CASTALIA, NC - Wesley Ray "Papa" Manning, 80 died Monday, December 18, 2006 with his family at his side.

He was born October 17, 1926 to the late Jack and Embra Matthews Manning.

His brothers, Jake Manning, Ollin Manning, Sr., Curtis Manning and twin brother, Esley Manning, and sister, Thetney Griffin preceded him in death.

He was a charter member of Castalia Volunteer Fire Department where he served 30 years. He was owner and operator of Manning's Service Station and Grocery in Castalia for more than 50 years. He served on Castalia Town Board and was a member and past deacon of Castalia Baptist Church.

Wesley loved growing vegetables and sharing them with friends, family and neighbors. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

"Papa" was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Mary A. "Teeny" Manning; son Mike Manning and wife Sandra of Nashville; grandchildren, Missy DeMuth and husband Fred; Starr Strickland and husband Ron; Katie Manning all of Nashville, Travis Williams and wife Cassie of Raleigh; and Nicholas Williams of Hilton Head, SC; great grandchildren, Walt Manning, Brittani Strickland, Amber Strickland, Brad DeMuth all of Nashville and Joshua Williams of Raleigh. One brother Alex Watson Manning of Carolina Beach.

The family received friends from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at Johnson Funerals and Cremations, 226 S. Barnes Street, Nashville, NC and other times at the home of Mike and Sandra Manning, 505 Golfers Lane, Nashville. Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Castalia Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Carroll officiating. Burial followed at the family cemetery in Centerville, NC.

Special thanks to Nancy Brinkley and Gina of Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials contributions may be made to Friends of Hospice, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC or Castalia Baptist Church, Hwy 58, Castalia, NC 27816.

Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com

(Paid Obituary)