January 31, 78, Walnut Creek
John Emory Rudolph of Walnut Creek died on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 surrounded by his family at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
John was born in Tifton, Georgia to the late Oscar Milton and Sarah Elizabeth Woodard Rudolph of Douglas, Georgia. He graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, Georgia and from Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a Captain. Following his military service, John accepted a position as an engineer for International Paper Company in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. He retired from DuPont in Kinston, NC as an engineering supervisor. At that time, he became an engineering consultant in Goldsboro, NC.
John was active in his community serving as a baseball coach, assistant Scout Master for Troop 438 of Northwest Christian Church, and president of the Kinston Engineer Club. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men. John served as an usher, on the administrative board and as a trustee. For many years, he served as the chairman of the trustees.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the church parlor of St. Paul United Methodist Church followed by a service celebrating John’s life at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Harry and Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern North Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery with military honors.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Margaret “Peggy” Rudolph; son, John Ashley Rudolph and wife Fabienne of Goldsboro; and grandchildren, Melissa Ashley Rudolph and John Tristan Rudolph; and a sister, Nancy Goff of Wilmington.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Rudolph, a sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Al Miller, and a brother-in-law, Richard Goff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530