Blythe Harmon Casey, Sr.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.”
Psalm 20:7
    Blythe Harmon Casey, Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Spring Arbor Dementia Cottage in Kinston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll W. Casey and Lennie Simmons Casey, and brother, Paul H. Casey.
    Born in Kinston, July 25, 1937, he was the oldest twin (according to Blythe) and one of 4 boys, of Carroll and Lennie Casey. He graduated from Southwood School in 1955 where he was a star basketball player for which he received a scholarship to attend what is now UNCW. However, he chose to return home to work on the family farm. His mother would say that he came home to be with the love of his life, Gwen, whom he married on June 1, 1956. They would have celebrated 65 beautiful years of marriage this year.
     In addition to farming, he was employed at DuPont for 33 years until his retirement in 1991. He then farmed full time with his son, B.H., until his health no longer allowed. 
    Blythe proudly served on the US Tobacco Cooperative Board of Directors, District Six (2006-2018). 
    He was a lifelong member of Armenia Christian Church, a church his daddy had helped build, where he served as deacon, elder, and board chairman for eleven years. He oversaw capital campaigns to fund several additions and renovations. He was never happier than to be serving his Lord by serving the church. He was affectionately known there as the “Candy Man” because his pockets were always filled with candy he shared with “children” of all ages.
    Other joys of his life were quail hunting with his favorite dog, Jack; all ACC sports, especially basketball (attending several ACC basketball tournaments with his brother Paul); and trout fishing with his DuPont buddies. 
    Blythe was a charter member of Falling Creek Country Club and for many years played golf with his weekend foursome, including Carroll Spence, Kent King, and Charles Avery. When a member of the foursome passed away the others planted a tree on the golf course in his memory. This continued until Blythe was the only one remaining. Widows of the deceased members planted a tree at Falling Creek in honor of Blythe which he greatly appreciated and cherished. He continued playing and enjoying golf with B.H. and several friends for a few years until his health became an issue.
     Blythe and Gwen traveled extensively, including visiting their children and grandchildren in New York, Texas, & Georgia, as well as traveling to several other states. They also traveled to London, Paris, Scotland, and Izmir, Turkey to visit his twin brother Delbert and wife, Sharon, who were living there at the time.
    Blythe loved spending long weekends at their place in Myrtle Beach- eating breakfast with the “regulars” at Hot Stacks, dinner at Yamato’s and watching the shows at Alabama Theater and Carolina Opry, but always returning home for church on Sunday! 
     Blythe loved his kitties, George, Gracie, and Prissy, and the “granddogs”. His morning rounds were not complete until he delivered biscuits to Bear, Tucker, and Sampson.  
     His greatest pride and joy was his family: his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He was the happiest when the whole family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner at Myrtle Beach, Christmas dinner at home, church homecomings at Armenia, or birthdays.
      Blythe enjoyed being with people and striking up conversations with everybody. He never knew a stranger because when he met someone new, they became his friend. He loved everyone like family and they loved him back, from co-workers, to neighbors, to waitresses, to church members, he was everyone’s “Pop”!
      Blythe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gwen C. Casey, of the home; daughters, Felice C. Chadwick of Clayton and Cindy C. Goode and husband, Charles “Buck”, of Raleigh; son, Blythe H. “B.H.” Casey, Jr. and wife, Susan, of Kinston; grandchildren, Charlotte G. Duff and husband, Bryan, Charles Goode and wife, Kersey, Catherine Goode, Brianna Casey, Caroline Casey, Lynley K. Taylor and husband, Kivett, and Casey Chadwick and his dad, Noland; great-grandchildren, Claire Anne and Caleb Duff; and brothers, Delbert Casey, and wife, Sharon, and Charles Casey and wife, Deborah.
    The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at Spring Arbor for their diligent care and love of Blythe, and Heather with Community Home Care and Hospice for her kindness and support. 
     We also thank our neighbors, Pete, Debbie, David, Misty, and Cooper for their help during this difficult time.    
    A memorial service to celebrate his full and joyful life will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at Armenia Christian Church, 1817 US-70E, Kinston NC 28501. Pastors John Brick and Darren Smith will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear red or bright colors.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Armenia Christian Church, c/o Judy Stroud, 6464 Wyse Fork Road, Dover, NC 28526.