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Don Bodamer

Don Bodamer, 93, of Lewisville died on April 8, 2022, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law. Before moving to be with them seven years ago, he and his wife, Carolyn Kennedy Bodamer, lived in Madison, Tennessee, for 49 years. Bodamer, the first child of Otto William and Mary Irene Stahl Bodamer, was born on March 24, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers, Otto Kent and Keith Allen. Lt. Bodamer met Carolyn at a friend’s party in Wisconsin, where Bodamer was stationed as a radar engineer for the U.S. Air Force. They married on August 22, 1953. For 42 years, Bodamer worked as an engineer for Dupont. He began in Martinsville, Virginia, for a few years, then worked at the Old Hickory, Tennessee, plant. In his last years at Dupont and following his retirement, Bodamer was a leader with Fun with Science, a school program designed to encourage the exploration of life through science. Bodamer was very active in his church including his leadership of “The Ramblers” senior adult group which had monthly meals and outings. Left to celebrate his life and live up to the best of his example are his wife of 68 years, Carolyn; daughter, Susan (Rick Jordan); son, Mark (Jay McDonald); grandsons, Todd (Stacey Brandsma); Ben (Samantha) and their son, Theodore. A graveside service will be held next week in Monroe, Mchigan. A memorial service will be held in May at Brush Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where the Bodamers were long-time members and leaders. Memorial gifts may be given to this church at 3705 Brush Hill Road, Nashville, TN 37216.

Roy Pearson ‘Pete’ Burris Jr.

Mr. Roy Pearson “Pete” Burris Jr., 88, of Clemmons passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at his home. Burris was born Aug. 22, 1933, in Charlotte to the late Roy Pearson Burris and Jesse Virginia Fisher Burris. Burris graduated from central High School in Charlotte and was a mechanical engineering graduate of N.C. State University and was an avid Wolfpack fan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. He retired in 1990 from Duke Energy after a 28-year career in management positions in Gastonia; Greer, S.C.; Lancaster, S.C.; Winston-Salem and Charlotte. Burris enjoyed traveling with his wife, playing golf, riding his bicycle, fishing and hiking. He was a charter member of the Over The Hill Gang at Tanglewood Golf Club and was a member of the Carl Gregory Sunday School Class of Clemmons First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Davis Burris; sons, Scot David Burris (Shelly) of New Castle, Indiana, and Cameron Davis Burris (Rachel) of Southern Pines; daughter, Tonya Lyn Burris Wollum (Steve) of Cary and 12 grandchildren. A graveside service was  conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at Westlawn Gardens of Memory Mausoleum Chapel. The family received friends from 12:30-1:30 p.m. prior to the service at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trellis Supportive Care — Davie or Clemmons First Baptist Church.

Elsie Cole

Elsie Cole, 83, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and savior on April 8, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.

Cole was born in Manheim, Pennsylvania, to Stella and Herman Surratt. The family later moved to Sylvatus, Virginia, where all their children were raised.

After high school, Cole married Donald Parnell and together they had two children. They moved their family to North Carolina around 1960.

Cole excelled in public relations and sales. Having relocated to North Carolina, she had an extensive career in banking and later, insurance sales. Upon retirement, she returned to Carroll County, Virginia, built her dream home, helped care for her mother and traveled extensively. She enjoyed golf, scuba diving and any opportunity to sing — especially of God’s love and mercy.

In 1991, Elsie married Ed Cole and they enjoyed a 24-year adventure until his death in 2015. They traveled in their motor home and enjoyed the many beautiful sites that this country offers. It was during this time that they bought The Davis Bourne Inn in Independence, Virginia. Elsie and Ed worked tirelessly to perfect a bed and breakfast with a fine dining restaurant in this 1865 Victorian jewel. It was a labor of love and a dream come true for Cole.

After Ed’s death, Elsie sold her mountain home and moved permanently back to Advance.

Those who knew Elsie Cole never forgot her brilliant smile, her sense of humor, her determination and her ability to accomplish most anything she decided to try. She sang beautifully, taught herself to play piano, guitar and a yard sale clarinet that she bought and was making music by sundown. She never met a stranger and was at home whether canning in the kitchen or making presentation to a room full of executives.

Cole was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward V. Cole; sister, Sadie Surratt Taylor (Raymond), nephew, Dennis Taylor; and sister-in-law Judy Nolan Surratt.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Parnell Blevins (Aaron) of Advance and Tessy Parnell Welch (Del) of Mocksville. A very special bonus daughter, Shirley Quesenberry (Larry), grandchildren Jessica Welch Greene and Jade Austin Welch; and a very special great-granddaughter, Camden Olivia Greene.

Also surviving are brothers Fred K. Surratt (Betty), Maynard A. Surratt (Becky), Roger D. Surratt, C. Steve Surratt (Gerri) and a wonderful host of nieces and one special nephew. Cole was blessed with many lifelong friends and a church family whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank the excellent caregivers who made life so sweet for Cole during her illness: Laverne, Darlyn , Shequite and Sharon, you are angels here on earth.

A celebration of Cole’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Hayworth Miller, Kinderton Chapel in Bermuda Run. Family visitation will begin at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillsville Christian Church, Hillsville, VA 24343 or to a charity of your choice.

Robert ‘Bob’ E. Huffman Sr.

Robert “Bob” E. Huffman Sr. passed away on April 8, 2022, one year after his beloved wife Lee. Huffman was born on Jan. 15, 1934, to Laura and Robert A. Huffman in Lewisville. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Gordon and his sister-in-law Lillie Huffman (Conrad).

Huffman graduated from Piedmont Bible College and then moved to Illinois to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wheaton College. He later attended the University of Iowa to pursue a PhD in theology and received his master’s of divinity from Duke University. Early in his career, he taught at Parson’s College in Iowa and was dean of students for the college.

Upon moving back to North Carolina in 1974, Huffman answered the call to ministry and served as a minister in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church until his retirement. Huffman was the consummate life-long learner. He was an avid reader of philosophy, religion, science and theology and would often gift books he found to be particularly thought provoking to friends. Huffman had a variety of hobbies over his many years, including archery, fishing, golf and photography. After the death of his beloved Lee, he even tried his hand at the violin and harmonica at the young age of 87. Huffman was a devoted father and grandfather who had the patience of Job in all things.

Huffman is survived by his children, Bob Jr., David (Julie), Sandra Landschoot (Mark) and Carolyn Huffman-Ponder (Phil Ponder); grandchildren, Bob Huffman III, Nancy Elizabeth La Flair, Alex Huffman (Kirsten), Jamie Huffman, Brad Landschoot (Tori), Lori Landschoot, Cam and Carly Ponder; and his siblings, Conrad, Ann Corirossi (Bob), Wayne (Norma), and Jimmy (Myra).

The family would like to thank the residents, staff and caregivers at Brookridge Retirement Community and Healthcare unit, the chaplains and nurses at Amedysis Hospice for their support and his wonderful Asbury Sunday School Class at Maple Springs United Methodist Church.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Maple Springs United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Dan Lyons and Rev. Sylvia Wilhelm officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be live streamed via its YouTube Channel, Maple Springs UMC Media.

Memorial gifts may be made to the following: Huruma Ministry, Maple Springs United Methodist Church, 2569 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, or The Africa University Project: Advance GCFA Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, PO Box 9068 New York, NY 10087-9068 or online https://advance.umcmission.org/p-1-africa-university-scholarships.aspx.