time with their children and grandchildren, making memories, and cherishing life's special moments.

Both Jerry and Dee are retired from state government service. In his spare time, Jerry enjoys hunting, fishing, and staying active. He believes in giving his very best in everything he does, working hard, and living life to the fullest.

Above all, Jerry treasures his family and the blessings that each new day brings.

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Terry R. Mabrey

Funeral Assistant

Terry Mabrey has been a part of the funeral service profession since 1980 and has dedicated many years to serving families throughout the area with care and compassion.
In 1998, Terry purchased Hockaday Funeral Home from its previous owner and founder, Leonard Hockaday, Sr. He later sold the funeral establishment to his lifelong friend and coworker, James Carlisle, II. Although no longer the owner, Terry remains a loyal part of the Hockaday family and continues to help whenever he can.
Terry resides in Littleton, North Carolina, and is the proud father of his daughter, Ashley Mabrey. His many years of experience, dedication to funeral service, and continued commitment to Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service are deeply valued.

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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.

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Jonathan Harrell

Funeral Assistant

Jonathan was born and raised in Bertie County and is a 1989 graduate of Bertie High School in Windsor. He began a career in corrections in 1996 and faithfully served with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for 24 years before retiring in 2020.
Jonathan married his wife, Jo Harrell, in March 2001, and they make their home in Roanoke Rapids. He is the proud father of two grown children and grandfather of one grandson. Family is an important part of Jonathan’s life, and he especially enjoys spending time with those closest to him.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys traveling to the beach and visiting the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.
Jonathan joined the staff of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in September 2026, bringing with him many years of experience serving others and a strong commitment to helping families with care, respect, and compassion.

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Jo Harrell

Funeral Assistant

Jo was born in Halifax County and grew up in Gaston, the daughter of Joe Mead and Cynthia Spence Mead. In March 2001, she married Jonathan Harrell, and the couple now makes their home in Roanoke Rapids.
Throughout her working life, Jo has enjoyed both phlebotomy and guest service, experiences that reflect her natural ability to connect with others. She truly enjoys meeting people, building relationships, and making new friends.
Jo is a member of Maranatha Baptist Church and holds a special love for her church family. She joined the staff of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in September 2026 as a Funeral Assistant, where her caring personality and love for people help her provide comfort and support to the families we serve.
In her spare time, Jo enjoys making homemade candies and spending time with her family. She especially loves the peaceful beauty of watching the sun rise, whether overlooking the mountains or along the ocean.

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Brian Dickson

Funeral Assistant

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Randy Griffin

Funeral Assistant

Randy is the son of the late Harold and Dot Griffin. He married his wife, Kathy, in 1982, and together they have built a wonderful life centered around family. They are the proud parents of two sons, Jamie and Kyle, and the proud grandparents of their grandson, Alex.
Randy devoted 22 years to a career in law enforcement, serving his community with dedication and professionalism. During his career, he served as Chief of Police for the Town of Gaston before retiring from law enforcement in 2018. His many years of public service reflect his strong commitment to helping and caring for others.
In his spare time, Randy enjoys fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

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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.

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Terrie Ellis

Florist Manager

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Kathy Griffin

Floral Designer

Kathy was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids and is the daughter of the late Jack and Louise Edwards. She graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1981 and married her husband, Randy, in 1982. Together, they have two sons, Jamie and Kyle, and are proud grandparents to their grandson, Alex.
Kathy has worked in the medical field since 1994, where she has dedicated many years to caring for and helping others. Her experience working with people has given her a compassionate and caring nature that she brings to those around her.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoys doing crafts and, most importantly, spending time with her family and friends.