Eli Charles Saleeby

Eli Charles Saleeby April 16, 1925 - May 14, 2017 Eli Saleeby, 92, of Wilson passed away on Sunday May 14, at Duke Hospital. He grew up in Wilson and worked in a variety of family businesses.  He was a pilot and worked for many years in Cambridge, Maryland as the general manager of Old Fashioned Foods and later Eli owned and operated a fresh produce and plant nursery in Hebron, Maryland. Eli was known for being kind and considerate along with his never ending witty personality. He was persistent in offering support and assistance to those around him who sought the benefit of his wise insights in business and in personal matters. He is survived by his brother, Edward Saleeby, 95, of Durham and his niece and nephews, Gary, Doug and Anne Marie and their spouses, children and grandchildren, plus numerous cousins and family members from the Wilson based Saleeby families. Eli was a Navy Veteran of WWII and served in the European Theater. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Helen Saleeby. The family will receive friends from noon – 1:45 Thursday, May 18, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 414 Sunset Road, Wilson, with refreshments being served.  His service will be conducted at 2 p.m. following the visitation at the church.  Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson.  Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.