Rudolph Becton

 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.                                                                                                                                                                 John 14: 1-3 

Farewells are always sad. However, knowing that our loved one has gone to be with the Lord, is comfort to our family. 

Our beloved Rudolph Becton departed this life on Friday morning, August 8, 2025 at his home in Warsaw, North Carolina. Rudolph, son of the late Charlie Robert and Nora Bell Taylor Becton, was born on May 21, 1930 in Wayne County. He was reared in a hardworking, loving family as the fourth child of thirteen siblings. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Curtis, J.B., Marvin, Charlie, Jr. and Vandewy; sisters, Nora, Mildred, Gladys, and Annie. 

Rudolph attended the public schools of Wayne, Sampson and Greene counties. He graduated in 1952. After which, he joined the United States military for a short term. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army on May 21, 1954 as well as an Army Occupational Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Korean Conflict. 

On February 10, 1955, Rudolph was united in holy matrimony to Annie Wilson until her demise on March 15, 2014. This union was blessed for over fifty-three years. On November 11, 2014, he married Florence Webb in Warsaw, North Carolina. This couple had a special love and devotion until the very end. 

Rudolph joined St. Peter’s United Holy Church of Magnolia, NC. He was a dedicated deacon and a faithful Sunday School and Bible School teacher, as long as his health permitted. He was a man of deep faith and wisdom who worked in many capacities wherever he was needed to ensure the integrity of the church. Rudolph was always concerned about his church and its general welfare. 

Some of Rudolph’s notable accolades were: owner and operator of Becton’s Barber and Beauty Shop, Magnolia Rescue and Volunteer Fire Department (over twenty-five years), Duplin County Service for the Age Senior Games (winning numerous awards on the local, state and national levels), many civic organizations, and veteran’s organizations (DAV/VFW). He loved his family and friends unconditionally. Rudolph was truly a people's person, his service to his family, community and country will forever be remembered. Mr. Becton truly believed in punctuality, professionalism, courtesy, fairness, communication, respect, humility and hard work. 

Today, words can not describe the loss that we feel, but we humbly submit to God’s will. We consider it a true blessing to have lived with one so wise and strong in his convictions. We commend him to the Lord, that we shall see his smiling face again when we too, have reached that other shore. 

One daughter, Karen Becton Pettway and one best friend, Ethel Lee Robinson, preceded him in death. 

Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Florence Becton of Warsaw, NC; daughter, Sallie Barden Williams of Magnolia, NC; step-son, Otis Smith of East Orange, NJ; two brothers, James Becton and Leamon Becton, both of Magnolia, NC; sister, Flora Carr of Magnolia, NC; five grandchildren: Dominique (Brandon), Eboni, Rudolph (Sparkle), Jimmy and Regina; twelve great-grandchildren: Tre’Von, Bryawnna, Keyawnna, Brandonwade, Treazure, Emonee’ Emori, Essence, Ny’Zeir, Emory, AJade and Averie; one “special friend” of the couple, Patricia Kelly Royal, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and honorary children that will miss him dearly.