William F. LaPierre
Wake Forest
William Francis (Bill) LaPierre, 83, of Wake Forest, faithful son, loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather, passed away on July 15, 2015. The youngest of six children, Bill was born on January 18, 1932, in Ware, Massachusetts, to Alphonse and Sarah (Sadie) Fleming LaPierre.
Bill loved God, family, friends and life. He was kind, generous, extremely intelligent and quick of wit. His career in textiles brought him and his family to Lumberton, North Carolina, in January, 1970. Well-respected in the textile industry, Bill was an innovator and patent holder in the manufacture of knitted textiles. After a satisfying career spanning more than 45 years, he retired from WestPoint Stevens in 1997.
In his spare time he was an artist, photographer, poet, gardener, traveler and avid reader. His favorite place was North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ,where he maintained a second home for more than 25 years.
After the death of his first wife, Claire St. Onge LaPierre, Bill moved to Wake Forest to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, David, James and Donald, and sisters, Mary L. Ksen and Joyce L. Lewinski.
Surviving are wife, Deborah Powers LaPierre of Wake Forest; daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Gary Bechard of Canonsburg, Pennsvylania, and Anne Marie and Chris Ward of Wake Forest; and five grandchildren, Brendan Bechard of New York, New York; Catherine Bechard of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Caroline, Luke and Elizabeth Ward of Wake Forest.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the team of professionals who for more than four years provided Bill with exemplary medical care in a compassionate and loving manner – Dr. Brian Go of Raleigh Cardiology and the ladies of his Wake Med North office, Dr. Daniel Koenig and staff of Capital Nephrology, Dr. Octavian Belcea and staff of Wakefield Family Practice, the Wake Med Congestive Heart Failure Team, the Duke Home Infusion staff and to the wonderful staff of Wake Med 6A CVIC who made the LaPierre family part of theirs.
An inurnment service was held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, July 18, 2015, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Columbarium in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979, or to a charity of one’s choice.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Mary Ellen Rogers Preddy
Franklinton
Mary Ellen Rogers Preddy, 84, of Franklinton passed away Friday afternoon, July 17, 2015, at Maria Parham Hospital. She was born in Front Royal, Virginia, the daughter of the late Charles Thomas Rogers and Annie Byrd Henry Rogers.
A graveside funeral service was held at 11 o’clock Monday morning, July 20, 2015, at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. David Averette officiating.
Mrs. Preddy was a loving wife and mother as well as a faithful daughter to her late parents. She was a proud graduate of Franklinton High School where she was valedictorian and president of her class, president of the Beta Club, and editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. After graduation she worked at Burlington Industries and later at Franklinton Cotton Mill in administration. Mrs. Preddy was also a faithful member of Franklinton Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, Mark William Preddy of Franklin County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Allen Preddy; and brothers, William Edward Rogers and Charles Franklin Rogers.
Memorial contributions can be made to Franklinton Baptist Church, 108 West Mason Street Franklinton, NC 27525.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
Shirley McGhee Hagwood Pendleton
Franklinton
Shirley McGhee Hagwood Pendleton, 81, of Franklinton passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Hillside Nursing Center. She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of the late Ruby Amanda Harris McGhee and Eddie Washington McGhee.
A memorial service honoring her life was held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, July 17, 2015, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Hunter officiating.
Mrs. Pendleton is survived by her daughter, Joan Carol O’Neal of Franklinton; a granddaughter, Hollie Timberlake of the home; and a great-grandson on the way. She was preceded in death by eight siblings and by her husband, Ernest Leroy Pendleton.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
