They Left Us Too Soon...
Mr. William Wade Crocker, age 80, of Four Oaks, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, North Carolina, with his family by his side. William was born on May 8, 1945, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to Nancy Ruth Massengill and William Wade Crocker. Raised by his grandparents, he attended school in Four Oaks. He later began his career as a mechanic at Bobby Murray Chevrolet, where he honed his skills before eventually opening his own shop. He worked faithfully until his retirement. William had a deep love for boats, fishing, and mudslinging race pulls. He especially cherished time spent at his junkyard, where he enjoyed “piddling” and sharing laughs with friends. In his later years, he found joy in trips to the beach, riding his golf cart, watching hummingbirds, and working on small engines and equipment. Above all, he treasured time with his great-grandson, Myles, and his dear friend, Sheila Crocker. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Massengill; his father, William Wade Crocker; his wife, Georgia Crocker; and his son, Phillip Stanley Crocker and baby brother John Phillip Elam. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Brad Crocker, John Crocker, and Bob Crocker; his children, Henry Crocker of Four Oaks, Welton Earl Worsham (Kelly Worsham) of Four Oaks, Lisa Crocker Massengill (John Massengill) of Selma, Nancy Crocker Lee of Four Oaks, and Tammy Maness (Mike Maness) of Bear Creek; his grandchildren, Misty Lee, Emily Lee, Caitlin Crocker, Amber Lee Otto, Brittany Norris Broeker, Robbie Lee, Tristan Lee, Patrick Crocker, Nixon Crocker, Tyler Crocker, Caleb Norris, Jordan Norris, Macy Humphries, and Conner Worsham; and 10 great-grandchildren. William was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved helping others in any way he could, and his heart was as big as the world. He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, humor, and unique spirit. Truly, he was one of a kind. A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith OFWB Church 560 Webb Mill Road, Four Oaks, NC, Saturday February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor his life. Click On The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book
Doris Ann Bell was born on December 14, 1944, to the late Lehman Bell Sr., and Hattie N. Bell in Smithfield, NC. Doris transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal rest on January 29, 2026, following a short illness. Doris was the youngest sister of 6 children. She attended Short Journey School. Doris was a homemaker for much of her adult life. She enjoyed traveling to see family and friends afar off. She enjoyed gatherings, cookouts, and other friendly and exciting atmospheres. Doris enjoyed making jewelry of all types. She made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains and much more and gave them as gifts. Doris was preceded in death by her father, Lehman Bell, Sr, her mother Hattie Nixon Bell, her brother Rufus Bell, and sister Katie Bell. Doris leaves a legacy of memories to be cherished by her husband, Joseph Singleton, Lillington NC, son Demetrius of the home, four grandchildren: MaKayla, Demetrius Jr, Demear, and Nyshawn DeVaughn. Brothers, Donnie Bell (Dianetta) of Maryland, Lehman Bell, Jr. (Lina) of Raleigh, NC, sister Sudie Bell of Ohio, goddaughter Pamela Sanders of Clayton, NC. And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Viewing: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Friday February 13, 2026, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Funeral Services: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Saturday February 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Viewing 11:00 am until 12:00 noon. Click on The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family of Doris Ann Bell Chrysostom. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Ann Bell Your Name: Silky Email: eboniyarn@yahoo.comp Message: R.I.P. ANN BELL! NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR YOU! Date: 02752026 Family or Deceased Name: Doris Your Name: Gwendolyn Email: whiteheadgwendolyn46@yahoo.com Message: Auntie this really hurt 😢 me but I know God makes no Mistakes Rest Easy Auntie Love 💗 You
On January 31, 2026, Billy Ray Daniels left this world to be reunited with his beloved mother, Allie Gray, and father, Willie C. Billy Ray will be remembered for many things, including the smile that reached his eyes, the way he could transform a yard like no other, and thumbing a guitar. He leaves behind four sisters and one brother, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends who became his extended family. Services: We will celebrate a life fully lived on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC. Viewing will be from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon with funeral services starting at noon. Click on the Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Doris Your Name: Vanessa Legardy Email: vlegardy71@gmail.com Message: Sending my condolences. Love you Ma. My heart hurting. RIH MA.. Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Vanessa Legardy Email: vlegardy71@gmail.com Message: Sending my condolences. Fly high my friend and family. Date: 02-09-2026 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Tynell Williams Email: www.williamstynell2@gmail.com Message: Sending prayers to the Daniels family at this time of bereavement. May God be with you all . May you rest in the masters hands Billy Ray Daniels. Sincerely the Kenon and Williams family Date: 2-7-26 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Deacon Andrew & Mother Pearl McCray Family Email: s4penny@yahoo.com Message: ♥️ To the Daniels Family, Our hearts & condelences goes out to you. Sister Shirley, We where saddened for the passing of Brother Billy Ray 🌹 We hope the happy memories you made together will ease the sorrow & help the family through this difficult moment. Please know We are thinking of you & praying ✝️ 🕊️ Date: 020725 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: The Holder Family Email: angelaholder45@yahoo.com Message: The Holder Family will truly miss your kindness and beautiful voice. Our condolences to the family. Date: 9195029693 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Helene Price & Matthew Allen Email: hprice143@embarqmail.com Message: Our deepest sympathy to the Billy Ray Daniels family. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Date: 9192842392 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Ernestine Rountree Dunston Email: ernestinedunston@gmail.com Message: You have our Condolences. We will always remember Billy Ray Daniel's and His Family . We grew up together in Lucama as one big family in the neighborhood with Love.💙 🙏🏾 SIP Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Aldonia Brewer Email: cynnrountree97@gmail.com Message: I just want you to know that you will be missed Uncle. You had such an amazing spirit and such an amazing person. I love you so much Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Your Name: The Wells Family Email: bwellsbarnes@gmail.com Message: Billy Ray was one of a kind. He was always ready to help us out in the yard. He knew alot about plant life too. He was like family and we all will miss him. We send our condolences to the family. Mrs. Ruth and Brenda Date: 2522231245 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Rev. Gloria Proctor Email: glojeanP256@gmail.com Message: To the family, Billy Ray will truly be missed. Praying for you. Date: 020426 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Marilyn Frazier Rice Email: mrice3@roadrunner.com Message: I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. "You're in my thoughts and prayers. Date: 9192843926 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Richard Proctor Email: proctorr166@gmail.com Message: I'm going to miss you cuz you always looked out for me thank you and I love you R I P Date: 02032026
James E. McLaughlin Jr., of Selma, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Fayetteville, NC, he was the son of George and Lillie McLaughlin. James honorably served in the armed forces before dedicating decades of his life to a career as a professional truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Jeanelle McLaughlin; his children; siblings; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral Service: Monday February 16, 2026, at Gray's Creek Missionary Baptist Church 4750 Grays Creek Church Rd., Hope Mills, NC 28348, Viewing from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon with funeral services beginning at 12:00 noon. Funeral services will be livestreamed via our Facebook page starting at 11:45 am. Click on the Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family of Mr. James E. McLaughlin. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: James McLaughlin Family Your Name: Mabel Burkett Email: burkettmabel@yahoo.com Message: I have lost a dear dear brother as you have too. James will always hold a special place in my heart as you all will. May he blessings of the Lord be yours! May the Lord shine His face on each of you and grant you His peace! Date: 6466171316 Family or Deceased Name: James McLaughlin Your Name: Percy & Rosa Bethea Email: aliyo4will@yahoo.com Message: Our hearts ache for your loss. James was a great friend and cousin. His voice was as strong as his stature. Date: 021526 Family or Deceased Name: James McLaughlin Your Name: Paul and Rebecca Sanders Email: Twobronzy@msn.com Message: Praying for the family and church family. May God’s comfort rest on all. ❤️ Date: 02092026 Family or Deceased Name: Bro. James McLaughlin Your Name: Rev. &Mrs. Anthony Raeford Email: grpunkin@hotmail.com Message: To a big hearted friend gone too soon. We both love you and miss you so. You were that friend that was like a big brother who would ,and did give the shirt off of your back. Your smiles and hugs meant the world to me. Rest In Peace our great friend. Love and sincere condolences to your family . Date: 910-551-3216 Family or Deceased Name: James Mclaughlin Your Name: Neil and Helen Brown Email: neil.brown1216@gmail.com Message: Sorry for your loss. Date: 2,5,26 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. James E. McLaughlin Your Name: David McDowell Email: effieponehill@gmail.com Message: Thinking of you Family or Deceased Name: McLaughlin Family Your Name: Bryan & Daphne Deck Email: deckdaphne@gmail.com Message: Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time. Date: 02042026 Family or Deceased Name: Jeanelle Mclaughlin and family Your Name: Linda R Anthony Email: Lanthonylcs@gmail.com Message: The kingdom of God is always available to comfort, sustain and provide for you during this time. During times like these, there is strength pouring out from the Kingdom of God unto you. Auntie Linda Date: 9197856054 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. James E. McLaughlin Your Name: Effie Pone Hill Email: effieponehill@gmail.com Message: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Date: 2,4,2026 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. James E. McLaughlin Your Name: Pastor Vincent T Walker and Family Email: neilarich@gmail.com Message: To Tiffany & family. Our deepest condolences during this time. We are lifting you all in prayer daily. May the peace of God be with you now and in days to come. Date: 2,3,26
Ms. Nickia Melissa Bryant, affectionately known as “GK” by her beloved grandson, was born on August 31, 1979, to Debora Boylan and the late Wayne Bryant. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Nickia peacefully exchanged time for eternity and entered into Heavenly rest at Wilson Medical Hospital in Wilson, North Carolina. Nickia received her education in 1997, graduating from SSS. She later pursued vocational training, earning her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With a heart for service and compassion for others, she dedicated over 16 years to the healthcare field. Due to health challenges, she was forced to retire early at the age of 34, yet her caring spirit and strength remained evident to all who knew her. Nickia was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Bryant, and her great-grandmother, Malissia Sanders. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughter, Makelle Bryant; son, Malik Sanders; cherished grandson, Mekhi Bryant; devoted mother, Debora Boylan; sisters, Nitaisha Jackson, Nadia Reddick-Lofton, and Na’Ree Boylan; grandmother, Bessie Washington; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. Nickia’s life was one of love, resilience, and quiet strength, and her memory will continue to live on through those she touched. Viewing: Thursday February 5, 2026, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The family request in lieu of fresh cut flowers please give potted plants. Funeral Services: Friday February 6, 2026, at Faith in the Word Christian Center 399 Lake Wendell Rd., Wendell, NC 27591 starting at 1:00 pm. Viewing will be from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm. Click On The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book
Mr. William Wade Crocker, age 80, of Four Oaks, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, North Carolina, with his family by his side. William was born on May 8, 1945, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to Nancy Ruth Massengill and William Wade Crocker. Raised by his grandparents, he attended school in Four Oaks. He later began his career as a mechanic at Bobby Murray Chevrolet, where he honed his skills before eventually opening his own shop. He worked faithfully until his retirement. William had a deep love for boats, fishing, and mudslinging race pulls. He especially cherished time spent at his junkyard, where he enjoyed “piddling” and sharing laughs with friends. In his later years, he found joy in trips to the beach, riding his golf cart, watching hummingbirds, and working on small engines and equipment. Above all, he treasured time with his great-grandson, Myles, and his dear friend, Sheila Crocker. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Massengill; his father, William Wade Crocker; his wife, Georgia Crocker; and his son, Phillip Stanley Crocker and baby brother John Phillip Elam. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Brad Crocker, John Crocker, and Bob Crocker; his children, Henry Crocker of Four Oaks, Welton Earl Worsham (Kelly Worsham) of Four Oaks, Lisa Crocker Massengill (John Massengill) of Selma, Nancy Crocker Lee of Four Oaks, and Tammy Maness (Mike Maness) of Bear Creek; his grandchildren, Misty Lee, Emily Lee, Caitlin Crocker, Amber Lee Otto, Brittany Norris Broeker, Robbie Lee, Tristan Lee, Patrick Crocker, Nixon Crocker, Tyler Crocker, Caleb Norris, Jordan Norris, Macy Humphries, and Conner Worsham; and 10 great-grandchildren. William was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved helping others in any way he could, and his heart was as big as the world. He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, humor, and unique spirit. Truly, he was one of a kind. A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith OFWB Church 560 Webb Mill Road, Four Oaks, NC, Saturday February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor his life. Click On The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book
Doris Ann Bell was born on December 14, 1944, to the late Lehman Bell Sr., and Hattie N. Bell in Smithfield, NC. Doris transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal rest on January 29, 2026, following a short illness. Doris was the youngest sister of 6 children. She attended Short Journey School. Doris was a homemaker for much of her adult life. She enjoyed traveling to see family and friends afar off. She enjoyed gatherings, cookouts, and other friendly and exciting atmospheres. Doris enjoyed making jewelry of all types. She made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains and much more and gave them as gifts. Doris was preceded in death by her father, Lehman Bell, Sr, her mother Hattie Nixon Bell, her brother Rufus Bell, and sister Katie Bell. Doris leaves a legacy of memories to be cherished by her husband, Joseph Singleton, Lillington NC, son Demetrius of the home, four grandchildren: MaKayla, Demetrius Jr, Demear, and Nyshawn DeVaughn. Brothers, Donnie Bell (Dianetta) of Maryland, Lehman Bell, Jr. (Lina) of Raleigh, NC, sister Sudie Bell of Ohio, goddaughter Pamela Sanders of Clayton, NC. And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Viewing: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Friday February 13, 2026, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Funeral Services: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Saturday February 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Viewing 11:00 am until 12:00 noon. Click on The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family of Doris Ann Bell Chrysostom. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Ann Bell Your Name: Silky Email: eboniyarn@yahoo.comp Message: R.I.P. ANN BELL! NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR YOU! Date: 02752026 Family or Deceased Name: Doris Your Name: Gwendolyn Email: whiteheadgwendolyn46@yahoo.com Message: Auntie this really hurt 😢 me but I know God makes no Mistakes Rest Easy Auntie Love 💗 You
On January 31, 2026, Billy Ray Daniels left this world to be reunited with his beloved mother, Allie Gray, and father, Willie C. Billy Ray will be remembered for many things, including the smile that reached his eyes, the way he could transform a yard like no other, and thumbing a guitar. He leaves behind four sisters and one brother, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends who became his extended family. Services: We will celebrate a life fully lived on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC. Viewing will be from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon with funeral services starting at noon. Click on the Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Doris Your Name: Vanessa Legardy Email: vlegardy71@gmail.com Message: Sending my condolences. Love you Ma. My heart hurting. RIH MA.. Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Vanessa Legardy Email: vlegardy71@gmail.com Message: Sending my condolences. Fly high my friend and family. Date: 02-09-2026 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Tynell Williams Email: www.williamstynell2@gmail.com Message: Sending prayers to the Daniels family at this time of bereavement. May God be with you all . May you rest in the masters hands Billy Ray Daniels. Sincerely the Kenon and Williams family Date: 2-7-26 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Deacon Andrew & Mother Pearl McCray Family Email: s4penny@yahoo.com Message: ♥️ To the Daniels Family, Our hearts & condelences goes out to you. Sister Shirley, We where saddened for the passing of Brother Billy Ray 🌹 We hope the happy memories you made together will ease the sorrow & help the family through this difficult moment. Please know We are thinking of you & praying ✝️ 🕊️ Date: 020725 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: The Holder Family Email: angelaholder45@yahoo.com Message: The Holder Family will truly miss your kindness and beautiful voice. Our condolences to the family. Date: 9195029693 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Helene Price & Matthew Allen Email: hprice143@embarqmail.com Message: Our deepest sympathy to the Billy Ray Daniels family. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Date: 9192842392 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Ernestine Rountree Dunston Email: ernestinedunston@gmail.com Message: You have our Condolences. We will always remember Billy Ray Daniel's and His Family . We grew up together in Lucama as one big family in the neighborhood with Love.💙 🙏🏾 SIP Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Aldonia Brewer Email: cynnrountree97@gmail.com Message: I just want you to know that you will be missed Uncle. You had such an amazing spirit and such an amazing person. I love you so much Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Your Name: The Wells Family Email: bwellsbarnes@gmail.com Message: Billy Ray was one of a kind. He was always ready to help us out in the yard. He knew alot about plant life too. He was like family and we all will miss him. We send our condolences to the family. Mrs. Ruth and Brenda Date: 2522231245 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Rev. Gloria Proctor Email: glojeanP256@gmail.com Message: To the family, Billy Ray will truly be missed. Praying for you. Date: 020426 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Marilyn Frazier Rice Email: mrice3@roadrunner.com Message: I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. "You're in my thoughts and prayers. Date: 9192843926 Family or Deceased Name: Billy Ray Daniels Your Name: Richard Proctor Email: proctorr166@gmail.com Message: I'm going to miss you cuz you always looked out for me thank you and I love you R I P Date: 02032026
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