Bill Curtis “Dee” Bacote (aka Uncle Goodbuddy) was born on March 27, 1946, in Parkton, NC as the thirteenth child and knee baby to the late Ernest Bacote Sr. and Mabel Bacote. Loyalty, hard work and brotherly love to a fault were instilled in the Bacote children and it would keep and bound them in love for a lifetime. Bill demonstrated this exceptional work ethic through his entire life, well into his 70s and would pass it along to each of his children through his bloodline.
Dee graduated from Oak Ridge High School, in Lumber Ridge, NC in 1964. Following high school, he attended A&T University in Greensboro, NC for two years when he left to work in textile manufacturing, first as a Technical Operator, but would quickly rise into the ranks of Supervisor, for his intelligence, and consummate professionalism. He would work in manufacturing in various Supervisory roles for many years to follow: at Trist, Burlington Industries, Temptation Hosiery, Sara Lee, WestPoint Pepperell, Rauch Industries and Fabtex always known as tough, hardworking, no-nonsense leader who also rewarded work ethic. Bill always moonlighted in a second job, umpiring for many years, buying aluminum for as many years along with everything from pizza delivery and convenience store attendant. There was no work below him to make ends meet and provide for his loved ones.
From his childhood through adulthood, Bill made friends easy, and had a passion for sports, specifically baseball and he would play recreationally with the Parkton Tigers for many years. He also loved himself some fresh hot catfish, a good soda and nab and working in the yard as relaxation. Bill was a loyal brother, uncle, partner and friend; a loving father to his sons and a doting and protective father to his daughter. Through the years he evolved into a much gentler version of the young man he once was-- never quick to anger, speak unkindly or present disagreeably toward anyone. Bill was a modest man, well liked, who lived a simple life and died quietly. We each will miss and remember him dearly in our own personal ways, whether it was him saving the day, completing a small task, imparting wisdom or just being a bright presence. If he loved or cared for you there was some impression or impact of note.
Those left to hold him dear and cherish his memory are LaFaye McMillan his devoted partner of many decades; his four children and their partners: Kelvin (Martina) Jones of Frankfurt, Germany, Heidi Bacote of Atlanta, GA, Patrick Bacote of Fayetteville, NC, and Shanette Sherrod of Virginia Beach, VA; his grandchildren: Seonna Gittens of Pinehurst, NC, Kelvin Jones-Fernandez of Charlotte, NC, Juan Jones-Fernandez of Canary Islands, Spain, and Kayla Isaacs of Aiken, SC; his siblings: Nealie McLean of Rex, NC, Ellen McLean of San Jose, CA, Martha B. Stearns of Fayetteville, NC and Mable B. Jones of Fayetteville, NC; and other affectionate loving close bonds: Candace McMillan of Lumberton, NC, Aujahnae McMillan of Charlotte, NC, Tealea Tyson of Lumberton, NC and Misty Bacote of Fayetteville, NC. In addition to those closest to him, he will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends including his former wife, Fannie Bacote of Fayetteville, NC with whom he went on to successfully co-parent and remain friends.
Honoring the spirit of his parents Ernest Bacote Sr. and Mabel Bacote and siblings, each that preceded him in death, four brothers: James Bacote, Ellsworth Bacote, Fred Bacote and Morris Bacote and four sisters: Annie Mae Bacote, Josie Cates, Lydia McDonald, and Eloise Sansbury.
