Extracted from The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, NC)
Tuesday, November 18, 1947

Arbie Wilkes Found In Johnston Branch

Arbie D. Wilkes, 51, of Dunn, Route 2, was found dead early Monday morning with his head lying in the water of Maple Branch near Reedy Prong Primitive Baptist church in Meadow township where his young epileptic daughter had left him the preceding night, reported Johnston Coroner J. Durward Creech.

The man apparently died of a heart attack since there was no water in his lungs, stated Coroner Creech, who ruled ``accidental death'' and said no inquest was necessary. The child, Etheline, 15, in addition to being an epileptic is not in her right mind and cannot be blamed for her actions, said the coroner.

The body was found Monday at 6:30 a.m. by one of the victim's brothers, and officers from Smithfield were called to investigate.

Creech reported that the investigation revealed Wilkes and his daughter were taking a woods path home from his son-in-law's house about dark Sunday afternoon when the man stumbled and fell in one branch. Wilkes got up, but later stumbled and fell face forward in Maple Branch where his daughter left him and went home, said the coroner.

The next morning the victim's son, who had spent the night at a neighbor's house, returned home to get his school books, aroused his sister and discovered she had left him the preceding night, explained Creech. A search was started, and the victim found, he said.

Assisting the coroner with the investigation were State Highway Patrolmen N. T. Newton and J. C. Tyson and Sheriff Deputies Joe Turner Barnes and Russell Britt.

Funeral services for Wilkes were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at Reedy Prong church by Elder Lester Lee. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Clonia Wilkes of Dunn, Route 2; one son, Arbie Lee Wilkes of Dunn, Route 2; three daughters, Mrs. Leslie Jones of Four Oaks, Route 2, and Mrs. C. D. Denning and Miss Etheline Wilkes of Dunn, Route 2; two brothers, J. B. and Leamon Wilkes of Dunn, Route 2, and five grandchildren.