PETER EDWARD FLANIGAN
Dec. 6, 1949-Sept. 16, 2017
Peter Edward Flanigan, Goldsboro, N.C., formerly of Princeton, W.Va., died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, with his wife, Rita, by his side.
Pete was of the Flanigans of Princeton, W.Va., a family with roots extending across to its Irish heritage. He was blessed with a large, loving family, and considered a blessing among those who call him a brother.
In addition to his parents, Mike and Mildred, he was preceded by brothers, Mickey, Dan and Johnny.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Carter Flanigan.
Together they raised two sons with a legacy of loyalty, honestly and strength, son, Jonathan and wife, Elana of Hendersonville, N.C., and son, Ryan and wife, Crystal, of Princeton and Charleston, W.Va.
He loved the time he spent with his granddaughter, Audrey, and grandson, Finley.
He leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Millie (Ken) of Charlotte, N.C., Regina (Phil) of Fredrick, Md., and Elizabeth of Princeton, W.Va.; his brothers, Ron (Peggy) of Gilbert, Ariz., Richard (Sylvia) of Princeton, W.Va., Michael (Susan) of Bessemer City, N.C., Bill (Marjie) of Princeton, W.Va., Larry (Vicki) of Winchester, Va., and Tom of Princeton, W.Va.; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He shared countless laughs and memories with his extended family of in-laws, Vince and Stephanie Carter of Huntington, W.Va., and Harry and Terri Carter of Princeton; his nieces; and his mother-in-law, Theresa Carter.
Born Dec. 6, 1949, Pete attended Princeton High School, Bluefield State and Concord College.
He was Catholic, and for the past 18 years, called St. Mary Catholic Church in Goldsboro, N.C.
He was the general manager for Hills Department Stores in Bluefield, Huntington, Fairmont and Bridgeport, W.Va., Ashland, Ky., and Indiana, Pa.
After working as the general manager for Walmart for many years, he retired in 2010.
To this day Pete's influence is evidenced by his close bonds he kept with so many of his former employees.
He was a hospital volunteer in Goldsboro and a third degree Knights of Columbus, and belonged to BPOE in Goldsboro and Princeton, W.Va.
He treasured his family and friends, and never wanted to forget or forsake his humble upbringing.
He loved playing pool, and did very well in his weekly get together with friends.
He loved to watch over and care for his garden, and the seed he planted with his heart will continue to bear fruit for his family and loved ones for all times.
After his retirement, his life was punctuated by medical crises, and he would be out walking with a cane.
He was teaching us all about courage and determination and the importance of keeping up the fight even when it was wearing you down, even when you knew that ultimately you would lose.
So now when we think of him, we speak about the courage and inspiration and how brave he was until the end.
Pete will be buried in his home town of Princeton, W.Va.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Goldsboro, N.C.
We would like to say thank you, Pete, for creating and maintaining a nurturing environment in which to grow, for constantly striving to make us better people, for always being there for us and for all our life's twists and turns. We are the lucky ones, and we love you.
Arrangements are by Howell Funeral and Crematory.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on September 20, 2017 8:05 AM