All Obituaries

William (Bill) Kenneth Work, Jr., age 67, of Sanford, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023 at UNC Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Ft. Hood, Texas on April 2, 1956, to the late William Kenneth Work, Sr., and Juanita Daines Work.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mevelyn Bays.  Bill was a retired skilled electrician.  He was a “Mr. Fix-It” and there was not anything he could not fix.   He loved going...

Ms. Irene Payne, 87, entered her Heavenly Home on Sunday, May 28th. Born to Coy Whitt and Beulah McMillian in Surry County, NC, she attended White Plains High School where she was an excellent student and sang gospel on the local radio station. She married the love of her life, John Henry Payne, on December 23, 1951, and moved to Sanford in 1957. Irene worked hard every day of her life and set an excellent example of a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Out of all the...

Christopher “Chris” Wayne Deal, age 42, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023. He was born in Lee County, NC on May 27, 1981 to John Wayne Deal and Peggy Ann Richardson Deal.  His father passed away in 2017.  Chris was a Machinist for many years, working for Barnes Machine, Wilson Machine & Tool and Wind Solutions.  He was an avid fisherman and loved his “fur-babies” dearly. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by fur-babies “Fat...

Ronnie Earl Cain, age 75 of Sanford, NC, passed away, Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Peak Resources Pinelake in Carthage, NC, with his family by his side. He was born in Robeson County, NC on February 7, 1948 to the late Luther B. Cain and Jettie Kinlaw Cain.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Walton, Bishop, Luther, Herbert, Willie, Bobby, Violet, Retha Mae, Emmy Dell, Edda Marie and Jettie Van. Ronnie was a cowboy if ever there was one.  He worked with...

Diarous Lee Griffin, age 72, of Fayetteville, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at his home. He was born in Lee County on September 22, 1950, to the late Diarous Griffin “D.D.” and Rachel Buchanan Griffin. Lee retired from Nationwide Insurance Company as an adjuster.  Over the past eight years, he cared tirelessly for his beloved wife.   Their bond was a testament to their love and commitment to each other. He is survived by his loving wife,...

Theodore “Ted” Carl Painter, age 78, of Sanford, NC, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. He was born and raised a farm-boy in Missouri on July 9, 1944 to the late Johnny R. Painter and Erma L. Painter.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Peggy Lou Hainey Painter. Ted served our country in the United States Army, doing tours in Vietnam, and served 30 years, retiring as a Master...

Alfredo Manuel Gomez, age 20, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. He was born in Orange County on September 5, 2002, to Alfredo Gomez Martinez and Charity Womack.  Alfredo dreamed of becoming a barber and a tattoo artist. He is survived by his parents, Alfredo Gomez Martinez of Mexico, and Charity Lynne Womack of Sanford; two sisters, Abiona Gomez and Marcelina Sanchez of Sanford; maternal grandmother, Linda Womack of Sanford;...

Rachel Wicker Mason, 88, daughter of Alton and Minnie Wicker, died on Monday, May 22, 2023 at St. Francis hospital, surrounded by her family.  Rachel is survived by her daughters Connie (Sid) Jenkins, Karen (Dale) Stephens and Amy Mason (Lynn Hendrix), a granddaughter Jennifer (Rhett) Butler and great-grandchildren Sidney Jenkins, Mason Butler, Ellie, Sam and Hosanna Broughton.  Her sister, Rebecca Clayton, sister-in-law Kathleen Wicker, many nieces, nephews, cousins and her best...

Katherine Danielle Stroud, age 30, of Cameron, NC, passed away at home on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Katherine was born in Pennsylvania on September 5, 1992 to Eddie Fields and the late Tracy L. Stroud.  She was a self-employed craftsman.  Katy loved spending time with her kids and crafting.  She loved all of her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Bill Hughes of the home; daughter Mya Stroud; son Karter Stroud of Cameron and sister Sophia Stroud of New York. A...

Earnest “Earnie” “Big E” Hensley, age 58, of Sanford, NC, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. He was born in Raleigh County, West Virginia on February 25, 1965 to Earnest Clyde Hensley and Irene Horton Hensley.  His father preceded him in death.  Earnie was a career truck driver. He’s driven trucks for 30 years with the last 22 years driving for J.B. Hunt Trucking.  His handle was “Pizza Man” and had...