Jeffrey Alton Wagstaff

Jeffrey Alton Wagstaff, 65, died at his home in Erwin, NC on December 28, lovingly
attended by his wife of nearly 40 years, Sherry, and daughter, Elizabeth, following a 3-
year battle with melanoma.

Born in Ayden, NC in 1958 to James and Irma Wagstaff, Jeff is survived by his siblings: Sandra
Liverman (Ben), Plymouth, NC; Jimmy Wagstaff (Pat), Charleston, SC; and Rhesa
Hufford (Grayson), Fayetteville, NC.  Growing up in Ayden, he made a group of lifelong
best friends, calling themselves the “Sinational Six.” Known around town as a bit of a
pool shark, he could often be spotted hustling at the local hall. While attending East
Carolina University, he met his future wife, Sherry, at Bonanza Steakhouse, where they
both worked. They married in 1984 and welcomed their beloved daughter, Elizabeth, six
years later.

A devoted father, Jeff coached Elizabeth’s softball teams and volunteered to chaperone
every field trip. In later years, he and Sherry would travel to meet Elizabeth, exploring a
new city several times a year, including New Orleans, Austin, Memphis (home of his idol
Elvis), and even Sydney, Australia. Ever the sports enthusiast, Jeff loved tailgating
ahead of UNC football games, watching the Carolina Hurricanes, and playing golf in his
spare time.

Jeff spent his career as a retail manager, most recently at Walmart in Erwin, NC. He
came to know and enjoy his coworkers there, cherishing his opportunities to mentor
others. Whenever he learned someone else was suffering from cancer, he would take
the time to talk with them and encourage them as best he could. He fought the disease
vehemently and his family is endlessly proud of him.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at West and Dunn Funeral Home, 904
Lucas Street, Erwin, NC on Sunday, December 31st. The visitation will be from 1-2:30
pm, with service following at 2:30 pm. The burial will be at Ayden Town Cemetery, 4820 Blount Street, Ayden, NC, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Flowers are welcome, as are donations to the American Cancer Society.

Special thanks to Dr. Wang and the Duke Cancer Center team; Dr. Rao, Amy Ennis
(FNP), and staff at Dunn Erwin Medical Center; Dr. Adusumilli; Dr. Margraf; Gentiva
Hospice; and Jeff’s management team and coworkers at Walmart of Erwin for all of their
support.

West and Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the Jeffrey Alton Wagstaff family.

Condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey Alton Wagstaff, please visit our floral store.