All Obituaries

Michael “Mike” Ray Kidd, 63, of Pittsboro, NC, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 28, 2020. He was born in Chatham County on August 7, 1956. He was a member of Emmaus Baptist Church. Mike's radiant smile and open heart greeted you as you entered the doors of Gum Springs Garage, the family business.  Being a Sthil dealer allowed him to meet many customers who then became life-long friends.  When he wasn’t working at the shop, he was...

Bryan Keith Graham, age 55, died on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at UNC Hospitals. Keith was born in Orange County, North Carolina on November 14, 1964 to the late George Graham and Jessie Lee Petty Graham. Surviving relatives include many cousins. Keith made Pittsboro a brighter community.  A social butterfly, he enjoyed visiting and daily made the rounds of all the downtown businesses.  He was an avid reader who enthusiastically enjoyed the Library’s annual book...

Benjamin "Ben" Taylor, 88, of Pittsboro, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryant UNC Hospice Home in Pittsboro, NC. Mr. Taylor was born August 27, 1931 to the late Claudus and Bunia Whitner Taylor in Dyersville, NC. The family moved to Durham in 1933.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny and Leonard Taylor; sisters, Gracie Ayers and Sue Beddingfield; and his first wife, Clara Copler Taylor; and stepson,...

On May, 23 2020, Verne “Larry” Lynn, age 89, of Pittsboro, North Carolina passed away peacefully at Galloway Ridge following a lengthy illness associated with Parkinson’s disease. Larry was born September 5, 1930 in Laurelhurst, Washington.  Larry had a zest for adventure, an astute mind, sharp wit and strong desire for constant learning. Larry received a B.S. degree in Physics from Tufts University in 1951. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy between 1951 to...

James (Jim) B. Weeks passed away May 15, 2020 while at White Oak Manor, a skilled nursing facility in Burlington, NC. Jim was born in Eureka WI on January 5, 1935. He met his wife, Barbara (Pat) Keck, while in the Army and stationed at Ft. Bragg, and they were married November 26, 1958 and eventually settled in Pittsboro, NC. Before retiring, Jim worked at the Fisher Body Division of General Motors’ Plant in Janesville, WI and later with the UNC Police Department in Chapel Hill,...

Pauline Martin Gillis passed away peacefully at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro on Friday, May 15. She was born May 28, 1927 in Prospect Park, PA and is a 1949 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her husband of 60 years.       Pauline resided in Pompton Plains, NJ until 1987 when she her husband Charles Gillis retired to Ocean City, NJ. In 2005 Polly and Chuck moved to Galloway Ridge in Pittsboro, NC., where they were members of St. Julia Catholic Church...

Thomas H. Griffin Jr.  passed away peacefully at home on May 3rd, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.  Born in Fayetteville, NC on February 3rd, 1950 to the late Jean Johnson and Thomas H. Griffin Sr.  He was also preceded in death by his loving wife Teresa Griffin, sister Becky Richardson, sister Patricia Champion, and brother Robert Griffin. A native of Chatham County, he was a graduate of Central Carolina Community College, as well as, a licensed electrician and plumber. ...

Edwin Easley “Buddy” Whitt, Jr. passed away May 1, 2020 at his daughters’ home in Pittsboro, NC, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Red Star, W. VA, on November 11, 1940 to the late Edwin Easley Whitt, Sr. and Frances Gordon Pittman. He was also preceded in death by his only sister Connie Hoover. He joined the Army out of High School and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Never understanding the need to jump out of a...

Lora Dell Ramsey Parker, age 92, of Pittsboro, died Thursday, April 30, 2020. Lora was born in Fayette County, West Virginia on August 12, 1927 to the late Emmett Ramsey and Clara McKnight Ramsey. She was also preceded in death by her husband Murray Gipson Parker, two brothers; Gary Ramsey, and Earl Ramsey, and three sisters; Patsy Stephens, Thelma Stephens, and Jackie DeBerry. Surviving relatives include her son; Dennis Parker and wife Karen of Pittsboro, daughter Linda Smithwick of...

Carolyn Joyce Hearn, 72, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. She was born November 21, 1947 in Chatham County, North Carolina.  She graduated from Deep River High School. Among Joyce’s greatest loves were her family and church. She loved her husband Ralph whom she was married to for over 52 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Gracie George, brothers O. Samuel George, William Thomas George, and Billy George, sister, Bonnie George and her son,...