John R. Wilkins

SUFFOLK, Va. – John Ronald &uot;Ronnie&uot; Wilkins, 56, a Nansemond County, died March 11, 2008.

Wilkins was a former welder for Magco Inc. and was a member of Whaleyville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his daughters, April Lynn W. Edwards of Suffolk, and Angela Nichole W. Johnson of Corapeake; a son, John DeVaul of Suffolk; stepchildren, Roberta J. Olang of Oregon, Ohio, Jack L. Simpson Jr. and Johnny L. Simpson Sr., both of Suffolk; and 13 grandchildren; brother, Herman Wayne Wilkins, all of Suffolk.

A graveside service was conducted Friday at Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery by the Rev. George Griffin. Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be registered at www.parrfuneralhome.

Irish L. Howard

KELFORD n Irish Lyngil Howard, 39, a native of Bertie County, died March 9, 2008 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Va.

Howard was employed with Smithfield Packing Company, Smithfield. He was a member of Sandy Branch Baptist Church, Roxobel.

Survivors include his mother, Lillie Mae Howard of Kelford; his wife, Althea Watson Howard of Kelford; his daughters, Lakisha Howard and Taneisha Howard, both of Kelford; a brother, Thomas Earl Williams of Oklahoma; and two grandchildren.

A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at Wilder’s Funeral Home Chapel, Rich Square, by Pastor Thomas and Alice Williams. Burial will be in the Walton family cemetery, Kelford.

Jack Newsome

GASTON n Jack Newsome, 55, died March 13, 2008 at his residence.

A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the Roanoke Rapids Chapel of

H.D. Pope Funeral Home, Roanoke Rapids, by Elder Patrice Macklin. Interment will be in the Newsome family cemetery.

Ernest Williams

WELDON n Ernest “Toot” Williams, 77, died March 12, 2008 at Halifax Regional Medical Center, Roanoke Rapids.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. H.D. Pope Funeral Home, Roanoke Rapids, is in charge.

Percy W. Anderson

ENFIELD n Percy W. Anderson, 59, died March 10, 2008 at Halifax Regional Medical Center, Roanoke Rapids.

A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday at Roanoke Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Garysburg, by the Rev. Robert E. Sessoms. Burial will be in the church cemetery. H.D. Pope Funeral Home, Roanoke Rapids, is in charge.

Earl C. Bunch Jr.

CHESAPEAKE, Va.

– Earl C. Bunch Jr., 84, a native of Rich Square, died March 13, 2008. He was

the widower of Dorothy N. Bunch.

Bunch was a retried Merchant Marine and later retired as a machinist. He was a member of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a deacon, was a member of the Friendly Men’s Bible Class and former grounds keeper. He also was a charter member of the South Norfolk Moose Lodge No. 464 for 50 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Gloria Jean Tappe; a sister, Helen Gallop; two brothers, David and Ralph Bunch; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, by Pastor Jim Thompson and the Rev. Henry Napier. Burial will be in Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. Graham Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel, is in charge. Memorial contributions may be made to Raleigh Baptist Church Youth Missions, 1000 Crowell Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23324. Please share a memory with the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com.

Grover Newton

ROCKY MOUNT n Grover Newton, 81, died March 14, 2008 at Nash Rehab & Nursing Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. H.D. Pope Funeral Home is in charge.

William M. Harrell

AHOSKIE n Mr. William M. Harrell, native of Ahoskie, NC, passed away at the home of his son in Tampa, Florida on March 13, 2008.

Mr. Harrell was a veteran of World War II and Korea. He was awarded many medals and ribbons and was credited with ship, PC-590 in sinking a Japanese submarine in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Mr. Harrell was in the heating and air conditioning business for more than 40 years. He was a member of the VFW Post 11226 of Aulander, NC, along with his son, William Jr. Some of you may remember him selling poppies around town in support of the VFW, which is self supportive and receives no aid. He was an honorable man who loved his country, his state, and his hometown. He was predeceased by his wife Dolly.

Survivors includes his sons, William “Bill” Harrell Jr. and his wife Denise of Tampa, Florida and Jimmie Dean Harrell of Valdosta, GA. Also his daughter, Jeanie Anderson and her husband Don of Valdosta, GA. Also his grandchildren.

Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be held, Monday, March 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ahoskie Cemetery with Rev. Robert May officiating.

The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander, NC, Sunday from 3:00 until 5:00 PM.