Franklin, VA – Ned Earl Bess, Sr., 81, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Southampton County, a son of the late Sallie and Benjamin Bess. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was retired from Union Camp Corporation. Earl attended Hunterdale Baptist Church and loved gardening and his cat, "Boy".
A loving husband and father, he leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Ann C. Bess; two daughters, Sheila B. Wesson and husband, Scottie of Franklin, and Pattie B. Withers and husband, Robbie of Courtland; a son, Ned E. Bess, Jr. and fiancée, Jennifer of Newsoms; brother, Vernon C. Bess of Ahoskie, NC.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by four brothers Willie C. Bess, Jesse Bess, Lonnie Bess, Russell Bess and his sister, Lessie Sawyer.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 PM Tuesday at Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Howard L. Vinson, Jr., officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Southampton Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 pm at the funeral home and suggests memorials be made to Hunterdale Baptist Church, 23099 Sedley Rd., Franklin, VA. 23851.