2008 Obituaries

Kaden Bryant Marks

HAYES, Va.--  Kaden Bryant Marks, age 3, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

Left to cherish his memories are his parents, Steven and Melissa Marks; sister, Shayla; paternal grandparents, Bryant and Linda Marks of Avon, N.C.; and maternal grandparents, Scott and Elaine Brown of Hampton.

The family received friends and had a memorial service on April 4. Burial was private.

Peninsula Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.



Richard Spears III

HATTERAS - Richard "Capt. Richie" Shipman Spears III, 29, of Hatteras, died June 11, 2008, in Wilmington, N.C.
 
Survivors include his wife, Nikki Spears; mother, Bonnie Doyle Rosell of Sarasota, Fla.; father, Dickie Spears and wife Joyce of Wilmington; sisters, Brianne Rosell of Hatteras and Molly Spears of Wilmington; and brother, Jerry Rosell of Hatteras.
 
The family received friends on Friday, June 13, 2008, at Brooks Funeral Home in Morehead City.

A memorial service in Hatteras village is planned for later this month.

Donations may be made to Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (www.hicf.org.), P.O. Box 442, Hatteras, NC 27943.




John Anthony Gillikin

BUXTON --John Anthony Gillikin, 55, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, in Chesapeake General Hospital.  John Gillikin was born in Morehead City, N.C., and was the son of Delores Jennette Lewis of Buxton and the late Elbert R. Gillikin of Cedar Island.

John was raised on Hatteras Island and was a recipient of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship after graduating from Cape Hatteras High School in 1971. John was an avid sailor and waterman. An accomplished actor, John loved life, loved to laugh, and was often the star of the show, both on and off stage.

John was retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as a veteran, having served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.  He was also retired from the U.S. National Park Service, where he enjoyed a long career as a Park Ranger. He was stationed at the Wright Brothers Monument in Kitty Hawk and other posts along the Outer Banks, the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park and the Everglades National Park in Florida. John Gillikin was a nationally known expert on the Wright Brothers and the First Flight, appeared in several documentaries, and was quoted in many publications on early aviation. He was regarded by his peers as a world class ranger -- interpreter, a first-rate historian, and a scholar.

He is survived by his wife, Misty Brown Gillikin of the residence; his mother, Delores Jennette Lewis and husband, Terry Q. Lewis; sister, Elberta Gillikin; niece, Pam, and husband, Buddy Johnson and their children, Cameron and Christa Johnson, all of Buxton; two grandchildren, Ryley and Xavier Brown of Virginia Beach, Va., and  numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and "Buddy" his beloved Labrador retriever.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held at Buxton Methodist Church on Monday, June 9, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Cory Oliver officiating. A viewing will be held and family and friends will be received at the Buxton Methodist Church from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
 
In addition to flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Employee and Alumni Association of the National Park Service at
http://www.eandaa.org.

Twiford's Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit
www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.

 



Madora Jane Gaskins Garrish

OCRACOKE -- Madora Jane Gaskins Garrish, 80, of Ocracoke, died Sunday, May 11, 2008 in her residence.  Mrs. Garrish was born in Ocracoke and was a homemaker and member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women and served her community. 

Mrs. Garrish was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Ethel Spencer Gaskins and the wife of the late James D. Garrish, Jr.

Surviving are one daughter, Shelia G. Fogarty of Connecticut;  two sons, Dan Garrish and Roger W. Garrish both of Ocracoke;  five grandchildren, Brooke Wells and Alex Garrish both of Ocracoke;  Heather Fogarty, Kyle Fogarty, and Brian Fogarty, all of Connecticut.  Mrs. Garrish was pre-deceased by six brothers and one sister.  She was a loving mother who will be greatly missed by all.

A service of remembrance will be Friday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in Ocracoke United Methodist Church by Rev. Joyce Reynolds and Rev. Sam Garris.  In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Ocracoke United Methodist Church. 

Twiford’s Island Chapel Hatteras is assisting the family.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.



Beatrice Austin Barnett

FRISCO -- Beatrice Austin Barnett, 83, of Frisco, died Friday, May 2, 2008 in Nags Head. Mrs. Barnett was born in Hatteras and was a homemaker and a member of Frisco Assembly of God.

She was the daughter of the late Wallace Lee and Beatrice Austin Peele and the wife of the late Bennie Barnett.

Surviving are one daughter, Wendy B. Adams and husband Tommy of Manns Harbor; three sons, Benjamin Barnett and wife Terry of New Castle, Del., Nacie Barnett and wife Mary Dawn of Windsor, N.C., and Bobby Barnett of Chesapeake, Va.; two sisters, Lovie Leatherwood and Elise Dixon, both of Frisco; one brother, Nacie Peele of Hatteras; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Barnett was predeceased by her daughter, Courtney Marie Rood; her sister, Jaunita Jennette, and three brothers, Maurice Peele, Maxton Peele and Lee Peele.

A celebration of life will be Tuesday, May 6, in Heritage of Faith Family Church in Frisco at 11:00 a.m. by Rev. Roger Barnett and Rev. Dwight Burrus. Burial will follow in Barnett Family Cemetery. Friends may join the family Monday from 7 until 9 p.m. at the Heritage of Faith Family Church.

Twiford’s Island Chapel Hatteras is assisting the family.




Blanche O’Neal Styron

OCRACOKE -- Blanche O'Neal Styron, 85, died Friday, April 25, 2008 at her residence. Born in Ocracoke, she was the daughter of the late James Calvin O'Neal and  Iva Spencer O'Neal and was the widow of David Barnett Styron. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Belinda Styron Teeter. Mrs. Styron was a member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and its Women's Society and was always involved in her community.

Mrs. Styron is survived by a son, David B. Styron, Jr. and wife Kari of Ocracoke; a brother, Calvin O'Neal of Ocracoke; two grandchildren, Samantha Styron and David B. Styron, III both of Ocracoke; and many other relatives and friends whom she loved.

A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church by the Rev. Joyce Reynolds. Burial will be in the family cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church on Monday from 6 until 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Ocracoke United Methodist Church.

Twiford's  Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.




Leola Austin Rollinson

BUXTON – Leola Austin Rollinson, 81, died April 18, 2008, in a Norfolk hospital.

Mrs. Rollinson was born in Hatteras village on July 14, 1926, the daughter of Jack Simon and Iola Belle Austin.  She was the widow of James R. Rollinson, who died on Aug. 21, 2007.

She was a retired teacher’s assistant with the special education program at Cape Hatteras School.  For more than 50 years, she was a member of Cape Hatteras Order of Eastern Star, Chapter No. 303.  She served as Worthy Matron three times and held almost every other office and was serving as treasurer when she died.  In addition, she was a member of the Buxton United Methodist Church, where she was an active member of the choir.  She was also a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Buxton Volunteer Fire Department.

Mrs. Rollinson was a loving, devoted wife, mother, and friend to many on and off Hatteras Island.

She is survived by four daughters, Diana and her husband, Harold Satterwhite, of Buxton; Shelly Rollinson of Buxton; Clara “Jay” Rollinson of St. Louis, Mo., and Mikki Fuller and Donnie of Virginia Beach; four grandchildren, Renae Gaskins and her husband, David; Jack Quidley, Jr., and his wife, Lisa, and Melissa Quidley and her husband, Ryan, all of Buxton, and Savannah Belle of Virginia Beach; five great-grandchildren, Christan, Megan, and Kyle Smithwick and Jack Quidley, III, and Hailey Quidley, all of Buxton.

She is also survived by her brother Archie Austin of Morehead City and her sisters-in-law, Pauline Rollinson and Audrey Rollinson, of Buxton.

A Celebration of her life will be on Tuesday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at Buxton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Cory Oliver officiating.  The family will be at the church from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on Monday evening.
  
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy go to Buxton United Methodist Church, c/o Hatteras United Methodist Charge, P.O. Box 310, Hatteras, N.C. 27943.

Twiford Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.


 


James Albert Morrett

SALVO -- James Albert Morrett, 77, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, in Salvo.  He was born in Harrisburg, Pa., the son of the late James A. Morrett, Sr. and the late Eva E. Trimmer Morrett. 

Mr. Morrett was an architect, registered in several states, Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Harrisburg Area Community College, a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Robert Burns Lodge # 464 in Harrisburg, Pa., and a U.S. Navy veteran. He held two patents and was an awesome Dad.

The coffee pot was always on, and all were welcome to share conversation and a joke.  Jim was an adventurer with a distinct zest for life.  He loved to be creative and solve problems, and nothing made him happier than to help his friends.

He was thankful to be a member of Clark’s Bethel United Methodist Church in Salvo.

Left behind to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his loving wife and best friend, Kathy; daughter, Fawn Crossland and husband, Jeff, of Chesapeake, Va.; son, Eric Morrett and wife, Gayle, of Harrisburg, Pa.; four grandsons, Jared and Zachary Crossland, and Jason and Neil Baney; and four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Thomas L. Morrett and wife, Gayle, of Linglestown, Pa..

A Service of Remembrance will be held at Clarks Bethel United Methodist Church, Salvo, on Sunday, April 20, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Chris Noble officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022, or to Clark’s Bethel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 28, Salvo, NC 27972.


Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.


Salina Gaskins Farrow

FRISCO -- Salina Gaskins Farrow, 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at her residence.  Mrs. Farrow was born in Hatteras to the late Loranzy and Mary Austin Gaskins.  She was a homemaker and founding member of the Frisco Assembly of God.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Farrow was preceded in death by a stepmother, Lola Gaskins; her husband, Lester B. Farrow; two sons, Lester Farrow, Jr. and John Farrow; a sister, Zilphia Moscardini; and three brothers, Herman Gaskins, Loranzy Gaskins, and Paul Gaskins.

She is survived by five daughters, Mary F. Curles of Manteo, Janette F. Foster and husband, Desmond of Manteo, Jean F. Bunting, Carolyn F. Parker and husband, David, Barbara F. Bunting and husband, Roy, all of Frisco; a son, Dick Farrow and wife, Margaret of Frisco; a daughter-in-law, Frances Farrow of Frisco; a sister, Irene Basnett of Frisco; a brother, Lindsay Gaskins of Portsmouth, Va.; 23 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Heritage of Faith Family Church, Frisco, on Friday, April 11, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dwight Burrus and Rev. David Stowe officiating.  Burial will be in the Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday evening from 7 until 9 p.m.

Twiford Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.



David Malachia Barnett


FRISCO -- David Malachia Barnett, 74, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2008 in the Outer Banks Hospital.  Mr. Barnett was born in Buxton, the son of the late Thomas and Martha Swain Barnett.  “Dave,” as he was known, was a country music recording artist and songwriter with Cash Records.  He performed in many places, including the Grand Ole Opry, and with many well-known artists, such as Willie Nelson.  He appeared on “Hee-Haw” and the “Louisiana Hayride,” as well at many charities and the Frisco Jubilee.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Wyndham Barnett, of the residence; three daughters, Debbie Adams of Lafayette, La., Jamie Brown of Moyock, N.C., and Diane Dickerson of Monks Corner, S.C.; a son, Charlie Barnett of Hatteras; two sisters, Georgia B. Gray of Buxton and Betty Barnett of Frisco; fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Barnett, six sisters and two brothers.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the building next to Little Grove United Methodist Church, Frisco, on Thursday, April 3, at 11 a.m. with Rev. John LeCount and Dwight Burrus officiating.  Burial will be in the family cemetery in Buxton.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. in the building next to the Little Grove United Methodist Church in Frisco.

Twiford Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.


Lonie I. Williams Gray

AVON -- Lonie I. Williams Gray, 85, died Sunday, March 2, 2008, in Nags Head. Born in Avon, she was the daughter of the late Samuel I. and Lonie O'Neal Williams and was the widow of James I. Gray. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Roger Williams. Mrs. Gray was a member of the Avon Worship Center.

Mrs. Gray is survived by two daughters, Wanda Gray Dokken of Manteo and Donna Gray Midgett and husband Carroll of Waves; a son, Jimmy I. Gray and wife Joy of New Jersey; a sister, Eula Pearl Beacham of New Bern; a brother, Johnny Ervin Williams of New Bern; four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the Avon Worship Center by Pastor Bryan Gray. Burial will be in the Scarborough-Gray Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Twiford's Colony Chapel, Manteo, on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and at the Avon Worship Center on Wednesday at noon until the funeral hour. A reception will be held at the church following the service.

Twiford's Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.



Donald Douglas Niskanen, Jr.

FRISCO -- Donald Douglas Niskanen, Jr., 50, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 in Nags Head. Born in Portsmouth, Va., he was the son of the late Donald Douglas Niskanen, Sr. and Janice Rollinson Niskanen. He was formerly a deck hand with the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division and an EMT with Dare County.

Mr. Niskanen is survived by an uncle, Hilton Rollinson of Frisco.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at Little Grove United Methodist Church by the Rev. Cory Oliver and the Rev. Dwight Burrus. Burial will be in the family cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church on Sunday from 7 until 8:30 p.m.

Twiford's Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.

 




Sharon Lynn Powers

BUXTON -- Sharon Lynn Powers, 35, died unexpectedly at her residence on Feb. 17, 2008.  She was born in Norfolk, Va., on March 19, 1972. Sharon was the daughter of Robert and Judy Midgette of Buxton. 

Sharon resided in Buxton with her parents from a young age.  She attended Cape Hatteras High School.  After high school, Sharon was a busy worker and held various positions in the local real estate and restaurant industries.  Most recently, Sharon was enjoying her position as a cook at the Shrimp Shack Restaurant in Hatteras. 

Sharon enjoyed long walks on the beach and exploring area nature trails.  She also treasured the time spent with her two children and her fiancé Joe Thomas’ children, Hunter, Tyler, and Joseph, who will miss her dearly.

Besides her parents, Robert and Judy Midgette and her fiancé Joe, Sharon is survived by her daughter, Magen Lynn Powers, and her son, Tanner Floyd Powers, both of Buxton; a sister, Anna Cheek, and husband Randy of Weatherford, Tex.; Byron Wilson and wife Donna of Buxton; Robert Midgette, Jr. and wife Jonna of Rodanthe, and nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Buxton.  Pastor David Waterfield will officiate.  The family will receive friends at the Buxton residence following the service. Memorial tributes in Sharon’s memory can be made to the Powers Education Fund through any RBC Centura Bank branch.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted to assist the family.  Condolences may be sent via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.      




Muzel Belle Bryant

OCRACOKE -- Muzel (Musie) Belle Bryant, 103, died Monday, Feb. 18, at her residence. A native and life-long resident of Ocracoke, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Jane Bryant. Muzel was the last member of the only African-American family residing on Ocracoke and was a special legacy to the island. 

She is preceded in death by one sister, Mildred Bryant, and five brothers, Artis, Lewis, Joffery, Julius, and John Thomas Bryant.

Ms. Bryant is survived by two sisters, Annie L. Barber, 93, of Crosscreek Health Care in Swan Quarter, N.C., and Mamie L. Bryant, 97, of New York City; two nieces, Mary Bryant of New YorkCity and Nellie Lewis of Jersey City, N.J.; one great-nephew, Bobby Lewis of Georgia; and one great-great-nephew, Chris Godley of Greenville, N.C.

Ms. Bryant is survived by one special person who loved her very much, Kenny Ballance of Ocracoke. Kenny wishes to express special thanks to his family and friends for all they did to help Musie.

Funeral services and committal will be held at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. by Rev. Joyce Reynolds and Rev. Sam Garris. Special music will be played, starting at 12:45 p.m., at the church. Burial will be in the Ocracoke Community Cemetery. Kenny will receive friends and family at the home – 50 Miss Elechia Lane.

Twiford’s Colony Chapel of Manteo, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements. 
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.



Gary David Taylor

AVON -- Gary David Taylor, 46, of Avon, NC went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 9, 2008.  Gary was born in Norfolk, Va., and lived in Virginia Beach until he and his family moved to Avon in 2002.  He worked with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad in the 1980s and as a dock hand on the Hatteras Ferry.  Gary also served as a volunteer with the Avon Fire Department.  He was an avid fisherman and Redskins fan, but his greatest enjoyments were his wife and daughters, the lights of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Belinda Ann Taylor, and two daughters, Samantha Ann and Rosa Mae; a brother, Guy (Sharon); and two sisters, Millie (Parnell) and Donna (Howie), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and three grand-nephews.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mildred Taylor, and grandparents, Guy and Katherine Taylor and Harry and Mildred Wilson.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Avon on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Susie Fitch-Slater officiating.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Samantha Ann Taylor and Rosa Mae Taylor Education Fund, c/o Centura Bank, Buxton, NC 27920.

Twiford Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.




Guy Aubrey Smithson

FRISCO -- Guy Aubrey Smithson, 69, passed away Feb. 9, 2008, of an unexpected illness.

 Guy was born in Virginia Beach, Va. and resided in Frisco.  He was a retired jockey and also retired from the NC Department of Transportation.  His passions were fishing, spending time with family and friends, and his English bulldogs, Abbott, Gobbie, Molson and grand-dog Kendal Jackson.

 Guy was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Elizabeth Ward Smithson; father, Joshua Julian Smithson, Jr.; and brothers, Joseph Murden Hogshire and Joshua Julian "Junie" Smithson III.

Guy is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Dale Rankins Smithson; daughters Cheryl Ann Smithson Parker and Sandra Jean Smithson; grand-daughter Ashely Morgan Parker; brothers Wallace Jay Smithson, Harry Roland Smithson, Karl Lorin Smithson; and sisters Laurel Hope Smithson Holmes and Donna Jean Smithson Cook.  Guy is also survived by seven sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, nine nieces, 11 nephews, and 25 great nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 930B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, or the SPCA, POB 1000, Manteo, NC 27954.

A memorial service will be held at Twiford Funeral Home in Hatteras on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m.

The family would like to thank all of our wonderful family and friends for your love and support during this difficult time.

Twiford Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements.
Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.






William Aaron Ballance

OCRACOKE AND NEDERLAND, TEX. -- William Aaron Ballance, 91, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at his residence in Nederland, Tex.  A native of Ocracoke Island, he was the son of the late Elisha and Emma Gaskins Ballance and husband of the late Geraldine Ballance of Nederland.  Mr. Ballance was a member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and retired as a professional painter.

Mr. Ballance is survived by four children, all of Texas, Sue Sims and husband, Danny, Alice Trahan and husband, Jerry, Mark Ballance and wife, Kerry, David Ballance and wife, Kay; eight grandchildren, Aaron Vega, April Vega, Corey Trahan, Ashley Cloud, Jerri Imlof, Jason, Jonathan and Jacob Ballance, all of Texas; four step-grandchildren, Diane Wade, Angie Coats, Denise Gossett and Tracy Sims; twelve step great-grandchildren, Jessica, Amy, Brandy, Destiny, Kim, Tommy, Allen, Nicholas, Cody, David, P.J. and Claci Cloud; one great-grandchild, Hunter Imlof; and one step great-grandchild, Claci Cloud; one sister, Lorena O’Neal, one brother, Maurice Ballance, both of Ocracoke. 

Mr. Ballance was preceded in death by two sisters, Elise Garrish, Clara Joyce Ballance, four brothers, Elisha, Henry, Lawrence, and Reginald Gray Ballance, seven nieces and three nephews. 

The family wishes to express thanks to Barbara and James Acrond for all their kindness and help during their father’s illness. 

Funeral services and committal was at the Ocacoke United Methodist Church on Friday, Feb. 8, with Rev. Joyce Reynolds and Rev. Sam Garris officiating.  Burial was in the Ballance Cemetery.  The family received friends and family at the home of Kathy Hutcherson on Cemetery Road.

Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.

 




Jose Luis Cruz Espinosa

OCRACOKE -- Jose Luis Cruz Espinosa, 22, of Ocracoke, died Friday Jan. 25, 2008 in Buxton.  Mr. Espinosa was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and was a construction worker.  He was the son of Jose and Bertha Cruz Espinosa and was the father of one daughter, Beverly Nichol Espinosa. 

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29,  at 3 p.m. in Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church in Buxton with Father Bob Brown.  Burial will be in Mexico City.  Twiford’s Island Chapel Hatteras is assisting the family.Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.







Otis Lee Willis

AVON -- Otis Lee Willis died Jan. 25, 2008.  Known as Junior to his family and friends, he was born August 4, 1942 to Alivia Barnett Willis and Otis Lee Willis, Sr.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Willis was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley and Janet.  He is survived by his wife, Brenda Gray Willis, son Kelly Lee Willis, sister Katrene Johnson, brother Wayne Willis, mother-in-law Retta Meekins Gray, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in laws and friends.  A reception honoring his life will be held at his residence on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 4 until 6 p.m. All family and friends are invited to attend.  In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet at a later date.  The family requests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of a donation in Mr. Willis’ name to the charity of one’s choice.  Twiford’s Island Chapel Hatteras is assisting the family. Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register.


     

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