ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.—Hassell Howard Weeks Jr., 94, passed away peaceably surrounded by family on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Born in Edgecombe County, N.C., on June 26, 1925, he was the son of the late Hassell Howard Weeks and Katherine Philips Weeks. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Philips Weeks.
Hassell served in the U.S Army-Air Forces during World War II. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He owned and operated the H.H. Weeks Seed and Feed store for 25 years and became a realtor and real estate broker in 1973 where he was employed by Wilkinson-Bulluck (purchased by Wimberley and Gregory) as a real estate broker and property manager. He was still an active agent working until the age of 90.
Hassell was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he helped with the flower ministry and Meals on Wheels. He served on the Rocky Mount, N.C., Planning Board. He was a member of the Rocky Mounty Historic Preservation Commission and was one of the longest living members of Benvenue Country Club.
Hassel loved golf, gardening, dancing and hunting, and was a lifelong member of the Roanoke and Tar River Gun Club and the Elks Club.
He will always be remembered as a gifted storyteller and many called him “a walking historian.” He frequently shared his memories with others while traveling down a county road whenever he passed anything of interest. Hassell was a master at recounting his family history and providing humorous stories to accompany it. He would often say he thought of himself as a great source of “useless knowledge.” He was an avid reader and could be found in the early hours of the morning with a good book in his bands.
At the celebration of his 85th birthday, June 26, 2010, family and friends shared their own personal and humorous stories about this true North Carolina “Southern Gentleman.” His greatest pleasure came from the relationships shared with his family and friends. His passion for life continued even in his last days.
Hassell leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 34 years, Roberta “Bobbi” Gaskins Weeks; children, Dr. Hassell Howard Weeks III and wife, Patricia Bridger Weeks, of Spring Hope; Louis Batchelor Weeks and wife, Patricia Pridgen Weeks, of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Elizabeth Clarke Weeks and Katherine Philips Weeks and Ana Katherine Weeks of Spring Hope and Thomas Henry Ellstrom of Rocky Mount; step-children, Kimbelyn Delano Emory and husband, Stuart Mason Emory; Brian James Thornes and wife, Megan Arth Thornes of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Sylvia Crocker Weeks of Hilton Head, S.C.; and two nieces and one nephew and their families in South Carolina.
The Service of Thanks and Celebration of Hassell’s Life was held on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount, 153 North Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, officiated by Rev. Dr. Preston Smith and Rev. Matthew Baker. Arrangements were made by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount, 153 North Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
