William "Jud" Small

William "Jud" Small, 88, of Drexel, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Grace Hospital. Born December 5, 1922 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late James E. Small and Mary Jo Garrison Small. Jud graduated from Drexel High School in 1940, and then went to NYA National Youth Administration in Wilmington where he learned the shipbuilding trade. He joined the US Army Air Force in 1942, and worked his way up through the ranks repairing war torn planes in New Guinea. During the latter months of his time in service, Jud trained as a pilot and became a Flying Sergeant assigned to liaison duty, where he assisted with evacuations of troop and civilians before his return home from Japan in 1946. He was a member of the Morganton First Church of God.He is survived by a step-son, Eddie Bailey, grandchildren, Liz Ramsey and Keith "Buck" Bailey, and great-grandchildren, Dillon Ramsey and Brenna Ramsey, all of Morganton; and a sister Ruth Bounous, and a nephew, Gary Jones, both of Valdese.In addition to Jud’s parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years whom he was eager to be reunited with, Flora Clark Small; and a brother, Slayton Small.Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Don Smith officiating. Military graveside honors will be conducted by members of the National Guard. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to the Morganton First Church of God, PO Box 1404, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.