AHOSKIE – Willard Deloatch, better known as “Bam”, the son of the late Claude and Lucy Vaughan Deloatch, was born February 4, 1926 in Menola.  He departed this life on Sunday morning, June 5, 2011 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital with his loving wife by his side.

After completing active duty in the US Army, he moved to Brooklyn, NY and found employment at the Benny Albee Novelty Company.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Eloise Lofton.  Later, he was employed by the New York Transit Authority where he worked as a motorman for over 20 years.  It was also during this time that he started attending meetings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Upon his retirement in 1991, he returned home to live in Ahoskie.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lee Andrew, (Red) and Claudie (Ball); and two sisters, Pernell Whitaker and Mable Harris.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife, Eloise Deloatch of Ahoskie; a son, Hal Gregory of Brooklyn, NY; a daughter, Cornell Datcher of Temple Hills, MD; three grandchildren; one sister, Carrie Mae Beverly of Newport News, VA; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.  He also leaves a special nephew who became a true friend and lifetime fishing buddy.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Ahoskie Kingdom Hall. Elder Henry Ricks will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Ahoskie.

Reynolds Funeral Home of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements.