Birth Date: 04/17/1938
Deceased Date: 05/02/2023
Richard Godwin Proctor, 85, went home to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of May 2, 2023, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. Richard was born April 17, 1938, in rural Johnston County, North Carolina, to the late Joseph Solomon Proctor and Rosa Clarkey Godwin.
He lived in Rock Ridge with his parents and three brothers, and graduated from Rock Ridge High School in 1956. Richard moved to Washington, D.C., to work and there met and married the love of his life, Sylvia, in 1961. They moved to Selma in 1968 with their daughter Sharon and son Rick and became friends with so many wonderful neighbors during their time living on Dixie Drive. They worked together with family and friends to build their “dream home” in the woods near Clayton, where they moved in 1998.
Richard was an industrial engineer and held many positions with Sylvania, Fawn Plastics, and Channel Master throughout his career. He was also very active as a longtime member of Selma Baptist Church, where he participated in various activities such as Bible school leadership and the Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief team. He enjoyed spending time and making memories with his friends and family, especially if fishing was involved! He was happy to build wheelchair ramps or apply sheetrock or help anyone by using his skills as an engineer and handyman. Richard loved his family deeply and they are comforted to know that he is healthy and whole with his Savior and many loved ones who have gone on before.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother Joseph Solomon Proctor, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Sylvia, of Clayton; daughter Sharon Stalls of Smithfield, son Richard (Rick) Solomon Proctor and his wife Melanie of Smithfield; granddaughter Megan Jernigan and her husband Chase of Clayton, and grandson Richard Jameson (Jamey) Proctor of Smithfield. Also surviving him are his brothers Dwight Proctor and his wife Becky of Wilson, and Donnie Proctor of Wilson, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will welcome family and friends at Parrish Funeral Home on Friday evening, May 5, at 7:00pm. His going-home service will be held at Selma Baptist Church on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon for the family. A private graveside interment for the family will be held later in the afternoon.
Richard’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with their love and support and prayers during this difficult time. They would also like to sincerely thank the doctors and nursing staff at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield for taking such excellent care of Richard and ensuring the family was cared for as well.
In lieu of flowers, Richard would be honored to have donations made in his memory to:
NC Baptist Men’s Association/Baptists on Mission
PO Box 1107
Cary, NC 27512
-or-
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
www.stjude.org/donate
