Norwood Lee Pirkey

Norwood Lee Pirkey, Sr., Son of John Fredrick and Elizabeth Alcocke Pirkey, died October 26, 2010. A native of Nash County, combat veteran of WWII of the 101st Airborne, and lifelong business man, Norwood was pre-deceased by his wife, Lynda Viverette Pirkey, and his son, John Fredrick II. Of him "this is what's left": former wife, Frances Pirkey Wilson; four children: Elizabeth Pirkey of Dallas TX, Norwood Lee, Jr. of Memphis, TN, Michael and Susan Pirkey of Wilmington, NC, and Douglas and Joie Pirkey of Little Chute, WI; seven grandchildren: Liza, Jacob, Paige, Zebulun, Sophie, Elias, and Thomas; and two great grandchildren: Caedin and Patrick. And lastly his dog; Taylor, his beloved "Sheltie." As an alumnus of Georgia's Riverside Military Academy, Virginia's Smithdeal-Massey Business College, the University of North Carolina, and Duke University, Norwood was a consummate businessman. Spanning five decades beginning with dry goods wholesale; the Nor-Lee Company, and culminating as an apparel manufacturers' representative, he was held in the highest regard by competitor and customer alike. A member of The Men's Apparel Club of the Carolinas for twenty-five years, he served as board member, president, and chairman. His tenure is testament to the respect and confidence he engendered among his peers. Finding retirement unacceptable, he-in his own words-"re-fired" and worked for several years in the men's department of J.C. Penny. A follower of Jesus, Norwood served as a volunteer with Hospice, Nash General Day Hospital, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. To many he ministered the compassion and lordship of Christ. Norwood Pirkey will be especially remembered for his gentlemanly demeanor, endearing and charming personality. Family and friends including his dog, Taylor will miss him sorely. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7-8:30p.m. Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Norwood will be at 2:00p.m. Friday afternoon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted at Friends of Hospice of Nash General, 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 328 Hammond St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. "Vaya con dios!" Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 10/28, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 331 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-972-0452 --> | Friday 10/29, 2:00 pm