Clarence Bernard “Bernie” Capps, Jr.
June 1, 1945 ~ February 10, 2019
Signature Sympathy Cards
ROCKY MOUNT - Clarence Bernard “Bernie” Capps, Jr., 73, of Rocky Mount died peacefully Sunday, February 10, 2019 at UNC Medical Center. Born in Nash County, NC on June 1, 1945, he was the son of the late Clarence B. Capps, Sr. and Annie Powell Capps. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Capps Jackson.
Bernie leaves to cherish his memory his brother-in-law, Paul A. Jackson of Whiteville, NC; niece, Stephanie Jackson Bagwell and husband, Andy of Cary, NC and their children, Abigail & Stewart Bagwell; nephew, Jason P. Jackson and wife, Christy of Morrisville, NC and their children, Hailey & Alexis Jackson; and numerous relatives from the Capps and Powell family trees.
A longtime athletic trainer for Rocky Mount High School, Capps was an advocate for all things Gryphon. Affectionately known as “Bumble Bee," Bernie was a 1963 graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High who began honing his craft as a student manager for the late Coach Dudley Whitley at R.M. Wilson Junior High in 1958. He received a B.S. from Atlantic Christian in 1968 and began his teaching career in elementary physical education in Key West, Fl. However, Rocky Mount was always home and he returned in 1972 as an athletic trainer for Rocky Mount City Schools where he also taught drivers education and physical education.
Capps held his position as trainer at Rocky Mount High for 42 years, retiring at the age of 66, in 2011, and spent time afterwards helping in various capacities at Rocky Mount Academy. In his time care-taking for RMHS athletics, he played a role in 11 state championships. A charter member of the N.C. Athletic Trainers Association, who was inducted into the NCATA Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also honored by the association with a 25 year service award and lifetime membership. In 2006 he received the Dedicated Service Award at the SEAM Night of Champions. Other honors include induction into the George Whitfield Baseball Clinic Hall of Fame and the Unsung Hero Award from the N.C. Athletic Association for Region 3 in 1998.
Certainly a fixture at all games and practices, Capps was far more than an athletic trainer and instructor he was a consummate networker for those privileged to be one of his friends, students, or colleagues. Arranging doctors appointments, connecting people, and calling in scores sometimes the seemingly impossible just needed a little help from Bernie. For years, his unassuming home was a gathering place for coaches, former coaches, players, and lovers of Rocky Mount athletics. The playing field was leveled and true lovers of the game came together to discuss the finer points, watch highlights, solve world problems, and become lifelong friends. It was here at Bernies that coaches, players, teachers, and lovers of the game gathered for decades to become not just acquaintances, but family. With his Sun Drops and Blow Pops, Bernie was truly a friend to all.
A Celebration of Bernie's Life will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. The Family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given at www.trianglecf.org (select Gryphon Fund) or you can mail a check payable to The Triangle Community Foundation (memo: The Gryphon Fund) PO Box 12729, Durham, NC 27709.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 2/23, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 2/24, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Celebration of Bernie's Life will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Jody Wright officiating.
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Sunday 2/24, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery.
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As one of Bernie’s student trainers in the late 70’s, I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his mentoring. I’m so glad I got to see him a few years ago and thank him for what he did for me. RIP Bernie. You will be missed.
Way too many memories to list here. But then words ICE and ELEVATE immediately come to mind….
Bernie will be missed by many students, coaches, teachers, and parents in the community. We all have fond memories of Bernie at school, ballgames, and activities in the community. Deepest sympathy to his family during this difficult time.
I will never forget the sight of Bernie running out onto the football field to tend to an injured Rocky Mount Gryphon. The trainer’s bag was almost as big as he was. It’s not a cliche’ to say that Bernie Capps was a little man with a big heart and an enduring love for everything that was Rocky Mount Senior High School sports. He put everything he had into that job and earned respect from colleagues and players alike. He was one of those people, almost legendary in a way, who may never be forgotten around these parts. Butch Pindell
Bernie truly loved Rocky Mount Senior High. He definitely had an impact and will never be forgotten. May God Bless his family during this time of loss.
A legend in his own right for sure! Rest in Peace Mr. Capps! My thoughts and prayers are with his family now and in the days to come.
Rest In Peace Mr. Bernie. You will always be remembered for your love of Football, friendships and kindness. You had a very generous heart and kind soul. May you rest on high in the best of health ever.
Bernie was a close friend in high school, and we shared many memories during those days in the early 1960s. He always gave so much of himself to others. I will always cherish our times together at sporting events, at his family cottage on the Pamlico River, and just being together as teens in the joint discovery of much in life. My sympathies to his family and other friends.
Very saddened by the passing of my friend, Bernie Capps. He will be missed.
We were so saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing. He was such a good friend and neighbor of ours for so long. Thankful for the memories and all the years that we knew him. He will be missed forever.
I remember taking drivers ed under Mr Capps. Some of the other people in class would chant CAPPS, CAPPS ,CAPPS but he would take it all in stride. He showed us all how to change a tire and we had to all show him we could do it before we got to drive. He will truly be missed. RIP Coach Capps
There is only one Bernie Capps. The mold was broken on June 1, 1945. Bernie was a great and loyal friend, trainer, and public relations director. Bernie will be missed by the Rocky Mount community and by me. Bernie had one great big family…and he treated everyone as family. Words do not do justice…thank you Bernie…for everything. Blessings to all of his family during these difficult days.
I’m saddened by the passing of Bernie. I remember him fondly from my highschool days. He always had a smile on his face, a kind word and always asked about Nicholas and Chandler. Bernie never met a stranger and was always willing to help students out. He’s a legend at RMSHRMHS. Rest now my friend until we meet again. May God’s grace be with your family and friends during this difficult time.
You will be greatly missed. Take your rest and know that it is well deserved. You have been such and honorable asset to the Rocky Mount School System. May God Bless and keep your family in this time. Thank you for touching so many lives in a positive manner. Much Love The Jeffrey & LorettaS. Richardson & Family
Friend for life…One of a kind and always wanting to know about the children. Rest in peace friend will never forget you.
Bernie was a dear friend to many and always had a nice thing to say about everyone. He could be found on the sideline working the gate at so many football, basketball and baseball games, at the farmers market or a number of restaurants in the area. He was so knowledgeable about sports and athletes in and around the area. He was a mainstay in the community for 40 plus years. He always made the kids feel welcome around him with a blowpop and kind word. He had a heart that could fill a gymnasium. Coach Capps will be missed by many, but he fought the good fight until the end, when the lord called him home. Rest In Peace Coach Capps.
My Condolences To The Capps Family! He was a great guy and dear Friend! Phil Ford Jr
Bernie was always so nice to everyone he met. He made showing up for FB games as the visiting athletic trainer easy. I remember always getting a case of sundrop and blow pops for all my student aides. He was a true fixture in the athletic training world and will be missed.
I will forever remember the many times you supplied me with and watched me eat Green Apple Blow Pop lollipops. I’ll always remember to keep my hands at 10 and 2 and recover safely.RIP Sir.
I have known Bernie for a very long time and it was always a joy to see him..He will truly be missed by me and many others that knew him…May God bless his family always..
Bernie Capps was a good man, an exemplary PR frontrunner for Rocky Mount High School Athletics, and the head cheerleader for all the individuals and teams at that school. At the end of every game , he would wait outside the locker rooms as the players returned and say thank you ladies and gentlemen for another great memory. He would celebrate each win and grieve each loss, just like each athlete and coach. Bernie was the ultimate teammate for 40+ years…longer than any other player in history. I watched him during our high school years in the 60’s and he was the athletic trainer for my sons in the 80’s and 2000’s. He has fought the good fight, and has won.
My deepest condolences to the Capps family. Bernie, you were a fixture in the community on and off the field and a dear friend to so many people for decades. Thank you for all of the sacrifices that you made for so many of us athletes during our time at RMSH. You are a true Gryphon legend and will be missed.
Our sincere condolences.
You will forever be remembered in my heart. Praying for the family.
Bernie was a wonderful person. I taught with him in the early eighties. His friendship was one of the highlights of my teaching career. He was an asset to his community. He will be missed.
RIP dear friend. You have earned your heavenly wings. Thank you Bernie for being a positive influence to the community. I will miss our friendly chats before ball games.
I have numerous fond memories of Bernie, and I’m so sorry for his loss! I can still see him rolling Coach Ira Norfolk into the Atlantic Christian College Gymnasium to get ready for a basketball game. (Coach Norfolk was in a wheelchair at the time)! Bernie was truly one of the good ones!!
Bernie, Thank You for all the Many Years that You gave Us at RMSH. Thank You too for the many Blow Pops that You gave to Me while trying to Park and Drive that Long, Old Plymouth Car ( Much Bigger than Me). That was in 1978. All I could Think back then was Thank God it had this huge sign on top of the car roof stating Student Driver and too, the Brake controls on your side. You were to Me a very Caring, Carefree, Person who was Happy to be doing what You were doing with RMSH Athletics and Driver’s Education. I will miss Your Laughs, Your Concerns, and of course, the Charm’s Blow Pops, Grape Flavored. But My Loss is Heaven’s Gain. So, as You are being fitted for Your wings, Once Again, I wanted to say ( as I did in the Doctor’s office last Year with You) Thank You for just being that Great Person that We all admired. Sincerely, John Sutton, RMSH, 1981.
Thank you Bernie for loving RMSHRMHS and my daddy!!
Bernie Capps was THE best trainer any athletic program at any level could ever wish to have. He was such a positive influence on so many lives, including mine, over his 40 plus years in Rocky Mount sports. Bernie was a great guy, respected by everyone, and will be greatly missed in the community. Thank you for everything Bernie!
RIP Bernie. My first memory of Bernie was in elementary school. I believe it was at DS Johnson. He taught us how to jump on a trampoline. If he wasn’t a sight on that trampoline with us little kids! Then he taught me how to drive and I almost gave him a heart attack when I made too wide of a turn and almost hit a car in the oncoming left turn lane. He slammed on the brake and made me pull over and get out and switch drivers! I didn’t like him too much that day! He was a great ambassador for the Gryphons. I hadn’t seen him since my brother Rick’s funeral in 2013. I know they are engaged in some lively discussions now. My condolences to his family and many friends, coaches and colleagues. Rest easy man.
A great man who cared about all his RMHS was his prixe and joy. Our childrern attended NNHS but Bernie always adked about them and since help with American Legion he got to doctor them Looked forward to seeing him at Fsrmers Market on Ssturday rest in peace my friend The Wells family
I will always remember this kind soul from my youth. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Bernie.
Man that knew everyone in Rocky Mount. That is the only way to describe man that I met as bagger in his daddy’s grocery store back in 1965. His smile was as sweet as candy he gave away to all those that met. I miss him this year at Farmers Market. My deepest sympathy to all his family and close friends .
Bernie, You will be greatly missed by students , friends and , most of all by family. As your cousin I have many fond memories with you and about you. You were loved! Travis and Debbbie Barham
My Condolences to the Family, Mr. Capps was a good guy and on behalf of everyone who attended Rocky Mount Senior High School our deepest sympathy to the family. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Capps family and the RMSHRMHS community. He always stayed in contact, never met a stranger and was always thinking about how to brighten someone else’s day. Always called when he was in the area. Learned a lot from him during my RMSH days. RIP Bee
Rest In Peace Mr. Capps co 89
I have 100s of fond memories of Bernie, but among my favorite was being one of Bernie’s Angel. I definitely had ulterior motives… for the low low price of washing and folding uniforms, keeping some stats, picking up bats, and filling up cups with sundrop, I had direct connections to all the cute athletes in the school! Of course, pizza and Blow Pops were often rewards for our extra hours of work. Bernie’s influence definitely impacted my love for sports-and I am grateful for the many opportunities he gave to me! He was SUCH a dedicated trainer, teacher, coach, and friend through the years. RMSH was a better place thanks to our beloved Bumblebee! My prayers for the loved ones who are mourning his loss.
My prayers are with you all. I will always remember his smile, his blow pops, and his donuts. I always admired how much he cared how the flag was hanging.
Mr Capps you are truly a Legend! From Englewood Elementary to RMSH I will never forget your kind spirit. RIP. Keyshera-RMSH co 09
Russell and I are saddened the loss of our colleague and friend! Rest In Peace Our Friend!
I will miss your wonderful personality & all the blow pops you would bring me to work & how you would call before to see which flavor was my favorite so I would have a better day! I will surely miss you! Prayers for family, friends & everyone that knew him!
Though I was unable to attend the visitation or service, I want to say how glad I am to have known Bernie all of my life. As a family member, I usually saw Bernie each time he came with his parents to Warren County to visit his grandparents who lived next door to my family. My family also visited in Rocky Mount, stopping by his father’s store as well as visiting in the home. During our adult lives, I have always been aware of the role Bernie played in the lives of thousands of students, coaches, and colleagues and,in fact, an entire Rocky Mount community. Bernie, you will Rest In Peace for the life you shared with so many. You were a blessing.
My condolences. There is no way for me to imagine my journey from RMSH to NCCU and to the NFL without Bernie. Gone but not forgotten.
Thanks, Bernie Capps, for being a beacon of light for the Gryphon family for many years. May you rest in peace.
My condolences to your family. May the promise found at John 1125 give you some comfort for your loss.
So sorry for your loss
Rest in Peace BC , Thanks for everything when I was @ RMSH
I’m a great driver thanks to you Coach Capps. I hope heaven greeted you with a cup of ice. 😇 Rest easy Coach Capps.
Bernie, I know that if you had still been here Wednesday night when Zion fell, you would have said Put some ice on it. That actually ran through my mind at the time. I will never forget you.
big circles, little circles… now 20 jumping jacks… best PE teacher.
My condolences to the family of Bernie Capps. He was definitely a staple in my home as a kid growing up in a coach’s family (the late Richard Hicks) and because of his friendship with my Dad. He was devoted and loyal to my Dad even in times when folks were still learning to get along…as if we aren’t still. All I know is I willl always see him as family. You were loved and will be missed Mr. Capps. You were needed and known Sir!
In memory of Clarence Bernard Bernie Capps, Jr., Kiera D Lawrence lit a candle
I have known Bernie since I was a little kid. He was always one of my dad’s favorites, Don Fly. Bernie will be missed. I can hear him yelling now. “Water” during football games.