Firefighter Herbert Tyler “Butch” Wilcox, age 77, of the Rocky Mount Fire Department, passed away peacefully at his home on April 19, 2018, within 24 hours of responding to multiple calls.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy for over three years with an honorable discharge. Butch was an active member of Franklin Heights Baptist Church.

He worked at the Rocky Mount Pastry Shop with his mother, father, and sister for many years until purchasing it in 1961. He ran the shop until 1972, selling it to his sister and brother, Nellie Sprouse and Bill Wilcox. He and his wife, Mary Ann, purchased the Hub Restaurant, which they ran successfully for 36½ years, retiring in October 2009.

He was an active member of the Rocky Mount Fire Department for over 57 years. Butch served in many capacities during his service to the RMFD, including assistant chief and captain. He was a former member of the Rocky Mount Jaycees.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Carl and Bessie Wilcox; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Nellie and Richard Sprouse, Mary Jane and Walter Yates, Margaret and Paul Yates, and Peggy and Cully Cullifer; and his brother, Bill Wilcox. Surviving him are his loving wife of 51½ years, Mary Ann Wilcox; a very special nephew who was like a brother, William C. Wilcox (Helen); two sisters-in-law, Peggy Overstreet and Flora Altice (Clayton); a very special niece, Jean Overstreet; a very special nephew/fishing and hunting buddy, James Overstreet (Penny); many other special nieces and nephews; two special “granddaughters,” Brandi and Sharon Williams; special friends, Dusty Rhodes, Eric Ferguson, Spike Pugh, and Ulis Chitwood; and the RMFD brothers and their families.