Haywood Murphy Page, 80, passed away at his home on the morning of November 23, 2008 after a long period of declining health and esophageal cancer.

He was born May 30, 1928 in Pender County and resided there on the family farm for all of his life other than from 1944-1948 while he attended college and received his degree from N.C State University, from 1948-1951 when he worked for the Federal Government, and from 1951-1953 while he served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict.

By trade he was a farmer and rural letter carrier and was active over the years receiving many accolades including Distinguished Service Award in Pender County and Outstanding Young Farmer in Pender County. In addition he served on the Long Creek Grady School Advisory Board, was active in the Burgaw Jaycees, and in many other local service related activities for the betterment of Pender County over the years. Most importantly, he was a beloved husband and great father and grandfather, living his life as a witness for Christ in his everyday word and deed.

Haywood was a member of Herrings Chapel United Methodist Church where he was active in the choir until his sickness and for many years served as Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer. He served his church in many other capacities as a lifelong member at Herring's Chapel United Methodist Church and a devoted servant of God.

Haywood was preceded in his death by his parents, Albert Haywood and Eva Cerita Pridgen Page; sisters Thelma P. Ourt and Louise P. Anderson and grandson, Luke Hanson Page.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Annette McLawhorn Page of the home, his children, Blany Page of Wilmington, Ramona Page Jenner and husband, Tom, of Raleigh and Albert Page and wife, Elizabeth, of Cary; sister Elizabeth P. Holly of Burgaw; grandchildren, Jonathan Page, Greg Jenner, Thomas Page, Andrew Page, and Anna Grace Page and nine nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with Pastor Rick Russell presiding and Mr. David DeVane assisting.

Burial will follow in the Page Family Cemetery on Page Road.

The family will receive friends at Quinn McGowen funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008.

Pallbearers will be Donald Caison, Jimmy Casteen, Terry Herring, Jennings Humphrey, Fredrick Ourt, and Robert Ourt.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Buddy Gerganous, J.C. Pridgen, Sam Rivenbark, Marvin Moss, Rodney Garner, Charles Highsmith, Doug Lukens, Jimmy Rogers, Lowell Mercer, and David DeVane.

Haywood's family appreciates the professional and compassionate care from all of his doctors and their staffs that gave Haywood special attention over the past four years. Special thank you to Dr. Marsha Fretwell, Dr. Charles Schleupner, Dr. Tom Clancy, Dr. John Parker, and Dr. John Anagnost.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Herrings Chapel United Methodist Church, C/O Mr. Buddy Gerganous, 4245 NC Highway 133, Rocky Point, NC 28457.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.