G. Franklin Crumpler

G. Franklin Crumpler of Raeford died May 26, 2023 at the age of 88.
He was born in Sampson County on September 22, 1934 to the late Gordon Lee Crumpler and Margaret Bradshaw Crumpler.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Raeford where he served as lifetime deacon. He graduated from Clinton High School, and then went on to become a member of the North Carolina National Guard.
After graduating from Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1956, he moved his family to Raeford in 1960 where he was the owner and operator of Crumpler Funeral Home.
Throughout his life, he had many accomplishments and accolades; among those included the longest-serving elected official in the United States as Hoke County Coroner, and he was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Velma Crumpler Chumley, and brother Vernon Ray Crumpler.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dayne Capps Crumpler, of Raeford; three children, Kemp Crumpler (Margaret), Kel Crumpler (Kim), and Kalen Crumpler Wilhide (Rick), all of Raeford; eleven grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 9-10:30 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Raeford.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Thomas Lee, Pastor Terry Dooley, CRE Herman T. Autry, and Reverend James D. Wilhide officiating.
Burial will follow in the Raeford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Raeford. 333 N Main St, Raeford, NC 28376, and Dundarrach Community Church 5497 St. Paul's Road, Shannon, NC 28386.

Carolyn Stephens

Carolyn McGeachy Stephens died May 9, 2023 at the age of 63.

She was born May 31, 1959.

She is survived by her children: Deon and (Dr. Charmaine) Glass, Drkshan Glass; mother, Jessie McGeachy; sisters: Barbara Campbell, Bridget Jones, Gwendolyn McMillian; brother, Neil McGeachy; seven grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, May 20 at the Buie Funeral Home Chapel.

Pamela Smith

Pamela McGill Smith died May 16, 2023 at the age of 66.

She was born May 23, 1956. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Mable McGill.

She is survived by her husband, Wadell Smith; children: Lashonda Huey, Shata Gillis; sister, Patricia Galberth; brothers: Richard McGill Jr., Joseph Bethea; aunt, Mary Whitted, three grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life was held Sunday, May 21 at the Cape Fear Conference B Headquarters.

Riquita Wagner

Riquita Denise Wagner, known by many as Kita, died May 11, 2023 at her home.

She was born on February 21, 1980 to her mother, Sylvia, and father, R.L. Carpenter, in North Little Rock, Arkansas and was raised by her mother and stepfather, Clayton Davis, as they moved around the world; experiencing a zest for life and cultural curiosity alongside her brother, Derek, and sister, Mikayla.

She graduated in Japan from Misawa Air Base's Edgren High School in 1998 before joining the Air Force a few years later. On May 22, 2002 she married the love of her life, Daniel Wagner. Her education culminated in 2021, as she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

As the oldest of the three she was the first to try new things, seek out adventures, and brave dangerous situations. She was never afraid to test the limits set before her. She was a rebel. But through those actions, she also became a compassionate caregiver. Not only did she help guide her younger siblings, but she also helped others throughout her life, and was a great lover of animals. 

She was always there for others. Whether it was crafting soaps, or canning food, or showing love to friends and family going through difficult situations, you could count on her for support. She was a deep listener when you needed to talk through issues, an excellent brainstormer for when you couldn't solve a problem, and always had the best cat videos ready when you just needed a break from it all. 

Her most impressive trait was her strength. She was an Air Force veteran and faced all the difficulties that being active-duty entails. After her service, she continued supporting her country as a military spouse while Daniel still wore the uniform. Through every deployment, PCS, and challenge, she earned the prestigious Molly Pitcher Award bestowed to those that voluntarily contributed significant improvements to her military community.

She is survived by her loving husband Daniel, her parents and siblings, and a host of loving friends and family. Her final resting place will be at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.  As an avid Hockey fan, in lieu of a service, donations can be made in her name to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.