Robert Wayne Morris Andrews Sr.

Robert Wayne Morris Andrews, Sr. ( lefty Andrews to many), beloved husband and father, age 75, passed away on January 12, 2017 peacefully in his sleep after a long 17 year battle with two types of cancer. Born December 13, 1941, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Robert Otto Andrews and Hazel Nelms Andrews, he attended Benvenue High where he graduated and enjoyed many years of baseball as a left handed pitcher. He served in the United States Coast Guard directly after high school where he enjoyed serving for the love of his country. At the young age of 13 he helped his father build the home he resided in for more than 60 years on Edwards Street. Wayne was an avid baseball player, drag racer, bowler & golfer. He pitched most every game during his years at Benvenue High, with his mom Hazel watching most every game. He loved to drag race with his special cousin Jimmy Moore for years, along with many other great drag racing friends. He enjoyed many years of League Bowling at The Rocky Mount Bowling Alley. He actively spent years playing softball and coaching his son’s team where they won many travel ball championships. He had great passion for playing golf with his dear friends at various courses where they enjoyed great fellowship. He was a long time member of the Rocky Mount Motor Cycle Club, Liberator’s Motor Club and helped establish the Southern Sin Motor Club spending a lot of time with many brother’s in colors. As the Harley moto goes- “Live to ride and ride to live”. In these clubs they continuously raised money for many needy causes for children and families. He worked for Exxon as a gas man for over 30 years, receiving the three million mile award for safety. He ended his career working with his son, side by side in the cable business until having issues with cancer. He has always had a passion for CB’s and loved to attend his key downs where he won several State 6 & 8 pill championships (known handles were: “Racing Man” for several years and then “Stepside”). He and Betty enjoyed riding motorcycles, trips to the mountains, fishing and camping at Whichards Beach. As an avid race fan, one of his favorites after he stopped drag racing was watching his son flat track racing and then his grandson’s motocross racing. He was able to attend several NHRA drag races with his daughter by his side betting on their favorite drivers for fun and staying for Monday testing at track. He spent many days just wondering around the country side with his daughter, going to the shooting range, gazing at the beautiful scenery like Laurel Mills and just enjoying stopping by several dear friends for visits along the way. A special thank you to the United States Coast Guard of Wrightsville Beach for making a dream come true for a rugged old sole, the surprise of his life was being taken out on a USCG Cutter and being honored by many with a retired USCG Flag, Cutter Pin and signed shirt. A recent birthday surprise from the United States Coast Guard of Elizabeth City and special Coastie, Christopher D. Joyner honored him with his E5 pin and signed USCG hat by many high ranking brothers and sisters. Thanks to all who made these days very special for Wayne and our family, Semper Paratus. Wayne is survived by his loving wife Betty Perry Andrews, married in April, 1988 and first wife Joy Lawson Andrews who have remained close friends and the mother of his two children. Wayne was a proud father of Robert Wayne Andrews, Jr. (Bobby) and his wife Maria D. Andrews, Corrye Andrews Parker and her husband Robert M. Parker of Rocky Mount; grandchildren – Justin Wayne Andrews, Darin “Austin” Parker, Lessily Nicole Parker, Meghan Jae Talbott, Lyndsay Michelle Talbott and Skyler Leighann Andrews. He is also survived by his siblings, Willa Jean Andrews Tatum and husband Jack of Rocky Mount, Shirley Andrews Edgerton and husband Roy of Rocky Mount, John Michael Andrews and wife Donna of Virginia, Carol Andrews Bailey and husband John of Virginia, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Otto Andrews and Hazel Nelms Andrews, his baby sister Martha Ferrell Andrews, step-son James Willard Talbott (Jay-Bird) and granddaughter Caitlyn Michelle Talbott. He leaves to cherish some very close friends that were more like family, Marvin and Bonnie Stone of Rocky Mount just to name a few. Visitation and memorial service will be held at Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 – Visitation from 1:30 to 3:00pm on January 15th, 2017 with a memorial service starting at 3:00pm, Pastor Mark L. Pridgen will officiate. Burial will be following at Rocky Mount Memorial Park on 4454 Dortches Blvd., HWY 43, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Memorial contributions may be made to the following: American Red Cross of Rocky Mount, 3470 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804; 3HC Home Health & Hospice, 2400 Montgomery Drive SW, Suite B Wilson, NC 27893, or Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

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Robert Wayne Morris Andrews Sr.

December 13, 1941 - January 12, 2017