Rufus Aris Bartholomew, Jr.

HENDERSON- Rufus Aris Bartholomew Jr., 80, died on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Maria Parham Health.Those who knew R.A. will remember his quick smile, kind ways and beautiful baritone voice. Born in Vance County, R.A. grew up in the Epsom Community, where he enjoyed life on the farm.The only son of the late Rufus A. Bartholomew, Sr., and Pauline Hayes Bartholomew, he attended Louisburg College, where he majored in Business Administration. Shortly after college, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard and proudly served for six years. R.A. worked in sales and management with City Tire, a job he enjoyed for many years. Although brief stints took him elsewhere, he always returned to the business and his "family" there. From his youth, R.A. loved basketball and earned wide recognition for his high-scoring ability and natural style. Competitors were always surprised by his "mean" left-handed hook shot, which unfailingly swished through the net.After his school career, he played with the Henderson Industrial League, a talented group of adult men who shared his love for the sport. Always an avid sportsman, R.A. enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. Later in life, he spent leisure time at Kerr Lake Country Club, golfing with his buddies. As much as the game itself, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow golfers. His favorite times, however, were spent at the lake with his family. He was a longtime member of the Epsom Lions Club and enjoyed his time as president of the Club. He was also a member of Liberty Christian Church where he served in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and a choir member.Music played an important part in R.A.’s life. He was a well-known soloist, whose renditions of "How Great Thou Art" and "O Holy Night" were audience favorites. A floating celebration of life reception will be held Saturday, April 23rd, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM in the fellowship hall of Liberty Christian Church. In addition to his parents, R. A. was preceded in death by his two sisters, Jeurlene B. Prechtel and Juanita B. Crews. Left to cherish his memories are his wife of almost 60 years, Ann Foster Bartholomew; a son Brad Bartholomew and wife Pam of Henderson; the love of his life, his granddaughter Miller of Wilmington and her husband, Justin Care; his brother-in-law, N. G. Crews his nephew, Fleet Crews, of Henderson. Although R.A. was diagnosed with MS many years ago, he never lost his spirit. He realized he needed help, but he never felt helpless. If you knew R.A., please remember him and smile. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Christian Church, c/o Mattie May, 1897 Epsom-Rocky Ford Rd. Henderson, NC 27537, New Bethel Baptist Church, c/o Debra Woodlief, 1149 Massenburg Rd. Henderson, NC 27537, or to Rebuilding Hope, PO Box 2826, Henderson, NC 27536.