Santiago “C.J.” Rios Jr. 37, New Bern, NC
Santiago “C.J.” Rios Jr. 37, passed away Sunday November 24, 2019 in Greenville after a very long battle. He was a longtime resident of Pamlico County where he was a 2000 graduate of Pamlico County High School and football player. After graduation, CJ was a cook and a father of two and an amazing son, brother, and uncle and friend with a kind heart. CJ also was a 9-Ball champion of NC. Sadly, CJ was preceded in death by his brother, John Paul Zubia; Daniel S. “Buddha” Rios, his maternal grandparents, Virgil and Virginia Rae Lockey; and his paternal grandfathers Cesario Zubia and Norberto Rios.
The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home and other times at his mother’s home, 503 W. Grantham Road, New Bern. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Pollock-Best Chapel. Burial will follow at the Cowell Cemetery in Alliance. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in CJ’s name, may be made to Pollock~Best Funeral Home.
CJ is survived by his mother, Sina L. Zubia and his daddy Rosario (Paul) Zubia; his grandmother, Zenaida Zubia Gonzalez; daughter, Makayla Rae Rios; son, Leland Santiago Rey Rios; his sister Christina “Cha-Cha” Zubia (Hector Olguin); aunt Frankie; his father, Santiago Rios, Sr.; maternal grandmother, Candelaria Soriano Guzman; brothers, Santiago Miguel Rios, Roberto Rios, and Elijio Rios; his sisters, Cande Rios, Janie Rios, and Hermelinda Rios. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many dear friends.
Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Rios Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Mr. Robert W. “Bob” Milner, 65, New Bern, NC
Mr. Robert W. “Bob” Milner, 65, passed away at home Friday, November 15, 2019, with his wife, Joanne Friedman nearby. A native of Orange County, NY, Bob was the son of Josephine and Robert H. Milner, a US Army veteran, and retired from Ulster County, NY as a welfare fraud investigator. He was a faithful friend of Bill W. for over 35 years, and enjoyed music, fishing, boating, grilling and photography.
A gathering of family and friends will be 3-5:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2019 at his home. A memorial service will be held in New Bern in the next few weeks. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Andrea Rizzo Foundation, 10 East Beach Road #2 Charlestown, RI, 02813, or, www.dreasdream.org. to benefit children who have cancer. Those wishing to offer condolences and words of hope may visit www.pollockbest.com.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joanne W. Friedman; his daughter, Lindsay Cook, of Woodstock, NY; his step-son, Michael Patrick, of New Haven, CT; and his step-daughter, Lisa Patrick, and husband Joe Norden, of Astoria, NY. He also leaves behind his beautiful granddaughter, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Norden. Also his sister, Barbara Affuso, and husband Dominick, of Marlboro, NY with his nieces and nephews and their families.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Milner Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
William T. “Bill” Forrest, 65, New Bern, NC
Mr. William T. “Bill” Forrest, 65, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019. A native of Craven County, Bill was the son of Merle and Lonnie Forrest, and was a mechanic and HVAC technician. He loved hunting, fishing, and being with his dogs. His favorite hobby was fishing at Harkers Island. He was a loving and devoted father and a friend to all who knew him.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be 12:00 PM, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at the home of Barbara Stallings. Please come and share a memory and some fellowship. Memorials, in Bill’s memory may be made to Take a Kid Fishing, PO Box 1191, Morehead City, NC 28557, or www.takf.com
Bill is survived by his son, Cannon W. Forrest, of Raleigh; and many dear friends.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Forrest Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Donald Glenn Sanders II, 53, New Bern, NC
Mr. Donald Glenn Sanders II, 53, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019 at UNC Hospitals-Chapel Hill after a courageous battle with cancer. Glenn was the son of Clorie Phillips Sanders and Donald G. Sanders, Sr. He was an active member of Temple Baptist Church where he played the drums. Glenn also played the drums for New Song and The Edge, and enjoyed playing with any electronic device, be it musically, drones, or computers. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a Black Belt in taekwondo. Nothing pleased him more than being with his daughters and spoiling his grandchildren. Glenn never met a stranger, whether at church or painting houses. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Glenn’s life will be 4:00 PM, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at New Song United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Glenn’s name, may be made to National Pediatric Cancer Foundation 5550 West Executive Dr. Suite #200 Tampa, FL 33609, www.nationalpcf.org.
Glenn is survived by his daughters, Virginia “Ginna” Hudson, and husband LCpl Andrew Hudson; Sky Sanders; and Winter Marie Sanders, and fiancee, Graylyn Serafy; and their mother Michelle T. Sanders, all of Jacksonville. He also leaves behind his sister, Robin Sanders, of New Bern; nephews, Robert, C.J., and J.D.; and his wonderful grandchildren, Sade, Olive, Atlas, and Jupiter (on the way).
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Sanders Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Jimmie Banks Hicks, Sr., 79, Trent Woods, NC
Mr. Jimmie Banks Hicks, Sr., 79, passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2019, at his home after a brief illness. Jimmie was the son of Annie Marie Harris Hicks and Banks Young Hicks, Jr., who predeceased him. He was a longtime salesman/owner-operator of Anne Marie’s and was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Everyone who knew Jimmie, knew of his pranks and jokes; they may also know of his generous heart and compassion. He was actively involved in Masonry, as a member of St. John’s Lodge #3 and the Sudan Shriners (Past Captain – Patrol) for over 50 years; Royal Order of Jesters #1415 (Past Director), Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, and was a member of The Board of Trustees of the Sudan Temple Widow Fund. He was also a faithful member of the Pollock~Best Funeral Home staff for over 60 years. He touched many lives during his heartfelt service to others.
Funeral services for Jimmie will be 12:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Bryan Huffman officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., prior to the services. Burial, with Masonic Rites, will follow at the Lakeside Chapel in Greenleaf Memorial Park. Those wishing to offer words of hope and comfort may visit PollockBest.com. Memorials, in Jimmie’s name, may be made to Sudan Transportation Fund, PO Box 12829 New Bern, NC 28561, SudanShriners.com, or Trinity UMC PO Box 12867 New Bern, NC 28561.
Jimmie is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 60+ years, Glenda Games Hicks, of Trent Woods; his son, Jimmie B. “Jim” Hicks, Jr., of London, U.K.; daughter, Denise H. Hardeman, and husband Mark, of New Bern; and his brother, Jerry Hicks, of North Fort Myers, FL. He also leaves behind his dear grandchildren, Matt Hardeman, and wife Samantha; Ross Hardeman, and fiancee Meredith Medlin; Jacob Hicks, and Bailey Hicks; also, his dear friend and caregiver, Veronica McKeel; and his Brothers in Masonry and Nobles in Shrinedom.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the Hicks Family
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Robert W. “Doc” Smith, Sr., 72, New Bern, NC
HMCS Robert W. “Doc” Smith, Sr., USN Ret. passed away Friday, October 25, 2019 at his home with his wife by his side. A native of Craven County, Rob loved his country and retired from the US Navy after 20+ years. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and was a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart. Rob was a member of Broad Street Christian Church and enjoyed his family, fishing, and traveling. Sadly, he was predeceased by his father and mother Warren Ellis Smith and Lois Taylor Smith.
A celebration of Rob’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 at Pollock~Best Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the services. Those wishing to offer words of hope and condolences may visit pollockbest.com. Memorials in Rob’s name may be made to Broad Street Christian Church, 802 Broad St. New Bern, NC 28560.
Rob is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Banks Smith; daughter, Kelley Marie Baker, and husband Pat, of Fairfax, VA; son, Robert W. Smith, Jr., and wife Kathy of Vienna, VA; and his two step-sons, Chris Slade, of Pinehurst and Eric Slade, of Charlotte. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren, Patrick, Emma, Ryan, Lui, and Lily.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is honored to assist the Smith Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Thomas Richard Evans, 86, New Bern, NC
Thomas Richard Evans, 86, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Bayview Nursing & Rehab Center.
He was born October 16, 1933 in Brooklyn, son of the late Gordon and Gloria Campbell Evans. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict and retired after 45 years as a pressman for the NY Daily News. Mr. Evans was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion and the Elks.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marguerite A. Evans; sons, Tommy Evans (Katarzyna) of Miami Beach, FL, David Evans (Maria) of Antioch, CA and Jon Evans (Sonya) of New York City; two daughters, Catherine Evans (Clifford Dunn) of New Bern and Marguerite Moran (Robert) of Hampton, NJ; one brother, David Evans of Sarasota, FL; one sister, Carol Smith (Thomas) of Sarasota, FL: twelve grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 30 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service, with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 31 with Fr. Rob Schmid officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to VFW Post 2514, 3850 Butler Road, New Bern, NC 28560 or the Elks 1175 Pinetree Rd., New Bern, NC 28560.
Online condolences may be directed here on the Pollock-Best website.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Terrie Pridgen Lacy, age 63, New Bern, NC
Terrie Pridgen Lacy, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 after a brief illness. Terrie was born on February 16, 1956 in New Bern, NC. Upon graduation from The Danes School, she attended Western Carolina University and then worked as a paralegal in New Bern for many years.
Terrie is survived by her parents, Lonnie and Shirley Pridgen; her sister, Ginnie Pridgen Tetreault and her brother, W. Michael Pridgen; her only daughter, Kristin McCormack Sullivan and friend, Shawn Peretik; her precious grandchildren, Ian and Nadia Sullivan; and her nephews, James Michael Pridgen, and wife Elizabeth, and Nicholas Alexander Pridgen. She is also survived by several aunts and uncles, Marshall (Sonny) Taylor, and wife, Jacqueline; Madie Taylor Moore, Dorothy Taylor Autry, and husband, Jerry. She also leaves behind her cousins, Shane Taylor Kelly, and husband, Alex; Rick Taylor and wife, Julia; Lexanne Vernelson Huffman and husband, George; Danny Autry and wife, Sharon; Joseph Moore, Jr. and wife, Kathryn; Claude Brantley, Kay Francis Garner, Billy Harper, Tommy Harper, Chris Pridgen, Jani (Sissy) Pridgen, Rocky Pridgen, Steve Pridgen, Pam Pridgen, Alex Huffman and fianceé, Holli Faulkner; Grant Huffman, Noah Moore, Kate Moore; great nephew Evan Taylor Pridgen, and special friends, Mary Martha Pridgen Rose and her husband, Dennis.
Sadly, she is preceded in death by her grandparents, Walter and Kathleen Taylor and Lonnie and Bettie Pridgen; her brothers, Walter Nicholas Pridgen and Lonnie Steven Pridgen, her uncles, Walter B. Taylor, Joseph R. Moore, Alex Douglas Vernelson, Jr., Charlie Pridgen, and Bill Harper; her aunts, Reva Taylor Vernelson, Teresa Ann Taylor, Betty Jean Pridgen, Sue Pridgen, and Minnie Harper; her cousins, Joey Harper and Chuck Pridgen, and her niece, Chloe Leigh Tetreault.
A celebration of Terrie’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. Burial will follow, and the family will receive friends at a reception in the Parish Hall. Those wishing to offer condolences may visit www.pollockbest.com.
Arrangements by Pollock-Best Funerals and Cremations
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Mary Elizabeth Fentress (Betty), age 64, River Bend, NC
Mary Elizabeth Fentress (Betty), age 64, of River Bend, NC, passed away Thursday September 26, 2019 at her home.
Betty graduated from Pamlico County High School in 1973 and from East Carolina University in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation and Conservation. She was a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and completed the Municipal Administration Course and the University of Maryland’s Leisure and Aging Management Course. Betty served as a parks and recreation director for 25 of her 30 years of public service. She worked for Pamlico and Carteret Counties, the Town of Wrightsville Beach, City of Suffolk (Va.) and the Town of Huntersville. Betty was the first director ever hired to manage parks and recreation services for the Town of Huntersville.
Betty received the following tributes. In 1987, the ECU Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation named her the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. In 1991, the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce named her Pamlico County Citizen of the Year. Betty was also honored four times by the Lake Norman Kiwanis Club which presented her with its Distinguished Service Award in 2003 and 2004; the Kiwanian of the Year Award in 2005; and the Kiwanis Key Person of the Year in 2006.
Additionally, Betty served on an executive level with the following organizations: Carteret County Kiwanis Club; the North Carolina Seafood Festival Board of Directors; Carteret County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; Region P COG Senior Games; Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce; Pamlico County Citizens Involvement Committee; Pamlico County Nursing Home Advisory Committee; 4-H and Cooperative Extension Advisory Committees in Pamlico County and the City of Suffolk, Va.; the Carteret County Area Transportation System; and on the East Carolina University Parks, Recreation and Conservation Alumni Society Board of Directors.
Finally, Betty was an active member in the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association. She served NCRPA in the following leadership capacities: 2nd Vice-president, Secretary (twice), Region VII Chair, County Division Chair, Municipal Division Vice-Chair, Co-Editor of Publications, Program Chair for the 2001 General Conference Planning Committee, member of the By-Laws Committee and served on the Historic and Public Awareness Committees. Additionally, Betty was the Chair and Secretary for the NC Recreators’ Foundation.
Betty Fentress was a true parks and recreation professional. Her impact was felt throughout the state and into Virginia. Betty worked tirelessly to provide the best quality parks and recreation opportunities to the citizens wherever she worked.
Betty is preceded in death by her father Carroll Edward Fentress, mother Lois Mayo Fentress Jones and stepfather Alfred Dewey Jones. She is survived by her brother, Bill Fentress, wife Susan and niece Sarah Fentress, of New Bern and by numerous cousins in the Mayo, Fentress and Jones/Shewmaker families. Betty was a beloved sister, sister- in -law, aunt and cousin. She was a true friend, loyal, and caring. She loved her niece, her family, friends and all of God’s creatures, especially cats and dogs. All will remember her big heart and infectious laugh.
There will be a celebration of Betty’s life at the family farm / renovated country store in Pamlico County in November. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carteret County Humane Society; PO Box 357; Newport NC 28570.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Fentress family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Robert Glenn Tyndall, 87, September 19, 2019 in Newport, NC
Robert Glenn Tyndall, 87, died Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport.
He was born August 16, 1932 in Lenoir County, son of the late Oscar Tyndall, Sr. and Lossi Baker Brinson.
He worked with A & P Grocery stores for many years. He was a Korean War Veteran, with the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Fulton. Mr. Tyndall enjoyed cooking, and loved the outdoors, especially working in his yard. He loved animals and was a very kind and gentle man.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Metzger of New Bern; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park in New Bern with Pastor Jonathan Foster officiating. Those wishing to offer words of hope and condolences may visit www.pollockbest.com.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Tyndall Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
John P. “Johnny” Fletcher, 54, September 16, 2019 in Havelock, NC
John P. “Johnny” Fletcher, 54, passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 after suffering from Sarcomatoid carcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer. Johnny was a loving son, husband, brother and step-father and loved being with his family. He was a rabid Carolina Panthers fan, as well as NASCAR. His favorite drivers were #3 and #8. When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting with his granddaddy. Johnny was employed with Super Tire for over 20 years, and was a friend to all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations with the funeral to follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ray Penwell officiating, in the Pollock~Best Chapel. Burial will be 4 p.m. at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Newport. Those wishing to offer condolences and words of hope may visit www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the family to help offset expenses at 2015 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC 28560. The family would like to thank all the staff at Carolina East Medical Center for all their attention, care and love during Johnny’s stay.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Wendy Jane Fletcher, of Havelock; his mother, Terry Fletcher Walker, of New Bern; step-sons, Jesse Jones of Faribault, MN; Jonathan Hurley, of Havelock; and his step-daughter, Kari Hurley, of Elizabeth City. He also leaves behind his sister, Leigh Anne Fletcher, of New Bern; his brother, David B. Randall, of New Bern; step-brother, Michael C. Walker, of New Bern; step-sisters, Sharon Walker-Gulledge (Glen), of Saucier, MS; Kelly Ann Walker, of Gulfport, MS; and Terri Lee Walker, of Eastpointe, MI; along with his aunt Donna Gordon (Lee), of Newport; and 1 niece, 2 nephews and many cousins.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Fletcher Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111.
Edward “Eddie” Kaplan, 37 – September 7, 2019 in New Bern, NC
Edward “Eddie” Kaplan (37) passed away on September 7, 2019 at his home in New Bern.
Born in Illinois, raised in New Jersey, lived in California, Eddie made New Bern his home in 2009 remaining a life-long Cubs fan.
The beloved son of Lynne and Marc Kaplan, of Oriental NC, devoted brother to Zachary Kaplan and Elissa Vaage, both of New Jersey, adoring uncle to Vanessa, Justin and Mazzy, and loving grandson of Blossom Seigel, Chicago.
Eddie was a devoted friend to many. He had many passions, most recently pursuing excellence in wheel-thrown pottery, passing along acquired skills to his students at the New Bern Arts & Wellness Center. His latest works were most often auctioned to raise funds for his favorite charities, with a goal of “20 by 2020”.
He struggled valiantly in a battle with substance abuse, engaging with NA, earning certifications as a Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist helping countless others in their quest to overcome this scourge.
While he suffered from heart disease everyone knew him to have an enormously good heart. He will always be remembered for his phrase, adopted by NewBernLive as its program closing, “Love Dogs, Care for People”.
A memorial service, celebrating Eddie’s too brief but remarkable life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 15 at Temple B’nai Sholem, 505 Middle Street in New Bern, NC.
In lieu of flowers contributions welcome to: Religious Community Services (RCS), Reviving Lives Ministries (RLM), Realize U252, or Colonial Capital Humane Society, all of New Bern.
By Marc Kaplan