Catherine E. Shanks

Catherine Elaine Shanks of Raeford, passed away May 1, 2017 at the age of 52. 

She was born July 23, 1964 in Onslow County to the late Thomas Alvin Shanks and Ruby Esperanza Esguerra Shanks. She was a homemaker. 

She is survived by a son Joseph Morse of Raeford; a daughter, Jennifer Shanks of Spring Lake; and three sisters, Lesia Wilson of Raeford, Alice Hildebrand of Kalkaska, Michigan, and Theresa Ardelean of Leonard, Michigan. 

A private service will be held later. 

Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com 

Virginia James

Virginia ("Jenny") Sue Gibson James, 73, of Salisbury, died peacefully Wednesday May 10, 2017 at her home.  She was born August 20th, 1943 in Lumberton to the late Walter Legrand Gibson and Sue Earl Dalton.

She grew up on the large family farm in Red Springs and graduated from Hoke County High School in 1961.  She then attended High Point College where she received her B.A. degree in Education in 1965.  After college, she taught elementary school in Chase City, Virginia and Lexington.  Then, after teaching 6 years, she adjusted her focus and went to work for the Department of Social Services in Lexington where she worked in the child welfare department.  From there, and in conjunction with a move back to farm life in Claudville, Virginia, she worked an additional 20 years for Northern Hospital of Surry County as a social worker.

She was a gentle soul who made friends easily and without prejudice.  She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and had a special gift for conversation.  As a Christian she felt she best showed her faith by how she lived, and found comfort in her favorite verse, "Be still and know that I am God."

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen (Steve) A. James, and her two brothers Bobby and David Gibson. 

Survivors include her sons, Shane Manuel and wife Debbie of Salisbury, and Judd Manuel and wife Amy of Thorne Bay, Alaska; a stepson, Brian James and wife Wendy of Wilmington; a step-daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Norris and husband Brian of High Point; grandchildren, Josh Hulin and fiancé Allie Ioannides, Ashley Thompson and her husband Michael, Brandon Morris, Benjamin James, Noah James, Callie Norris, and Owen Norris; sisters-in-law, Shirley Gibson (Bobby's wife),and  Melba Gibson (David's wife), both of Raeford.

A Gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday May 13, 2017 from 3-5 p.m. at the home of Virginia James.

Those wishing to honor her memory are welcomed to make donations in her honor to: Rowan Helping Ministries (226 N. Long Street, Salisbury, NC 28144, (704) 637-6838).

Online condolences may be made to www.carolinacremation.com.  

William J. West

William James West of Raeford passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 80.

He was born in Robeson County on December 10, 1936, to the late William James West Sr. and Tishie Hardin West. He was employed with Coles Food Store and Burlington Industries before he retired. His hobbies was, classic cars and listening to Johnny Cash.

He is survived by three daughters, Shelia Underwood (Ricky) of Raeford, Teresa Jones (Jeff) of Aberdeen and Donna Marke; a brother, Bruce West of Lumberton; and a sister, Juanita West of Lumberton; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2017 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave. Raeford.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Raeford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

William J. Wood Jr.

William J. "Bill" Wood Jr. of Raeford passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the V. A. Medical Hospital in Fayetteville at the age of 84. 
He was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 23, 1933 to the late William and Lucille Wood. He retired from the U.S Air Force after 26 years of service. Afterwards, he was employed with the U.S Postal Service until he retired in the late '90s. He was an avid bird watcher and raised birds. 
He is survived by his wife, Frances Byrd-Wood of Raeford; two daughters, Sarah Anne Wood (Ray Jones) of Raeford, and Lindy W. Whitley (Arthur) of Raeford; a son, Charles B. Thomas of Reno, Nevada; four stepsons, Wayne Byrd, Jr.( Sheryll ), Tony Byrd, Richard Byrd, and Robin Byrd (Teresa, all of Raeford; two sisters, Peggy McNally of Florida, and Kathy Wood of Oregon; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. 
A memorial service was held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2017 with full military honors, at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford. 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the NC Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205 or Local VFW Post 10, 145 Hanger Lane Raeford, NC 28376 
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com