Betty was born January 23, 1933 in Asco, WV to the late Walter Stanley and Ruth Melton Stanley.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Allen Hayes; her brother, Buddy McKenzie; her sisters, Patsy Marshall and Sandra Lucion.

She retired from Belk as Office Manager after 20 years of service. She was married to the love of her life, Jerry, for over fifty years. Known as “Nana” she dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a kind heart and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are her daughters, Denise Gay Patterson and husband, Donald; Tina Hayes Poythress and husband, John; and Missy Hayes McKeel; sisters, Joan Hedrick, Carolyn Gregory and Sharon Peak and her husband Robert; her brother, Michael Stanley; her grandchildren, Kristopher Wayne Patterson, Michael Allen Patterson and wife, Caroline Lee Moncure-Patterson, Bradley Cole Poythress, Jessica Hayes Chard and her husband Brad, Jordan Marie Poythress and Emma Grace McKeel; her great-grandchildren, Brayden Allen Patterson, Andrew Michael Patterson, Guinevere Rhys Patterson and Anna Jayde Patterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 13, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Daniel West, Minister officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter Missy.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadyfs.com.

Joyce was born January 10, 1944 to the late William Thomas Davis and Margaret Casper Davis. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Ruth Parker and husband Kyle, John Thomas Davis and wife Pat, Dorothy Ambrose and husband Bobby, Robert Earl Davis, Augustine Hallingshead and husband Gene and Terry Richardson.

Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She loved cooking, working in the yard, her garden and her flowers.  She worked 26 years as a weaver with J. P. Stevens and Bibb Company and 18 years with Kennametal. Joyce enjoyed riding on the motorcycle with her husband. Joyce also went back to school at the age of 40 and got her G.E.D.

She is survived by her husband, Jodie Delbridge; her children, Cindy Biggles and husband Mitch, Ronald Todd, Shane Delbridge and Heather Delbridge and Larry; her grandchildren, Joshua Delbridge, Christian Delbridge, Meagan Patterson, Ricky Walden, Jr. and Wayne Todd, Jr.; her great-granddaughter, Adalyn Bisset; her sisters,Margaret Ann Horne and husband Russell, Patsy Simmons and Cathy Handsome and husband Henry and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation service and the family will receive friends following the service.  The family will receive other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Cecil was born July 13, 1937 to the late Daniel Augusta Barnett and Pauline Green Barnett. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Barnett; his brothers and sisters, Marion Barnett, Milton Barnett, Mildred Newcombe, Joe Barnett and Dorothy Schultz.

He retired from J.P. Stevens as a pipe fitter. He was an active member of the AMVETS and he never met a stranger, loved everybody and would help anybody.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Joanne Barnett; his son William Cecil Barnett, Jr. and wife Shanda of Willow Spring, NC; his grandson, William Ross Barnett of Raleigh; his brothers, Calvin Barnett of Pensacola, FL, and Steve Barnett of Bryan’s Road, MD; his sister, Christine Pridgen of Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Jerry Waters officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon with military honors. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:30 prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Rudolph was born in Halifax County, November 25, 1937, to the late Ernest Edward and Sally Victoria Parker Smith. 

He enjoyed NASCAR. playing pool and was a long-time member of Little Country Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, Rudolph was preceded in death by brothers, James Smith, Benjamin Smith and William Smith; sisters, Ollie Mae Smith and Ernestine Faithful, and a grandchild, Charles T. Geiser, III.

Surviving are his sons, Steve Smith and Randy Smith, both of Spartanburg, SC; daughters, Gladys Debra Bishop and Lynn Gates, both of Spartanburg, SC; brother, Jesse Smith of Spartanburg, SC; sisters, Helen Wayne of West Virginia, Betsy Richardson of Warrenton and Barbara Ellis of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Michael Smith, Nottie Wood, Stacey Michelle Bishop, Lynn Powers, Joe Powers, Kenny Powers, Chrisy Bullock, William Baughan, Ashleigh Geiser and Nathan Geiser. Also surviving are 8 great grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 18, 2017, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 7-8:30 pm. 

Rev. James Jenkins will conduct funeral services Saturday, August 19, 2017, in the chapel at Hockaday beginning at 2:00 pm. 

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Mr. Taylor was born August 1, 1930 in Warren County to the late Charlie Taylor and Rebecca King Taylor. He was also preceded by ten brothers and sisters.

He loved the Great Smoky mountains. He also had a great work ethic and always had to be busy doing things.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dean Taylor; his sons, Charles L. Taylor, Jr., Jesse Ray Taylor and Andrew Radford; his daughters, Sarah Edwards and Pamela Taylor; his grandchildren, Alice Radford, Chris Taylor, Regina Smith, Wayne Taylor, Brian Taylor and Jesse Aycock; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Harvest Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Norwood Starling officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Friday, July 28, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Ski was born in Fisherville, MI on January 1, 1945, to the late Benjamin and Alice Cieslinski. After graduating high school, he served 7 plus years in the Air Force, ending with a tour of duty in Roanoke Rapids where he remained to raise his family. He owned a successful mobile home business before working with the Postal Service as a rural mail carrier, where he retired in 2007. In addition to his parents, Ski was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald, and his grandson, Jonathan.

In addition to Ann, his survivors left to cherish his memories are sisters, Janette Luptowski and Sister Maria Pauline Cieslinski; sons, David Cieslinski and wife, Jackie, Richard Cieslinski and Brian Cieslinski and fiancé, Geneva; daughter, Theresa Cieslinski; and the mother of his children, Gail Cieslinski. Also surviving are his step daughters, Laura Bolling, Melissa Grizzard and Joy Allen; 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. 

The family will remember Ski’s life at a visitation at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, Thursday, August 3, 2017, from 7-8:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held by Father Pius Wekesa at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Friday, August 4, 2017 at 11:00 am with entombment to follow in the memorial garden. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Betty was born January 23, 1933 in Asco, WV to the late Walter Stanley and Ruth Melton Stanley.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Allen Hayes; her brother, Buddy McKenzie; her sisters, Patsy Marshall and Sandra Lucion.

She retired from Belk as Office Manager after 20 years of service. She was married to the love of her life, Jerry, for over fifty years. Known as “Nana” she dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a kind heart and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are her daughters, Denise Gay Patterson and husband, Donald; Tina Hayes Poythress and husband, John; and Missy Hayes McKeel; sisters, Joan Hedrick, Carolyn Gregory and Sharon Peak and her husband Robert; her brother, Michael Stanley; her grandchildren, Kristopher Wayne Patterson, Michael Allen Patterson and wife, Caroline Lee Moncure-Patterson, Bradley Cole Poythress, Jessica Hayes Chard and her husband Brad, Jordan Marie Poythress and Emma Grace McKeel; her great-grandchildren, Brayden Allen Patterson, Andrew Michael Patterson, Guinevere Rhys Patterson and Anna Jayde Patterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 13, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Daniel West, Minister officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter Missy.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadyfs.com.

Joyce was born January 10, 1944 to the late William Thomas Davis and Margaret Casper Davis. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Ruth Parker and husband Kyle, John Thomas Davis and wife Pat, Dorothy Ambrose and husband Bobby, Robert Earl Davis, Augustine Hallingshead and husband Gene and Terry Richardson.

Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She loved cooking, working in the yard, her garden and her flowers.  She worked 26 years as a weaver with J. P. Stevens and Bibb Company and 18 years with Kennametal. Joyce enjoyed riding on the motorcycle with her husband. Joyce also went back to school at the age of 40 and got her G.E.D.

She is survived by her husband, Jodie Delbridge; her children, Cindy Biggles and husband Mitch, Ronald Todd, Shane Delbridge and Heather Delbridge and Larry; her grandchildren, Joshua Delbridge, Christian Delbridge, Meagan Patterson, Ricky Walden, Jr. and Wayne Todd, Jr.; her great-granddaughter, Adalyn Bisset; her sisters,Margaret Ann Horne and husband Russell, Patsy Simmons and Cathy Handsome and husband Henry and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation service and the family will receive friends following the service.  The family will receive other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Cecil was born July 13, 1937 to the late Daniel Augusta Barnett and Pauline Green Barnett. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Barnett; his brothers and sisters, Marion Barnett, Milton Barnett, Mildred Newcombe, Joe Barnett and Dorothy Schultz.

He retired from J.P. Stevens as a pipe fitter. He was an active member of the AMVETS and he never met a stranger, loved everybody and would help anybody.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Joanne Barnett; his son William Cecil Barnett, Jr. and wife Shanda of Willow Spring, NC; his grandson, William Ross Barnett of Raleigh; his brothers, Calvin Barnett of Pensacola, FL, and Steve Barnett of Bryan’s Road, MD; his sister, Christine Pridgen of Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Jerry Waters officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon with military honors. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:30 prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Rudolph was born in Halifax County, November 25, 1937, to the late Ernest Edward and Sally Victoria Parker Smith. 

He enjoyed NASCAR. playing pool and was a long-time member of Little Country Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, Rudolph was preceded in death by brothers, James Smith, Benjamin Smith and William Smith; sisters, Ollie Mae Smith and Ernestine Faithful, and a grandchild, Charles T. Geiser, III.

Surviving are his sons, Steve Smith and Randy Smith, both of Spartanburg, SC; daughters, Gladys Debra Bishop and Lynn Gates, both of Spartanburg, SC; brother, Jesse Smith of Spartanburg, SC; sisters, Helen Wayne of West Virginia, Betsy Richardson of Warrenton and Barbara Ellis of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Michael Smith, Nottie Wood, Stacey Michelle Bishop, Lynn Powers, Joe Powers, Kenny Powers, Chrisy Bullock, William Baughan, Ashleigh Geiser and Nathan Geiser. Also surviving are 8 great grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 18, 2017, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 7-8:30 pm. 

Rev. James Jenkins will conduct funeral services Saturday, August 19, 2017, in the chapel at Hockaday beginning at 2:00 pm. 

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Dickey was born June 21, 1946, in Guilford County to the late Julian Hayes Smith and Arnie Mae Joyner Smith.  

He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Claude M. Inscoe and Lucille Tyson Inscoe; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Price Burton and Trilby Nadine Inscoe; his  brothers-in-law, Anthony Cecil Fox and Carey Morris Turman

Dickey moved to Roanoke Rapids when he was 12 years old and married his high school sweetheart when he was 20 years old.

His first job was in the weave room at J.P. Stevens, he then worked for Tom and Judge Shell. Afterwards he was plant manager at Uptegraff Transformer Plant and stayed on with Autoverter’s when they purchased the plant.

He later was the storeroom Manager at Georgia-Pacific in Skippers. Dickey also served 7 years in the Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Phyllis Inscoe Smith; his daughter, Claudia Edmondson and her husband Brian; his sisters, Linda Fox and Patricia Turman; his nieces and nephews, Carey Turman, Tony Fox, Wade Fox, Lisa Landen, Mason Jay Price and Susan Ivey Price. All their wives, husbands and their children. He was also Papa to a special little girl, Summer Ann.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 26, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Sue Owens and Rev. Richard Hill officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:30 prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Duke was born August 24, 1937 in Halifax County to the late Johnny Thomas Hoggard and Mildred Shaw Hoggard. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Jean Hoggard.

Duke was a commercial automotive artist and he also served in the U. S. Army.

He is survived by his step-sons, William Earl Gray, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Chesapeake, VA, and Christopher Alexander Gray and his wife, Ashley of Roanoke Rapids; his sister, Velvie Dean Hoggard of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Brittany Gray Christy, Storm Gray, Chris Gray and Jordan Gray; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. 

Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com. 

Steve was born in Halifax County, August 04, 1952, to the late William “Buck” Franklin and Betty Jean Rook Pittman. 

He was a good Christian man who loved the Lord, his grandchildren and his family. 

He also loved playing music. 

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelby Renee Pittman Exum.

Surviving are his wife, Frances “Frankie” Pittman; son, Steven Kenneth “Kenny” Pittman and wife, Beth; step son, Jack Harrell and wife, Teresa, all of Roanoke Rapids; sister, Mitzi Cahoon and husband, Lee, of Gaston, and his grandchildren, Dylan Exum, Will Harrell, Ayden Ellis Pittman, Dustin Joe Maurice and Jackson Taylor.

Pastors Tony Smith and D.A. Leonard will conduct a celebration to remember Steve’s life Friday, September 01, 2017, in the chapel at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service at 2:00 pm. 

The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm and all other times at the home of Kenny and Beth Pittman, 205 Robinson Dr., Roanoke Rapids. 

Online condolences may be made to www.hockadayfs.com

Barbara was born in Halifax County, July 14, 1944 to the late Ernest Worth and Eva Shaw Callahan. 

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by brothers, Jesse Wayne Callahan, Cleveland Callahan, and Swade Callahan.

Surviving are her husband Donald Manning of the home; sons, Michael Manning and wife Kelly and Kevin Manning and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Melissa Hale, Jeffrey Manning, Nathan Manning, Matt Manning, Jenni Manning, Heather Ridley, Chris Munn; sister, Brenda Kay Powers and husband Tot and their children Timmy, Jesse, Heather and Christi; great grandchildren, Matthew Manning, George Manning, K.V. Walker, Natalie Walker, and Jasiyah Brown; Also surviving is Eva Ree Callahan, Cindy Callahan, a special aunt Novella Deloatch, and her grand “Dog”ter Summer. 

Barbara is also survived by brother and sister-in laws, Dean Taylor, Dot Hux, Frank Manning, Henry Manning, Tiny Thompson, Louise Tilley, and their children and families.

Rev. Randy Martin will conduct a service to remember Barbara’s life Saturday, September 02, 2017 at 11:00am at Calvary Baptist Church, 1405 Bolling Rd. Roanoke Rapids. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am also at the church and at all other times at the home of Michael and Kelly Manning at 264 Bishop Rd, Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Bobby was born in Halifax County, March 6, 1954, to the late Ralph and Evelyn Harris Martin. 

A retired navy veteran of more than 20 years, he loved playing guitar, spending time with his family and friends and coaching girls’ softball, where he coached for over 9 years. 

Bobby also was a member of Blue Steel Motorcycle Club of North Carolina. 

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his previous wife, Arlene Martin.

Surviving are his wife, Susan Fowler Martin of the home; sons, Bobby Lewis Martin, Jr. and wife, Leslie, Kendall Martin and wife, Christie; daughter, Missy Tolbert and husband, James, all of Roanoke Rapids; step-son, Marc Shaw and wife Brandy and step-daughter, Michelle Wells and husband, Eric, both of Roanoke Rapids; brothers, Pete Martin of Roanoke Rapids, and Wayne Martin of Hawaii; grandchildren, Jordan Martin, Hunter Martin, Kendallyn Martin, Skyler Martin, Nathan Rancourt, Mandi Tolbert, Aaron Shaw and Jaylan Wells; special friends, Mark and Laurie Kuchenbrod, Eddie Edquist and fellow brothers and wives of Blue Steel Motorcycle Club of North Carolina. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service Friday, September 8, 2017, from 7-9 pm. 

James Rawls will conduct funeral services Saturday, September 9, 2017 in the chapel at Hockaday at 11:00 am. 

Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to  www.hockadayfs.com

Mr. Closson was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina on December 25, 1945 to the late Roscoe Eston Closson, his step-father, Vernon Stantliff and Lorraine Hodges Stantliff. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Closson.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Closson of the home; his son, Henry N. Closson, Jr. of Eden, NC; his daughters, Kim Taylor and husband James of Lewisburg, KY and Tammy Scales and husband Wayne of Lake Gaston, NC; his brothers, David Closson and wife Faye of Madison, NC and Keith Stantliff and wife Linda of Dinwiddie, VA; his grandchildren, Quentin, Ginger, Ellis, Jessie, Chris, Bridget and Billie; and his special companion Sugar Ray.

A memorial service to celebrate Henry’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Park Baptist Church, 1136 Virginia Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC with Rev. Joe Wall officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the church and other times at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Arrangements are incomplete and being handled by Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

Brad was born in Albany, NY, December 18, 1967, to the late Bradford Raymond, Sr. and Jeanne Stevens Dodway. 

He loved hanging out with his family and friends and riding his motorcycle. 

Brad had a big heart and was always helping others. 

Surviving are his sons, Trevor and Zachary “Zack” Dodway; daughters, Brittany and Gabby Dodway and brother, Michael Dodway and wife, Melissa and grandchild, Conor Frazier; 

Also surviving are his niece, Madison Dodway and nephews, Kyle and Sergio Dodway and Robert Richardson.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 6-8 pm. 

The family will also have gathering of friends Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3772, 1037 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, NC, beginning at 6:00 pm-until.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com 

Duke was born August 24, 1937 in Halifax County to the late Johnny Thomas Hoggard and Mildred Shaw Hoggard. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Jean Hoggard.

Duke was a commercial automotive artist and he also served in the U. S. Army.

He is survived by his step-sons, William Earl Gray, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Chesapeake, VA, and Christopher Alexander Gray and his wife, Ashley of Roanoke Rapids; his sister, Velvie Dean Hoggard of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Brittany Gray Christy, Storm Gray, Chris Gray and Jordan Gray; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. 

Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com. 

Steve was born in Halifax County, August 04, 1952, to the late William “Buck” Franklin and Betty Jean Rook Pittman. 

He was a good Christian man who loved the Lord, his grandchildren and his family. 

He also loved playing music. 

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelby Renee Pittman Exum.

Surviving are his wife, Frances “Frankie” Pittman; son, Steven Kenneth “Kenny” Pittman and wife, Beth; step son, Jack Harrell and wife, Teresa, all of Roanoke Rapids; sister, Mitzi Cahoon and husband, Lee, of Gaston, and his grandchildren, Dylan Exum, Will Harrell, Ayden Ellis Pittman, Dustin Joe Maurice and Jackson Taylor.

Pastors Tony Smith and D.A. Leonard will conduct a celebration to remember Steve’s life Friday, September 01, 2017, in the chapel at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service at 2:00 pm. 

The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm and all other times at the home of Kenny and Beth Pittman, 205 Robinson Dr., Roanoke Rapids. 

Online condolences may be made to www.hockadayfs.com