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Wednesday, March 6, 2024

John Trioli

Master Sergeant John V. Trioli, U.S. Army, Retired, died February 29, 2024 with his loving wife by his side, at the age of 76.

He was born June 29, 1947 to Joseph and Elizabeth. He grew up in Revere, Massachusetts and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965.

He is a combat veteran who served in Vietnam where he earned a number of military decorations including the Purple Heart.

He honorably served his country and the U.S. Army Special Forces until he retired in 1996. Though in his heart and soul - he never stopped his service.

He would often say there was no more noble service, than service to your country, a principle he embodied during his life and deeply instilled in his family and those around him.

He was a man of true principle who was unafraid to say what needed to be said. With his light hearted sense of humor he brought joy and laughter to those around him.

He was a God-fearing, family man who deeply cherished the moments spent around the dinner table sharing stories and life lessons. He was the life of every family gathering he was a part of.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Melba, his son Joseph (Wilma), daughter Virginia, grandchildren Joseph (Juliana), Jonathan (Jenny), Anthony, Victoria and Abigail; great-grandchildren Bear, Logan, Maeve, Madison and Penelope, many extended family members, friends and colleagues.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024 at Sandhills State Veteran Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Ft. Bragg, N.C.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Earnest Murchison

Earnest C. Murchison died February 29, 2024 at the age of 82.

He was born July 12, 1941.

He is survived by his wife Gladys Murchison; children: Linda Butler, Wiley Murchison, Terry McFayden, Darryl McRae; nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at Freedom Chapel AME Zion Church.

Rachel Jones

Rachel Stephens Jones of Raeford died Saturday, March 2, 2024.

She was born July 19, 1949 in Robeson County to the late Horace Johnson Stephens and Annie Clara McLeod Stephens.

She was a Case Worker with the Hoke County Department of Social Services before she retired and was a member of the Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Stacey Smith (David) of Louisville, GA. and Mary Chase Fields of Raeford, NC., six grandchildren, Luke, Lilly, Nina, Catherine, Sam and Dakota, two great grandchildren Nyla and Aiden; a brother Hugh Stephens (Diane) of Jacksonville, FL and a sister Carolyn Wensil of Wabash, IN.

Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church directed by Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford.