Bernard Eugene "Red" Williford, Sr. | News & Observer

Born in Bertie County Dec. 13, 1931, son of John Braxton & Lessie Castelloe Williford. Married, July 15, 1951 to Dorothy Clark Williford, whom he met while pitching for the Everetts Cubs Baseball team. married for 63 wonderful years. Three children; Eugenia Clark Williford of Alexandra, Virginia, Col. Bernard E. “Bernie” Williford, Jr. and wife, Ranie Smith of Raleigh, NC Louise “Lou” Williford Bennett, of Nashville, N. C. four grandchildren; Zack Bennett, Blake Williford, Brianna Bennett, and Carah Williford. He attended Windsor Schools and graduated from high school while serving in the U.S. Army, 1953-55, as a military policeman. Graduated from the American Chick Sexing School in Lansdale PA. as a certified poultry specialist in poultry sexing. Worked in Hattiesburg, MS., Rocky Ford, CO., Thorntown, Ind., and Territories in eastern NC, worked for 37 YRS. at Sleepy Creek Turkey Farms, Goldsboro, NC, and retied. He lived near Everetts for 36 years. His Christian Religion was important to him, beginning with the Baptist Church as a child, joined Everetts Christian Church (DOC) in 1957, attended Thorntown Christian Church (DOC), St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Garner, NC. and was a member of The First Christian Church (DOC) in Robersonville where he served on the board of Deacons. His second priority was his community. He was a Boy Scout (BSA), member of the Lions Club in Thorntown, Ind., Little League Baseball coach in Garner, NC and member and past-president of Everetts Ruritan Club for 36 years. He was a baseball player in the Old Martin County League, and with the Nurenberg Tigers in Germany while service in the U.S. Army. He was able to travel all over Europe while playing baseball, was an avid golfer, member of the Garner Country Club, and vegetable gardener. He enjoyed crabbing from his pier on Hoophole Creek at his little pink place in Atlantic Beach, NC. He always lived life to its fullest and enjoyed his family and may friends everywhere he lived. His family always came first and was very proud of all of them. He will always be remember and loved by his family and everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday April 4, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the First Christian Church of Robersonville. Burial with military honors will follow in Martin Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM prior to the serviced at the church fellowship hall and from the home at other times. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Christian Church, 126 S. Main St., Robersonville, NC 27871.

Online condolences may be made to www.walkerfh.net.

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Williford family.

SIGN UP