Obituaries

Robert Glen Stanek

Wake Forest

A very special brother, father figure, and friend, Robert (Uncle Bob) Glen Stanek, 61, of Wake Forest, left our presence to enter into heaven on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital. Robert was the son of the late Ray Stanek and Lavern Stanek and was born on June 17, 1957.

Robert was a true Chicago Bears fan and could always be found watching football games. He was a huge fan of the Cubs and proudly wore his Bears and Cubbies hat wherever he went. Music was a big influence in Robert’s life, you would always hear John Lennon and Pink Floyd playing while cruising around town or wherever he was. He was a big movie fan, with old westerns being some of his favorite movies to watch with the family. Robert loved to play board games and cards with everyone especially the kids. One of Robert’s passions was animals, cats being his favorite. Robert loved and adored his cats. The kids knew him as a cat whisperer, and his favorite kitty was Bea, who was always with Uncle Bob. Bea and Bob always cuddled together at night for bed.

Robert loved to cook and was always experimenting with food. It was always a fun experience to say the least; you never knew what it was going to taste like.

Robert was famous for his ashtray chili. The ashtray chili never caught on but people sure did love his baked cookies. Robert was an auto mechanic at Lang’s automotive in Downers Grover. He was known for building engines for his cars and working on the motorhome that he drove to go skiing with his buddies. Bob was always packing his pride and joy, a 1974 Buick Riviera full of friends and cruising all around town. Co-Captain Bob is what he was nicknamed while at Lake Michigan on the “DOTTIBOB” and cruising the open water while hanging out with friends. He was remembered for having a blast every weekend.

Robert is survived by  his brother, Ronald Stanek and his wife, Esther Stanek, and their son Joseph Stanek; his two nieces, Ginny Alegria and her four daughters, Selena, Christina, Ariana, and Hazel, all of Wake Forest, and Samantha and her fiancée, Scott, and her son, Nicholas, all of New Oxford, Pennsylvania.

Robert’s memorial service was held Saturday, December 1, 2018, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com

 

 

 

Clarence Linwood Rieves

Youngsville

Clarence Linwood Rieves, 75, died Thursday, November 29, 2018. He was born April 5, 1943 to the late Raymond and Catherine Lynch Rieves. Clarence worked for many years as a manager in the hospitality industry.

He was preceded in death by his parents along with a sister, Rene Weinbrecht.

A memorial service for Clarence will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 6, 2018, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest. Rev. Joel Close will officiate.

Surviving are his wife, of 55 years, Pamela Rieves; three children, Rick Rieves and wife, Shantelle, of Clermont, Florida, Scott Rieves and wife, Tamara, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Amy Mullis and husband, Jeremy, of Youngsville; six grandchildren, Addison, Hayden, and Zain Rieves, Ethan, Kara and Quinn Mullis; and a brother, Ray Rieves of Chesapeake, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifepoint Church, 420 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587 or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com

 

 

 

Brooklyn Nicole Lynam

Wake Forest

Brooklyn Nicole Lynam was born September 25, 1992, in Raleigh to Larry Van Lynam and Brenda Lilly Lynam. Brooklyn was smart, beautiful, funny, daring and stubborn. She was so inquisitive and had a smile that would light of any room. Brooklyn was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend.

She graduated from NC State with degrees in wood manufacturing and industrial engineering. After graduation she moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee after accepting a job at Shaw Industries as a process engineer.  She thrived at her new job and was named 2018 STEP Ahead Award Emerging Leader.

She also enjoyed volunteering and mentored children in a FIRST Robotics team, The Fighting Mongooses. Under her guidance, the team exceeded previous records and won second place at a regional competition. Many of the students were living in adverse home conditions, and by mentoring these children, she exposed them to new opportunities and positive outlets.
Brooklyn is survived by her parents, Brenda Lilly Lynam and Larry Van Lynam, and her brother, Layne Vincent Lynam, who she adored more than life itself.  Also she is survived by grandmothers Velma Lee Lilly and Ann Stell Lynam, as well as beloved aunts and uncles, including Dennis and Terri Lilly, Gary Lilly, Chris and Wendy Majewski, Wanda Lynam Percise and cousins, including Kelly and Troy Majewski, Nicklaus Percise, Marshall, Stacey, Evan, Wesley, Kristen, and Travis Lilly. Also, surviving her are her very best special friends Gabby Tate and Patrick Spence, and all her wonderful Chattanooga friends and coworkers. Brooklyn was also mom to her dog Scruffles and her kitten Vince.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Phillip A. Lilly and Lynwood Lynam.

Brooklyn loved animals and nature and often talked about being able to travel the world once she was established. She was a blessing and inspired everyone who had the chance of meeting her. She also had a love for music and even taught herself to play the ukulele. She was well read and so witty and her friend Patrick stated that “she is someone I will never meet again – so funny – so smart – we knew each other before we ever met.” Brooklyn loved literature and this quote from Kurt Vonnegut suits her:  “I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over.  Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center.”
Our sunshine is gone from our present life – but we will see her again and her light will continue to shine in the lives of those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers donation in Brooklyn’s memory may be made to the SPCA of Wake County,  200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603.

A celebration of Brooklyn’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2018, at Wake Forest United Methodist Church at 905 South Main Street, Wake Forest. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com

 

William Joseph Woodruff

Wake Forest

William Joseph Woodruff, “Jimmy,” went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 3, 2018 at The Pittsboro Christian Village in Pittsboro. Jimmy was the son of the late Blunt M. and Johnnie Pierce Woodruff.

Jimmy was a corporal in the United States Army from Feb. 28, 1951 to Feb. 20, 1953. During this time he served as a military police and sharpshooter in the Korean War.

While in boot camp he was introduced to his wife of 35 years, Shirley Thomasson Woodruff. She preceded him in death in 1988. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Jimmy married Shirley and settled in Raleigh to begin his career with ConAgra (formerly known as Armour & Company Meats), and to raise his four girls.

Jimmy is survived by his four daughters, Burnita Matthews (Larry), Sharon Mchee (Carl), Gynell Sippy (Brian), and Kim Lovelace (Jay), and his brother, Hayden Woodruff (Earline). “Papaw” is survived by 11 grandchildren, Shane, Justin, and Janna; Jennifer, Matthew, and Sandy; Carrie and Daniel; Aaron, Benjamin, and Caitlin. “Papaw” is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Moss, Helen McNutt, and Weatha Davis.

Burnita, Sharon, Gynell, and Kim would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the loving and caring, nurses, CNA’s, cooks, and office administration of Pittsboro Christian Village who took wonderful care of Daddy. You were a special blessing to Daddy and to each of us.

A visitation will be held from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Woodland Baptist Church, with services to follow at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Pittsboro Christian Village Benevolent Fund; 1825 East Street, Pittsboro NC 27312.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com

 

 

Jimmy Wayne Leonard

Wake Forest

Jimmy Wayne Leonard was a man who loved God and God’s church supremely.He started learning of God’s love from his grandfather, Alvin Leonard, a minister. Jim was instrumental in starting two churches, Here’s Hope Baptist Church in Madison, Ohio and Heritage Baptist Church in Wake Forest. He was ordained as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Through his life he served in many capacities but teaching Sunday School was one of his favorites.

Jim was born in Bristol, Virginia and moved to Marion, North Carolina at the age of 6. Jim served in the U.S. Navy for eight years. Two years were spent on a submarine, the USS Henry L Stimson. For almost three and a half years Jim was an instructor at the U.S. Navy Nuclear Prototype near Idaho Falls, Idaho. After leaving the Navy he worked at the Perry Nuclear Plant in Perry, Ohio. Eight years later he returned to North Carolina and worked at Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant. Jim earned an associate’s degree in environmental science from Lakeland Community College in Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Maryland. In 1996, Jim started a different career, working as a network engineer with Franklin County Schools. He dearly loved this job and the people he worked with.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and sister, Harold and Laura Leonard and Vanessa Morenings.

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Alice Leonard; his son, Jimmy and his wife, Laurie, and son, Dave Leonard and wife, Susan. He loved his four grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, Alex, Kinsey, Rachel and John. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and nephew, Imanuel and Isaac Morenings; Alice’s twin sisters, Brenda and Linda, who loved him as a big brother; and a niece, Regina, and two nephews, Mike and Travis.

The family expresses their gratitude to the many who have offered prayers, love and support over the last two and a half years of Jim’s life while he so bravely fought cancer.

Donations may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Church to the technology fund or to Transitions Hospice.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Wake Forest Baptist Church, 107 South Avenue, Wake Forest. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. at Pine Forest Memorial Garden in Wake Forest.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com

 

Charlene ‘Charm’ Emma Kidd

Wake Forest

Charlene “Charn” Emma Kidd, 76, of Wake Forest passed away November 29, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Kidd was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Charles and Estella Donaldson Yourell.

Animals held a special place in her heart. Dogs and cats often gravitated toward her loving spirit and would form a long-lasting bond. Charlene enjoyed spending time with her family and will leave a large void in their lives.

Services will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Kidd was survived by her husband of 57 years, James Thomas “Jimmy” Kidd; children, Pat Wheeler, Robbin Kidd-Mattingly and Thomas Kidd and wife, Crystal; sisters, Joyce Bierman and husband, Don, Bonnie Culberson and husband, David, and Kathy Ritchie; brother-in-law, Garry Kidd and wife, Nora; granddaughters, Sarah Ray and husband, Bryce, Kaitlin Chaney and husband, Jerry, Hailey Fuentes and Emma Kidd; grandson, Joe Spears and wife Shoshana; great-granddaughters, Lorraine Ray and Lily Belle Chaney; great-grandsons, Carson Ray and Landon Chaney; six nephews and eight nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Humane Society of Granville County, PO Box 385, Butner, NC  27509

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com

 

Michael Paul Zewalk

Wake Forest

Michael Paul Zewalk, 57, of Wake Forest went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was born in Akron, Ohio to Michael Patrick Zewalk and the late Marylin Faye Kish Zewalk on June 19, 1961.

Mike had a zest for life and could practically do anything he set his mind to. He could be found working in his yard, playing his guitar or any of the other many hobbies he had. His big smile, wisdom and positive attitude will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon, December 7, 2018, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.

Michael is survived by his wife of 17 years, Diane Rae Zewalk; children, Johnathan  Britt and wife, Lauren, of Orlando, Florida and Heather Lynn Donegan and husband, Justin, of Raleigh; grandchildren, Brayden, Taylor and Griffin; father, Michael Patrick Zewalk and wife, Patricia, of Naples, Florida; siblings, Melissa Wadsworth and husband, Rob, of Charlotte, Michelle Pope and husband, Michael, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mark Zewalk of Charlotte and Matt Zewalk and wife, Paulette, of Butler, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400).

www.cswfuneralhome.com

 

Theresa Diane O’Neal

Wake Forest

Theresa Diane O’Neal, 64, of Wake Forest passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at her mother and father’s home in Raleigh NC.

Mrs. O’Neal was born in Smith County, Virginia to Eleanor Arnett Blevins and the late Norman Smith Blevins. Theresa loved trips to the mountains, beach and anything that involved her family and friends. She loved people and would go out of her way to help anyone in need. Nothing was more important than family and her presence will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock, Saturday afternoon, December 8, 2018, at Mary’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Mrs. O’Neal is survived by her children, Jerry Blevins of Raleigh, Ricky O’Neal of Wake Forest, Teddy O’Neal & wife Melissa of Knightdale and Joy Barham of Wake Forest; mother, Eleanor Arnett Blevins of Raleigh; sister, Tammy Stallings & husband Travis of Zebulon; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; special friend, Jerry Pleasants; extended family and many friends. Theresa was also preceded in death by her husband, Freddie O’Neal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mary’s Chapel Baptist Church, 3500 Bruce Garner Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Friends may visit with the family form 6-8:00 P.M., Friday evening, December 7, 2018 Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com

 

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