James Roy Manning Jr.

James Roy Manning Jr passed away peacefully from complications of dementia on Saturday November 1st after leading a long and productive life. He will be remembered as a father, a coach, a law enforcement officer, and a friend.

His life changed dramatically at the early age of 2 when his mother, Mamie Manning, and sister, Sharon Manning, died tragically in a car accident. His father remarried and he was raised by his next mother, Sally Bet Manning.

After high school he elected to become the first in his family to pursue a college degree, attending Chowan College, where he learned how to study and made many fast friends for life. He completed his education with a Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University. He met and married Lavae Baker and they moved to her hometown of Beulaville, NC to start their family. They had 2 children, James R Manning III and Lora Sharon Manning. In Beulaville he built his home, largely with his own labor and expertise, and with the help of hired hands, friends, and family. He began his career in Social Services, and then changed to the field of probation/parole, where he stayed until retirement. He took pride in treating every person with the same respect and helpful attitude as he would his own family.

He spent his time outside work coaching championship little league baseball teams with his neighbor Terry Williams. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, especially to quail hunt, and to go fishing. He would share his love of the outdoors and his expertise with anyone who was interested, but especially held a place in his heart for teaching young hunters and fishermen/women.

After a difficult divorce, he devoted himself to work, farming, outdoor hobbies, and his grandchildren. He would often be found walking the fields with his prize bird dog Speck, trolling for Spanish Mackerel off Topsail Island, or exploring the back waters of the Roanoke River in search of a prize fish. He enjoyed attending games and activities of his grandchildren and making each feel special. The final 15 years of his life he met Lucille Tyndall of Swansboro, and they had many adventures together, going on road trips and taking grandkids to shows at Myrtle Beach.

He had an infectious laugh, especially when watching funny movies, and was an outstanding fisherman. No crappie in NC was safe as long as he was in shape to go fishing. He did his best to be a good person and to add joy and love to the world. He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his Birthmother, Mamie Holliday Manning, his Parents, James Roy and Sally Bet Manning and a sister, Sharon Manning.

Funeral Service:

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

6:00 PM

Followed by visitation

Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Interment:

Friday, November 7, 2025

4:00 PM

Woodlawn Cemetery, Williamston, NC

Survivors:

Partner:

Lucille Tyndall, Swansboro, NC

Son:

James Ray Manning, III. "Jay" (Tina), Hampstead, NC

Daughter:

Lora Manning Gilreath (John(, Kill Devil Hills, NC

Sister:

Valarie Harrell (Thomas), Williamston, NC

Brothers:

Robert Manning, Williamston, NC

Ronnie Manning (Angie), Williamston, NC

Grandchildren:

Sophia Manning, James Manning IV., Riley Gilreath, Sydney Manning, Hampton Gilreath and Asa Gilreath.

Community Funeral Home is Beulaville is honored to serve the Manning family.