James Wesley Locklear, entered this life on June 12, 1991, in Laurinburg, North Carolina and was welcomed by his parents, James Locklear and Yvonne Long. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, his life was shortened too soon when his time on earth ended. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend to many who will be deeply missed.
Wesley was the youngest of three sons. Many days were spent outdoors playing, fishing, driving four wheelers, and even sitting around a fire. He grew up in Scotland County and attended school at Laurel Hill Elementary, Carver Middle School and graduated from Scotland High School in 2010.
He started his first job at The UPS Store in Laurinburg, North Carolina where he worked from 2007 – 2024. During this time in 2013, along with his brother Matthew, they purchased The UPS Store. He was known throughout the community for offering exceptional customer service. He always greeted everyone with a smile, gave attention to the customer, and would close with “’preciate you and love you”. His customers knew he cared, and they could depend on him to get the job completed. His most recent place of employment was at Aaron’s Rent-to-Own Center where he continued to have the same level of customer service.
From a young age, Wesley always had a love for music. He played the tuba while in middle school and while playing during church services he taught himself how to play the drums. As a teenager he took a couple of lessons but again mostly taught himself to play the piano. This continued through the years and included several songs that he wrote.
He was always the one to make you laugh with jokes, stories, or just him being Wesley. If you knew Wesley, you loved him. His love for helping people came through the years growing up in church. He could brighten any room with his smile and sense of humor.
Wesley was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty Jane Locklear and Clayton “Sunny” Long; great-grandmother, Mary Troublefield; uncles, Ricky, Micky, and Timmy Locklear; and great-uncle Johnny Troublefield.
Wesley is survived by his parents, James Locklear (Debbi) of Laurel Hill, NC and Yvonne Long of Laurinburg, NC; brothers, Chris Locklear (Tia) of Laurinburg, NC, Matthew Locklear (Carlena) of Laurel Hill, NC, and Xavier Cox (was raised as his brother) of Laurel Hill, NC; nephew, Kyle Locklear; niece, Brinley Locklear; uncle, Dale Long (Sharon) of Conway, SC; great-uncle, Jay Troublefield of Laurel Hill, NC; along with a host of other extended family and incredible friends.
Wesley’s smile and contagious laughter will be missed dearly by so many. Words from friends and family used to remember Wesley: patient, loving, kind, sweet, humble, amazing, passionate, a cool guy, a gentleman, respectful, friendly, positive, and the list continues. Continue his memory, offer a smile to the person next to you, help someone in need, and love others.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel followed by burial in Hillside Memorial Park. Visitation will be held prior to services on Wednesday from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donations to assist in funeral expenses in lieu of flowers can be given to Richard Boles Funeral Service or contact Matthew Locklear.
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