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Benjamin Maxwell “Max” Lancaster, 84, of Roanoke Rapids passed away on Friday, December 28th, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones.

Lancaster Benjamin

Born on February 28th, 1934, in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., to Bennie Elmer and Manette Bartholomew Lancaster, he was a lifelong resident of Halifax County, N.C.

Max was a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Mars Hill College where he attended on a basketball scholarship.  He received his BS and MA from Western Carolina College and performed graduate work at NC Wesleyan College, East Carolina University, University of Pennsylvania and UNC at Chapel Hill.

Max was a beloved career educator, teacher, coach and principal. He retired as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Halifax County Schools.

Max was a caring man who loved his church and community. An active lifelong member of Rosemary Baptist Church, he served as Honorable Lifetime Deacon, RA Director, and leader of the Hattie Cullom Prayer Group.

Max dedicated 52 years of service to the Rosemary Baptist Church Prison Ministry where he shared his love of the Lord with those incarcerated. He received a number of State Volunteer of the Year awards from the NC Dept. of Corrections. Above all his accomplishments, his greatest joy was serving the Lord and his greatest pride was his family.

Max was a kind family man who enjoyed nothing more than laughing, loving and spending time with family.

He was married to Louise Crawley Lancaster for 44 years and enjoyed building a happy family with their children: Alicia Pait (Randy) of Ayden, NC, Ben Lancaster (Peggy) of Lake Junaluska, NC, Sherry Cox (Stuart, late) of Watkinsville, GA, Cindy Allen (Stanley) of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Marty Proctor (Harriette) of Swansboro, NC, and Cliffy Proctor (Robin) of Roanoke Rapids, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Russell Lancaster Henley (Rob) of Sevierville, TN. Max leaves his grandchildren to cherish his memory: Shannon Casper (Keith), Catherine Edwards (Brad), William Dixon (Molly), Kristen Leen (Brendan), Devin Cox (Mary), Brianna Allen, Lou Holton (Eddy), Robby Proctor, Carly Proctor, Logan Proctor (Stephanie) and Alec Proctor as well as 13 great-grandchildren, two nieces and many dear friends.

The family wishes to thank all the special caregivers who helped care for him with love and compassion during his declining health. Additionally, we appreciate the support and care provided by Community Home Care and Hospice that allowed Max’s last days to be at home.

Funeral Services will be held at Rosemary Baptist Church at 936 Jackson Street Roanoke Rapids, NC, on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019. A visitation will begin at 12:45pm in the Fellowship Hall followed by a 2:00 pm service in the Sanctuary lead by Dr. Layne Wallace and Rev. Tom Bodkin. Internment services will immediately follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosemary Baptist Church Prison Ministry, 936 Jackson Street Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.