Wildon Flake, Jr.

Wildon "W.C." Curtis Flake, Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem.

W.C. was born June 19, 1939 in New London to the late Wildon Curtis Flake, Sr. and the late Bessie Lou Flake. He was also preceded in death by his beloved first wife and mother of his daughters, Gail Nancy Sansom Flake, in 1994.

A close family graveside service to honor his life will be at 11:00 am, Friday, January 8, 2021 at Fairview Memorial Park, 1425 East Main Street, Albemarle.

He is survived by his second wife, Loretta Iris Flake. His daughters, Debbie (Vann) Stephens, Karen (Scott) Huffman, Melissa (Zach) Hubbard; grandchildren, Curtis Mercer, Abigail Leanne, and Marissa Claire Stephens, Wyleigh Caroline, Jeffrey Scott II, and Wildon Blake Huffman, and Fisher Dean Hubbard; special cousin, Robert Flake; sister-in-law, Laurie (Jean) Mady; brother-in-law, Bob (Diane) Sansom; special nieces and nephew, Sharon, Sandy, Dean, Linda; and other family members.

W.C. was a devoted and loving Daddy, Poppy, husband, uncle, and friend. He honorably served his country in the United States Army Military Police, and was a proud NC State University graduate. He retired from a successful career in the textile industry.

W.C. Flake loved God, loved his family, and loved to travel. He was selfless with a big heart. He proudly wore his many USA flag shirts and hats any chance he got.

W.C. enjoyed starting each day by reading his Bible at 4 a.m. He was always willing to help others. He often volunteered to cook for large gatherings of family or friends. During ice or snow storms, he loved cranking up his John Deere tractor to plow neighbors' driveways and roads.

W.C. worked countless hours with the Baptist Men's Ministry throughout N.C. and across the country, including Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska to name a few. He volunteered with Helping Hands Ministry of Bethany Baptist and Mt. Olive Baptist Churches building ramps so houses could be handicapped accessible for people in need.

W.C.'s most treasured past time was traveling. He was proud to say he had been to all 50 states in the U.S. and several international countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others. His favorite trip was hooking up "Ol' Trusty" to his camper and taking off for Alaska, which he did 4 separate times. W.C. never met a stranger, and couldn't go anywhere without seeing someone he knew.

Family came first always for W.C., no matter what. He made every effort to be there for every milestone and event. He always made sure to call on birthdays. On Christmas Eve, he loved to call the grandkids to let them know Santa had just left his house and was headed their way.

He always loved to tell stories, corny jokes, and give words of wisdom to family and friends. Even during his last days he made sure to tell his daughters he was "good" and "fine." He told his nurse he was tired of being in bed and he was ready to walk 2 miles, so in memory of our dad  get "off and on" and walk those 2 miles.

Memorials may be made to Baptists on Mission, c/o NC Baptist Men, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512, or Helping Hands Ministry, c/o Bethany Baptist Church/Mount Olive Baptist Church, 600 Old Hollow Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Flake family. Online condolences and to view the service, www.hartsellfh.com