CONWAY, NC – James Earl Flythe Sr., “PaPa”, 88, died Thursday, August 16, 2018, peacefully in his home with his loving wife of 65 years by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Retha Flythe; brother “Teenie” Flythe; and two sisters, Becky F. McKinney and Janice F. Kirkpatrick.

James Earl is survived by his wife, Virginia Allen Flythe; three sons, James Earl Flythe, Jr. (Boxey) and wife, Susan, William Earl Flythe and wife, Sandra, and Bryan Keith Flythe (Chick); and “adopted” son and special friend, Terry Britton “Shorty”; five grandchildren, Jeremy Flythe, and wife, Jen, Melissa Flythe Decker and husband, Michael, Lisa Flythe, Lou Flythe, and Ashlee Flythe; three great-grandchildren, Sloan, Sadie, & Stella Decker; three sisters, Ann F. Johnson and husband, Lee, Nell F. Walker, and Jeannie F. Stagg and husband, George; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A native of Northampton County, James Earl (Sonny Boy) was a lifelong farmer and member of Zion United Methodist Church. He served four years in the United States Army; 20 plus years as a Gideon; and several years as a car salesman.

The funeral will be held at his beloved church, Zion United Methodist Church, on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Susan Harrison and Rev. Suzanne Cobb presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the burial service in the basement of Zion Church.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion UMC, c/o Susan Taylor, 719 Fire Tower Road, Jackson, NC 27845 or Community Home Care & Hospice, 525-A Becker Drive, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. They would also like to thank everybody for all of the calls, food, visits, and support during this difficult time. A very special thank you to Kristina Anderson and Valerie Boone of Community Home Care and Hospice for their loving care for the past 10 months.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements and online condolences can be shared with the family at www.bridgersfuneralhome.com.