
SURF CITY — Rudy Arlen Webb Jr., 61, lost his courageous battle with cancer Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. He did everything he could to win the battle, not for himself, but for his family who loved him so much; not once complaining or saying, “Why me?”
Rudy was born Feb. 22, 1958, in Kinston to Janice Taylor Webb and the late Rudy Arlen Webb Sr. Along with his mother, he is survived by the love of his life and partner of 25 years, Cheryl Haste of their home in Surf City; sisters, Pat (Floyd) of Kinston, Linda of Wilmington and Amy (Sam) of St. Augustine, Florida; nieces and nephews, Adam, Andrew and Allison of Wilmington, Nicole and Joseph of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Janna of Deep Run; great-nieces and great-nephews, Brayden, Easton, Macy, Brice, Sofia Soleil and Jentry Arlen; and several lifelong friends who he thought of as family, Don Smith of Wilmington, Mike Boyette of Kinston and his neighbors on Driftwood Drive in Surf City. He also wanted to mention the kindness of Dr. Meisel of Wilmington and Dr. Blobe of Duke Medical.
Rudy loved his family, and all the kids thought of him as their favorite uncle. At Christmas, he always went over and above to let everyone know he was thinking of them. If the parents weren’t looking, he would take the children out too far in the ocean to ride the waves. He loved the ocean and the mountains, annually visiting a cabin in the mountains to sit outside and listen to the stream running by.
Rudy loved animals, he always had a dog or two following close behind, and fed his faithful raccoons for many years. He loved his church and the people there. He told many stories about his wonderful life growing up in Kinston, the neighborhood of Jackson Heights and days spent playing with friends, throwing dirt clogs, playing ball in the streets and doing what little boys do.
He loved the game of golf, would play any chance he got, and was good at it. He traveled to many places to play a new course and loved playing with someone who didn’t know the game, so he could give them pointers. He even made the coveted hole-in-one. He loved Duke basketball and had gotten a call of Coach K just a couple of days before Rudy went to heaven.
Rudy would do anything for anybody, making sure his neighbors had a freshly-cut yard before family came for the holidays, going to the church before and after events to be sure all was in order and taking care of his mama and daddy.
Rudy would tell you, “it is okay that I’m gone too soon, just be sure to tell everyone thank you for all they have done for me.” He said recently, “I haven’t accomplished much, but I’ve lived a great life, and I had fun doing it.” We disagree, he accomplished so much, being the most wonderful life partner, son, brother, uncle and friend you could ask for.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28, at Providence Baptist Church, Holly Ridge, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29, in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.