ARNOLD "BILLY" DURHAM
Aug. 1, 1940-June 29, 2011
Arnold Lee "Billy" Durham of 405 Ryans Blvd., quietly entered into eternal rest on Wednesday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by family.
A service of remembrance will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Deeper Life Church Ministries. Apostle Norbert Simmons will offer words of comfort. Following the services in the sanctuary Mr. Durham's delicate vessel, along with his adored family, will be escorted to Wayne Memorial Park for interment rites with military honors. For it is in this earthly consign that Mr. Durham will remain until that glorious day when all of God's children will gather in paradise and crown our Heavenly father King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He was born Aug. 1, 1940, in Mount Olive, to the late Blanche Wise-Durham and Leon Durham. He was educated in the Wayne County Public School system. He then completed six years of honorable military service in the United States Army. His occupational journey continued as he was employed at Cherry Hospital, where he later retired after 26 years.
He was a faithful member of Deeper Life Church Ministries until his health failed him. He married the love of his life, Edna Billups Durham, and to this union four children were born, whom he absolutely adored.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elder Edna Durham; his four children, Ricky Durham (Yoshiko) of Goldsboro, Timothy Durham of Raleigh, Kim McGowan of Knightdale, and Ladora Frazier of Raleigh; two brothers, Larry Durham (Scarlet) of Dudley, and Quinton Durham of Raleigh; two sisters, Mary Ann Musgrave (Robert) of Mount Olive, and Claranette Broadnax (Jesse) of Raleigh; 10 grandchildren, Niya Smith of Greensboro, Kayla Smith of Knightdale, Lexus Durham of Goldsboro, Stephen McGowan Jr. of Raleigh, Mariah Frazier of Raleigh, Stephanie McGowan of Knightdale, Shawnte Bartlett of Raleigh, Nyquita Gonzales of Goldsboro, Jamalia Humphrey of Goldsboro, and TaSheena Ward of Goldsboro; three great-grandchildren; and seven aunts. Preceding his death were sisters, Pandora D. Penny, Leonell D. Carter; and grandson, Stephon Anthony McGowan; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A visitation will be held Monday from 4 until 7 p.m. with the family present to receive friends from 6 until 7 at the funeral home.
Services of compassion and distinguished class by E.M. Matthews Funeral Home and Cremations Inc.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 3, 2011 9:06 AM