Jobe Coy Metts, Jr.

Jobe Coy Metts, Jr., age 81, of Kelly passed from this earth to his eternal home on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

Jobe was born August 11, 1926 in Jones County, the second child of Jobe Coy and Alice Haskins Metts. During Jobe's youth he became known to his friends and family as Snipe and is still called that by many today. Jobe graduated from Richlands High School in 1944 and later that year joined the US Navy as Seaman First Class. He saw combat in the Philippines, the Carolinas Islands and was one of the first troops to land on Okinawa. He served aboard the USS Tyrrell and later on the Tarawa Aircraft Carrier. On August 8th , while aboard the Tarawa Jobe witnessed the signing of the Japanese Surrender on the USS Missouri. Upon returning home in 1946, Jobe entered Atlantic Christian College in Wilson. After majoring in Math and Science, he accepted a position in 1952 as teacher at Atkinson High School. While teaching, he also coached the men's and women's varsity basketball teams and took the women's team to the Pender County Championship. In December of 1952 Jobe and Frances Kelly married and settled in Kelly. In 1956 Jobe attended Duke University on a Math Fellowship. After teaching for 14 years, Jobe began a career in Forestry that spanned 29 years. In 1994 he retired as Vice President of Squires Timber Company.

Jobe was a man of great faith who served his Lord, family, country and community unceasingly. He excelled as a teacher, treasured his students and instilled in them the importance of higher education. Jobe was an avid reader, enjoyed learning new things and loved working in his garden in God's good earth.

He was a faithful member of Centerville Baptist Church where he served the church in many capacities including being church treasurer for 40 years.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Frances Kelly Metts of the home; daughters, Sharon Metts Hall and husband, Robert of Wilmington and Kim Metts Beal of Charlotte; son, Dr. Jobe C. Metts III and wife, Dr. Peggy Metts of Wilson; grandchildren, Kevin and Kelly Hall, Carrington, McGuire, Cabell and Mattie Metts; and sister, Nancy Metts of Onslow County.

Jobe was preceded in death by an infant son; and bothers, James Ray, Rodney and Harold Metts.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Centerville Baptist Church Sanctuary, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Centerville Baptist Church with The Rev. Paul Berry, The Rev. Norman Wheeler and The Rev. Jack Miller officiating.

The family would to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all acts of kindness shown to our family during this time and a special thanks to Gail Ferrett for her support. We are grateful for the love of family and friends. May God bless each of you in a very special way.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Bill Weatherly, Kenneth Thornton, George Rawls, Hal Metts, Jerry Potter and Greg Sullivan.

Honorary bearers will be Adult Men's Sunday School Class of Centerville Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Centerville Baptist Church, PO Box 27, Kelly NC 28448 or to the charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.