All Obituaries

W.A. “Dub” Barbour, Jr., age 88, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at home, with his family by his side. He was born in Johnston County, NC on June 6, 1932 to the late Willie Algier Barbour and Pauline Lanning Barbour.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Shelia Barbour Bolduc and sister Margie Dean.   Dub was the owner and operator of Center Heating & Air Conditioning in Sanford since 1970. He was a charter member of...

James “Jim” Anthony Blackburn, age 62, of Sanford, NC, died Monday, April 12, 2021 at Central Carolina Hospital. He was born in Cumberland County, NC on February 20, 1959 to Benjamin Freeman Blackburn and Linda Kay Clark Blackburn.  His father preceded him in death.  Jim had worked for GKN but was known for his 20 years as a finish-carpenter.  His favorite pastime was fishing. He is survived by his mother, Linda Kay Clark Blackburn Garrett and siblings Joye...

Mary Elizabeth Edwards Williams, age 90, of Sanford, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021. She was born in Wake County on July 1, 1930 to the late Hezzikiah Carlton Edwards and Nancy Jane Hallmon Edwards.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James Fulton Williams and twelve siblings. Mary enjoyed cooking and feeding her family.  Her chicken and dumplings were a family favorite. She loved pretty flowers and babies. Mrs. Williams is survived by...

Kay Frances Keith Peele, age 82, of Cameron, NC, died Saturday, April 10, 2021, at her home with her family by her side. She was born in Moore County, NC on April 22, 1938 to the late Aubrey Leon Keith, Sr. and Blannie Crouse Keith.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Aubrey Leon Keith, Jr. Kay was a graduate of Vass Lakeview High School and Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh, NC. Known for her servants’ heart and hardworking hands, Kay was...

Loretta Moore Thomas Thomas “Yoyo”, age 54 of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Central Carolina Hospital. She was born in Lee County on December 14, 1966 to Richard Moore Thomas “Buddy” and Mary Magdalene Hall Thomas.  Loretta was currently employed by Sampson Bladen Oil Company (Handy Hugo) and previously was a longtime employee of The Pantry offices. She was a loving and kind person who would light up a room.  Loretta adored her...

James Thomas Smith, age 84, of Sanford, NC, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Central Carolina Hospital. He was born in Johnston County, NC on July 13, 1936 to the late Dallas Smith and Mae Johnson Smith.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Paul Anthony Smith; step-father Ranson Stephenson; grandson James Smith and wife Jenny.  James retired from Carnes Company after 40 years of service.  After his retirement, he worked as a greeter at...

Milton Van Harris, age 75, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning shortly after awaking on April 8, 2021 at his home in Sanford, NC. He was born in Lee County to the late Milton and Pauline Harris.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Linda Baker. After graduating from Campbell University and serving his country in the US Army he went into the Real Estate business and operated Van Harris Realty for the most of his adult life.  Van was...

Howard Franklin Snyder, age 86, of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Stokes County on May 27, 1934 to the late Otto King Snyder and Bertha May Moser Snyder.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Grady Snyder and Coelle Snyder and sister Jewel Baker.  Howard graduated from NC State University and worked for 20 years as a civil engineer.  He proudly served in the US Army. Howard is...

William Michael “Mike” Graham, age 70, of Boone, NC, formerly of Olivia, NC, died Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the Caldwell Hospice House in Lenoir, NC. He was born in Lee County, NC on September 29, 1950 to the late William “Bill” Graham and Peggy Page Graham Haddock.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father Larry Haddock. Mike was a jokester and always had a good joke to share.  He was an educator and trainer that took he and his family around...

Dorothy May Garner Medlin, age 92, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation.  She looked forward to going to heaven to be with Jesus and loved ones gone on before her, so now has she stepped out of this earthly life to eternal life in heaven. She was a devoted Christian and a loving mother.  She often said “what you give to others comes back to you”  Mrs. Medlin was born in Randolph County on July 7, 1928 to the late...