HARDY, VA – William Russell Lane Sr., age 88 years, died April 12, 2012 in Hardy, Virginia. Bill or Poppy as he was known to us died at his son’s home in hospice care after a recent illness. We have lost another member of the greatest generation and will all suffer as a result.

William was born August 27, 1923 inRoxobel,N.C.toSamuel Russell Laneand Lucille McBride Peele. He left the farm and rural northeasternNorth Carolinato join the Navy and truly saw the world fromChinatoAfrica. He served in the submarine service, was a Chief Torpedoman and remained in the service after the close of the war. He was an original plank owner of the USS Flounder (SS-251), literally as he kept a piece of its teak decking near his bed until death.

He married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Pugh Harden fromWindsor,N.C.on June 3, 1945. He knew he would marry her from the day he first met her. He left the Navy and came toWilmington,N.C.to help manage his uncleWilliam Lane’s drug stores, along with his cousin and dear friend Ed Carter, who later ran his own drug store. William left the drug store and went to work in Rieglewood at the new paper mill being built there in the 1950’s. He remained there as a papermaker until 1977 when he had a heart attack and heart surgery. He fought back from being a cardiac cripple to a new life of retirement, working just as hard as he did before. Poppy was a strong and gifted man. He could build, fix and create anything he desired, a master craftsman.

Dad found his savior in Jesus Christ and he and Margaret both were active in their church, Wesley Memorial UMC and later Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. They shared time betweenWilmingtonand their favorite spot at Bear Den campground in Spruce Pine, NC.

Bill and Margaret had three children, William Russell Lane Jr., recently of Wilmington and now residing in Kitty Hawk (Yvonne Taylor Lane), Frank Harden Lane of Wilmington and Dr. Charles J. Lane (Sherry Solon Lane) of Hardy, VA. He has four grandchildren, Jenny Lane DiStefano (Rob) ofRaleighwith two great grandchildren Anna Jane and Kate,Russ LaneofNew Orleans,LAand Keely andAisha LaneofWilmington. He embraced his step-grandchildren, Katie Phillips Seidel (Eric and newborn Addison) ofWilmingtonand Joshua Phillips ofFort Campbell,KYas his own. Surviving siblings are Virginia Chappell ofGreenville,S.C., Maria Corey of Roxobel,Earl LaneofKure Beach,N.C.andCharles T. LaneofRocky Mount,N.C.

Poppy lost Margaret, his dearest love. in January, 2007 after 52 years of marriage. He longed to be with her every day after, to share with her ‘hinds feet in high places’. We were just so fortunate to borrow him for another 5 years. His knowledge, advice and companionship will be greatly missed. There is a household ofNewfoundlanddogs that awaken every morning waiting for him to rise and start the day. As Poppy would say his ‘string finally ran out’. Even though we had him for 88 years, his string was too short for us.

After cremation, a family internment service will be held at later date.

Funeral arrangements made by Flora Funeral Service andCremationCenter,Rocky Mount,Virginia.