The Honorable Robert Byrd (Bob) Jordan III

"A powerful, gentle public servant"

October 11, 1932 - February 16, 2020

Died peacefully at home, overlooking Lake Tillery in Mount Gilead, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob Jordan, was married to Sarah Jane Cole of Raeford, North Carolina for 61 years.

He was preceded in life by his parents R. B. Jordan Jr. and Irene Pritchett Jordan.

He is followed in life by: daughter Betsy Lynn Jordan, of Wilmington/Raleigh/Washington DC granddaughter, Jordan Ashley Fife, son, Robert Byrd Jordan IV, of Mt. Gilead, m. Wendy Alyson Jordan, his grandchildren, Amber Solomon, m. Chris Solomon and their three children, Sabrina Shaw m. Gilbert Shaw, and their three children, Wesley Cole Jordan, m. Laiken Jordan, and their three children, Vincent Michael Jordan, m. Brittany Martin Jordan, and their three children, Robert Landon Jordan, m. Edna Chang Jordan, India Sehoy Jordan,  daughter, Janie Cole Jordan m. Carter Randolph Jordan, grandson Christopher Donovan Andrews m. Mary Hannah Andrews, and granddaughters Sarah "Cole" Jordan, Caroline Farrar Jordan brother Jack Pritchett Jordan, m. Sue Ingram Jordan, of Mt. Gilead, NC their two sons and families, sister Irene Eugenia Jordan Ussery, m. John William Ussery, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina their four children and families.

Bob Jordan served as Lt. Gov. of North Carolina from 1984 to 1988, and as state senator from 1976 to 1984. His history of public service included leading efforts to improve economic and educational opportunities for citizens. He established the Commission on Jobs and Economic Growth, which made far-reaching recommendations for the state. He was instrumental in the establishment of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, which provides leadership in renewing and expanding rural North Carolina as well as providing job development and leadership training for citizens of rural communities. As a result, he advised Presidents and Governors on rural economic development.  The center has established programs for providing loans to entrepreneurs and minorities in rural areas.

He participated in the creation of the UNC Board of Governors, and served on both the UNCC and NCSU's Board of Trustees. He provided leadership for the establishment of the Basic Education Program, a comprehensive plan to provide equal access to quality education, across the board, for all of North Carolina's children. He helped champion the nationally recognized Teaching Fellows program, an aggressive teacher recruitment program, which provides scholarships for the best and the brightest high school students who are interested in becoming teachers. Jordan designed and successfully pushed the passage of a $3.2 billion school facilities act to expand school construction across the state.

As Lt. Governor, he established the first Senate Committee on Children and Youth. He pushed for stronger daycare laws and the creation of the North Carolina Center for missing children. He worked for passage of the Housing Trust Fund…A first-time fund to help provide adequate housing for thousands of families and work for fair workers compensation laws. He promoted and led the passage of the Recreational National Heritage Trust Fund, which provides millions of dollars annually to purchase land for preservation. Jordan was the leader in the effort to establish the Technological Development Authority and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

Jordan was an honors graduate of North Carolina State University in the School of Forestry. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant. in the U.S. Army after graduation in 1954,  and served in Europe in 1955 to 1956 leaving the service as Captain.

Post graduate recognition included: Honorary Doctor of Sciences from NC State University, Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Methodist College, and Honorary Doctor of Laws from UNCC.

During his tenure as lieutenant governor as evidence of continued division of opinion, and his commitment to equity, he cast two deciding votes: one against the lottery, believing it to be a regressive tax on the poorest among us, (overturned twenty years later, in again, a deciding vote by Lt. Governor) and one in favor of state funded abortion, stating that as the law of the land at the time, the option should be made available to all.

He served as CEO and President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc. and its affiliates from the time he returned from the armed services, until being succeeded by his son, Robert, this year. His interest in caring for our natural resources and growing a better pine tree, is evident. Jordan Lumber has been awarded nationally for innovation, marshaling of resources and protecting natural resources, earning it the distinction of the largest independently owned lumber wholesaler manufacturer, in the world.

He has been celebrated with the distinction of belonging to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is the highest award in NC for public service.  He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Mount Gilead, and supported his wife, Sarah, in her advocacy for the Methodist Home for Children.

He became a member of Blackmere Lodge #127 in 1954, and was a member of the Oasis Shrine.

Bob Jordan was accessible, with a ready smile, a love for the water whether sailing or boating, on the lake, or the sea. And in the words of a close friend, "Everything Bob does, he does for his family. " His family extended from the mountains, to the coast of North Carolina, his idea of public service, the best of all leadership, with emphasis on service.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the First United Methodist church Fellowship Hall, 106 N. Main Street, Mt. Gilead, NC 27306 On Wednesday, February 19, at 11 a.m., the Celebration of Life service will be held at the West Montgomery High School Auditorium, 147 Warrior Drive, Mt. Gilead, NC 27306.  The public is invited for a reception immediately following the service at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

All family members are invited for a private, family-only graveside service, at Sharon Cemetery, HWY 731, Mt. Gilead, NC before the reception. Thank you

In lieu of flowers, please submit memorials to any one of the following: 

NC Biotechnology Center, 15 TW Alexander Dr., Durham, NC 27709

NC Rural Economic Development Center, 4021 Cary Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610

UNCG Teaching Fellows, Office of Student Services and Advisors School of Education Building, Room 142, 1300 Spring Garden St. Greensboro, NC 27402-6170

Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605

Annie McQuage

Annie Miriam Propst McQuage of Raeford, born January 17, 1958, died at Southeastern Regional medical Center on February 7, 2020 at 62 years of age.

She graduated from Hoke County High School in 1976 and later attended college at Fayetteville Technical Community College where she obtained her LPN.  She practiced nursing for many years at Moore Regional Hospital, Cape Fear Hospital, in Hospice and home health.  She also worked alongside her husband at his convenience store in Raeford.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, James McQuage and two children, Maranda McQuage of Raeford and Patrick McQuage of Shannon (fiance Jessica Bowers), and one grandchild, Leah Ithier.

She is preceded in death by her parents, David Propst and Ethel Williams Propst, and her brother, Earl Propst.

The family will receive friends at Pittman Grove Baptist Church, 4921 Pittman Grove Church Road, Raeford on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Annie's name be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Donald E. Pittman

Donald Earl Pittman died Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Duke University Hospital at the age of 71.
He was born in Hoke County on September 3, 1948. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Brown Pittman and his sister Lois Batton.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Annie Smith Pittman of Raeford; a daughter, Dee Pittman Inman of Raeford; a son, Lawrence G. Pittman and his wife Lisa of Raeford; 4 grandchildren, Nikole Inman, Cameron Inman, Justin Pittman and Kelly Pittman; his mother, Sarah Guinn Pittman of Raeford; and two sisters, June Edwards and her husband Maurice of Orum, and Karen Bowman of Raeford.
A private memorial service will be held later.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Virginia Willis

Virginia Willis of Rock Hill, South Carolina, formerly of Raeford, died Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 83.
She was born in Hoke County on September 22, 1936, the daughter of the late Horace Batton and Eva Roberts Batton. She was preceded in death by her husband William Willis, a daughter, Mary Willis, a son William Rodrigues and a great-granddaughter, Kacie.
She is survived by two daughters, Heather Hamilton and husband George of Raeford and Georgianna DeMers of Rock Hill; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Crumpler Funeral Home.
The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Parker United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Bettie Jo Bacot

Bettie Jo Todd Bacot of Raeford, formerly of Laurinburg, died Saturday, February 8, 2020 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 84.
She was born in Columbus County on December 12, 1935, the daughter of the late Collins Todd and Geneva Beck Todd. She was preceded in death by her brothers, M.C. Todd and Bill Todd, and a sister Martha Ann Todd.  She loved playing cards with her friends and reading the Bible daily.
She is survived by a daughter Kathy Bacot Brewer and her husband Dennis of Raeford; a son, Bernie Bacot and his wife Cindy of Laurinburg; three grandchildren, Derek Bacot, Amy Bacot both of Laurel Hill; Katie Brewer Stubbs and her husband Jacob of Boone; two sisters, Lynda Todd Morton and her husband Wayne, and Merry Kay Todd Pierson and her husband Steve, all of Jacksonville; and a brother, Bobby Todd of Winston-Salem.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 at Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Betty Stanton

Betty Laviner Stanton of Scotia Village, Laurinburg, formerly of Raeford, died Friday, January 31, 2020 at the age of 81.
She was born in Laurinburg on April 27, 1938, to James Edward Laviner and Curland Laviner. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wilbert Anges Stanton, a sister Brenda L. Jones, and a brother Jackie W. Laviner.  She was a member of the Raeford Presbyterian Church before she moved her membership to Springhill Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter Linda S. Tindall and husband Ralph of Wagram; two grandchildren, Sarah N. Tindall and James W. Tindall, both of Wagram; two sisters, Gertrude Hill of Haw River, and Lulla Tew of Fayetteville; and a brother, Rudolph Laviner and wife Janice of Wagram.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2020 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Raeford.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Springhill Baptist Church, 24220 Main Street, Wagram with the Rev. Marvin Seals and the Rev. Dr. Steven Fitzgerald officiating. A private burial will be later.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to, Springhill Baptist Church, 24220 Main Street, Wagram, NC 28396 or to the Raeford Presbyterian Church Building Fund P.O. Box 1570 Raeford, NC 28376 or Scotia Village 2200 Elm Avenue, Laurinburg, NC 28352.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Daniel R. Nelson

Daniel Ray Nelson, 38, died January 25, 2020, in Raeford.
He was born June 22, 1981 in Fayetteville to Lisa Nelson-Atchison and Danny Ray Nelson. He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Nelson and grandmother, Judy Holifield.
He is survived by his daughter, Haley Nelson, 12, of Raeford; his mother, Lisa Nelson-Atchison and stepfather, James Atchison or Raeford; his sister, Cheri Thomas; brother in law, Christopher; two nieces, Aubrey and Olivia, both of Raleigh; grandfather, Jim Holifield, of Raeford; and grandparents, Ted and Dorothy Nelson, of Spring Lake.
A family memorial will be scheduled at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Daniel B. Casperson

Daniel B. Casperson of Raeford died Sunday, January 26, 2020 at his home at the age of 85.
He was born in Racine County Wisconsin on December 17, 1934 to Thomas and Leona Smith Casperson. He served in the U.S. Navy, and retired as a car salesman in New York. He was a member of the American Legion in Hoke County and attended Rockfish Church in Raeford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Michael Casperson. 
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Pierce Kirk-Casperson of Raeford; a son, Daniel T. Casperson and wife Sharon of Jacksonville, Florida; three daughters, Sharon A. Casperson of Schenectady, New York, Kathy J. Stiffen (Michael) of Scotia, New York, and Marissa L. Lassi and husband Tony of Raeford; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many brothers and sisters. 
A private memorial service will be held later.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Mary Ada Smith

Mary Ada Taylor Smith of Fayetteville died Thursday, January 23, 2020 in FirstHealth Hoke Campus at the age of 87.
She was born in Beckley, West Virginia February 9, 1932, to John Taylor and Loraine Taylor. She was preceded in death by husband, Roscoe A. Smith and her son, David M. Smith.
She is survived by two daughters, Debbie Gardner and husband Wayne of Raeford, and Donna Baker and husband Daren of Tampa, Florida; two sons, Rocky Smith of Fredericksburg, Virginia and Ricky Smith and wife Ellen of Hilton Head, South Carolina; 13 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; three sisters, Lillian (Midge) McClure of Lakeland, Florida, Frances Corey of Beckley, West Virginia and Juanita (Neda) Davis of Lillington; and two brothers, Jim Taylor and wife Margarete of Fayetteville and George Taylor and wife Yvonne of Lillington.
A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave. Raeford.
The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with pastor Billy Joe Brady officiating. 
Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Richard B. Johnson III

Richard Brian Johnson III of Fayetteville, formerly of Raeford, died Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the age of 21.

He was born in Moore County on August 8, 1998. He was employed with Mountaire Farms.

He is survived by his parents, Richard B. Johnson II and Anita Marie Hammond, both of Florida; two sisters, Julianna Johnson and Gracie Johnson, both of Florida; his paternal grandparents, Richard and Bonnie Johnson of Raeford; his paternal great-grandmother, Margaret Johnson of Fayetteville; and his maternal grandparents, Denise R. Sticker and Preston M. Hammond, both of West Virginia.
A visitation will be held 2-3 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris avenue, Raeford with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Jennifer Boles

Jennifer Boles of Raeford died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at her home at the age of 43.
She was born in Orange Count, California on April 27, 1976. She was employed with the Hoke School System in Raeford.
She is survived by her husband Eric Boles of Aurora, Illinois; two daughters, Ryan Wootton of Hunting Beach, California and MacKenzi Boles of Aurora, Illinois; a son, Cooper Boles of Aurora, Illinois; her parents Ron and Kathy Wootton of Hunting Beach; a sister, Amy Soik and husband Chris of Hunting Beach; and a brother, Greg Wootton of California.
A private memorial service will be held later.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Bertha France

Bertha France, 78, of Rural Hall, formerly of Hoke County, died Saturday, January 11, 2020. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020, at Avery Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Raeford.  Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC.

Mary Southern

Mary Geraldine Chappell “Deanie” Southern of Raeford died Monday, January 13, 2020 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 85.
She was born in Hoke County on March 13, 1934 to John Thomas Chappell and Sarah Novella Lancaster “Nonie” Chappell. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 54 years, Billy Gray Southern. She was a member of the Raeford Presbyterian Church for more 50 years where she was active with the Women Circle and Joy Group. She retired at the age of 72 as the office manager of Liberty Home Care and Hospice in Raeford. She loved going out for dinner with her friends. Her hobbies were quilting and crocheting to share as gifts to family and friends. 
She is survived by her son, Lester Gray Southern (Jennifer Austin, a special daughter), of Raeford; her daughter, Yvonne Baker Harrell and husband Robert of Southern Pines; grandchildren, Mandy Luck (Jonathan) and Lesley Craven (Josh); and great-grandchildren, Cullen Craven and Landry Craven.
Visitation will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the John C. Ropp The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary with the Rev. Dr. Steven Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery. 
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

George F. Cooper

George Felix Cooper of Raeford died Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Open Arms Retirement Center at the age of 90.
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 29, 1929, the son of the late Felix and Ollie McClesky Cooper. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Hayes Cooper.
He is survived by his son, Mark H. Cooper and wife Donna of Raeford; two daughters, Karen Hogan and husband Tommy of Wilmington,NC, and Cathy Pell of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Holly Barry and husband Brian, Josh Cooper, Katie Smythe and husband Matt, Kelly Horrall and husband Zach and Hayes Hammond; and three great-grandchildren, Emma, Sidney and Kaitlyn.                       
A remembrance service will be held later.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Donald Lewis Jr.

Donald Lewis Jr., 59, of Raeford, died January 5, 2020 while at home after a battle with cancer.

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Donald Lewis Sr and Frances (Mills) Lewis on September 28.After many years as a corrections officer, he joined the staff as a Food and Nutrition custodian with the Hoke County School System. An Army veteran, who served in the Gulf War; he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.  

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Raymond and Ernestine Mills and paternal grandparents Samuel and Neotha Lewis.

He is survived by his wife, Aura Mays, son Jamin Lewis (Simone), daughter Ja'Kia Wright (Laverne), son Jamaal Lewis (Samantha), stepdaughter Jamill'a Evans (Darrell) and stepchildren Dwayne Mays, Matthew Mays, Celia Torres and Erica Torres. He is also survived by brother Raymond and sister Dionne, parents Donald Sr and Frances, and grandchildren Braylynn and Hayden Jace.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Leach Springs Missionary Baptist Church at 821 Arabia Rd, Raeford, NC 28376.  Arrangements are by L E Floyd Funeral Home in Red Springs.

Memorials may be given to Disabled Veterans National Foundation.