Obituaries are updated daily as needed. To submit information for this page, email obituaries@thenews-journal.com or call 910-875-2121.
Lillian Vanessia McPhaul died January 28, 2024 at the age of 68.
She was born September 25, 1955.
She is survived by her husband, John McPhaul; daughter, Christa McPhaul; sister, Patricia Campbell, four grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 2 at McLauchlin Chapel AME Zion Church.
John Eric Dimsdale of Raeford died January 22, 2024 at the age of 77.
He served 26 years in the U.S Army with most of his time in the 82nd Airborne. He earned numerous medals, yet his most cherished was the Soldier's Medal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Calvin Dimsdale and Patricia Nealey Dimsdale, and his brother, Hugh Dimsdale.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Byrd Dimsdale; sisters Sarah Dimsdale Penna of Ave Maria, Florida, and Betty Jo Dimsdale Million of Cape Coral, Florida; and brothers Marion D. Dimsdale of Winter Haven, Florida, and Curtis C. Dimsdale of Sebastian, Florida.
There will be no service for him. His remains will be buried at Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery at Ft. Liberty.
Frankie Len Gilbert Sr., formerly of Angier, died January 24, 2024 at Fox Hollow Senior Living in Southern Pines, at the age of 72.
He was born November 20, 1951 in Harnett County to the late Tommy and Reecie Gilbert.
He was a graduate of Angier High School, class of 1970, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He also played basketball for Sandhills College. A veteran, trained in the medical field, he worked for over 12 years at McCain Correctional Hospital in Raeford.
He was an avid outdoorsman, spending time fishing with family and friends at beaches and lakes all over the United States. He spent many years living on the lake at Santee, South Carolina, and in South Florida. He was a well-known judge at numerous beagle trials, with quite a reputation for legendary rabbit hunts. Although born in North Carolina, he loved visiting the University of South Carolina where he would frequently take his son to athletic events.
He became a successful real estate developer in Raeford. His circle of friends were endless. He was the "life of the party", and loved by all. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who was adored by his family.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his niece, Amy Howard; and nephew, Scott Robinson.
He is survived by his son, Len Gilbert (Kristin); grandson, Noah Gilbert; daughter, April Dawn; sister, Bonnie Howard (Tony); niece, Jana Gregory (Derek); great-nieces, Mia and Jett Gregory; and sister, Donna Smith.
A visitation was held Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel. A service followed at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Roger Burns.