Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr.
December 6, 1929 ~ March 31, 2020
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Benjamin Mayo Boddie, 90, passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday evening, March 31, 2020. Mayo was born December 6, 1929, at his beloved Rose Hill in Nash County, the son of the late Nicholas Bunn Boddie, Sr. and Lucy Valeria Mayo Boddie. In addition to his parents, Mayo was predeceased by his brother, Nicholas Bunn Boddie, Jr., his sister, Lucy Ann Boddie Brewer and her husband, Joseph Beaman Brewer, Jr.
Mayo graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School as a member of the Class of 1948, did a post graduate year at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mayo was a faithful Christian and lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount where he served as a Deacon and an Elder.
He will be remembered as the ultimate entrepreneur and co-founder of Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. which today operates nearly 350 Hardee's restaurants, BNE Land and Development and other ventures. After serving many years as President and CEO of Boddie-Noell, he served as Chairman of the Board for the last 25 years of his life. Mayo enjoyed taking a calculated risk and took pleasure in seeing his endeavors flourish and learning lessons from those that didn't. Nothing pleased him more than seeing others grow, prosper and succeed; hence the motto he chose for Boddie-Noell: "We Believe In People".
Mayo was a generous philanthropist who always put the needs of others before his own and he was a good friend to many. He frequently credited his mother for teaching him and his siblings the importance of being of service to others.
Mayo loved his ancestral home, Rose Hill, and he remained grateful to the Lord he was able to reclaim and fully restore it so many could enjoy its unique beauty and sense of peacefulness. He was most at home and happiest while at Rose Hill and often remarked there was no prettier place on earth.
Mayo was active in his community and the state of North Carolina throughout his life and served in a variety of capacities on numerous boards. He was most proud of his association with the Boy Scouts of America and was humbled when Camp Bonner, a Boy Scout camping facility located on the Pamlico River, was renamed Camp Boddie in honor of Mayo and his brother, Nick, for their loyal support and dedication to the scouting program. He also gained much satisfaction in founding the Northeastern Entrepreneurial Roundtable (NEER) whose mission was to foster, promote, and support the entrepreneurial spirit in Nash, Edgecombe and surrounding counties.
Mayo is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Jean Carolyn Cockrell Boddie, who he married on New Year's Eve 1950, and about whom he often declared, "She was the only girl I ever had or ever wanted". In addition, he is survived by his sons Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Jr., William Lewis Boddie and his wife Kim, Michael White Boddie and his wife Mary Ann. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ann McLean Boddie, Jean Blair Boddie Hansen and her husband Brandon, Elizabeth Mayo Boddie and her husband David Kabler, Betty Montgomery Boddie, William Lewis Boddie, Jr. and his wife Laura, Nathaniel Bunn Boddie and his wife Paula; Thomas Pendleton Boddie; Carolyn Elaine Boddie and Olivia Louise Boddie. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Connor, Will, Austin and Emily Braswell; Sylvie Hansen; Max Kabler; Dakota Compito; Tripp Boddie; Lillie, Willow and Rosie Boddie. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Betsy Bunting Boddie; his nieces Bryan Boddie Hancock, Anne Boddie Mosley, Lee Brewer Garrett, and Lucy Brewer Wheeless; his nephews Joseph Beaman Brewer, III and Mac McInnis.
Throughout his entire life, Mayo owned a dog and had an innate talent for training man's best friend. He especially loved yellow Labrador Retrievers and is survived by his faithful companion of 12 years, Maggie.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Georgianna Moody, Malinda Lynch, Mary Pittman, Marilyn Staton and UNC Nash Hospice and Palliative Care for their care and support of Mayo.
There will be a private family burial at Rose Hill. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Rose Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UNC Health Foundation where gifts will be directed to UNC Department of Otolaryngology to aid in head and neck cancer research, 123 West Franklin Street, Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; UNC Nash Hospice and Palliative Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive; Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Boy Scouts of America, East Carolina Council, PO Box 1698, Kinston, NC 28503; or First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
"His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" - Matthew 25:21
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Rose Hill.
Cemetery
Rose Hill Farm Cemetery
3815 Rose Hill Lane
Nashville, NC 27856
There will be a Private Family Burial at Rose Hill.
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In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Diane Gupton Becton lit a candle
I will miss you my special friend !!! Thank you for all the wonderful opportunity’s you gave me and your Fatherly wisdom .. Love Bill
It was because of you and your company that i have set very high goals to reach for my life. You are and will always be a part of my history in becoming the woman i am today. Thank you BNE family for years of teaching and training us to become leaders you will definitely be missed.
RIP, I enjoyed my 15 years working with Hardees and it was a pleasure having you as our leader. The 70s were the best
So sorry for y’all loss , Mayo was a great man and so very kind, I have enjoyed working for Boddie Noell enterprises for 29 years.
Mayo was one of the most honorable men I have ever known. The memories I have of Mayo and his family go back to my own childhood and will always hold him in a special place in my heart. To all of the dear members of Mayo’s family, Allan and I extend our most sincere, heartfelt sympathies. You have been blessed with an incredible legacy.
The Worsley Family sends its heartfelt thoughts and prays to a true southern gentleman
Mayo was an special man. I loved like a second father. While was working at Rose Hill he always treated like family and just an employee. This so heartbreaking to me. I had said a couple weeks ago, I need to go see Mayo and Jean. See shows how you shouldn’t put things off. I know he is in heaven looking over his beloved Rose Hill. He was right Rose Hill is the most beautiful place in this world. My condolences go to all his family. Loosing a great man like mayo will definitely make a great huge hole in everyone that knew him. RIP
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Mildred Joyner Bunn lit a candle
It is with deepest sympathy I write this to you all after hearing about Mayo this morning. He was such a wonderful friend and working associate. We had so many different opportunities to talk and remember his relationship with my father. Dad would always tell me the story of when Nick and Mayo opened the Good and Quick in Virginia Beach. Mayo decided to paint the building orange to turn it into a Hardees. He called Dad and told him he needed a sign. Dad said he didn’t have an order from Rocky Mount, and Mayo told him if he wanted to sell him anymore signs he had better get a sign down there or he was going with someone else. Needless to say, Dad made the sign and installed it and started an even stronger relationship with Mayo and Boddie-Noell and Hardees. Mayo lived a full life with a loving family and friends. I counted him as a mentor as well as a friend. We will all miss Mayo. Tom Allen, the Allen Family and the Employees of Allen Industries
It was truly an honor and a distinct pleasure to know Mayo Boddie Sr. He was a great man and a great leader. The impact he made on Rocky Mount, Nash County and the surrounding area was beyond measure. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Boddie family. To Mayo Jr., Bill and Mike…hold on tight to the special and tender memories of your Daddy and he will always be there with you no matter where you are. May God bless and comfort you in all the days ahead and beyond.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace of God be with you.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Boddie Family. He leaves this world a much better place. Years ago as the groundskeeper at Rose Hill it was Mayo that taught me to be self- reliant. He would say you’ll never have to ask someone to do these things for you, More so, He was patient while i developed confidence and skill. Mayo would say It’s ok to fail as long as you learn from it and keep trying A life long impact and always remembered. God’s speed
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Gail Ezzell Ford lit a candle
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mayo was a wonderful person and he made BNE Enterprise’s a pleasure to work for. I know he will be missed by so many people. We all loved him. May God’s love and peace be upon his family at this time.
A true Southern Gentleman, Always had a positive outlook on life and the future. taught us to believe in the people around you and yourself and if you believe in what you are doing and put forth the effort you will succeed. Mayo demanded your best, supported your efforts and rejoiced in your success. If you stayed around Mayo for any period of time, his positive outlook and work ethic would rub off on you. He was a great mentor and friend. He will truly be missed.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., John Drain lit a candle
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Betty Murchison Lancaster lit a candle
I am so Sorry for your Loss . Mayo Sr. Was a Good Man . I remember seeing him on his Harley ; coming to check out the restaurants ! It always made me smile. He would always speak to me wherever we saw each other . I worked for Boddie Noel for over 20 years . That’s how he knew me . He will be Missed by everyone that knew him .
We are truly saddened to hear of Mayo’s passing. He was a true leader of many. Proud to have been a part of the BNE family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Boddie family.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Paul Davis lit a candle
Mayo Boddie was the epitome of a gentleman as well as a kind and generous man. He gave my mother, Ruth Walker, a chance to develop her skills while working at The Carlton House. He was kind to her during those 20 years but continued to keep in touch for many years after. From time to time he visited and brought her roses from Rose Hill. I will always have good memories of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
My condolence to all of Mayo’s family. As a member of RMHS class of 48, I remember Mayo and Jean as two of the most popular and best liked members of our class. I knew Mayo at school and at First Pres. From his life, he apparently not only knew our Lord Jesus, but took pleasure in obeying Him. I pray that our loving heavenly Father will give everyone in Mayo’s family the comfort they seek in this time of need. William F. Rawls
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill, Mike, Mayo Jr. and the entire Boddie family. God Bless you all! Linc and Nancy Sorensen.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill, Mike, Mayo Jr. and the entire Boddie family. God Bless you all! Linc and Nancy Sorensen.
May you find peace and love in the memories that you cherish – Mace (American Red Cross)
A solid rock in many lives….RIP Mr. Boddie
The Union Presbyterian Seminary family sends its deepest condolences to Jean and Mayo’s family. Mayo was a wonderful friend to the seminary and a partner with us in the ministry of educating generations of church leaders. I remember with deep gratitude his warmth, humor, hospitality, joy, and love for others. His excitement about living as though life was a gift from God and an opportunity to share that gift with others was contagious. He will be greatly missed.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Molly Lawler lit a candle
My dad Steve Black thought alot about Mayo. He told me about the last lunch they went on not long before my dad passed away. He never forgot my name. I was really glad to talk to Mayo at Daddys funeral. He will be greatly missed. You all remember all the good times you had as a family.Thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love Lisa Black
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Boddie Family! May God bring you Comfort at this time! Sincerely, Phil & Lisa Godwin 🙏🏻♥️
RIP Mayo. Prayers for this final Journey
Dear Boddie Family I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers lifted for all concerned. Nancy Campfield
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Mia Denton lit a candle
Thoughts and Prayers going out to Bill, Mike and Mayo jr. and the rest of the BNE family.
My condolence to my Boddie-Noell Family. I am indeed grateful that i was giving the opportunity to meet such a funny, kind, and generous man. It is because of Mayo that i am able to be a part of such an awesome family. May you all find peace and comfort in the weeks to come. God Bless you all. Phyllis Garrett
Mayo Boddie’s name was introduced to me early in my arrival to Rocky Mount in 1980. I was dating Roger Waters and Jim Waters told me about Mayo. He has remained part of the fabric of Rocky Mount all these years and always will be. He was a genuine person and will be greatly missed. Thank you Mayo for loving Rocky Mount.
Mayo was an amazing man, leader and mentor! He will truly be missed by all who knew him. I can think of a thousand good things to say about him, but I think all of Nash County and many thousands of others could say the same. He was a one of a kind gentleman. I worked with Boddie-Noell and Rose Hill for many years. These years are treasured by me and I have many fond memories of the laughs and good times shared with Mayo and Jean. Jean, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time! Love, Cristi Turner Slape
It is with much sorrow and also celebration that we reflect on our friend Mayo. During the purchase of the New Kent Winery, Mayo offered his advice and encouragement as we began a new adventure for and with our family. We are grateful and feel blessed by the confidence Mayo had in us which inspired us to product great wine and a beautiful gathering place for good times. Mayo would be proud to know that the New Kent Winery hosts tens of thousands of delighted visitors each year. God welcomed home an amazing angel. Smiles, Joe, JoAnna, Jake, and Lindsay Dombroski
condolences to the family and friends.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Wanda Waters lit a candle
Condolences to the BNE family.❤💙❤💙
My deepest condolences 🙏 at this time. I am proud to say that I work at the Hardee’s in Carthage NC. And I couldn’t work for a better family. But I am very saddened at the loss in our family. And all my prayers 🙏 go out to the entire family and may God continue to bless all of you. Thank you
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Terry Lewis lit a candle
I worked for Boddie Noell for for a total of 46 years. When i first worked close to any of the family members I was so nervous but after getting to know the family it was like working with your family. Once in Grady, NC we were converting the Skat’s there to a Hardee’s, there was only one hotel and Mayo and I had to room together, The lady at front desk gave me an alarm clock for a wake call, I looked at Mayo and he said, you to good for an alarm clock, it was all good there after. He was just a down to earth soul. Like I told many after his brother Nick passed, I wish he could crew me out one more time because 5 mins later he would ask how’s your family doing. Loved him and will dearly miss this great man, Terry Lewis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
A life well lived, RIP Sir.
I loved this man so much he treated me like a father he was so close. I was so honored to know him and work for him and his family I pray for them in there time of need all of them are so kind. God Bless them all.
You will be truly be missed by your family and friends. Many fond memories of Mayo and the BNE family will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
You will be fondly remember as s true pioneer in this town and will certainly be missed. We have loved living at Goosecreek with you and Jean and will miss seeing you walking in the neighborhood!! Prayerfully George and Linda Millar
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family on the sad news of Mayo’s passing. His life was and is an inspiration to so many. No doubt that his legacy will live on!! Peace and comfort to all of you!! Jimmy Talton and the CAPTRUST family!!
I am sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and love to the Boddie Family as well as the Boddie Noell Family. I worked at Boddie Noell for several years and Mr. Mayo was always such a joy to be around. He will be surely missed.
The staff of Surf City 1644 extend our sincere sympathies to the family. Some had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Boddie Sr while others have heard wonderful stories. During this especially difficult time, we offer our prayers and support to all.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Vickie Moore lit a candle
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Stan Harwood lit a candle
My condolences to the family. Rest in peace sir.
Mayo was very nice to let Me and my grandchildren out to Rose Hill to let them learn how to drive and enjoy being around all those cows and Bulls in fact one January they watched a calf being born And they were so excited 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏Mayo stopped To tell us what was going on and that meant a lot to me Chandler and Connor but at that time Jackson Hayes Gainey could be with us but when he came to Papa Bill and Nanas house as well as papa Nelson and GG we would go to one of our favorite places and that was Rose 🌹 Hill and Thanks🙏 so much for able to enjoy 😉 those moments to ole Betsy and my Grandsons and now I’m taking my sweet Granddaughter Nola Ann Thompson out there and one day I want to take Wade my step Grandson and God Bless all of Mayo Boddies family and he was a wonderful person and he will never ever be forgotten 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Our deepest sympathies with thoughts and prayers for the entire Boddie family and all those at BNE. God Bless!
Sending love and condolences to all, from California ❤️
Sending love and condolences to all, from California ❤️
After high school, I joined the Navy and never returned to live there. Moved back to Greensboro then to Atlanta. First reunion for me was at his motel downtown, what a treat. Then Rose Hill several times. He and Jean were quiet a pair and successful. I remember a talk we had about his mission work thru the Church. Rocky Mount and North Carolina will miss him very much, so will the remaining class members..Charles
Nothing but fond memories of Mr. Boddie. Such a kind, gentle soul who will be missed by all that knew him. Thinking of you all at this time of loss.
To the Boddie family, I am deeply sorrowful to hear of Mayo Sr’s passing. I was his Architect for several projects and my knowing him goes back to my days at Hardee’s A and E department. Mayo was a great msn in many respects and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May God richly bless and comfort you at this time. Archie Collie AIA, NCARB
My condolences and prayers to the family.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Katina Bryant lit a candle
We are so sorry for the passing of Mayo. Mayo and Jean re-connected with my Mom, Amoret Bell Bunn, after the passing of my father, Thomas Sills Bunn. His love of Rosehill encourages me to keep in touch. Mayo’s grace and compassion for our family is exemplary – and I hope to keep that going. Our love and condolences to the Boddie Family.
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Jean and members of the Boddie Family over Mayo’s passing. Mayo was presented a plaque and citation for his generosity and attendance, along with Jean, at the Harrison-Boddie Family Reunions held at Rose Hill for 4 years consecutively beginning in July 2013. Our great grand and great great grandfather, Cooley Boddie, is cited in the published book about Rose Hill. We regret that we are just learning of his passing which comes as a shock to both of us. We hope that the good memories that he left with you will help to sustain you in the days ahead, beyond, and in perpetuity. On behalf of the Harrison-Boddie family, we extend our best wishes to Jean and the family for your safety and well being in this Age of Coronavirius and Covid 19. With Best Regards, Don K. Harrison,, 20 Brown Thrasher Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; Carl D. Harrison 3322 Hayes Street Lanham, MD 20706
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I always thought the world of Mayo. He was an incredible man and led by example. I am lifting your family up in prayer🙏🏻❤️ and wishing you all the very best in these difficult times.
So very, very sorry to hear, Mayo was a most Exellent, Excellent person and will be truly missed by all. God Bless Him and all of his family.
In memory of Benjamin Mayo Boddie, Sr., Tommy Smith lit a candle
Mayo was my friend. He was probably the most influential person in my business life. He always had time to talk. And, he always had positive advice grounded in his own flawless level of humility. I will miss you Mayo.
So sorry to learn about Mr. Boddie’s death. I appreciated the opportunity to work at the Hardee’s on Franklin St. In Chapel Hill during my junior and senior years at UNC (1971-73). I remember visits to that Hardee’s by Mr. Boddie, his brother Nick and their uncle Mr. Noell. I wish I had known about his death sooner, but I want to convey my sympathy yo the family!!