John Archie Mcdiarmid

Mr. John Archie McDiarmid of 4200 Red Springs Road, died Sunday, September 5, 2010 in his home at the age of 91. Mr. McDiarmid was born in Hoke County on May 9, 1919, to the late Daniel Patrick McDiarmid and Nettie McBryde McDiarmid. He was a member of Raeford Presbyterian Church and served in the US Air Force during WWII. Archie lived a busy life from childhood on. His several jobs gave him an interesting life and many stories to tell. His wife and children gave him the special pleasure of being a husband and father and he was always there through all the joys and trials. Fun times in the mountains and playing with the children at the beach picking up seashells and jumping waves. Grandchildren came along for Archie; his son Johnny and wife Peggy gave him two boys, Danny and Kenny. Then came along two girls and one boy for Toni and Charles, Amy, Leighan, and Chris. Archie lost his sight at the age of 74 and was told how to get a Leader Dog through the Lions Club. So, he made arrangements and went north to Rochester, Michigan to Leader Dogs for the Blind, trained 4 weeks with Leader Dog 'Duke', came home and found he could move around and visit which he enjoyed most days in town. Four dogs made an easier life for Archie, each one coming from Leader Dogs in Rochester, Michigan. It was always hard for him to have to give up his dogs when they became unable to do the services which he needed. Two very special German Shepherds - Duke and Dudley, then two lovely Labs - Dickens and Kricket. Having become unable to walk his dog Kricket any more; she was given over to his wife to feed and walk and is still a lovely and lively joy to all the family. Kricket as well as the family will miss Archie, but know he is happy in Gods love and not suffering any longer. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Louise Smith McDiarmid of Raeford; a son, John Charles McDiarmid and his wife Wanda of Raeford; a daughter, Toni Lynne Newton and her husband Charles of Raeford; five grandchildren, Danny, Kenny, Amy, Chris, and Leighan; and six great-grandchildren, Hanna, Megan, Christian, Mason, Jillian and Westin. The family will receive relatives and friends between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p. m. Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Raeford Presbyterian Church, John C. Ropp Fellowship Hall. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Raeford Presbyterian Church with Reverend Mark Fisher officiating. Burial will be in Raeford Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Raeford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1570, Raeford, NC 28376 or Hospice Foundation of Hoke County, PO Box 1584, Raeford, NC 28376 Care of the family is entrusted by Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.