Van Buren Etheridge

Van Buren Etheridge July 10, 1927 – February 19, 2020 Van “Chief” Buren Etheridge, 92 of Wilson passed away Wednesday. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Maplewood Cemetery, 400 College Street, Wilson. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson and other times at the home of his son, Van D. Etheridge. “Chief” was a World War II veteran and a retired Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Wilson from 1955 – 1985. He was a man of honor dedicated to selflessly serving his country, his community, his family and friends. A devoted husband for over seventy years, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was an inspiring role model who was respected by all who knew him. “Chief” is survived by his daughter, Carol Tomlinson and husband, Wade of Wilson; son, Van D. Etheridge and wife, Ernestine of Elm City; grandchildren, Nicole Thomas and husband, Scott of Wilson, Dana Batchelor and husband, Jonathan of Nashville, Rebecca Wrenn of Wilson, Paul Tomlinson and wife, Lindsay of Wilson, Van Paul Etheridge and wife, Dana of Wilson; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Mary E. Winbourne of Maryland and his brother-in-law, Charles Davis of Kinston. He was preceded in death by his wife, June Etheridge and grandson, Hunter Dale Etheridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Home Care and Hospice, 2841 Daisy Lane, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.