The Obituary Section

Christopher Chris Glenn Keeter

, North Carolina

Mr. Christopher Chris Glenn Keeter 50 of Lufkin Texas was born on August 261975 in Fayetteville North Carolina to Johnie M. Keeter Sr. and Annie E. Shearin andpassed away after a brief illness at Baylor St. Lukes Medical Center Houston TX onMay 9 2026. Chris was a 1993 Graduate of Romulus Central School in Romulus NY. He was aproud United States Air Force Veteran. Chris was a dedicated and proficient BMXFreestyler and Skateboarder from an early age winning numerous awards andcompetitions. He continued to ride until his health prevented it. Chris was loved and willbe missed by many. He is survived by his father and stepmother Johnie M. Keeter Sr. and Sandra J.PozarKeeter of Harvest Alabama mother Annie E. Benzing of Fayetteville NorthCarolina son Andrew Christopher Keeter of San Antonio Texas stepson ZacharyWylie of Bulverde Texas brother Johnie M. Keeter Jr. of Graham North Carolina andhis faithful pet companion of…

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Stephen "Steve" Larnell Willetts

, North Carolina

July 29, 2026

Stephen Steve Larnell Willetts of Wilmington died on July 30 2026. He was born on August 25 1960 to the late Adrian Larnell and Lois Sasser Willetts in Whiteville N. C. While growing up in Whiteville Stephen played football and volunteered with the Whiteville Rescue Squad. He enjoyed working rescue and the friends he made on the Squad. Stephen joined the National Guard and after attending basic training with the Army he attended OCS where he graduated with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After marrying and moving to Wilmington he was a devoted father to his sons Zack and Colby. He was a big supporter of Zacks football teams and was particularly proud when Hoggard High School won the state championship in 2007. Stephen was always amazed at the insight and wisdom that Colby shared with others during his short life as he battled muscular dystrophy. Stephen enjoyed water sports…

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Darlene Hughes Watson Brewer

, North Carolina

Darlene Hughes Watson Brewer daughter of the late John Leroy Hughes and Virginia Lee Hughes of Old Dock Columbus County North Carolina was born on April 2 1955. She went home to be with the Lord on August 5 2026. Darlene is survived by her devoted husband Thomas Tom F. Brewer of Calabash her daughter Natalie Winslow and Natalies husband Bradon her son Rev. Corey Watson and Coreys wife Melody and her four cherished grandchildren Scarlett Winslow 11 Griffin Winslow 9 Anna Grace Watson 7 and Lydia Winslow 4. She is also survived by her brother Geary Hughes and his wife Elaine as well as several cousins. Darlene was a beloved wife mother and grandmother whose love knew no bounds. She loved with her whole heart and touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her kindness warmth and unwavering love will be deeply missed by her family and friends.…

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Michael Williams

, North Carolina

Born February 12 1962 in Columbus County NC he was the son of the late Blanco Williams and Irene Norris Williams. He is survived by three sons Jeremy Williams Haley of Loris SC Brandon Williams of Loris SC and Jadon Williams of Clarendon NC one daughter Casey Byrd of Clarendon NC one brother Steve Williams of Whiteville NC and six grandchildren Cameron Dargan Emery Haylee Jaxon and Haisley. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Alexis Brook Williams and grandsons Matthew and Noah Williams. A memorial service will be held Saturday August 15 2026 at 200 PM in the Freedom Original Free Will Baptist Church 1280 Swamp Fox Hwy E. Tabor City NC.

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James Timmons

, North Carolina

Born in Horry County SC. he was the son of the late James Herbert Timmons and Annie Ruth Bordeaux Timmons. He is survived by one sister Joyce Ann Timmons of Gadsden AL. and one sister inlaw Julie Timmons of Tabor City NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother Donald Ray Timmons. We are deeply sorry for your loss the staff at Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City LLC.

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Ellenda Beck

, North Carolina

Ellenda Soles Beck age 73 born on in Horry County SC. she was the daughter of late Belton Soles and Alla Mae Nealey Soles. She is survived by one daughter Ericia Duncan of Green Sea SC. three grandsons Dusty Ray Duncan Justin Randall Duncan Daulton Reno Duncan and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles James Beck Jr. four brothers Eric Soles Gayle Soles Carey Soles Jonathan Soles three sisters Faye Leonard Mona Osmore April Pevy. Funeral services will be held Friday August 14 2026 at 200pm in Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Myrtle Green Cemetery Tabor City. Designers choice bouquet was purchased for the family of Ellenda Soles Beck by Rob Donna Lindsey Drew Tori Josh Bellen Eliana Harding Randy Tina Zach Kayla Colten Soles. Rob Donna Lindsey Drew Tori Josh Bellen Eliana Harding…

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Randy Hilburn

, North Carolina

Randy Lee Hilburn age 71 of Loris SC. died Saturday August 8 2026 in Grand Strand Medical Center Myrtle Beach SC. Born in Columbus County NC. he was the son of the late Tyner Hilburn Jr. and Irma Lee Lawson Hilburn. He is survived by one brother Ricky Hilburn and wife Cindy of Whiteville NC. one sister Barbara Benton and husband Lloyd of Whiteville NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister Tammie Hyatt and her husband Ralph Hyatt. We are deeply sorry for your loss the staff at Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City LLC.

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Shirley Goff

, North Carolina

Shirley Goff Browder born August 8th1949 passed away peacefully at her home on August 7th 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Horry County SC. Shirley was a devoted Wife Mother Grandmother Aunt and Friend. She shared a lifetime of love with her soulmate Earl Chuck Browder creating a family that was the center of her life. She is lovingly survived by her husband Earl Chuck Browder her two sons Ryland Chuckie Browder and wife Holly of Tabor City NC and Dale Browder and wife Brittany of Florida. Shirley was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren. Breanna Browder of Tabor City NC Sierra Browder of Randleman NC Diana Browder of Conway SC Madison Browder of Conway SC Amy Browder of Florida and Austin Browder of Florida and five great grandchildren. She also leaves behind three cherished stepgrandchildren Zachary Spivey Brianna Williamson and Jayden Williamson all of Tabor…

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Cindy Hodge

, North Carolina

Cindy Ruth Hodge age 58 of Nakina NC. died Wednesday August 5 2026. in her home. Born in Columbus County NC. she was the daughter of the late Jeffrey Blair Hodge and Annie Mae Leonard Hardy. She is survived by two daughters children Rebecca Gwen Ellis Tre of Nakina NC. Stacy Nicole Hatcher Katrell of Nakina NC. one son Jesse Allen Hatcher of Nakina NC. Two brothers David Dwight Hardy Jr. of Clarendon NC. Isaac Melvin Hardy of Clarendon NC. three sisters Annie Ruth Gause of Whiteville NC. Karen Kay Lowery of Chadbourn NC. Hazel Ann Jackson of Hallsboro NC. three grandsons Kaison Tyler Shaw Khylan Takoda Shaw Karsyn Tatum Shaw one granddaughter Mariah Shaw and the father who raised her David Dwight Hardy Sr. of Clarendon NC. Memorial services will be held Sunday August 9 2026 at 300pm in Hallsboro Church of God 312 Giles Byrd Rd. Hallsboro NC…

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Hazel Pigott

, North Carolina

Hazel Lee (Andrews) Pigott death notice and obituary, Monday August 17, 2026. Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City, LLC. Tabor City, NC 28463

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Travis Stephens

, North Carolina

Travis Carl Stephens death notice and obituary, Wednesday August 5, 2026. Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City, LLC. Tabor City, NC 28463

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Dorothea Rogers

, North Carolina

CERRO GORDO NCDorothea Bullock Rogers 58 of Cerro Gordo NC died Saturday August 15 2026 at home. Viewing will be at Peoples Funeral Chapel Saturday August 22 from 200 to 400 PM. Cremation will follow. Surviving are her husband Edward Rogers daughters Erica Graham and Constance Rogers of Fair Bluff NC and Allison Bullock of Cerro Gordo NC sons Shane Bullock and Derrick Rogers of the home sisters Mary B. Jones of Fayetteville NC Priscilla Thomas and Sandra Faye Stanley of Fair Bluff NC and Stephanie Graves of Whiteville brothers Ted Moore Jr. of Lumberton NC and Dewayne Moore of Jacksonville FL. CERRO GORDO NCDorothea Bullock Rogers 58 of Cerro Gordo NC died Saturday August 15 2026 at home. Viewing will be at Peoples Funeral Chapel Saturday August 22 from 200 to 400 PM. Cremation will follow.

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Bonnie Mitchell

, North Carolina

CHADBOURN NCBonnie Lee Hamer Mitchell 73 of Chadbourn NC died Friday August 7 2026 at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. The funeral will be 100 PM Saturday August 22 at First Baptist Church 505 South Wilkes Street Chadbourn NC by Pastor Virgil Reaves. Burial will be in the Belvue Cemetery. Viewing will be at Peoples Funeral Chapel Friday from 400 to 600 PM and at the church Saturday 30 minutes prior to the service. Surviving are her husband Fuller Mitchell Jr. daughter Tawania Mitchell of Fayetteville NC sons Fuller Mitchell III of Hawaii and Tavius Mitchell of Fayetteville NC sisters Hilda Hamer of New York and Bertha Hamer of Chadbourn brother Roscoe Hamer of New York. CHADBOURN NCBonnie Lee Hamer Mitchell 73 of Chadbourn NC died Friday August 7 2026 at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. The funeral will be 100 PM Saturday August 22 at First Baptist Church 505 South Wilkes…

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Paul Burroughs

, North Carolina

WHITEVILLEPaul Morris Burroughs 76 of Whiteville died Thursday August 13 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 1200 Noon Friday August 21 at Peoples Funeral Chapel. Burial with military honors will be in the Campground Cemetery. WHITEVILLEPaul Morris Burroughs 76 of Whiteville died Thursday August 13 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 1200 Noon Friday August 21 at Peoples Funeral Chapel. Burial with military honors will be in the Campground Cem

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Clyde West

, North Carolina

WHITEVILLEClyde Jerome West 68 of Whiteville died Monday August 10 2026 at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. WHITEVILLEClyde Jerome West 68 of Whiteville died Monday August 10 2026 at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clyde Jerome West.

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Robert Cutler

, North Carolina

WHITEVILLERobert Carlyle Cutler 72 of Whiteville died Thursday August 6 2026 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. The funeral will be 1100 AM Tuesday August 11 at Central Baptist Church 443 West Virgil Street Whiteville NC by Pastor David Flowers. Burial will be in the Campground Cemetery. Viewing will be at Peoples Funeral Chapel Monday from 400 to 600 PM and at the church Tuesday 30 minutes prior to the service. Surviving are his wife Gloria Pierce Cutler daughter Kaylen Cutler of Grayson GA son Aaron Cutler of Whiteville sisters Carolyn Parker and Cynthia Grimes of Whiteville brothers Terry Cutler of Whiteville and Kenneth Lee of Raleigh NC. WHITEVILLERobert Carlyle Cutler 72 of Whiteville died Thursday August 6 2026 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. The funeral will be 1100 AM Tuesday August 11 at Central Baptist Church 443 West Virgil Street Whiteville NC by Pastor David Flowers. Burial will be in…

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Michelle Johnson

, North Carolina

Surviving are her sisters Loretta Johnson and Irene Jones of Clarkton NC Sharon E. Johnson of Charlotte NC and Kathryn Renee Johnson of Jacksonville FL brothers Joe R. Johnson Christopher R. Johnson and Tony C. Johnson and Alfonzie Johnson of Charlotte NC Jerome Johnson of Jacksonville FL and Eric Johnson of Charlotte NC.

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Mr. Theartis Davis

, North Carolina

Mr. Theartis Teddy Davis Sr. 83 of Chadbourn NC gave the Lord his hand and entered eternity on Sunday August 9 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington NC. A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Davis will be conducted on Tuesday August 18 2026 at 1200 Noon from Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Rico Chestnut eulogizing. Burial will follow in the Belvue Cemetery. Mr. Davis is survived by his significant other Ms. Mary Ann Anderson his children Sasha Davis Terreek Davis Raquel Todd Gina Davis Mark Jeffrey Davis and Theartis Davis Jr. bonus son Terry Anderson his siblings Larry Davis Clinton Davis Rosa Lee Davis Carolyn Davis Richardson and Ronnie Davis special granddaughter 2nd Lieutenant Imani Cook a host of grandchildren nieces nephews relatives and friends. Viewing will be held on Tuesday August 18 2026 one hour prior to service and following the service…

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Sr. Mr. Raymond Brooks

, North Carolina

Mr. Raymond Lee Brooks Sr. 71 of Bolton NC gave the Lord his hand and entered into eternity on Monday August 10 2026 at The Angel House in Whiteville NC. A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Brooks will be conducted on Saturday August 15 2026 at 300 pm from Green Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Bolton NC with Elder Shawn Maynor eulogizing. Burial will be in Restwell 2 Cemetery Bolton NC.

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Phyllis Register

, North Carolina

September 8, 1970 — August 4, 2026

Phyllis Register 55 of Wilmington NC passed on August 5 2026 at Lower Cape Fear Angel House. She was born on September 9 1970 in Sampson County to the late Luther and Elizabeth Johnson. She is survived by a daughter Miranda Deal Cage and a brother James Lee Laura grandchildren Lynnzley Deal Cullen Deal and Dierks Deal. She is preceded in death by her parents Luther and Elizabeth Johnson husband Gary Register son Aaron Johnson brother Kyle Johnson and sister Brenda Lee. Phyllis Register 55 of Wilmington NC passed on August 5 2026 at Lower Cape Fear Angel House. She was born on September 9 1970 in Sampson County to the late Luther and Elizabeth Johnson. She is survived by a daughter Miranda Deal Cage and a brother James Lee Laura grandchildren Lynnzley Deal Cullen D You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family or…

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Jr. George Craig

, North Carolina

George William "Buck" Craig Jr. was born on August 25 1934 in a small cotton mill and steel producing town of Anniston Alabama. He grew up there and was first and fiercely a family man and a University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan. After graduating high school he joined the US Navy in November 1953 and after attending various Naval training schools he became a Petty Officer Communications Radio Operator assigned to several different types of naval ocean going ships such as Ocean Tugs Mine Sweepers and Destroyers. While home ported at Charleston S.C. he met and married his beloved wife Julene Fowler in November 1964 and was happily married for 48 years until her death in 2012. Not long after completing his service in the US Navy in 1973 he and Julene moved back to her parents farm in the Williams Township Mollie N.C. area and built their home…

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Wade Malpass

, North Carolina

August 8, 2026

Wade Derwin Malpass 54 of Bolton N.C. passed on August 9 2026 in New Hanover. He was born in New Hanover on July 21 1972. The son of Mary G. Malpass and Wade H. Malpass. He is survived by his Sister Katurah Rich Brother Lee Coleman Son Ethan W. Malpass Spouse Michele R. Malpass Son Lucus H. Malpass Victor Etheridge Alex Etheridge Joseph Etheridge Grandson Briar W. Malpass Aunt Sheryl Gore Kim Gore Uncle Anthony Gore Lloyd Gore Ted Hickman Irvin Brown nephews David Rich Dillon Neal Great niece and nephew Draven rich Carisma Rich Cousins Samantha Hickman Ted Hickman jr Mason Gore William Gore Brian Malpass Jared Brown Randy brown Tracey brown. He is preceded in death by his GrandmotherBeulah Gore Grandfather Rev. William Gore Grandmother Evelyn Malpass Grandfather Wade H. Malpass Sr Niece Katlynn Neal. His funeral service will be held at 200pm on Saturday August 15 2026…

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Joseph Freeman

, North Carolina

August 4, 2026

Joseph Mckinley Freeman 82 of Bolton N.C. passed on August 5 2026. He was born on March 18 1944 in Columbus County. The son of the late Rossie Mckinley Freeman and Merdith Patrick Freeman He is survived by a wife Barbara Kay Herring Freeman sons Joseph Michael Freeman and wife Lahomah of Bolton N.C. sisters Millie Freeman of Bolton N.C. grandchildren Jacob Freeman and Kaiden Freeman a special brother in law Milton Woodie and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents a son Christopher Lynwood Freeman sister Susie Woodie brother James Nelson Freeman. His funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 300 pm on Sunday August 9 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Zack Jacobs Rev. Mike Jacobs and Rev. Howard Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Joseph Mckinley Freeman 82 of Bolton N.C.…

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Holly Lynn Patrick

, North Carolina

October 13, 1986 — August 5, 2026

Holly Lynn Patrick 39 of Pembroke passed on August 6 2026. She was born October 14 1986 in New Hanover County to Perry Patrick and Pixie Bass Patrick. She is survived by two sons James Brooks of Wilmington Kollyn D. Locklear of Pembroke three daughters Nalani Brooks of Burgaw OMallary Locklear of Pembroke Kennedy Locklear of Pembroke fiance Kevin Locklear of Pembroke father Perry Patrick of Wilmington mother Pixie Bass of Burgaw a brother Billy Patrick of Leland two sisters Heather Patrick of Hampstead Hope KirkPatrick of Sneads Ferry maternal grandmother Joanne Murray of Burgaw. Her funeral service will be at 200 pm Tuesday August 18 2026 at Mt. Sinai Holliness Church in the Buckhead community Bolton NC. with Elder Michael Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Holly Lynn Patrick 39 of Pembroke passed on August 6 2026. She was born October 14 1986…

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George Dillard

, North Carolina

With profound sadness we announce the passing of George Allen Dillard on August 13 2026 at the age of 81. George was a devoted husband father and proud grandfather. He was generous with his kindness wisdom humor strength and unwavering commitment to his family especially his wife of 58 years Margie. He was a beloved educator and coach for more than 30 years a devout church leader mentor and servant of God. George worshiped his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Williamson Crossroads Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for many years. He could often be seen out with the mens group serving in many capacities whether it be on the Inlet catching spots for churchwide fish fries stirring pots of spaghetti noodles for Cancer Research fundraisers or offering help of any kind to those in need within the community sometimes that could include…

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Jenene Baxter

, North Carolina

August 13, 2026

Jenene Baxter 57 of Whiteville and formerly of Asheboro died on August 14 2026 at NovantNew Hanover Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 1100 a.m. on Saturday August 22 2026 at Worthington Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Dave Crumpler will officiate. The surviving family includes two sons Dylan Sean Leviner of Wilmington Chason Lee Singletary of Rockingham companion Kip Shuman of Whiteville brother Charles Trotter Jr. of Pineville. Jenene Baxter 57 of Whiteville and formerly of Asheboro died on August 14 2026 at NovantNew Hanover Regional Medical Center. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jenene Baxter.

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Lc Soles

, North Carolina

LC Soles 96 a member of China Grove Baptist Church in Chadbourn went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 12 2026 at his home. LC was born on November 7 1929 son of the late Benjamin Monroe Soles and Allie Lee Nobles Soles. In addition he was also preceded in death by his wife Doris Haynes Soles of 73 years son Brian Soles sister Annie Lee Hatcher. Funeral services will be conducted at 300 p.m. on Saturday August 15 2026 at Worthington Funeral Home with burial to follow in the China Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. LC was a kindhearted family man who was known for his integrity and honesty It was often said that he would cheat himself before he cheated others. He had a true passion for farming. Following retirement LC still grew and sold fresh produce all throughout Columbus County. He worked hard all…

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Lloyd Ward

, North Carolina

Ward 71 of Ed Ward Road in Clarendon passed away on Wednesday August 12 2026 in the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Angel House. Lloyd was born on December 22 1954 son of the late Lory Ward and Lila Pearl Ward. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Betty Ward Carter Jerry Wayne Ward and Roy Dale Ward. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday August 18 at 300 p.m. at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Clarendon with Pastor Robert Brown and Pastor Wayne Faulk officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tabor City. Lloyd enjoyed riding bikes or as he referred to them his wheels. He loved God his community and the people within the community. Lloyd enjoyed attending church at both Sweet Home and Mission Valley he had a deep love for people and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.…

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William "Wennsie" Jones

, North Carolina

William "Wennsie" Jasper Jones 65 of Whiteville passed away on Monday August 17 2026 at Columbus Regional Medical Center. William was born on February 5 1961 son of the late William Eugene Jones and Marjorie Elizabeth Surles Jones. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday August 21 2026 at 630 p.m. at New Light Church in Bladenboro with Pastor Dale Hester officiating. Burial will take place on Saturday August 22 2026 at 1000 a.m. at Columbus Memorial Park. William was a hardworking man who devoted over 35 years to Pro Tire and Blacks Tire where he built lasting friendships and touched the lives of all who knew him. Through the years he earned the respect and admiration of those around him leaving behind friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether William was casting a line playing a round of golf or riding the open road with the love…

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Jr. David "Dj" Martin

, North Carolina

David DJ Martin Jr. age 83 of Whiteville passed away at his residence on Tuesday afternoon August 18 2026. DJ was born on March 3 1943 son of the late Dave Martin and Veona Virginia Frink Martin. He was also preceded in death by his brother Jimmy Martin. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday August 21st 2026 at 200 p.m. in the chapel of Worthington Funeral Home burial will follow in the WardColeman Cemetery in Nakina The surviving family includes his wife Catherine Kay Cathy Ward Martin son David Martin stepsons Ricky Dean Register Ronnie Gray Register grandchildren Tiffany Register Ricky Dean Register Jr. siblings Frances Davis and Tony Byrd Martin. David DJ Martin Jr. age 83 of Whiteville passed away at his residence on Tuesday afternoon August 18 2026. DJ was born on March 3 1943 son of the late Dave Martin and Veona Virginia Frink Martin. He…

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