William “Bill” Mize

GARNER – On October 17, 2019, in the peaceful respite of “Heroes Way” Hospice Unit in the Durham VA, United States Marine Corps Veteran Staff Sergeant William “Bill” Mize, 73, passed away. Bill’s quick wit and charming ways stayed with him during his short illness. Bill was born September 10, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, to Marine Veteran Clifton E. Mize and Mary S. Mize and raised in North Carolina. Being in the first graduating class of Enloe High School, 1964, was a source of pride for Bill. He stayed in touch with his high school buddies over the years. It was on July 5th, 1964, that Bill and Bruce Washburn enlisted in the US Marine Corps under the Buddy System Recruitment Plan, and remained life-long friends and Marine brothers. SEMPER FI Of Bill’s 4 years active service one was in foreign service to Vietnam. Bill completed his career in the Corps after 5 years in the Ready Reserves. Bill, a true patriot, never wanted recognition for his service to our Country, considering it his duty and an honor. Later in life Bill joined the Marine Corps League as a charter member and lifetime member of Gold Leaf Detachment 1276 in Wilson, NC, and was recognized as Marine of the Year in 2012. After moving to Garner, NC, he joined Tarheel Detachment 733 in Wake County. Bill found great joy as a volunteer with Toys for Tots. In 2014, Bill was pleasantly surprised to be reunited with nine Parris Island buddies and their wives after 50 years—a reunion that has continued. Bill attended 2 years at NC State University followed by several careers including soil testing, restoration cleaning of historic buildings and tobacco buyer. His most rewarding career was in guest services for 10 years at the Holiday Inn in Wilson, and 7 years at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Raleigh near NC State. It was at the Raleigh property that Bill found family with his coworkers whose friendships he cherished. He never met a stranger and enjoyed every minute he spent assisting guests. Although Bill did not like the attention, there were numerous comments to management from guests about how well they were treated by Bill. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Friday at Bryan – Lee Funeral Home, Garner. A Memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM Saturday Oct. 26, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Garner. Bill is survived by Priscilla Jane “Janie” Jones Mize, the love of his life, who he married on November 4, 1967. Also surviving are sisters Joan M. Carroll (Tom) of Clayton, Janet M. Carter of Cary, and Joyce M. Carter (Rick) of Raleigh, and brother Steve Mize (Marilyn) of Murfreesboro. Brother-in-law Dan Jones (Ginger) of Asheville, Sister-in-law Betsy Jones Chappell (Keith) of New Bern. Special niece Carol Jones Sauers (Larry) Winston Salem, special great niece and nephews Sydney Sauers, Raleigh, Trey Sauers, Winston Salem and Spence Sauers, Raleigh. Nieces and nephews Katherine Raynor (Brian), Russell Carroll, Matthew Jones (Meredith), Justin Mize, Zack Mize (Katelyn), Jacob Carter, Michael Jones, Katherine J. Bender, Charlie Jones (Kim), Lee Jones (Pam), Ashley C. Keaton (Scotty), and Stephanie C. Disbrow (Jarrett). Seven great nieces and twelve great nephews. Special cousins Dorothy McGee Denning, Dan McGee, Terry M. Smith and Anne M. Radford. Jane is most grateful for friends Cynthia Whitaker and Mary Davis J. Meece and their love and comfort to Bill and her. To Bruce Washburn, Phil Upchurch, Ken Durham, Russ Oliver, Jeff Jones, John Telford, Rod Poole, John Dilday, Johnny Batchelor and Bruce Goeden who stood by Bill and offered support and love to Jane, you are appreciated. GHS 1964 Classmates, your love and concern will always be remembered. Thanks to Doug Kowalczyk, Paula B. Page and Carolyn Hart for keeping watch over our home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bill to: Toys for Tots, the American Cancer Society or the Community of Hope c/o First Baptist Church Garner.