Linwood Evans Felts

Linwood Felts of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, January 12th 2023 at the age of 82. Linwood was born on October 26th 1940 in Warrenton, North Carolina where he grew up on a farm in the town of Wise (Warren County). On the farm, he learned many of the traits that he demonstrated throughout his life and blessed those closest to him by passing those traits on to others. From his parents, Thomas Wilson Felts (preceded in death in 1959) and Mildred Reamey Felts (preceded in death in 2016), Linwood learned the value of hard work, consistency, and a strong dedication to his family. He teamed up with his 4-year younger sister, Peggy Mulchi, to create laughs and support their parents on the farm.

Linwood graduated from Norlina High School in 1959, where he was an under-sized yet successful halfback for their football team. Due to his father’s unexpected death shortly after graduation, Linwood chose to forego the rest of college education at Chowan University in order to help support his mother and sister. His work ethic, dedication, and natural ability to connect with others propelled him to quick success in the food service industry. He worked his way up to become one of the top salespeople for foodservice wholesaler PYA Monarch (later a part of RJR Nabisco). He had good relationships with restaurant owners and managers throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia and, by always succeeding productivity expectations, was able to build a comfortable life for his family.

Two of the loves of Linwood’s life, daughter, Angie (Jeff) Hunter and wife, Alice Smith Felts (preceded in death in 2002), always brought a smile to his face. He valued his role as a husband to Alice, father to Angie, and step-father to Larry (Alison) Tise, Jr. and Nick (Katie) Tise. He taught his three children a work ethic and family focus that continues his legacy to new generations.

Linwood loved, doted on, and really spoiled his four grandchildren, Benjamin, Jacob, Ayden, and Allyson (all Tise). He spoiled them with gifts and made them laugh every time they crossed paths. Similarly, he loved and was mutually endeared by his sister, Peggy’s (and Charles’) children, Charles (Kalli) Mulchi, Jr. and Jill (Sean) O’Brien, and his great nieces and nephews: Steven (Cristy) and Christen Mulchi; and Coley (Natalie) and Michael O’Brien.

So many people allowed Linwood to remain living independently over the last several years through their consistent support and friendship and, while not an inclusive list, the following people deserve special thanks: Diane Russell, Barry Horne, and Mary Ann Freeman.

A man of faith, family, and fortitude, Linwood will be missed, but has a legacy that will carry on. Every morning he read the following prayer: O Lord, grant that each one who has to do with me today may be the happier for it. Let it be given me each hour today what I shall say, and grant me the wisdom of a loving heart that I may say the right thing rightly…[and] give me a quick perception of the feeling and needs of others, and make me eager hearted in helping them. Those closest to Linwood felt his dedication to these words.

A funeral service was held on January 21, 2023 at 1pm at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Linwood’s honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at https://give.bcrf.org.

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