William Taylor Dement

Mr. William Taylor Dement, age 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hock Family Pavilion In Durham, after suffering a debilitating fall at his home the week before. He was the son of George Harrison Dement (dec.) and Irene Hayes Dement (dec). and began his full life in Granville County, NC on November 19, 1926. He married his high school sweetheart, Florine Kittrell Dement his wife of 72 years who passed away in 2022. They lost their beloved daughter; Edith Gail Dement, in 2015.

After high school William proudly served in the Army in the Philippines; after which he received his Pharmacy Degree from UNC, Chapel Hill, while working part time at one of the local drug stores. He enjoyed a very successful career, owning and managing Williams’ Drug Store on the corner of College and Hillsboro Streets.

William Dement was a man of many talents. He was always interested in repairing things and was an active part time locksmith until about 5 years ago. He proudly showed off the numerous broken wheel barrows that he had collected from the street and restored them to usefulness along with various other street finds. He and Florine collected many antique items, such as oil Lamps and paper weights as they traveled around the country. Their refrigerator is filled with names of all the states they visited.

He leaves behind many of Florine’s nieces and nephews whom he took as his own and loved them dearly. He looked forward to the thoughtful gifts they gave him on special occasions.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 27 at Elmwood Cemetery with Reverend Dr Glenn Stallsmith of Oxford United Methodist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Oxford United Methodist Church, P O Box 757, Oxford, NC 27565.

The Dement family is proudly being served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, Oxford, NC. Online Memorials: https://www.gnvfuneralhome.com/