William Edward Cleve Jr.

William Edward Cleve, Jr., 84, of New Bern, peacefully passed into God's hands on the morning of Monday, March 22nd, 2021. Born and raised in Vanceboro, he graduated from Farm Life High School in 1956. He was a retired postmaster with the U.S. Postal Service and also owned and operated M&W Signs in Pollocksville. He was an active Christian, holding several church offices and was a longstanding member of the Pollocksville Rotary. Throughout his life, he enjoyed collecting and selling antiques.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Cleve, Sr. and Sarah Brinkley Cleve, and his wives, Mary Cauley Cleve and Elizabeth Amanda Cleve.

He is survived by his son, William "Bill" Cleve, III and wife Linda; his daughter, Melody Lewis and husband Cephus; three sisters, Evelyn Smith and husband Bobby, Carol Ipock, and Susan Anderson and husband Elwood; grandchildren, Melissa Gaskins and husband Brandon, Joshua Lewis and wife Ashley, Von Lewis and Abbey, Mary Hannah Cleve, and Will Cleve; six great grandchildren; and the Cauley family. He is also survived by the children of his second wife, Amanda: Donna Stalnaker, Tina Richmond, Tanya Deaver, Robin Rogers, Sherry Jenkins, and Fay Smith.

Graveside funeral service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, March 25th at the Pollocksville Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service.

For those who wish to view and pay their respects to Mr. Cleve, a viewing will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24th at Cotten Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William's name to the Pollocksville Presbyterian Church Childcare Center, 311 Main Street, Pollocksville, NC 28573.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.