Jimmy Ray “J.J.” Locklear Jr., 39, of Rockingham, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
He was born April 23, 1986 in Richmond County, son of Rosa Norton Hughes and the late Jimmy Ray Locklear Sr.
J.J was a man of many words and had a heart of gold. He loved music and dancing, and you could feel his energy the moment he walked into a room. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and less alone. He genuinely found joy in helping the homeless.
When he loved, he loved hard and without limits. He always made sure there was a way for the people he cared about, even if he had to put himself last. He carried so much on his shoulders, yet still showed up for others. He was naturally playful, a jokester, and someone to laugh with and had the best smile and hugs. He will be missed dearly by his family and those who knew and loved him.
J.J was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Ray Locklear Sr.
He is survived by his daughter, Kenleigh Locklear Butler (Neal) of Hamlet; grandchild, Riley Butler; mother, Rosa Norton Hughes of Hamlet; sister, Jessica Lee Knight (Toby) of Laurel Hill; grandmother, Florence Bass Norton of Hamlet; uncle, Joseph Norton Jr.; and niece and nephew, Destiny Greene and Eric Caleb Greene.
All services will be held privately by the family.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Locklear family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
