Willis Ray Peaden

Willis Ray Peaden, 86, of Havelock, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Graham Memorial Church in Mill Creek, officiated by Rev. Bill Hooper. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.  A private interment, with military honors, will take place at Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville.

Willis was born on June 3, 1935, in Pitt County, North Carolina, to the late Frank and Katie Peaden. Following high school, he joined the United States Army and was proud to serve his country honorably. On June 16, 1957, he married the love of his life, Mrs. Polly Whitehurst Peaden. In 1970, they moved their family to Havelock, North Carolina where Willis became famous for his secret Barbeque Sauce. Cooking pigs was one of his most favorite pastimes, his skill was recognized in 1983 and 1985 when he won the State Pig Cooking Contest. Needless to say, he was just a bit proud of that accomplishment.

Working for Carolina Telephone for 33 years, Willis was a hardworking and dedicated team member. In his free time, he put his athletic ability to the test with the church soft ball team. With a competitive nature, he was always happy to win. As a faithful Patriot fan, he rarely missed a game and always boasted of their numerous Championships. In his younger years, he enjoyed going to White Lake. The beauty and relaxation were always a welcome change of pace.

Willis built his life on the foundation of the Lord. He enjoyed singing in the choir at his church, Trinity Presbyterian, where he was a member. He valued spending time with his family and friends and truly loved being a husband, father, and most of all grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter, Velma Bishop and husband Dale of Norton, MA; son, Kevin Peaden and wife Haley of Havelock; grandchildren, Josh Bishop, Brittany Coulter, Casey Bishop and Quin Peaden; great grandchildren, Ryder Bishop, Cali Coulter, Logan Coulter, Harper Shaw, Lucas Shaw; and numerous nieces, nephews, special friends; and of course, the Patriots.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Polly Whitehurst Peaden and son, Willis Ray Peaden Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, Inc, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Cremations in Havelock, NC.