Henry Edward Rector, 88, passed away on Wednesday, in New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington.

He is preceded in death by his spouse, Olivia Delaine Rector, his parents, Otis and Bertha Rector, and his brothers, Otis Rector, Jr. and Jack Rector.

Ed grew up in Union, SC and graduated from Union High School. While at Union High School, he was a part of the 1952 baseball state championship team.

Ed was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He married the love of his life, Delaine, June 15, 1957. Ed and Delaine were blessed with three children. He taught his children the importance of family and hard work.

Ed's career in textiles took him and his family from South Carolina to Southern Pines, NC, and, finally, to Kenansville, NC where he worked and retired from Guilford Mills. Throughout his career, he made many friendships that lasted his entire life. He never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone.

Ed and Delaine would go on to have four grandchildren who were the apple of their eye. He would spend many days teaching them how to play golf and tennis, ringing the outside bell, and swinging on a tree-swing that he made himself. His love knew no bounds when it came to his great-grandchildren.

While his first love was his family, a very close second was the game of golf. Ed spent countless hours at Duplin Country Club (DCC). He would not only play the game, but he would also mentor others and encouraged them to play the game that he loved. Like in his career, Ed made many lifelong friendships at DCC.

Along with golf, Ed was also an avid reader and listener of audiobooks. The house was always filled with many books. He enthusiastically supported the Kenansville branch of the Duplin County Public Library System.

Ed and Delaine were members of Unity United Methodist Church in Warsaw, NC. Ed lived his life by Christian values and instilled those values in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service:

Monday, January 30, 2023
1:00 PM
Unity Methodist Church, 1760 West Wards Bridge Road, Warsaw, NC 28398

Survivors:

Son:
Mark Edward Rector (Lee), Rose Hill, NC

Daughters:
Lydia Rector Woodard, Wilmington, NC
Martha Elizbeth Rector, Kenansville, NC

Brothers:
Bobby Rector (Peggy), Summerville, SC
Jimmy Rector (Susan), Union, SC

Sister-In-Law:
Marlene Sprouse (Henry)

Brother-In-Law:
Richard Spencer

Grandchildren:

John Wesley Warren III (Sara), Teachey, NC
Olivia Miller (Wesley), Pink Hill, NC
Morgan Prince (Blake), Maitland, FL
Raechel Woodard (Liu Xiao), China

Great-Grandchildren:

Kennedy Miller, Kase Miller, and Emerson Prince

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Duplin County Library, 107 Bowden Drive, Kenansville, NC 29349.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Rector family.