Richard G. Fetner, Jr.

Mr. Richard Gooden “Ricky” Fetner, Jr., 52, of 337 Lee Thee Church Road, Rockingham died Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. He was born December 18, 1953 in Hamlet, NC, the son of Eunice Jacobs Fetner and the late Richard G. Fetner. An active member of First United Methodist Church, his faith helped sustain him during his illness. Ricky’s love for people and willingness to help others was evident to all who knew him. He loved everyone and his warming smile and giving nature had a special way of making everyone feel good. Because of a personality like this, he always wanted to be Santa Claus. Ricky was in the automotive business for over 30 years, working with Russell Bennett Chevrolet-Buick, Inc and as general manager of Russell Bennett Mazda. In 1991, he established his own business, Fetner’s Automotive Sales, where he continued to be self-employed until earlier this year. He had a great interest in racing and from this came his employment at North Carolina Speedway for 30 years during race season. Ricky was an organizer of the Girl Scout Jamboree, held annually at the Speedway, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. He was active in charitable motorcycle rides and other worthy causes and sat on the board of directors of the Humane Society of Richmond County, where he was instrumental in the annual Fur Ball. Ricky’s love for others was also evident when he dedicated his time in making multiple tractor-trailer relief trips to assist devastated areas after Hurricanes Hugo and Floyd Surviving is his wife, Leslie Bennett Fetner of the home; a daughter, Blair N. Fetner of Wilmington; his mother, Eunice J. Fetner of Greensboro; a sister, Pam F. Reed and husband Stuart of Laurinburg and their children, Heather and Jessica; father in law, Russell E. Bennett and wife Joan of Rockingham; mother in law, Agnes M. Bennett of Southern Pines; sister in law, Susan Wood and husband David of Rockingham and a number of step brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Friday, September 29th at First United Methodist Church in Rockingham with the Rev. Dr. Michael Hobbs (Ret.) and the Rev. Keith Nanney officiating. Interment will follow in Eastside cemetery. The family will see friends from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday at First United Methodist Church and at other times at the home on Lee Thee Church Rd. Contributions in Ricky’s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 410 Washington St. Rockingham, NC 28379, Richmond County Hospice, P.O Box 2136 Rockingham, NC 28380 or to the Humane Society of Richmond County, 529 E. US 74 Hwy Rockingham, NC 28379.