Final Salute

Mr. Percy Ray Truelove, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at his home in Holden Beach.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, 302 Spring Avenue, Fuquay-Varina, with Pastor Tim Williford officiating. Burial will follow in Duncan Church of God Cemetery, 1050 Oakridge Duncan Road, Fuquay-Varina. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Percy was born to the late Mayton Truelove and Beaulah Wood Truelove on May 23, 1937 and attended the Harnett County schools. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served in the Seabees and learned his lifelong love of construction. His Navy travels took him to Korea, Guam and Japan. Upon his return from his military service, Percy began a career in construction that took him all over the United States building Nuclear Power Plants and other large construction projects while running a large farming operation at home. After retirement, he ventured into real estate and property management and was still engaged in such work at the time of his death. He was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Church and loved his church family. He gave his life over to Christ 12 years exactly before his Lord and Savior called him home.

Percy will be fondly remembered for his love of family and his strong work ethic. He began working at an early age and believed in doing the best you can do in your work and for others. He was a generous person both in his time and resources. His work was his hobby and he always kept busy. Percy did enjoy spending time at the family home in Holden Beach, where many happy times were spent there. Those that knew Percy knew he loved big and had a large personality. He loved dancing and enjoyed parties. He lived a great life. A loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Percy will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Percy was preceded in death by Bobby Truelove, his only brother.

Surviving his wife of 67 years, Jean Austin Truelove; sons, Johnny Truelove, of Holly Springs, David Truelove and wife, Sandy, of Raleigh and Dennis Truelove and wife, Kim, of Holly Springs.

Percy and Jean were blessed with their first grandchild Bridget Truelove Ferrone on their 25th Anniversary and they always stated “the best gift ever.” Grandchildren; Bridget Ferrrone and husband, John, of Ocala Florida, Caitlin Truelove, of Raleigh;

Christopher Maloney, of Claremont, Dylan Maloney and wife, Kirsten, of Claremont; and Rebecca Maloney of Holly Springs;

His only great grandchild, Lilie Ferrone, of Ocala, Florida; aunt, Dorthy Wood, of Fuquay; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Truelove, of Fuquay, Ann Baker and husband, Gene; brother-in-law: O’Neal Austin and Barbara Gupton, of Holly Springs. Percy is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

Flowers are appreciated or Memorial contributions may be made to Full Gospel Tabernacle Church 302 Spring Avenue Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.