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PENDLETON – William Clifton “Bill” Futrell, Sr., age 87, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 at his home in Pendleton.

Bill was born on July 27, 1932 in Menola, NC. He was the son of the late Obed Clifton Futrell and Myra Benthall Futrell and the brother of two sisters, Elaine and Marilyn. He attended and graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1951 and then joined the US Air Force for four years, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He came home on leave in December 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Florence Tucker. They returned to Washington State where he was working on a flight simulator at Larson Air Force Base. After his discharge, Bill and Florence returned to Murfreesboro. He farmed for two years before starting work at the US Post Office. Bill worked for 29 years with the Postal Service before retiring in 1990.

Bill and Florence had a good life raising their family and had many good friends. They eventually bought and renovated the historical “Dr. Gary Home”. On August 23, 1997, Florence suddenly passed away leaving an empty hole in Bill’s life trying to cope with the loss of his soul mate. On one of his trips to Food Lion, he accidentally met Jean Bryant, who lost her husband two years earlier. They began to talk since they were going through similar experiences. As they talked, they realized they knew many of the same people and had many things in common. They were married to their first mates within 2 months of each other and they had three of their children the same year. Many lonely months were filled getting to know each other and they were married on July 14, 2000. Bill and Jean enjoyed traveling and spending time at their cottage on the Outer Banks. They had 19 years of happiness together.

Bill was a member of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, joining in 1943. He was a member of the Lowe/Taylor Mens Sunday School Class. He loved his church and attended regularly until his health declined.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Elaine F. Ferrell and Marilyn F. Midgette; and his step-son, Ralph Reese Bryant.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; his sons, William Clifton Futrell, Jr. and wife Karen of Nashville, Charles Edward Futrell and wife Denise of Murfreesboro, and Andrew Scott Futrell and wife Lauren of Marietta, GA; his daughter, Amy Elizabeth Futrell of Powellsville; his granddaughters, Megan Unrue and husband Aaron of Rocky Mount and Brittany Futrell of Murfreesboro; his grandsons, Will Futrell and wife Jessica of Smithfield, VA, Zach Futrell and wife Kelly of Kinston, Matthew Futrell of Marietta, GA, John Futrell of Marietta, GA, Charles Futrell of Mariette, GA, Tucker Pritchett of Williamston, Zach Vinson and wife Beth of Murfreesboro, Josh Vinson and wife Nicole of Greenville, and Cole Vinson and wife Jana of Raleigh; his great-grandsons, Henry Unrue, John Hunter Unrue, Blaze Futrell, Craven Vinson, Thorn Vinson, Reese Vinson, and Asher Vinson; his great-granddaughter, Emerson Futrell; his step-daughter, Debbie Vinson and husband Thomas of Pendleton; and his step-son, Heath Bryant and wife Debbie of Suffolk, VA.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Murfreesboro Baptist Church, with Pastor Lane Bass officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Murfreesboro, NC.

The family wishes to express a sincere thanks to the Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospice Service for the care that they provided to Bill during his final days.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search then type William Futrell.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro is handling the arrangements for the Futrell family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.