Linda Frye Earnhardt

Linda Kay (Frye) Earnhardt, 82, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 15, 1943, in Concord, Linda was the daughter of the late Ray Leonard Frye and Beulah Iona (Lee) Frye. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Terry Keith Earnhardt, and by her siblings Leonard Frye, Jerry Frye, Bill Frye, Ph.D., and Judy Mullinax.

Linda lived a life marked by compassion, determination, and a genuine love for helping others. After attending Concord High School for three years, she graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1962. Her lifelong curiosity and strong sense of purpose guided her into a rewarding 34-year career as a teacher’s assistant with Cabarrus County Schools, where she found her greatest fulfillment working with special needs students. Her patience, encouragement, and kindness left a lasting and meaningful impact on countless children and their families.

Linda was truly a renaissance woman. In her younger years, she excelled in athletics—earning recognition as a high-scoring basketball player, a tennis champion, and a talented bowler with an impressive 190 average. She also enjoyed playing softball. Her grace and confidence led her to be crowned Miss Harrisburg in 1962, a title she carried with pride.

A lifelong sports fan, Linda was devoted to her teams and to the people she loved. She became a proud Concord Spider supporter and rarely missed her sons’ and grandchildren’s games. She also loved NASCAR—especially cheering for Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr.—and she was a Carolina Panthers PSL holder since 1995, a point of pride and joy for her through the years.

Linda’s life was richly shaped by friendship and service. She was a dedicated member of Preceptor Beta Sigma Phi for 51 years. Throughout her membership, she earned numerous degrees and was awarded the prestigious Torch Bearer, the organization’s highest honor. She treasured the friendships she formed through Beta Sigma Phi and especially loved their annual beach trips together.

Linda had a wide-open, adventurous spirit. She and Terry traveled to more than thirty countries, yet Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach always felt like home away from home. There, they built lasting friendships and became founding members of SOS in Ocean Drive, as well as voting members of the Carolina Beach Music Academy. One of Linda’s favorite gathering places was Elaine’s OD Arcade, where she delighted in reconnecting with old friends from Concord and welcoming new ones. She loved beach music, cruises with the beach music family, and listening to her favorite band, Too Much Sylvia, along with DJs Ray Scott and Eric Bowman. She also enjoyed relaxing pontoon rides on High Rock Lake with her favorite beach tunes playing in the background.

Family was the heart of Linda’s world. She shared 60 years of devoted marriage with Terry, and she cherished every role she held as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was deeply involved in her grandchildren’s lives, attending events, offering encouragement, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. At home, she found comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Princess, who stayed faithfully by her side during her illness.

Linda is survived by her sons, Keith Earnhardt and wife Rebecca, and Tim Earnhardt and wife Patti, all of Concord; her brother, Kenny Frye and wife Pam of Concord; her sister, Betty Lapish and husband Richard of Concord; sisters-in-law Pat Frye of Missouri and Diane Frye of Florida; brother-in-law Dean Mullinax; her grandchildren Michael Mace and wife Ashley, Crystal Carper and husband Matt, Kate Earnhardt (fiancé Connor McCafferty), and Emily Earnhardt; and her great-grandchildren Cody (U.S. Marine Corps), Kelsey Carper, Cole Mace, and Eli Mace. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service celebrating Linda’s life will be held at Forest Hill United Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Josh Kurtz. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Leanne Bost, Tina Suther, and Karen Garland for their exceptional care, as well as to the caregivers at Home Instead, Central Carolina Home Care, and the nurses and staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.

Linda will be remembered for her generous heart, vibrant spirit, and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—in her family, her friendships, and throughout her community.