Council Renfrow

Council Renfrow, 90, of Morehead City, died Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Crystal Bluffs Rehab & Health Care Center.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Powell Osteen and Rev. Ed Renfrow officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery.

Council was born on March 2, 1924 to the late Rev. Tildon and Rosettie Renfrow. He graduated from Glendale High School in Kenly, NC on May 11, 1942, and the Industrial Engineering Program at N.C. State University. He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran serving in the Phlippines and received his discharge on March 6, 1946, and remained active in veterans affairs until his declining health.

Council was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Morehead City. He worked for First Citizens Bank, Commercial Credit Corporation, and Provident Finance Company, before starting his own business in 1978. He was the Founder and CEO of Coastal Finance Company, with corporate offices located in Morehead City, and branche offices in Wilmington, Shallotte, Swansboro, Garner and Smithfield. He was one of the original founders of the N.C. Resident Lenders Association and served as one of their presidents and board members. He served as past president of the Morehead City Rotary Club and the Morehead Lions Club, and was very active in community affairs. He was a very strong supporter of the Boy Scout Clubs of N.C. and received their Silver Beaver Award. He was an avid fisherman that would fish until it was too dark to see.

The Council Renfrow family made a great team working together in the family owned business. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family with all his heart. He supported them in all their endeavers and taught them the value of being good citizens and encouraged them to serve God with all their heart.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Emily Boone Renfrow of the home; two daughters, Patty Renfrow Broyles and husband Eric of Morehead City, and Emily Boone Guthrie and husband George of Emerald Isle; three sons, John Council Renfrow of Wilmington, James "Jim" Edward Renfrow, and Robert "Bob" Beale Renfrow both of Morehead City; five grandchildren, Noah Renfrow of Wilmington, Summer Renfrow of Morehead City, Dylan Renfrow and wife Ashleigh of Raleigh and Bradley Broyles of Morehead City, and Suzanne Allen of Rocky Mount; four great-grandchildren, Bailey Renfrow, Cadence Brittingham, Josh Falls and Matthew Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jack Crosswell; brothers Ira Renfrow, Jim Renfrow, Donnie Renfrow,and Marvin Renfrow; and sisters Ida Hocutt and Martha Renfrow.

The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday at Munden Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 900 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, First Baptist Church of Davis, PO Box 146, Davis, NC 28524 or Crystal Coast Hospice House,PO Box 640, Newport, NC 28570.