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February 20, 1929 – June 4, 2016 Robert Paul Cherry was born on February 20, 1929 on the Cherry Family farm in Hassell, North Carolina. His parents, the late Joseph Arthur Cherry and Adalade Lynch Cherry gave birth to his siblings: Anna Mae Miller (deceased), Primus (deceased), William Arthur (deceased), Henry Spencer (deceased), Gladys Little (deceased), Nan Bowman - survivor(George), Myrtel Hazel Hill (deceased), Joseph Arthur, Jr. - survivor (Anna Ve), twins Samuel Alton & Jesse Alton (both deceased), and Sallie Webster - survivor. After a brief illness, he died peacefully in the house that he built and loved. In his early years, he was nicknamed “Lolly” (like lollipop) because of his sweet mannerism. At first, he received some of his education from Martin County schools. However, at age 14, he yearned to discover his talents, other than working in the fields and on the farms. So, he relocated to Bronx, NY where he attended the middle and high schools there, and developed an appreciation for the art of baking. On August 30, 1950, he volunteered for the United States Army, at the tender age of 20. He spent 21 years in the military, earning the highest rank of a Sergeant First Class (SFC). During his military work assignments, he was given the opportunity to enjoy and explore the traditions, cultures, and customs of other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Korea, and Germany; as well as, residing in states such as: Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, and Alaska. He loved to use German and Spanish words such as: “Vamanos” (pronounced “Va – ma – nos) meaning “Let’s Go” and “Was ist los? (pronounced “Vas ist los”) meaning “ What’s up” or “What’s happening?. He did this everyday! After retirement, he was given the opportunity to further his education. He did so by receiving his GED and an Associate Degree in Carpentry from Martin Community College. Robert Paul became a member of Jones Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in 1952, after pledging his commitment to the stunning Essie Ruth Carr in 1951. He became an ordained elder in 1975 under Elder Ernest Farmer. At the time of his death, Robert Paul’s church home was J.A. Cherry Chapel located in Robersonville, NC, and was a member of Correspondence Association. Elder Cherry was a hardworking, dedicated family man. He loved talking about God, his experiences in the military, and his family and friends. He loved to talk and share teachable experiences because he loved people. There are noticeable things about him…like, he would have gladly told you that he loved his fried chicken and chocolate ice cream! And with his extended training and knowledge in carpentry, he always looked relaxed whenever he was working on the church, shed, you name it. He will be so well-missed. He had a witty sense of humor that will be remembered by all who knew him. But, a few weeks before he was silenced forever, he told one of his daughters and a son-in-law these words: “Old Soldiers Do Not Die…I Salute You”. Daughter, do not be sad for I have fought the hard fight and I have now reached the mountaintop. I know you love me.” He leaves wonderful memories to his doting wife of sixty-four years, Essie Ruth (Carr) Cherry; along with their beautiful children, Glinda Anthony (Melvin) of Robersonville, NC, Paul Arthur Cherry (Sandra) of Richmond, VA, Kurt Alexander Cherry (Kathie) of Dover, Delaware, Kathy Bonds (Gregory) of Fayetteville, NC, SeBon Jenkins (Alvin) of Augusta, GA, Adalade Burton (Bruce) of Fayetteville, NC, Gail Walker (Craig) of Americus, GA, CarrLee Washington (Glenn) of Clayton, NC, Joan Kirkpatrick of Colorado Springs, CO; In addition, he and his wife helped raised two grandsons as their own; Kurt Robert Cherry (Kesha) of Atlanta, GA, Christian Cherry of Colorado Springs, CO; he cherished his twenty-two grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, loving friends and relatives.

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Elder Robert Paul Cherry

February 20, 1929 - June 4, 2016