John Bunyan Exum, Jr. died Monday, August 17, 2015 at Sunnybrook Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his family. A private graveside service will take place at a later date in Rocky Mount, NC. John B., as he was called by his friends, was the son of John Bunyan Exum, Sr. and Bessie Robinson Exum of Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
He spent the early years of his life growing up in in Rocky Mount, earning Eagle Scout honors and graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1943. John then attended Davidson College for one year before serving in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II. After the war John attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
At UNC, John earned a degree in Business Administration and subsequently attended Law School in Chapel Hill where he received his JD degree in 1953. John then returned to Rocky Mount to practice law for more than 50 years.
During that time he was the Judge of Nash County Records Court from 1964 to 1968. John also served on the local Board of Directors at First Union Bank. John was a voracious reader and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, recounting his days at Chapel Hill and his war experiences.
He gave his time and support to others without a desire for recognition. John lived his life with firm convictions of honesty, morality and integrity. He will always be remembered for his keen human insights and dry sense of humor.
John is survived by his only son, John B. Exum, III of Jacksonville, Florida, three daughters, Elizabeth Whitley Exum, Caroline Stowe Exum, Margaret Exum Payne and husband William M. Payne, III (Chip) all of Raleigh; three grandchildren, Campbell and Maggie Payne and Julia Powers.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Patsy Ezzell, a friend who gave John support and companionship during the last twenty years.
Special appreciation goes to the staff at Stonybrook Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh for their care of John during his recent illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.