Nathan M. Woodlief, Sr.

GARNER- Nathan Mack Woodlief, Sr., 74, died peacefully at the Laurels of Forest Glen, Garner after an extended illness of over 7 years, surrounded by his loving family. A native Johnston County, he was born to the late William Ernest Woodlief and Lucille Columbia Pierce of Franklin County.He graduated from Fuquay Springs High School in 1956. Nathan retired as a Master Sergeant with 27 years service with the U.S. Marine Reserves. He retired after 23 years with the former Harris Wholesale in 1993 and Stone Heavy Equipment in 2007.He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garner, NC, a life member of the Raleigh Bowling Association and a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. He bowled over 50 years with 30 years in the Nationals.Funeral service will be Sunday at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Garner. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan Hodges Woodlief, sons; Nathan Mack Woodlief, Jr. (Sybil) of Apex, NC, Ernest Wade Woodlief (Jennifer) Lebanon, Virginia, Roy Matthew Woodlief (Jamie) of Garner, NC.; step-daughter Kimberly H. Avery (Richard) of Dacula, Ga., brother; David Woodlief of Sanford, NC. sisters: Shirley Howard of Willow Spring, NC, Inez Kissell of Raleigh, NC. Estelle Guinn of Salisbury,NC, Ruby Gray Clayton ofAshville, NC., grandchildren; Jonathan and Taylor Woodlief of Lebanon, Va., Elaina Woodlief of Garner, NC., Chandler and Allison Avery of Dacula, Ga,He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Rose Brisson Woodlief of Bladen County, brothers; John Douglas, Lester, Ernest, Woodlief, sisters; Rudine Howard, Josephine Howard and Doris Messer.The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Saturday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner.Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Garner, 601 St. Marys St., Garner, NC27529 or to Hospice of Wake Co., 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Laurels of Forest Glenn and to Hospice of Wake County.