Clayton Buoyer

Clayton Howell Buoyer died peacefully  Friday, June 23, 2023 at the age of 97.

He was born in Raeford on May 8, 1926 to the late John Duncan Buoyer and Sallie Clyde Howell.

During his youth, he found joy in playing baseball and swimming in Rockfish Creek. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Europe. His unit was part of the historic meeting of the Russian Red Army at the Elbe River in Germany. Following his military service, he worked at Raeford Oil, McDonald's Tire Recapping and dedicated many years of his life managing Raeford Salvage Company while also owning and operating Buoyer Bait & Tackle Shop for a period.

He was an active participant in community organizations and local politics. He regularly hosted a rabbit supper at his pond that was popular with N.C. politicians. He had a gift of storytelling and amused his friends at the Wagon Wheel restaurant with his tales and practical jokes. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing at his pond, usually with his signature unlit cigar.  He cherished his family and imparted valuable life lessons to them.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Janet Cornwell Buoyer, as well as his sisters Katie Margaret Childress, Bennie Lee Melvin, Hattie Marie Sacca, Myrtle Blackmon, and his brother Earl Duncan Buoyer. He is survived by his three children: Lewis Duncan Buoyer (Ellen), Frances McDermott (Paul), and Mary Lynn Larson (Steve), along with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family extends their gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Open Arms Retirement Center for their cheerful and devoted care of Clayton throughout the years.

A graveside service to honor Clayton's memory will be held at 11:30 am on June 29, 2023 at the Raeford Cemetery. Following the service, the family will receive friends to reminisce and offer condolences.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Clayton Buoyer to the Raeford-Hoke Museum, PO Box 1383, Raeford NC 28376.

For those who wish to express their condolences online, messages may be shared at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Linda Melton

Linda Faye Hayes Melton of Raeford died June 23, 2023 at the age of 70.

She was born in Scotland County on September 28, 1952 to the late James Woodrow Hayes and Ethel Freeman Hayes.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edward "Ches" Hayes, Helen H. King, Charles Linwood Hayes, and Jerry Hayes; and one granddaughter, Jessica Melton.

She was employed in the banking business and the Hoke County school systems.

She is survived by her brother, David Hayes (Patricia), of Red Springs; Grandsons, Scott Melton (Brittany) of Red Springs, Joey Melton (Sierra) of Raeford; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Peyton Melton of Red Springs and Mason Melton of Raeford; and two sisters in law, Sara Hayes of St. Pauls, and Lawanna Hayes, of Raeford.

John Bundy

John T. Bundy of Raeford died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the age of 84.

He was born in Hoke County on July 26, 1938 to the late Lonnie and Lena Bundy.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Bundy.

He is survived by his children, Judy Britt (David), and Ronald Bundy (Kim); grandchildren, Josh Whitaker (Stephanie), Amanda Hettler, Austin Bundy, and Shaunna Bundy; and five great-grandchildren, Lilyanna Whitaker, Aryah Whitaker, Jeremyah Whitaker, Elijah McCrae, and Josiah Turner; and one sister, Jean Shepley.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 3219 Lindsay Road, Raeford. The inurnment was in the church cemetery. A visitation followed in the fellowship hall with a meal.