James Redden "J.R." Wordsworth

I just recently heard about the passing of my Uncle J.R. My sincere condolences to all in the Wordsworth family. I would like to share what I posted on Facebook when I heard of his passing: "I searched and searched on the internet for a quote about uncles, or a witty saying or joke, but no matter what I came across, nothing even came close to describing my Uncle J.R. He was a presence that sometimes frightened me when I was small, puzzled me when I was a teen, and comforted me as an adult. I...

To Brian and Kevin and the entire MBM team: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. We all have lost a legend. I I remember visiting Rocky Mount and the MBM facility and seeing "JR" house in the middle of everything. It will always be a vivid memory. He is with you always.

I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a kind southern gentleman. I still see MBM trucks in Charlotte and smile at the happy memories of growing up near Meadowbrook Road. I have no doubt he will live on in your hearts through the good memories all of you have.

To the Wordsworth family. Not only an Icon in the food industry has passed away,but a true friend to myself and many more. I worked at MBM when I was just sixteen he give me my first public job,driving the white delivery van with a shifter that always would hang up. Mr. Wordsworth was like a second father to me at the time and always put his hand on my shoulders and talk to me with great affection.Even all these years when I would see him ,he always had time to talk. I am glad I had the...

The road each life travels leaves reminisce itched in the minds of all those they touched - And as each new day awakes, I pray that the unconscious refection will conjure up memories that will flood your hearts and minds with joy, love and peace.
May God's comfort be with you all..!

Layton Pearce

I was saddened to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. He will be missed.

There is so much to remember about JR; my mother went to school with him and years later worked for him when he started W&M Distributing Co. the forerunner of MBM. Through the years whenever I would see him he was always the same pleasant and humble person. Jimmy, Jerry, Steve, & Debbie your father will be remembered fondly by all who ever met him. Be Proud.

To Debbie, Jerry, Steve, Jim and the entire Wordsworth family, my sympathy to all and my appreciation for the life of JR. He was an icon in the history of Rocky Mount.
Larry Gutshall

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this Family. My Dad and J. R. were great friends for a true life time. As a child I would go with my Father to the "first" Meadowbrook Meat Company to get meats for my dads store and would play outside with J.R.'s kids while they talked for hours at the time. Many years later I loved to purchase meats form Him in the first convenient store I had. Precious memories. He was a friend of ours forever. He has done so much for others, a true Southern...