Thomas "Winford" Laxton,

Thomas "Winford"  Laxton, 76 of the Bethlehem community passed away at his residence Tuesday morning,  November 12, 2013.  He was born in Caldwell County, November 22, 1936 to the late Robert Lee and Mary Ethel (Witherspoon) Laxton.  Mr. Laxton was retired from the furniture industry and worked over 35 years at Clayton Marcus, and he was a lifelong member of Dudley Shoals Baptist church where he had served in various positions.  He was a deacon of the church and taught the Lord's message as a Sunday school teacher for over 45 years. Winford found pleasure in serving and helping others and there was a special place in his heart for assisting the elderly and shut-in's.   He also enjoyed listening to southern gospel music and not only did he enjoy watching sports but he also coached youth baseball as an active member of the Bethlehem NC community. Another favorite pass-time was square dancing as a member of the Double Diamonds Square Dancing club in Hickory, NC.
Besides his parents, those preceding Winford in death are three sisters:  Mildred Freeman, Mary Jane Farr, and Marie Auton.  Two brothers:  Perry Laxton, and Marion (Hod) Laxton.
Those remaining to cherish his memories are his wife of 53 years:  Martha Faye Laxton of the home.  Two sons:  Thomas Allen Laxton and wife Debbie of Taylorsville, and David Dean Laxton and wife Sonia of Raleigh and his beloved Pekingese:  Abbigail Laxton.  Four grandchildren:  Ashley Reynolds and husband Blake of Hickory; Kristin Deal and husband Bryant of Hiddenite; Megan Laxton of Taylorsville, and Matthew Laxton of Raleigh.  Also three great-grandchildren:  Ashlynn Elizabeth Fincher and Presley Blair Reynolds both of Hickory; and Brycen Allen Deal of Hiddenite and a special sister, Lorene Johnson and husband Ross Johnson of Ellendale NC.
The family will receive friends Thursday, November 14 at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15 at the church at 3:00 pm.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Rev. Don Ingle and Rev. Gordon West will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dudley Shoals Baptist Church Good Samaritan Sunday School Fund @ 1882 Dudley Shoals Baptist Church Road, Granite Falls, NC  28630.
Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com .
Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral & Cremation Service.