John (Jack) Relyea passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25th surrounded by family. 

Jack was born on February 7, 1937 in Albany, New York. Jack joined the Army in his early 20’s and served in the Korean War.  He was a  Patriotic man and was most proud of having served his Country.  Jack was an excellent welder; a skill he learned in the military.  He was a Welding Instructor for several years for the local community colleges. He made his living by building and welding ships, barges, and ferry boats.  He often proudly proclaimed that he had helped build most of the ferry boats in use today in North Carolina. Several trips were taken just to ride some of the Ferry’s that he had helped build.  He often said, we must have done a great job because they’re still running today. 

In 1973, Jack moved to Walstonburg, NC after marrying the love of his life, Arleta. Together they blended their families, and he began a career as a Farmer.  He loved the land and after his retirement he was proud his son and grandson continued to tend the family farm.  Up until recently, he was chauffeured up and down the farm paths for his weekly “I need to check on everything” ride, He dearly loved to watch everything grow and he especially loved his cows and mule, Hannah. The last conversation between he and his son was an update on how things were going on the farm. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and it was the highlight of his day when they visited.

He is survived by his children, Pat Page and husband, Glenn of Greenville, and Johnny Relyea and wife, Natalie of Walstonburg; step-children, Rick Gay and wife, Randi and Polly McKenzie and husband, Carl all of Raleigh; grandchildren, Josh Relyea (Beth), Jeremy Page, and Justin Page; step-grandchildren, Jason Gay, Lori Girton, and Scott Gay; great-grandchildren, Maddie Page, Jackson Page, Jeffrey Relyea, and Mark Relyea; step-great grandchildren, Anna Lynn Creech, Rason Jax Gay, Rhiella Gay, and Everest Gay.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 29 at 11:00 A.M. at the Walstonburg Cemetery by Rev. Tony Glass. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.  

Jack received the utmost care from his family of Caregivers.  He loved them as his own family.  We were very fortunate to be blessed with such an amazing team.  A special thank you to Linda Price, Angela Williams, Lossie Whaley, Angie Robinson, Dianne Best, Teresa Stokes, and Graci Parham for loving and caring for our father. We love you all dearly.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

Arrangements are by Farmville Funeral Home. 

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