ROCKINGHAM — Raymond Thomas Entwistle, 66, known by many as Hun, Rebo, Coach, Ewee, The Razer, or simply Deddy and Biggie to us, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020 at Hospice Haven in Rockingham after a hero’s escort back into the county he loved so much.
He went to heaven surrounded by those who loved him most holding his hands singing Jimmy Buffett. He had a bottle of beach sand in his hand, a Raider Magic cross around his neck, and his favorite UNC T-shirt on his chest.
He was born Sept. 13, 1953 in Richmond County, son of the late George Parker Entwistle Jr. and Evern Morgan Entwistle.
He graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is most loved in the community from his time as a teacher and football, basketball and golf coach at Hamlet Junior High and Richmond Senior High where he was lovingly called Coach or Ewee. Many students and former players remember him for always smiling, always being there for them, and for his many sayings such as “beachfront property in Kansas” and “my baby needs a new pair of shoes.”
One former player put it best when he said, “He was a father when a lot of us needed one most.”
During his 17-year tenure on the coaching staff at Hamlet Junior and Richmond Senior, he had record of 181 wins and 10 losses. He was a proud member of the coaching staff of the 1997 and 1998 State Champion Richmond Raider football team, but his proudest accomplishment was his family.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 41 years, Bonnie Nichols Entwistle of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who has often said tolerance is the key to a long and successful marriage; his children, Elizabeth Entwistle Lowery (Chris) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Morgan Entwistle Dawkins (Greg) of Rockingham, and George Parker Entwistle III “Buck” (Carly) of Pinehurst; beloved grandchildren, Kai, Keegan and Emory Lowery of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and soon-to-be George Hampton Entwistle “Hamp” of Pinehurst.
He is survived by loving family, including brother John (Betty) Hartgrove, and sisters Linda (Bill) Penuel, and Faith (Mike) Albert; and a number of nieces and nephews who shared a special bond with him.
Family was important to Ray and many holidays were spent gathered at his house with all of those who he held near and dear. Family also was not distinguishable by blood. He had many friends who were considered as close as brothers, who held a special place in his heart. He also had a “beach family” that loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by both parents; and a brother, William (Billy) Hartgrove.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 13 2020 at Bonnie’s childhood home, 744 W US HWY 74 Rockingham, from 6-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held for Ray at his beloved Cherry Grove Beach at a later time.
We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this time. Thank you for sharing your memories and kind words with us. To honor him we ask you to do as he did, love big, show grace, do things with a smile, and “act right and be somebody.”
Memorial contributions may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is honored to serve the Entwistle family.
