Obituary: Thomas R. “T.R.” Sawyer | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. Thomas R. “T.R.” Sawyer, age 89, a resident of 1151 West Pungo Street, Belhaven died Saturday morning July 2, 2011 at Pungo District Hospital.

    On July 2, 2011 our loving and dear Daddy, Granddaddy, Great-granddaddy and Pop was called home. He will be forever remembered in our hearts and will be missed more than words could every say. We find our comfort in knowing he is resting with our Lord and Saviour and know we all have that same assurance. We will see him again for all eternity.

    A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday July 6, 2011 at the West Belhaven Church of Christ officiated by Bob Beltz and James Schelfer. Burial will follow in Belhaven Community Cemetery. Sport Sawyer, Kevin Sawyer, Clay Cooper, Ryan Cooper, Chris Craddock and Carson Sawyer serve as pallbearers. Officers of the church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

    Mr. Sawyer was born in Beaufort County on November 20, 1921, son of the late Fred Thomas Sawyer and Fannie Florence Marslender Sawyer. He served his country in the US Army during World War II. Mr. Sawyer was an active member of the West Belhaven Church of Christ where he served eight years as a deacon and 39 years as an elder. He worked as a “sawyer” at Younce and Ralph Lumber Company in Pantego. On June 20, 1942, he married the former Violet Christine Rose who preceded him in death on February 10, 2008.

    Mr. Sawyer is survived by one son: Freddie Sawyer and wife, Diane of Belhaven; three daughters: Patsy Sawyer Cooper and husband, Larry of Elizabeth City; Carolyn Sawyer Craddock and husband, Rayvon of Belhaven and Kathy Sawyer of Belhaven; his grandchildren: Sport Sawyer, Kevin Sawyer, Lisa Cooper, Mandy Cooper Williamson, Clay Cooper, Ryan Cooper, Chris Craddock and Carson Sawyer; 13 great grandchildren and his sisters: Edrie Shaw of Washington, Freddy Leftwich of Salem, VA and Ora Mae Russ of Belhaven. He is preceded in death by his brothers: Thad Sawyer, Rudell Sawyer, Alford Sawyer and Clarence Sawyer and his sister: Myra Dae Smith.

    The family will receive friends 6:30-8:30 PM on Tuesday July 5, 2011 at Paul Funeral Home in Belhaven and other times at the home of Carolyn Craddock located at 307 Smith Shore Road, Belhaven.

    Memorials may be made to the West Belhaven Church of Christ Building Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Sawyer family.