February 19, 2025, 89, Goldsboro —
Will Rogers Sullivan, age 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by his family. Will was born in Wayne County on January 19, 1936 to the late Cleatus and Mildred Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Edith Darden Sullivan and brother, James Sullivan.
A lifelong resident of Patetown, Will attended Pikeville High school where he played on the baseball team for his entire tenure, graduating in 1954. He spent some time driving a truck and working at Goldsboro Tobacco Company before becoming a clerk in the Wayne County tax office in November 1962. Working his way up to Assistant Tax Supervisor, he was appointed this honor on September 5, 1967. In 1982-1983, he also served as President of the North Carolina Association Assessing Officers. Appointed as Tax Administrator in 1986, he continued working in the tax office until his appointment as Wayne County Manager on August 1, 1989. After serving twelve years in this role, Will retired with 40 years of service to the people of Wayne County.
Marrying Edith Darden in February 1962, the couple spent sixty-one years together, faithfully fulfilling the wedding vows they made. Edith joined Will as a member of his home church, Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith was formed and relationships were cultivated his whole life long. There, he served as treasurer for 30 years, sang in the men’s choir, and was an active participant in the Ambassadors Sunday School Class.
An outdoor enthusiast, Will spent his free time tending to his farm or working in his well-kept yard. Any chance to watch his grandchildren in their element was taken, and he loved every moment watching his grandson play baseball and his granddaughter dance and cheer.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at Stoney Creek Church followed by a service to celebrate Will’s life at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary with Pastor Josh Whitfield and Pastor Barry Williamson officiating. Interment will be in Wayne Memorial Park on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2:30 pm.
Will is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Sullivan Taylor and husband, Trey; grandson, Cameron Taylor and wife, Meredith; and granddaughter, Caroline Taylor Phillips and husband, Blake. He is also survived by his brothers, Ray Sullivan and wife, Marguerite and Edward Sullivan and wife, Terri; and several nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Special thanks to his wonderful family, neighbors, church friends, and the nurses and doctors who cared for him and his family in so many kind and thoughtful ways. They would especially want to thank Dr. Thad West and his staff for the excellent care and compassion provided for the last two years. We would also like to give a very special thank you to his caregivers: Linda Smith, Stacy Oliver and DeAnna Gurganus, for the love and care they provided for Will in the most recent months. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Will’s memory to Stoney Creek Church, 752 Stoney Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
