Rocky Mount -

John William "J.W." Daughtridge, age 81, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, September 11, 2024 with his wife by his side. His journey began in Edgecombe County on March 30, 1943, son of John Gilbert and Ruby Hull Daughtridge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse Ray, Gilbert Eugene and James "Aaron" Daughtridge; former wife, Joyce Daughtridge and beloved canine companion, Sadie.

He leaves a lifetime of memories for his wife of thirty-three years, Janet Daughtridge; daughters, Jennifer "J.J."  Vaughan (Brian) of Elm City and Marilyn Coble (Tammy Spellman) of Raleigh; grandsons, Clay and Noah Vaughan; step-children, Ted Hull of Rocky Mount and Mary Ellen Joyner of Nashville; step-grandchildren, Janna Hitt, Sierra, Joshua, Faith and Nathaniel Hull and step-great-great-granddaughter, Heidi Hitt. J.W. will also be dearly missed by his sisters, Helen Manning (Henry) of Middlesex, Sylvia Smith and Diane Rackley, both of Rocky Mount; sisters-in-law, Alice and Patricia Daughtridge; dog, Dixie; as well as several nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

J.W. was a proud veteran having served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga. He enjoyed regaling family and friends with memorable military stories and colorful anecdotes describing the life of a Navy seaman. In his later years, he developed a passion for golf, both on the greens and watching televised tournaments. Other leisure time was spent enjoying the most manly of all television genres, Westerns, especially his favorite, Gunsmoke. J.W.'s family will miss his stories and fellowship, but will hold onto his memory forever.

Please join the family for a time of remembrance on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 5-7pm at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 and other times at the home. A private burial will take place at Red Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a charity of your choice.