Rev. Robert Jefferson Durham of Rocky Mount went to be with his heavenly Father, on September 8, 2012. He was born in Wayne County to the late Jeff and Pearl Harris Durham on March 23, 1927. He lived with his parents and helped them run their farm until 1945, when he was drafted into the Army. After being stationed in France and completing his service he returned home and worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Greene County. He later became Associate Sales Manager with the Western and Southern Life Insurance Company where he worked for eleven years, which moved him to Rocky Mount in 1954; during which time he answered the call to preach.
He attended the Evangelical Baptist College and graduated from the William Carter Bible College.
In 1960, he founded and organized Grace Free Baptist Church with eleven charter members. Prior to his retirement he saw the church attendance grow to over 500, and in 1976 the church founded Grace Christian School. He had a passion for soul winning and preaching God's word and was honored to see ten of the church members be ordained and begin full-time work for God.
Reverend Durham was speaker on the Grace Baptist Hour on WECE radio for 20 years. He served two terms as local moderator and six years as state moderator of the Palmer Association of Free Baptist Churches.
After retirement, he held numerous revivals, was interim pastor for several area Baptist churches and continued being a faithful working member of Grace Free Baptist Church.
One of his greatest joys was family gatherings, where he always expressed his love and thankfulness for each member of his family. He had the privilege of officiating at four of his grandchildren's weddings and was a very special "Great Granddad" to seven precious great grandchildren. He was cherished by his family, who finds comfort in knowing that he knew they dearly loved him and that he is now among the angels and our Heavenly Father.
He is survived by his devoted loving wife of 63 years, Gladys Speight Durham of the home; daughters Linda Pulliam and husband Charles of Apex, Sandra Sorie and husband Ricky of Enfield, and Cheryl Pulliam and husband Johnny of Graham; six grandchildren, Charlie Pulliam and wife Amy, Jamie Williams and husband Derik, Erica Durham and husband Josh, Ashley Cannon and husband Dashel, Blake Sorie and wife Kelly, and Tyler Sorie and wife Andrea; seven great grandchildren; and a sister, Emma Gray Moye of Stantonsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helen Heath and Reba Forman; and a great grandson, Ayden Pryce Williams.
On Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 2:00pm a funeral to celebrate his life will be held at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home with the Reverend Johnny Hudson, Reverend Phillip Privette and Reverend Ricky Sorie officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Prior to the service the family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, Rocky Mount NC. You may share your memories and condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Tuesday 9/11, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Tuesday 9/11, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during these hard days ahead.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Jefferson Durham
Mrs. Durham, my husband was reading the paper this morning and told me that Preacher Durham had died. It is so hard to loose our loved ones, He was such a good man and we know he is in Heaven today. My mother, Annie Rooks, is not here to attend his funeral, but we plan to go in her place. The Durham family meant the world to her. I haven’t seen you in years, but I always enjoyed seeing you. I am her oldest daughter Joyce Michaletz. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this time of grief.
Brother Durham was an inspiration to me as well as a good friend. He was kind enough to have me for revival several times and I always enjoyed the fellowship. He was a warrior of the faith and he will be missed on the front lines of battle. He was a true gentleman and had a great love for the Word of God. Dr. Jack Lassiter
Linda, I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Blessings, Gail Spry
Heaven’s light shines brighter today because one of God’s faithful servants, Robert Durham, has arrived at the gate. We who remain feel the loss. But only till we meet again in Gloiry
Linda, My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Diane Stewart Yount
MRS. DURHAM, LINDA, CHERYL, AND SANDRA…WE ARE WITH YOU IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR PRAYERS… WE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CARRY EACH OF YOU IN HIS ARMS DURING THIS TIME. WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS, ED AND KRISTIN NANCIANN MARTIN.
Robert invited me to preach in his church numerous times and I always enjoyed fellowship with him. We send regards to his dear family and look forward with them to seeing him again as we walk on the streets of gold. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Ps. 11615 Bobby and Jane Jackson
Mrs. Gladys and famly, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know Bro. Durham’s influence will live through eternity. We send our sincere love and sympathy to the entire family. Ron and Barbara Dail Simpson, N.C.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Jefferson Durham