Locklear, James

Mr. James Theadore Locklear, 85, of 509 Maynor Street passed from this life on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Southeastern Hospice House. He was born September 29, 1925 in Robeson County, NC, the oldest of the late Mr. Proctor & Mrs. Mary E. Locklear. Mr. Locklear graduated from Prospect High School in May 1942 and worked as a farmer for his father until May 1946. He joined the Army Air Force in May 1946 and retiring on July 31 1974. During his Air Force career he was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant. He served overseas in the Philippines, France, Morocco, Libya, Vietnam, and Turkey. He was awarded three Bronze Star medals for Valor, two Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Outstandng Unit Award, two Air Force Conduct Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Vietnam Campaign Medal 60 date. After retiring from the Air Force he returned to work for the Department of Defense as a civilian for eleven years. The funeral will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Bear Swamp Baptist Church with the burial with military honors to follow in the Bear Swamp Church Cemetery. Surviving are his wife: Mrs. Anita Locklear of the home; three daughters: Ms. Donna F. Bryant of Maxton, Ms. Annette Strickland of Pembroke and Ms. Barbara R. Bilek of Oklahoma City, OK; a son: Mr. Jon T. Locklear of Oklahoma City, OK; two step sons: Mr. William A. Walker and Mr. Gary D. Walker both of Midwest City, OK; two step-daughters: Ms. Darlene Brown and Ms. Barbara Skinner of Midwest City, OK; three brothers: Mr. Proctor Locklear, Jr. and Mr. Lindsey Locklear both of Parkton and Mr. Eddy A. Locklear of Rennert; four sisters: Ms. Mary M. Locklear, Ms. Kathleen Jones both of Pembroke, Ms. Betty L. Locklear and Ms. Grace W. Strnad both of Parkton; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and ten step-great-grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by his wives: Mrs. Anna Lou Locklear and Mrs. Dorothy P. Locklear; a brother: Mr. Billy G. Locklear and two sisters: Ms. Molly Jones and Ms. Janice McAudy. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Locklear & Son Funeral Home.