Nashville

Rufus R. Hawley, age 86, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 at WakeMed Raleigh.

He was born September 21, 1936 in Johnston County, North Carolina to Rufus and Gertrude Bass Hawley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Keith Ray Hawley; brother, Marvin Hawley; and sister, Helen Baker.

He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 66 years, Betty H. Hawley; sister, Sidney H. "Tippy" Winstead and husband, Marion of Newport, NC; grandchildren, Dillon Ray Hawley and wife, Kayla of Jasper, Ga., Cody Melvin and wife, Ashley of Rocky Mount, Lindsey Melvin of Mooresville, NC, and Reese Melvin of Jasper, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Ellie Hawley and Addison and Mackenzie Melvin; daughter-in-law, Clarice Melvin and husband, Mark of Jasper, Ga; along with many friends, Southside Baptist Church family, and other extended relatives.

The family will host a memorial service at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC. Visitation will immediately follow the service.