Capron - Alfred Ray Junior Gurganus, 79, better known as Pa, a lifelong farmer, went to be with the Lord on March 20, 2008. Born August 10, 1928 in Halifax County, NC, and a lifelong resident of Capron, he was a son of the late Alfred Leander and Avey Morgan Gurganus. He loved farming, fishing, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his two "Darling Babies". He was a member and trustee of Capron Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Marian Grizzard Gurganus; two daughters, Mary L. Gurganus of Richmond, and Anita G. Cook and husband, Roy, of Capron; a son, Ricky Ray Gurganus and wife, Dora, of Capron; three grandchildren, Anrae G. Applewhite and husband, Brandon, Adam C. Gurganus, and Alexa G. Cook; two great-grandchildren, Jayden Ray Applewhite and Grant M. Applewhite; his wife's children, Sharon Taylor and husband, Tom, of Delaware, Keith Smith and wife, Kathy, Theresa Burgess and husband, Billy, all of Como, NC, Michael Smith of Forest City, NC, Teresa West and husband, Harvey, of Rolesville and eleven grandchildren, George, Amy, and Zachary Taylor, Lee and Melissa Smith, Patrick Edwards, Michelle, Alicia, and Mary Beth Smith, and Kate and Benjamin West. Mr. Gurganus was predeceased by his first wife of 41 years, Esther Jarratt Gurganus, a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Cogsdale Gurganus, seven brothers, Ward, Hubert, Eugene, Alex, Elsberg, Daniel, and Howard, and three sisters, Adelle, Gertie, and Susie.
A celebration of his life will be held at Capron Baptist Church on Sunday at 3 pm with Pastor Chad Brady officiating. Interment will follow at Capron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capron Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 273, Capron, VA 23829.
Pallbearers are Keith Smith, Michael Smith, Jerry Vick, Bill Jarratt, Clarke Fox,Mike Marks and Donald Worrell. Honorary pallbearers are Everett Crocker and Carroll Cannon. Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, has charge of arrangements. wwwwrightfuneralhome.org