Virgil R French

Virgil R. French, age 88 of Shallotte, NC formerly of Flushing, MI, passed away during the morning of Sunday the twenty fourth of September, 2017 in the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, “Brunswick House” in Bolivia, NC.

Born in Fitzpatrick, WV, he was the last surviving child of nine of the late Reverend David W. and Ida Mae Rankin French. Virgil was also preceded in death by his first wife of forty five years, Juanita Ruth Meador French and his second wife, Audrey Mae Barris French.

Mr. French moved to Shallotte, NC from Flushing, MI in 1996, and began a very active life in the area. Virgil became a member at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he was a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and was active in the youth ministry. He was also a Lay Minister thru the Lay Renewal Ministries of NC. Virgil’s love of gospel music led him to sing in several traveling southern gospel quartets and he was a teacher in Shape Notes in southern, WV. Mr. French was also a proud US Navy veteran having served during the Korean War.

Surviving are a son, Gary W. French and wife V. Kay of Carolina Shores, NC; a daughter, Beth Ann Whitman and husband Richard of Flushing, MI; four grandchildren, Michael W. French and wife Anne, Christine J. French, Jonathan Reynolds and wife LeeAnn, Andrew D. Olivarez and five great-grandchildren Michael Derra, Tyler French, Malinda, Aspen and Malcolm Reynolds.

You are invited to a time of visitation with the family from six o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the twenty sixth of September, 2017 at White Funeral Service, 603 Ocean Highway, East, Bolivia, NC 28422.

Funeral services will be held locally at seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the twenty seventh of September in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with the Reverend Anthony Clemmons officiating. Mr. French will lie in state for one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will take place in Flushing, MI.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that monetary donations be made in his name to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church “Missions Fund” at 1150 Crossroads Trail, Bolivia, NC 28422 or to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, “Brunswick House” at 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com

White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel