October 17, 58, Goldsboro

Steven Keith “Colonel G” Gregorcyk, 58, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 17 at his home.

Colonel G. was born in Miami, Florida, on December 10, 1957 to Col. Joseph Louis Gregorcyk, USMC, Ret. and Claire Belle Hiett Gregorcyk of Marietta, GA.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Following his military career, Colonel G became the J.R.O.T.C. senior instructor at Eastern Wayne High School and had served in that position since 2007.  He was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church and an active member of the Guardian Brotherhood Riding Club.  He would want to be remembered at the end of the day with the message:  “What a Ride.”

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service celebrating his life at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel.  Military honors will conclude the service on the front lawn.

In addition to his parents, Colonel G is survived by his wife of 31 years, Linda Walker Gregorcyk; daughter, Kelly Leigh Nifong and husband Jason of New Orleans, LA; son, 2d Lt. Keith W. Gregorcyk, stationed in Utah; and brother, John Gregorcyk of Marietta, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Eastern Wayne High School Junior ROTC, 1135 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to the Guardian Brotherhood Riding Club, Steven Gregorcyk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Jamie Farnell, 212 Carlyle Circle, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

October 17, 82, Bowie, MD

Doris Smith Thompson, 82, of 11104 Lake Arbor Way, Bowie MD, formerly of Goldsboro died Tuesday at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home, Goldsboro.

October 18, 84, Fremont

Ralph Odom Sr., 84, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro.

Funeral services will be held Friday evening, October 21, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home Chapel in Fremont.  The family will receive friends afterwards.  Graveside services will be Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Fremont.

Mr. Odom was born in Wayne County on May 31, 1932 to the late Sylvester and Laura Jackson Odom.  He was a charter member of Fremont Rescue Squad and volunteer for 38 years at Fremont Fire Department.  Mr. Odom was a member of Faro Chapel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Madeline Sauls Odom; two daughters, Laura Odom Shuford of South Carolina and Jenny Odom Ballance and husband, Andy of Fremont and four beloved grandchildren, Kathryn and Jackson Shuford and Harry and Jessica Ballance.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Odom was preceded in death by one son, Ralph Odom Jr. and a son-in-law, Fred Shuford.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be directed to Faro Chapel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church or to the Fremont Volunteer Fire Department.

The family is in the care of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home, 102 North Pine Street in Fremont

October 18, 89,

Lillian Rebecca Gentry Mooring, 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the home of her granddaughter in Beulaville.

Lillian was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on August 7, 1927 to the late Hampton Foster Gentry and Mary Riddle Gentry.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Leslie Daughtry and James Mooring.  Lillian had worked in housekeeping at O’Berry Center.  She was a member of Providence United Methodist Church and had been an active member of the Brogden Grange.  Lillian was the kindest and most loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She will be missed by all who were blessed enough to know her.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall at Providence United Methodist Church followed by a service celebrating Lillian’s life at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Dusty Sprouse officiating.  Interment will conclude the service in the church cemetery.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Kay D. Liestman and husband Jim of Youngsville; son, Rohn Daughtry and fiancée, Teresa of Beulaville; grandchildren, Ashley Daughtry and wife Jessica of Kenansville, Jessica Daughtry Simpson and husband Kendall of Beulaville, and Rebecca Daughtry of Beulaville; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Ashlynn, Kaden, and Devon; and sister, Betty Jane G. McDowell of Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Providence United Methodist Church, 202 Providence Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, 403 E. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

October 18, 83,

James Thaddeus “J.T.” Edgerton, 83, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

J.T. was born in Wayne County on November 8, 1932 to the late Ira and Virginia Sasser Edgerton.  J.T. enjoyed life and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a valued employee and supervisor of the 7-11 Convenient Stores for 23 years.  J.T. was a member of Pinkney Missionary Baptist Church.

A service celebrating J.T.’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2016 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home.  Rev.  Clayton Sutton, Rev. Calvin Craft and Rev. Kevin Drake will officiate.  The family will greet friends Thursday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.  Interment will be on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

J.T. is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elaine Hucks Edgerton; daughters, Rita Marlene Roth and husband Jeff of Knoxville, TN and Rhonda Berube of Clayton; sons, Robby Edgerton and wife Judy of Kenly, Ricky Edgerton and wife Alice of Yorktown, VA, Randy Edgerton and wife Chris of Newport News, VA, and Rayland Edgerton of Chesapeake, VA; sisters, Janis Whitley of Kenly and Mary Belle Aycock of Pikeville; brother, Ben Ray Edgerton and wife Kathy of Fremont and a sister-in-law, Annie Lou Edgerton of Elroy; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Franklin Edgerton and Robert Edgerton and sisters, Alma Lewis and Alice Sasser and the mother of his children, Hattie Hales Edgerton.

Although flowers are welcome, memorials may be given to Community Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to Always Compassionate Family Care, 2907 NC Hwy. 581 North, Fremont, NC 27830.

October 19, 82, Mount Olive

Minnie Lee Brock Holloman, 82, life long resident of the Mount Olive area, passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 19, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Services will be Friday, October 21, at 7 p.m. from the chapel of Tyndall Funeral Home with visitation to follow. Burial will be Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m. in Maplewood Cemetery.
Friends and family are also being received at the home of Milton “Blossom” Holloman on Brock-Whitman Lane, Mount Olive. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro NC 27534.

Mrs. Holloman had been employed in area sewing factories and had been an in-home caregiver for the elderly.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Leonard Holloman, Jr.; three sons, Milton “Blossom” Holloman of Mount Olive, Ricky Holloman and wife, Hilda, of Goldsboro, and Billy Holloman and wife, Kim, of Mount Olive; two sisters, Carolyn B. King of Mount Olive and Kathy B. Gardner of Pikeville; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Phyllis H. Faulk; daughter-in-law, Lorrie Holloman; her parents, Henry Herman & Sallie Swinson Brock; step-mother, Mallie Brock; sisters, Dorothy B. Coley and Rossie B. Byrd; and brothers, Prentice Ray Brock, Laston Herman “Jam” Brock, Henry Earl Brock, and Eugene Dail.

October 31, Manhattan, NY

Mr. Charles Shaw, formerly of Goldsboro, NC, died Monday in Manhattan, NY.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

October 31, 57,

Anastasio Maldonado-Medrano, 57, passed away October 31, 2016 at Wayne UNC Health Care.

Viewing will be held Saturday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  Burial will be held in Mexico.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Garcia-Arias and seven children.

Anastasio was preceded in death by his mother, Josefina Medrano Zavala.
The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

October 31, 72, Goldsboro 

Robert Edward “Red” Driver, 72, passed away Monday, October 31, 2016 at Duke Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

Robert was born in Wayne County, NC on August 18, 1944 to the late Edgar Driver and Adell Chase Driver.  He was married to the late Judy Hood Driver.  Robert was veteran of the United States Air Force.  He was a member of the Goldsboro Singles Club and a former member of the Goldsboro HOG Chapter.  Robert also was a Civil War re-enactor and served with the 1st NC Battalion.  He was retired from Caterpillar.
The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Robert is survived by his son, Scott Driver of Princeton; daughter, Susannah Driver of Kenly; granddaughter, Hannah Driver and a dear friend, Edna Price of Seven Springs.
In addition to his wife and parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, James Driver.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Assn., P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312.

October 31, 60,

Randal Gale Baldwin, Sr., age 60, died Monday morning at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was born in Welch, WV to the late Aaron Columbus and Clara Barber Baldwin.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday evening at 7:00pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Rev. Pete Radford officiating. The family will be receiving friends immediately following the service.

Mr. Baldwin is survived by his wife, Nancy Marshall Baldwin; one son, Randall G. Baldwin, Jr.; five sisters, Alice Belcher, Joyce Prunest, Regina Winegar, Irene Lilly and Donna Price; and three grandchildren, Tiffany, Courtney and Kaitlyn Baldwin.

He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Eugene Baldwin; four brothers, Norman Baldwin, Lloyd Baldwin, Virgil Baldwin and Wayne Baldwin; and one sister, Betty Wood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

October 31, 86,

Bertha Marie Williams Turnage, age 86, died Monday evening at home. She was born in Wayne County, NC to the late William Bryant and Cora Jackson Tillman Williams and was married to the late Thurman Oliver Turnage. Mrs. Turnage’s chosen career was nursing. She worked at Wayne Memorial Hospital for 42 years and was dedicated to caring for the sick. Also, she had a strong faith and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour.
A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11:00am at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, Thurman J. Turnage and wife, Veronica; a daughter, Angela Ellis and husband, Glenn; long time friend, Elaine Barnes; six grandchildren, Christy Shuman, Michael and Jeffrey Lancaster, Brandon and Cale Turnage; and five great-grandchildren.

November 1, 23, Pikeville

Pikeville- Stephen Ray Blizzard, 23, passed away Tuesday, November 01, 2016.

A celebration of his life service will be held Saturday, November 05, 2016 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Stephen was born in Wayne County on March 13, 1993.  He is survived his mother, Billie Jo Nakaahiki (Tom Paxton) of Pikeville; his father, James P. Lee and wife, Jaymie of Wilson; his girlfriend, Kymber Lambeth of Goldsboro; five brothers, Jamie Lee of Netherlands, Sean Nakaahiki and wife, Krystal of Alaska, Christopher Radford and wife, Brianna of Seven Springs, Jeremy Simmonds and Kyle Simmonds both of Nebraska; four sisters, Monique Cortez and husband, Ben of Alaska, Jasmine Nakaahiki and husband, Chris of Hawaii, Heather Radford and husband, Joshua of California and Shaunice Nakaahiki of Alaska; his paternal grandmother, Martha Lee of Louisiana; his grandfather, Douglas Nakaahiki of Hawaii and a special aunt, Shelly Bailey of LaGrange.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Troy Nakaahiki;  his maternal grandparents, Joe and Ellen Blizzard and paternal grandparents, Lyman A. Lee Sr. and Odetta Nakaahiki.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
Arrangements are incomplete at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro

November 1, 95, Mount Olive

Naomi Worrell Grantham passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at her home.  Born in Wayne County on September 4, 1921 she was the daughter of the late John Morgan Worrell and Blanche Smith Worrell.  She was married to the late Carl Norwood Grantham.

A lifelong resident of Wayne County, she and her husband lived and raised their children in the Grantham community.  A farmer’s wife, Naomi was no stranger to hard work, a trait she instilled in her children and grandchildren.  She could often be found alongside her husband, Carl working the farm until his death.  Although she never finished high school, she was one smart lady and was blessed with a sharp mind.  One of her greatest passions was working in her yard, tending to her flowers and picking up pine cones.  She will be remembered for her excellent cooking skills, always making the best fried chicken, collard greens, and pecan pies.  She was most proud of being “Nena” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other members of the community.  Naomi’s greatest love was her family, she was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; they were the light of her life.

A celebration of Naomi’s life will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Purvis officiating.  A private burial will take place at Wayne Memorial Park.

Naomi is survived by three daughters and sons-in-laws, Gail Grantham (David), Judy Williams (Linwood), and Tara Britt (Claro Grantham) all of Grantham; eight grandchildren, Greg Grantham (Wendy) of Jacksonville, Rick Grantham (Rene), Crystal Whitfield (Graham) both of Grantham, Chris Williams (Dee) of Fuquay-Varina, Carla Williams of Wilson, Shayne Williams (Dawn), Chad Britt (Meredith), and Heather Toler (Kevin) all of Grantham; fourteen great-grandchildren, Hali Grantham, Matthew Grantham, Zach Grantham, Garrad Whitfield, Caleb Whitfield, Hayden Williams, Brady Williams, Kevin Williams, Ashley Williams, Addison Williams, Taylor Britt, John Britt, Christian Toler, and Nicholas Toler; one sister, Dixie Worrell Barwick; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Norwood Shelton Grantham; a great-grandson, Zachary Duane Williams; brothers, Johnie, Marvin, Victor, Bruce, Paul, Jimmy, Willie and Wiley Worrell; sisters, Pauline W. Kearney, Inez W. Ginn and Geraldine W. Thomas.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and following the service on Saturday at Seymour Funeral Home and at other times at the home.

Naomi was very blessed to be able to spend her final days at her home.  She peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior with her girls by her side.  The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the Hospice Nurses at 3HC, Life Care Hospital in Rocky Mount, and her best friend, Frank Purvis for the love and care you provided in Naomi’s final days.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be directed to the Carlisle Purvis Memorial Scholarship Fund at Eureka Christian Church, 2036 Dobbersville Road, Mount Olive, NC  28365.

November 1, 83,

Eugene B. “Gene” Gunter, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully at his home at North Topsail Island on Tuesday, November 1st after an extended illness. He was born in 1933 in Hamlet, NC the only son of the late Eugene B. Gunter, Sr. of Sanford, NC and the late Sue Fountain Gunter of Tarboro, NC. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1955 with a degree in Political Science. Commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1956, he served until his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 1978.

Serving as a navigator on KC-135 Tankers during the majority of his career, he was stationed at Harlingen, TX, Warner Robbins, Ga, Glasgow, MT and Wright Patterson AFB, OH, finally retiring at his last assignment at Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, NC. While still in the Air Force, he owned and operated G’s Greenworld with his son, Chip.

Following his Air Force career, Gene and Bea moved to North Topsail Island where his love of flying took a new path. He became a commercial pilot and owned and operated Topsail Scenic Flights, taking visitors and residents alike high above the island to see its’ unique beauty. He mentored many young pilots who went on to civilian and military careers in aviation. For his last entrepreneurial endeavor, he became a U. S. Coast Guard certified Captain and navigated the intracoastal waters on Topsail Island on “Kristy’s Cruiser”, sharing views of the waterways many would not have been able to see otherwise. Life on the beach allowed him opportunities to enjoy what he loved; golf, fishing, plants and opening his home to family and friends, always with a perfectly cooked bowl of Sneads Ferry shrimp.

A memorial service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held Saturday at 4:00 pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Stovall officiating. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service at the funeral home and that evening will be at the home of his daughter, 115 Susan Circle, Goldsboro, NC.

Preceding Gene in death was his wife of 45 years, Martha B. Gunter of Caldwell County; he is survived by his spouse, Chiyoko Gunter; his daughter and son in law, Susan and Bob Crenshaw, his son, Chip Gunter and his daughter and son in law, Martie and John Rye, all of Goldsboro; his grandchildren include, Kristy Borge, David Rye, Jessica Simons, Drake Webster, Ryan Gunter Castrati and Austin Rye; and eight great grandchildren.

November 3, 66, Durham

Thurman Lewis, 66, of 2405 Highland Ave, Durham, died Thursday at the Durham VA Medical Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

November 08, 54, Dudley

John Hill, 54, 104  of Barnwell Rd., Dudley died Tuesday in the Wayne Memorial Hospital.

November 8, 66, Albertson

Harry Robert Gautier, 66, of Albertson, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at his home. Harry was born October 12, 1950 to Nellie Faye Price of Seven Springs and the late Blackman Henry Gautier. Harry was the owner and operator of Gautier Drywall. Harry had a deep passion for the outdoors and fishing. He was most happy when out on his boat and nothing was more pleasing than the tug of a fish on the line, no matter the size. Harry loved tending to his gardening, spending time with his grandchildren and nothing was better than a night of wrestling on television.

A service to celebrate and honor Harry’s life will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Ivy White and Rev. Steve Grissom officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.

In addition to his mother, Harry is survived by three children, Chris Gautier, Beth Brodhead and husband, Kelly and Shannon McDonough and husband, Michael of Monroe; three sisters, Wendy Gautier, Joan Taylor and Ginger Price; his fishing buddy, Stanley Fields; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to his father, Harry was preceded in death by a grandson, Sha Gautier.

Harry’s family will receive friends Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times they will be at the home of his mother, Nellie Faye Price, 4455 Highway 903 North, Seven Springs. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

November 9, 73, Mt. Olive

Mr. Lavernal Langley,73 of 593 Waller Rd. transitioned Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.