Bobby Rue Houston

Bobby Rue Houston
July 15, 1944
June 16, 2026

Funeral Service
Friday, June 19, 2026
7:00 PM followed by visitation
Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville

Graveside Service
Saturday, June 20, 2026
2:00 PM
Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill

Pink Hill, NC

Bobby Rue Houston, age 81, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Bobby was born on July 15, 1944 in Duplin County. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ransom and Louvene Sumner Houston as well as his sister, Dollie Houston Parker.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Judy Blizzard Houston; sons, Trevor Houston and wife Michele of Kenansville and Tracy Houston of Pink Hill; grandchildren, Courtney Houston of Wilmington and Megan Houston Palochak and husband Tyler of Greenville; niece, Shonda Parker Wenner and husband Jeremy of Gaston.

Donations to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557-0249 are encouraged.

Michael Timothy Stroup

Michael Timothy Stroup
September 21, 1967
June 16, 2026

Memorial Service
Saturday, June 27, 2026
12:00 PM
Beulaville Baptist Church
601 E. Main St., Beulaville, NC

A luncheon with visitation with the family will follow service at the church’s Family Life Center for all attendees.

Beulaville, NC

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Timothy Stroup, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend on June 16, 2026. 

For 30 years, Mike proudly served as a firefighter/engineer with the City of Charlotte, dedicating his life to helping others and making his community a better place. Whether on the job or in everyday life, he was always willing to lend a hand and support those around him.

He loved spending time outdoors and could often be found enjoying nature, working with his hands, or searching for his next antique treasure. A talented cabinet maker, he took great pride in creating beautiful pieces that will be enjoyed for generations. His craftsmanship reflected the patience, care, and attention he brought to everything he did.

More than anything, Mike loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather who treasured every moment spent with those he loved. His faith in the Lord was evident in the way he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and hard work that will continue to live on through his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Mike is preceded in death by his father Frank Stroup. He is survived by his wife, Linda Godley Stroup of Beulaville; three daughters, Rachel Stroup Myers and husband Jason of New Bern, Megan Stroup Sholar and husband Seth of Beulaville, Sarah Marie Stroup of Swansboro; mother, Sarah Stroup; brothers, Bobby Stroup, David Stroup and wife Pam, Paul Stroup, Jamie Stroup; and seven grandchildren, Justin Myers and wife Liz, Jake Myers, Josh Myers, Jameson Myers, Laney Sholar, Evie Sholar, and Beck Sholar.

Mike's deep love for the next generation was clear to everyone, as he constantly commended God's goodness to all who crossed his path (Psalm 145:4). To honor his incredible legacy, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Beulaville Baptist Church's Youth Activities Fund, PO Box 394, Beulaville, NC 28518, helping the student ministry continue to grow mature disciples who in turn make future disciples.

Mary Brown Raynor - UPDATE

Mary Brown Raynor
January 29, 1950
December 1, 2025

A graveside service is now scheduled for
Saturday, June 20, 2026
11:00 AM
Brown Cemetery, Richlands
The cemetery is located beside the Back Swamp Community Building at 3088 Catherine Lake Rd., Richlands, NC.

Jacksonville, NC

Mary Brown Raynor, age 75, formerly of Chinquapin, died Monday, December 1, 2025 in Jacksonville, NC. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Lorrell Brown Sheppard and Trixie Brown Jarman.

Mrs. Raynor is survived by her daughter, Dawn Raynor Ward and husband Richard of Magnolia; son, James Lynn Raynor and wife Alethia of Greenville; brother, Robert Wallace Brown and wife Norma of Clayton; and three grandchildren

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethlehem FWB Church, 2106 NC 111, Chinquapin, NC 28521.

Ben Price

Ben Price
January 23, 1940
May 28, 2026

Funeral Service
Sunday, May 31, 2026
5:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville

Graveside Service
The graveside service will be private.

Kenansville, NC

Ben Price, age 86, died Thursday, May 28, 2026 at home. He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Price.

Mr. Price is survived by his daughter, Amy P. Rhodes and husband Chris of Beulaville; son, Michael Price and wife Jennifer; sister, Shirley Blackmon of Kenansville; four grandchildren, Courtney Thomas and husband Jeremy, Cody Rhodes and Alyssa, Tyler Price and Rebecca, Lindsey Price; and one great grandchild, Hadley Thomas.

Charles Richard Smith

Charles Richard Smith
December 12, 1946
May 22, 2026

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Turkey, NC

Charles Richard Smith, (Red Man) of 265 Altons Lane, Turkey NC passed away peacefully on May 22. Charles was born on December 12,1946 in Lenoir County. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Theresa and Alton Mcgee as well as his precious daughter “Penny Lee”, Penny Lee Bradshaw.

As a young man Charles grew up in Beulaville before moving to Turkey at the age of 7 when his mother Theresa married Alton McGee. Farming was a way of life for Charles once moving to Turkey, where he became a true steward of the land, whether it be farming, hunting or fishing. In 1966 Charles was drafted into the Army but later was given a hardship/dependency discharge to save the family farm.  In 1968 Charles married the best catch of his life, Betty Marie Bass. They were married on July 19, 1968, at the parsonage of Turkey Methodist Church. Their marriage of almost 59 years is a testament to overcoming trials that very few marriages these days can withstand. Charles and Betty had two children, Charles Alton Smith (Leigh Ann) of Autryville and Penny Lee Bradshaw.

Charles was blessed with three grandchildren, Charlie Tyler Bradshaw, Dylan Christopher Bradshaw, Coleton Warren Smith (Stephanie) as well as one newly born great child Baylor Warren Smith.

Charles was a dependable employee of the NC Department of Corrections from April 2, 1987, to April 30, 2010, during which he mentored and made lifelong friends within the Department of Corrections.  Charles was a proud chartered member of the Stewarts Creek Hunting club for over 50 years where he began an unexpected mentorship with many young men in the community. Charles was an exceptional neighbor and friend; he was always willing to lend a hand where needed. His deep faith and servants’ heart was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and enjoyed cooking for the congregation. Charles was known for his exceptional ability to cook for large crowds but was best known for his barbecue, which many will say was the very best around. Charles enjoyed his yearly trips to the Alligator River with special friends as a time to fellowship and fish.

Services for the Smith family are being provided by Serenity Funeral Home of Beulaville.

At Charles’ request there will be no public viewing/visitation. The family will announce a memorial service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Beulah Baptist Church c/o Pinda Byrd, 592 Lake Artesia Rd, Turkey NC 28393.