William Foster Bounds, Sr. 88, of Roanoke Rapids and formerly of Weldon, died Friday, May 7, 2010 at Bayberry Retirement Inn.

Mr. Bounds was a native of Halifax County, the son of the late Clayton Purnell Bounds and Elzaida Foster Bounds. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Storey Bounds.

Mr. Bounds was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving his country during World War II. He was manager of Bounds Oil Company for over 43 years. After his retirement from Bounds, he worked as a security guard at Halifax Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the Weldon Lions Club and a life-long member of Weldon United Methodist Church.

Mr. Bounds is survived by his step-daughter, Mary Jo Ellis and her husband, Gerald, of Murfreesboro; his son, William "Bill" Foster Bounds, Jr. and Crystal of Raleigh; two grandsons, Gregory Ellis and Jonathan Ellis; two great-granddaughters, Regan and Jenna Ellis; and his brother, Robert S. Bounds of Norfolk, Arkansas.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services at 731 Roanoke Ave. in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Sunday, May 9, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Weldon United Methodist Church, 415 Washington Ave., Weldon, NC with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Weldon United Methodist Church, PO Box 228, Weldon, NC 27890.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Bound’s service to his country.