James Ardell Sink, age 85, of Burnsville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 29th, 2021 at home. A native of Davidson County, he was a son of the late Alvin and Arlene Sink.

J. Ardell Sink was born in Lexington, NC and his interest in radio began at an early age as he would rig up tin cans and wire between trees to form his own radio station. In high school he worked for the local radio station where he swept the floors and filed the records. While there he worked on weekend as an announcer and did a Dick Clark type of sock hop on Saturday nights with crowds of 700 plus. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from High Point College and married Remelle Koonts on June 23rd 1957.

They moved to West Jefferson where he became manager of WKSK. In 1965 he came to Burnsville and met with leaders about applying for a radio station license.  This was the beginnings of WKYK.

Ardell and Remelle owned and operated numerous radio stations across the Carolinas working side by side and received many community and broadcast awards like the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters community service award. Ardell also recently became only the 2nd person in history to receive “The Key to the Town of Burnsville”.

“2020 Awards Event”          “Family Pictures”

Throughout his life Ardell was known for his positive attitude and encouraging words that inspired family and many others.

His philosophy of life was “Life is uncertain, Eat your dessert first”.  Above all else the most important thing to him was the love of his life, Remelle and his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 64-1/2 years, Remelle Sink; children: Marsa Jarrett (Garry) of Simpsonville, SC, and Mike Sink (Tina) and Holly Hall (Steve) of Burnsville; a sister: Frances Coppley (Tom) of Lexington, NC; a brother: Carlton Sink (Ruth) of Lexington, NC; brother-in-laws Wayne Koonts (Anna), Wes Koonts (Teresa); 7 grandchildren: Corey Cianfarano (David), Clint Jarrett (Katie), Jacob Jarrett (Christina), Jeremy Sink (Donna), Jessica Roland, Tressa Hennessee (Shannon), and Chris Hall (Misty); 18 great-grandchildren: Clara, Ava, Maxwell, Adalyn, Jenaca, Grayson, Carson, Lily, David, Myles, Mia, Victoria, Katie, Emma, Olivia, Isabel, Keaton and Kason.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with various speakers. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be held.

Flowers Appreciated
Donations may be made to:
Compassionate Care Western North Carolina or Mitchell County Animal Rescue