Henry Roy Gardner Manning

July 20, 1941- January 4, 2026

Henry “RG” Manning, 84, passed away on January 04, 2026. 

He was born on July 20, 1941, in Vaughan, North Carolina to Wilkes Manning and Ruby Shearin Manning, and was the fifth of nine siblings.

Henry attended Gaston High School, and married Clara “Deanie” Jones on June 10, 1962. He was employed with J.P. Stevens, Bibb Company at Roanoke Number 1 Mill for 34 years and retired from NCDOT. 

Henry had various interests, was well-known and liked, and was a staple in the community. He was an active member at First Baptist Church in Gaston, NC where he served as Deacon. He was a former Chief of the Gaston Volunteer Fire Department and served for 30 years. He was also former Commander and Charter Member of the Gaston Rescue Squad. 

Due to his volunteer work in the community, Henry was recognized as North Carolina Textile Citizen of the Year by the Bibb Company in 1994 and 1995. Also because of his volunteer work, he was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch for the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia; he carried the torch in South Hill, Virginia.

Henry “RG” loved to travel on tour buses, and has traveled to all 50 states, Canada, and the Bahamas. His local travels consisted of perusing yard sales and flea markets; but his greatest joy was collecting and making belt buckles, and he would invite everyone to come and tour his vast collection. He would also be the first to emphasize that his initials, RG, stood for “Real Good” when asked. 

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Wilkes and Ruby Manning; brothers, Floyd Manning and Don Manning; and sisters, Mrytice Manning White, Dean Manning Taylor, and Dorothy Manning Hux.

Henry leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 63 years, Clara “Deanie” Jones Manning; sons, Monty (Carla) Manning and Craig (Rhonda) Manning; daughter, Laura Thompson; grandchildren, Tonya Manning, Brooke Teele, Christina (Joshua) Hume, Connor Manning, Jude Manning, and Haylen Strickland; brother, Frank (Judy) Manning; sisters, Tiny Thompson and Louise Tilley; many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends, both near and far.  

The family will receive friends at Wrenn Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A Memorial Service will follow in the chapel of Wrenn Funeral Home at 3:00 pm with Reverends Julian Mills, Timothy Andrews, and Eric Bass officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made in Henry’s memory to First Baptist Church of Gaston, Post Office Box 66, Gaston, NC 27832.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Wrenn Funeral Home, 1015 West 5th Street Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, (252) 537-4742. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.wrennfh.com/