KINSTON - Emmitt Alston Lassiter, 80, of Kinston, died Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Emmitt was married to his first love, Grace Wood Lassiter, for sixty years. Born and reared in Franklin County, the youngest of ten children. During World War II, he served overseas as an infantryman in the US Army. He was employed as a teamster with McLean Trucking Company for thirty-six years and with Carroll Dental Lab for ten plus years. In 1976 Emmitt was voted “Most Outstanding Citizen” by the Wheat Swamp Ruritan Club. He was an active member of Armenia Christian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent. In 2001, Armenia awarded him the Lifetime Appreciation Award.

Emmitt served as a loyal and dedicated volunteer fireman, active for many years until health problems forced him to retire. He was mighty proud of the plaque that hangs in his living room which says “Emmitt Lassiter, Fireman Of The Year, 1969.”

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Grace Wood Lassiter; three daughters, Janice Lassiter of the home, Betsy L. Murphrey and husband, Eddie of La Grange and Emily Lassiter of Kinston; five grandchildren, Joey Murphrey and wife, Chrystal of Snow Hill, Christy Green and husband, Chris of Kinston, Sherrie Aydelotte of Kinston, Leah “Puddin” Lassiter of the home and Lina Grace King of Kinston; three great-grandchildren, Alston Heath of Kinston, Caleb Murphrey of Snow Hill and Dalton Green of Kinston; sister, Octavia Merritt; a cherished pet and special companion, Cindy; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 11 a.m. from Armenia Christian Church with Rev. Richard Weikel and Rev. Bill Roberts officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Armenia Christian Church, 1817 Highway 70 East, Kinston, NC 28504. The family will receive friends Friday from 7-9 at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times they will be at the home. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

Paid Obituary