He was born in Cook County, Ill., son of the late Frank C. Widrig, Sr and Dorothea Johnson Widrig.

Col. Widrig  served more than twenty years in the Army,  five years of which he spent in Vietnam where he was awarded two bronze stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, among other awards.

He was instrumental in the founding of the Eighth Psychological Operations Battalion at Ft. Bragg and was its first commander.

After retirement, he worked as a CPA with the State of North Carolina from which he retired as well.

Col. Widrig was a member of the Rosemary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Shadrick Widrig, of Roanoke Rapids; 4 children; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; 5 step children, 6 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 30, 2018, in the Chapel of Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Layne Wallace officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home following services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541.

Online condolences may be made to www.wrenncalrkehagan.com

Patricia Louise “Pat” Bennett passed away on May 17, 2018 at the WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh surrounded by her children.

Pat was born on August 17, 1935, to the late Leonard “Duke” Parrish and Ellen Ray Parrish.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Graham Bennett, her sister Barbara, her brothers Tony, Robert “Bob” and Leonard “Sonny” Parrish.

Pat grew up in Altoona, Pa, and was educated in the Catholic school there.

After graduation, she met the dashing airman Ralph Bennett, who was stationed at Blue Knob Radar site just outside of Altoona.

They were married in 1953.  

Shortly thereafter began their family with the birth of Richard “Rick” Bennett.  

They soon began their world travels courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

Pat became a homemaker and followed Ralph on tours in Japan where Michael “Mike” was born, Hampton, Virginia, where daughter Stephanie Bennett Dannenberg was born; Wiesbaden, Germany; Trenton, Illinois; Belton, Missouri and the Panama Canal Zone.

They retired in 1972 and moved to Roanoke Rapids, NC., where Michael & Stephanie graduated high school and Ralph began his 2nd career in the motel business.

In their world travels Pat & Ralph made friends that they kept for life scattered around the country.  

Pat loved her friends and family was well loved by them as well.

She was proud of all of her children and grandchildren.  

She passed her love of dance to her son Rick, her beautiful skin to her daughter Stephanie and her love of humor to her son Michael.

Pat loved cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookies bring happy thoughts to many that were fortunate enough to get them.  

Pat loved animals and had both cats & dogs throughout her life.

Pat is survived by her son Richard “Rick” Bennett and his wife Brenna Mottershead Bennett of Rocky Mount, Michael Bennett of Roanoke Rapids, and Stephanie Bennett Dannenberg and husband Scott Dannenberg of Raleigh, NC.  Pat was also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Bennett of Wilson, Josh Bennett of Roanoke Rapids, Ellie Dannenberg (recent UNC graduate) of Raleigh, and Emily Bennett of Rocky Mount.

Visitation will be on Saturday June 2ndfrom 3pm-4:30 pm at Askew Funeral  731 Roanoke Ave Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Burial will be at a later time for family.

A memorial service to celebrate Deanna’s life will be held at 3:30 P.M. Sunday, June 3, 2018, in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Chapel Services will be held on Saturday June 2, 2018, in the Askew Funeral Services Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC at 1:00 P.M.

Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Murfreesboro, NC.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Askew Funeral Services Jackson Chapel, 313 East Jefferson Street Jackson, NC 27845.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and in he care of Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Services.

Mr. Dixon was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC, the son of the late Hugh Rogers

Dixon and Janie Hughes Dixon.

He was a retired pipefitter and carpenter. He was preceded in death by his foster children: Connie Walker, Rosa Cain, Sandra Johnson, Buck Chambliss and Vernon Chambliss.

Mr. Dixon is survived by: His friend Ruby Bennett Hobbs; a daughter Maxine Sanderson, of Roanoke Rapids, NC; two foster daughters, Verla Jenkins of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Robin Crank and her husband Chris, of South Carolina; 22 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

The family will receive at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service, Sunday June 3, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel, Monday, June 4, 2018, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. James Rawls officiating.

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapid, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: wrennclarkehagan.com

A memorial service to celebrate Deanna’s life will be held at 3:30 P.M. Sunday, June 3, 2018, in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Deanna was born in Fredericksburg, VA, to David and Catherine Meadows on September 12, 1955.

A 1972 graduate of Spotsylvania High School, she went on to study Journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Deanna prospered as a journalist and editor at the Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald and the Littleton Observer.

She also worked at Halifax County Government where her son, Shane Lynch, followed in her footsteps.

Deanna is preceded in death by her parents, David and Catherine; three brothers Dallas (Luke) Meadows, Richard Meadows, William Meadows, and her husband Carl Lynch.

Deanna is survived by her sisters Geraldine Meadows of Bealeton, VA, Jewel Cheshire (Pete) of Romney, WV, Nancy Meadows of Hot Springs, VA, and brother Eddie Meadows of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Sons Carlton Shane Lynch (Mary Davis) and Jacob Lynch (Samantha Porch) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Grandchildren Jayden Lynch and Aniella Rizzitano of Roanoke Rapids; a wealth of nieces and nephews; loved ones Kandeice Whitehurst and Ashley Carita.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Wake Medical Center of Raleigh, NC for their help and support.

Online condolences may left at hockadayfs.com

She was 89.

A native of Northampton County, Lucille was the daughter of the late Reuben Wilson Jordan and Pearl Jeanette Gillis Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Elton “E.E.” Odom; sisters, Odella Baird, Edna Jordan, and Sallie Justice; brother, Reuben Jordan Jr.

Lucille was a retired homemaker and a Charter Member of First Baptist Church of Gaston where she served in many leadership roles.

She is survived by sisters; Ethel Revells of Roanoke Rapids, Ruth Joyner and husband Mack of Gaston, and Carolyn Clay of Garysburg, one Godchild, numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 3:00 P.M. at Wrenn Clarke and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Dr. Julian Mills officiating.

Entombment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until time of the service.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com

Jimmy was born March 7, 1955, in Warren County to the late James Vernon Tucker, Sr. and Emma Moore Tucker. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Aline “Mary” Tharrington.

Jimmy loved his music and being a mechanic.

He was a loving husband and friend, a great father and grandfather/Papa.

Jimmy loved meeting people, fishing, hunting and metal detecting.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Betty Tucker; his daughters, Tonya Gaylor and her husband Scott, Crystal Jensen and her husband Matt and Amanda Ott and her husband Mikey; his grandchildren, Makayla Jensen, Kameron Jensen and Tucker Lee Ott; his sisters, Ann Proffitt and her husband Roger, Nita Parsley and her husband David; his brothers, Frank Tucker and Kenny Tucker and his wife Donna; a special friend that was like a brother, Willie Ferguson and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 4, 2018, in the chapel of Hockaday funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. David Martin and Brother Butch Moseley officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

She was born on May 20, 1924, to Dora and James Pearson as the ninth of ten children. She was the only surviving sibling of seven brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Garner was married to the late George Fulghum Garner, Sr. for fifty-nine years. He preceded her in death in 2004.

They have three children: Glenn garner, Sr. (wife Gail) of Halifax, NC, George Garner, Jr. (wife Ann) of Lancaster, SC, and Nancy Harper (husband Jerry) of Oriental, NC; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren: Jay and Susan Harper (Pearson & Cameron), Kevin Harper, Michelle & Nick Salter (Austin Bigley), Michael & Tracey Garner (Tyler & Alexis), Glenn & Emmie Garner, Rebecca & Michael Kresse (Grayson, Emma, Abigail, Haley & Matthew), Timmy & Denisha Story (Kaylee, Brody Green & Jax Green), and Tracy & Liz Story.

During her working career, she was employed at Leggetts as a salesperson, at William R. Davie as a substitute teacher, and at Nichols Jewel Box as a salesperson. She also did volunteer work with Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Garner’s love for children was most evident with her grandchildren, but she also shared her love with the children in public school and those she worked with at Smith United Methodist Church.

She was a lifelong member of Smith Church and was very active in the WMU, the Adult Choir, and served on numerous church committees and boards. She remained faithful in her attendance and service to her church as long as her health allowed.

At Liberty Commons, where she resided for the past eight years, she was known as the “lady with the beautiful smile.”

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love and care given to Mrs. Garner by the Liberty nurses and staff and her Smith Church family.

The celebration of life service for Mrs. Garner will be at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Smith United Methodist Church, with visitation from 1:00 – 2:30 pm in the church sanctuary. At other times, the family will be meeting at the home of Glenn & Gail Garner at 663 Trueblood Road, Halifax, NC 27839. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Building Fund of Smith United Methodist Church at 1215 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or to the Home Delivered Meals of Halifax County, attention Gail Garner, 26 N. King Street, PO Box 646, Halifax, NC 27839.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

Margo was born in Cadillac, Michigan, the daughter of the late Hedley Colby and Valborg Gustafson Colby.

She was a graduate of the University of Michigan, and a retired teacher with the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

Margo was a wonderful wife and partner for 57 years. Her grace, strength, humor, and goodness in her heart led her family through the maze of life.

She was a wonderful mother who stayed at home to raise her children through their formative years.

She then pursued a professional career as a teacher and taught special needs children for 12 years.

Always a generous person placing the needs of others before her own, she would reach out through hand written notes and thoughtful gifts.

As an excellent seamstress she made many projects out of love for family and friends. She was a self-taught investor who took an avid interest in investment strategy and portfolio development.

She used her knowledge to assist family, friends, and colleagues in investment options. She loved the game of tennis and always found a group who shared this love in every place the family lived.

Margo was an elder in the Presbyterian Church where she participated in Witness Committee. She was recently awarded an honorary lifetime membership in the Presbyterian Women.

The family is grateful to the following people who helped Margo: Dr. Mario Fiorilli and Aimee with Halifax Medical Specialists; the doctors, nurses, and nurse aides at Halifax Regional Hospital in the ER and on the third and fifth floor; the Drugco Pharmacy staff; the Presbyterian Women; Gary and Dale Bjarnason; and her loving caregivers Francis Alston and Peggy Mallory.

Mrs. Allen is survived by: her husband James E, “Jim” Allen, Sr.; a daughter, Anne Allen Breza and her husband Paul of Earlysville, VA; two sons, James E. Allen, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and Robert Basil Allen and his wife Lorrie of Salisbury, NC; a sister, Julie Weller and her husband Tom of Key West, FL; and four grandchildren Lauren Allen, Justin Allen both of Salisbury, NC and Morgan Breza, Ava Breza, both of Earlysville, VA.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Roanoke Rapids, NC, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Joseph Sandoval officiating. The family will receive following the service, in the Loy Building.

Arrangement by Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: wrennclarkehagan.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to

NC Community Foundation

3737 Glenwood Ave Suite 460

Raleigh, NC 27612-5505

For: The Margo Allen Next Step Scholarship

OR

The First Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund

16 E. 5th Street

Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Good News Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy King officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is taking care of arrangements where the family will receive friends Wednesday evening, June 6, 2018, from 7:00 until 8:30.

Linda was born on January 23, 1950, in Hertford County to the late Ruth Daniel. She was also preceded in death by her step-father, James Daniel and her brother, Randy Mitchell.

Linda was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

She was a Christian and a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church.

She was a homemaker who especially loved children, cooking, Christmas, and most of all, her family. She loved the Lord and served Him all her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 ½ years, John H. Carter, Jr.; her daughters, Heather Blythe and husband Jeff, Jennifer Short and husband Brian, Felicia Snider and husband Johnny; her grandchildren, Rebecca Blythe, Matt Blythe, Isabella Short, Tristan Short, Jayden Hinds, Aubri Hinds, Jaylen Snider, and Penelope Snider; her brother Keith Daniel and his wife Debbie, her step-sister Gail Britt and husband Ronnie, her step-brothers Robert Earl Daniel and wife Shirley and Kenneth and his wife Diane; a special sister-in-law Sandra Carter, whom she loved like a daughter; and numerous extended family members.

A private graveside service was held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Kobernat officiating.

The family received friends from 7-8 PM Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

She was a member of the Good News Baptist Church.

She loved gardening and flowers.

Cille was preceded in death by her father, Berncie Finch  and mother and stepfather, Marie Finch and Linwood Berry.

Surviving are her husband, Timothy “Tim” Marshall Brewer, of Roanoke Rapids; son, Richard Cook (Missy Walthall), of Littleton, NC; daughter, Dana Wommack (Matthew), of Weldon, NC; brother, Wayne Cannon (Belinda), of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Madelyn and Emmaline Wommack.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Good News Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy King officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral Home Wednesday evening, June 6, 2018, from 7:00 until 8:30.

Online condolences may be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com

Mr. Mackie proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army.

He was a highly decorated veteran having served with the 173rd Airborne Division.  

He was a Green Beret and an Airborne Ranger.  

He was also a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Mackie was most proud of his family, his country and his faith in God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. and Lottie Mae Mackie.  

Surviving are his wife, Ann Mackie of the home; son, Jonathan Mackie and daughter, Monica Mackie Taylor and her husband, Johnny, all Seaboard, NC. Seven grandchildren who adored their “Opa”: Ariel (Blue) Butler of Fayetteville, NC, Austin Jensen of Havelock, NC, Curtis Faulkner, Melanie and Nicole Mackie, and Isabella Rivera all of Seaboard, NC, and Henry Mackie of Boston, MA. Also surviving are four great grandchildren.  

Pastor Bob Deacon will conduct funeral services at Askew Funeral Service- Jackson Chapel, 313 E. Jefferson St., Jackson, NC, Thursday, June 7, 2018, at 2:00 pm.  

Burial will follow in Seaboard Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.askewfs.com

Gene was born April 18, 1938 to the late Wreford and Betty “Lula” Miles.

He is preceded in death by his son, Bryant “Eddie” Miles, two brothers, Marvin and Garner Miles, and a sister, Betty Miles.

He leaves living on in his memory his children: Ricky and wife Linda of California, Jamie and wife Terry of Darlington, NC, Lorie and husband David of Darlington, NC,

Kris and wife Lisa of Roanoke Rapids, NC; grandchildren: Brandy, Brandon, Jade, Michael, Heather and husband Dennis, Scott and fiancé Kristin, KJ and wife Megan, and Shannon;

great-grandchildren: Adalaina, Ryan, Scottie, and Brantley; two brothers: Johnny and wife Cathy of Richmond, VA, Raymond and wife Amerilus of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a sister Paulette of Roanoke Rapids, NC; along with many nieces and nephews.

Gene loved his family and spoke of them often. He loved the outdoors and being in the yard working.

Gene was a very hard worker and would help anyone who needed anything.

Gene worked for Rightmyer Machine Rentals for 40+ years where he ran heavy machinery and from which he later retired.

A memorial service for Gene will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, June 10, 2018, at the residence, 237 Jim Martin Drive in Roanoke Rapids.

The family asks that visitors and all flowers be sent to the home.

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com

Frankie lived in Winston Salem, NC, but always kept close ties with his family in Northampton County, NC.  

He was a long distance truck driver and has hauled goods to every state in the continental United States and lower Canada.

He enjoyed exercising his 2nd Amendment rights, and loved working on and flipping cars.  Frankie was proud of his Hot Rod Mustangs he built.

He was loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed. He was also a Criminal Justice major.  

Frankie is preceded in death by his mother, Diane Glover Burgess and his aunt, Evelyn Wall.  

Surviving are his father, Franklin Leon Burgess, Sr. and step-mother Emy Burgess; brother, Franklin “Trey” Leon Burgess, III, and his maternal grandmother, Eula Glover.  Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside services will be held in Seaboard Cemetery Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 2:00 pm.  

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in Frankie’s name to the NRA at NRA.org and/or the United Way of Forsyth County at

http://www.forsythunitedway.org/the-fight-against-substance-abuse-in-forsyth-county/

Online condolences may be sent www.askewfs.com

Born as a twin on August 3, 1936, in Halifax County, Deanie and her sister Teanie were daughters of Lascree and Effie Beatrice Sasser Acree.  

Deanie was retired from the textiles industry.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend.

Survivors include her daughter, Kim A. Kidd; son, Keith Allen; step-daughter, Jean A. Landen; sisters, Teanie Garner (Earl) and Lillie Wright; sister-in-law, Dorothy Waters; grandchildren, Alan Kidd, Blake Danielle Kidd; step-grandchildren, Jason Allen Landen, Jessica L. Watts; step-great-grandchildren, Nathan Watts and Bristol Faith Landen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Deanie was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, Laster Allen; son-in-law, Ronnie Kidd; brothers, Son and Randolph; and sisters, Bootsie and Lucille.

The family will receive friends at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Sunday, June 10, 2018.

Pastor Wayne White will conduct the funeral service at 2:00 pm Monday, June 11, 2018 in the Chapel of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, with interment to follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com

Born in Martin County on September 18, 1936, he was the son of the late Willie Eli Roberson and Blanche Ayers Roberson.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Viola Taylor Roberson.  

He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons Marcus Graham Roberson and friend Amy Clary of Littleton, Neil Taylor Roberson and wife Tamatha Gilreath Roberson of Zebulon, daughter Amy Roberson Hargrave and friend Jason Todd of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren Joseph, Hannah, Mason, Madison and Nora; sister Doris Sumner of Fredericksburg, VA and brother Gerald Roberson and wife DeEtte of Emporia, VA.

Graham provided for his loving family by working as a bus driver for Trailways for 32 years where he retired in 1994.

He also operated a small farm in Halifax County throughout his bus driving career.

He graduated from Aurelian Springs High school in 1954.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 3:00pm to 4:30pm on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services 731 Roanoke Avenue Roanoke Rapids.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Graham will be held at 11:00am Monday, June 11 at Darlingtion Baptist Church with Rev. Justin Carp officiating.

Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Darlington Baptist Church.

A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 11:00 am at Cedarwood Cemetery.

She is survived by her son, Charles E. Barnes, and wife, Vickie, of Camden; daughter, Sara B. Crocker, and husband, Jerry, of Wilson; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her best friend and special pet, Belle Edwards. She is survived by her sisters, Peggy Edwards, Gail Wallace, and brother Bill Edwards, and wife, Carol.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ray Marion and Sarah Jeanette Edwards, and sister Nira Wright.

Arrangements by Askew Funeral Services, 731 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.