Billy ‘Bill’ Ray Helms
Wake Forest
Billy “Bill” Ray Helms, 84, died Wednesday morning, October 26, 2016, at his home in Wake Forest. He was born in Charlotte, the son of the late Lois and Paul Helms.
Bill retired from Bobby Murray Chevrolet where he was general sales manager. He was one of the first employees hired at the dealership in 1966 and worked there for 35 years. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.
In the late ‘70s to early ‘80s Bill worked as a “weekend warrior” on the pit crew for Richard Petty. He was a member of the NCSU Wolfpack Club. He was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in 1966 and was also charter member of the Raleigh Amran Shrine. After retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard with his favorite John Deere tractors. He loved decorating the yard for every season.
A celebration of his life will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2016, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Adam Ivey and the Rev. Alan Tuttle officiating. The family will receive visitors after the service in the fellowship hall.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Faye Ray Helms; sons, Bill Helms Jr. of Charlotte and Jeff Helms of Mount Holly; sister, Betty Helms Godwin and nephew, Iven Godwin, of Morrisville; stepson, the Rev. Dennis Murphy and his wife, Janice, of Ronda; stepdaughter, Teresa Murphy Doring and her husband, Stuart, of Wake Forest; granddaughters, Catherine, Elizabeth and Amelia Helms; step-grandchildren, Daniel, David and Lauren Murphy and Tara Beddingfield; step-great-grandchildren, Carter, Levi, Zoey, Maddison and Emily Murphy. He was predeceased by his nephew, Earl Godwin.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 2817 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 or Transitions Life Care Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest (919) 556-5811
Jerry D. Jackson
Franklinton
Jerry D. Jackson, 79, died on Monday, October 24, 2016, at Rex Hospital. Jerry was born in Franklin County the son of the late Josephine Sheron Jackson and Elvis Jackson. He was retired from Mallinkrodt Pharmaceutical Company in Raleigh.
A memorial graveside service will be held 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, October 27, 2016, at Fairview Cemetery in Franklinton.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Powell Jackson; a daughter, Myra Allen and husband, Scott, of Youngsville; and a granddaughter, Kristi Allen of Wilson
Friends may visit with the family from 7 to 8:30 Wednesday evening at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, and all other times at the home of Myra and Scott Allen 340 Atherton Drive in Youngsville.
Matthew Edward Lotz
Wake Forest
Matthew Edward Lotz, 38 of Wake Forest died unexpectedly Friday, October 21, 2016, at his home. Matt was born November 6, 1977 in Geneva, New York to Edward and Cheryl Lotz. He was happily married to Dana Gugliotti Lotz. The couple relocated to the area in 2006 where they built their lives together and called Wake Forest home.
Matt went to Midlakes High School High School.vHe attended West Virginia University where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in computer and electrical engineering. He was a long-time employee of Schneider Electric and most recently joined Capitol Power Group.
Matt enjoyed food and friends and was often found smoking meat on the grill to be shared by all. Matt loved to read books, watch movies, clean his new pool, and sit by the wood burning fireplace in his screen porch. He enjoyed vacations with his wife, close friends, and family. He is remembered by all as a happy guy with a smile and kind word for everyone. Matt was very self-less always giving to others.
A memorial service was held Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest.
Matt is survived by his loving wife, Dana; his parents, Cheryl and Edward; his sisters, Heather Appleby and her husband, Tom, and Lindsay Lotz; and his maternal grandmother, Sandra White. He also leaves behind his mother- and father-in-law, Joan and Frank; brothers-in-law, Paul (Mai), Dave, and Mark (Analia); several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his faithful companion, Bauer, and the rest of the rescues he and his wife have taken in, Chloe, Gilmore, Danes, and Bailey.
He will forever be loved and remembered by all that knew him. He was taken much too soon from his loved ones.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Franklin County Humane Society, www.fchsnc.org/donate This is a cause near and dear to Matt and Dana where they have saved many dogs in our area and became a stepping stone for their new lives.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Mary Jane Mink
Louisburg
Mary Jane Mink, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at her lakeside home outside Raleigh, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family. She was born in Elgin, Illinois to Edward and Edna (Rosenthal) Holtz.
She was a graduate of Elgin High School and then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in childhood education from Monmouth College.
She had a career in teaching and treasured every moment. She worked as a second grade teacher in New Jersey and then continued her teaching career in Raleigh where she worked as a kindergarten teacher at Raleigh Academy and a kindergarten and computer teacher at Faith Lutheran School. Her patience, sweet personality, and true compassion were a blessing to all.
She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest, a member of her community residence club at Lake Royale, and an active member of the Silver Foxes Bowling League. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing games of any kind (but especially card games), and bowling.
Funeral services were held at Hope Lutheran Church Monday, October 31. Burial followed at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James Mink; son, Christopher Mink (Sabrina); granddaughter, Amber Mink; nephews, Kenneth (Linda) Lorang, Paul Lorang, and Brian Mink (Monica); and nieces Barbara (Charles) McClanahan, Susan (Kenneth) Hansen, Kathy (Steve) Ourada, Stacy (Kevin) Hinz, Leslie (Rodney) Bethel, Kara (Mike) Fisher, Joann (David) Schlosser, and Amy Mink. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Edna Holtz, and sister, Beverly Lorang.
In lieu of flowers, the family greatly appreciates contributions to Hope Lutheran Church.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Elizabeth Tempia Muhlbauer
Wake Forest
Elizabeth Tempia Muhlbauer, 48, was born on June 19, 1968, in Mocksville NC. She passed away at her home in Wake Forest on Friday, October 28.
Elizabeth was born and raised in Mocksville where she was a member of the Davie High School Marching Band. After high school she attended Appalachian State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business management.
After college Elizabeth moved to Florida and met and married Thomas Tempia. They moved back to Chapel Hill and were married until his passing in October 2002. In 2007, while living in Raleigh, Elizabeth met Larry Muhlbauer at Loafers Beach Club and they were married on March 8, 2008. Earlier this year Larry and Elizabeth moved to Wake Forest.
Elizabeth loved her animals, music, dancing, crafts (making cards), and gardening. Elizabeth taught ball room dancing and met Larry on the dance floor dancing the West Coast Swing. Elizabeth had fun gardening at her new home and having sleepovers with her nieces. She loved relaxing on the back porch with Larry and their dogs. Her favorite TV shows were The Walking Dead and American Horror Story.
Elizabeth worked for the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. She really enjoyed her job and loved her work family.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016, at Wake Forest United Methodist Church with the Rev. Hannah Pinckney MacManus officiating.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Larry Muhlbauer; her mom, Anne Jones; her uncle. Steve Lipham; in-laws, Norma and Ken Muhlbauer, Joe and Nancy Muhlbauer and their girls, Emma and Amelia, Jeff and Tracy Muhlbauer and their girls, Virginia and Gabby; honorary niece and nephew, Noah and Grace Starek; and many loving cousins.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her father, Leon Jones; her first husband, Thomas Tempia; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lipham; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jones.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016, at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. 919-556-5811
www.brightfunerals.com
Norman F. Pearce
Louisburg
Norman F. Pearce, 77, died Sunday, October 23, 2016. He was born in Edgecombe County, the son of the late Annie Tant Pearce and Roger Pearce.
A funeral service was held Thursday morning, October 27, 2016, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Bill Haley officiating.
Mr. Pearce is survived by his wife, Margie Pearce; a daughter, Lisa Pearce; a son, Leslie Pearce and wife, Angie; grandchildren, Lance and Andrea Pearce; sister, Tensie Penny; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Randy Thomas Perry
Wake Forest
Randy Thomas Perry, 63, died at his residence. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, the son of the late Louise Mason Perry and Billy Thomas Perry.
Randy was a Duke fan since he was a child. He had a love for Airedale dogs and owned several in his life. He always enjoyed looking into family genealogy and loved attending his family’s reunions. Randy was a NASCAR racing fan and loved fishing.
A funeral service was held Sunday afternoon, October 30, 2016, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Rolesville Baptist Church Cemetery.
Randy is survived by a son, Eric; brother, Ronnie Perry and wife, Winky; nieces, Rebecca Perry Coward and husband, Jody, Jenna Perry Kuhls and husband, Tim; great nephews, Mason and Levi Kuhls; aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved dog, Duke.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Ricky Rose
Wake Forest
Ricky Rose, 49, of Wake Forest passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016, at his residence. After fighting ALS for over three and a half years, his Lord and Savior called him home. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. Ricky’s biggest joy in life was spending quality time with his family. He spent seven years on active and reserve duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a proud defender of the freedoms our country represents. Prior to his diagnosis, Ricky had a successful career at Sanmina as a global account manager. Ricky was able to spend time after his diagnosis traveling across the country with his wife and daughter.
A service in his memory was held Friday, October 28, 2016, at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest.
He is survived by his wife, Melinda Rose; daughter, Morgan Rose and her fiancé, Joshua Nelson; grandson, Kaiden Nelson; brother, Randy Rose; sister, Tammy Carr and her husband, Allen Carr; nieces and nephews, Landon Rose, Brittani and Chad Hutchens and their son, Owen Hutchens; and mother-in-law, Linda Fletcher. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Edna Rose. Ricky wished to thank friends and family for their prayerful support and participation in the yearly ALS walks in hopes of finding a cure.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to: The ALS Association, Catfish Hunter Chapter, 4 N. Blount St., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27601. The family will be receiving visitors an hour prior to the service.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Madylon Patricia Schmoeger
Wake Forest
Madylon Patricia Schmoeger, 92, died Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Madylon was born September 4, 1924 in Oglesby, Illinois to the late John and Lena Rigazio Harrington.
She worked as a bookkeeper at JC Penny at North Hills for over 20 years. Madylon was a communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where she was active in the choir. Beside her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Frederick Schmoeger, and a brother, John Harrington.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday morning, October 29, 2016, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with the Rev Philip Tighe officiating. Interment was in Pine Forest Memorial Garden in Wake Forest.
Madylon is survived by two sons, Terry Schmoeger and wife, Patricia, of North Raleigh and Duane Schmoeger of Wake Forest; and four grandsons, Stephen, Adam, Kevin and Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Madylon’s memory may be made to Community Hospice, 7714 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, 27607.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Evelyn Strickland Ward
September 8, 1935 – October 28, 2016
Raleigh
Evelyn Strickland Ward, 81, died Friday, October 28, 2016. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born in Bunn, the daughter of the late Augustus “Buck” and Kathleen Strickland. She was married for 37 years to Max Edward Ward, who was the love of her life and preceded her to heaven in 1990.
Evelyn retired in 2006. She is remembered for her abiding love of beauty in God’s creation. Possessed of a keen curiosity about the world, she was an enthusiast traveler. She volunteered with Stop Hunger Now and attended Highland United Methodist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her children and spouses, Mike and Hope Morgan Ward, Kathleen Ward and Tony Solari, Mark and Mandy Ward, all of Raleigh; five grandchildren, Jason Ward, Brooke Ward, Emerson Huitt, Bryce Ward, and Dylan Burgess; two great-grandchildren, Amos Ward and Theo Ward; a sister, Gladys Johnson; and two brothers, Glenn Strickland and Gerald Strickland. Her third brother, Bruce Strickland, passed away in 1968.
Evelyn’s life was celebrated in a service of death and resurrection led by the Reverend Harold Salmon and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Sunday, October 30, 2016, at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh. A reception was held after the service in the fellowship hall. A graveside service for the family followed in Bunn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, NC 27607, or Stop Hunger Now, 615 Hillsborough St. #200, Raleigh, NC 27603.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
