Julius Preston "Jay" Torrence

Published in The Charlotte Observer

on 9/22/2009

Mr. Torrence passed peacefully at home on September 20, 2009, at the age of 85. He was known as J. Preston in his school days and as 'Jay' throughout his adult life. As a child of the Drepression Era, he began working at age 9. This instilled an intense sense of family support and community service that he was guided by through his life. After serving in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, he returned home and worked in the family's cabinet shop as well as other jobs.

In 1954, he started a 32-year career with Jefferson Pilot Broadcasting Company, retiring in 1986, remaining very active in the community after his retirement. For several years after the war, he was a member of Hornets Nest American Legion Post 9, and he served on an honor guard for fallen soldiers brought home from Europe and the South Pacific for re-interment. He was post commander and an active member of the Hunter Sloan American Legion Post 287 in Newell, NC.

Jay served the Newell Community as president of the Newell School PTA for two years and as member of the Newell Volunteer Fire Department from 1950 to 1967 as an active firefighter and on the board of directors. He joined Excelsior Masonic Lodge in 1957 and then founded Newell Lodge 739 in 1967 where he served as master for the first two years. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the North Carolina Grand Lodge, district 40 from 1971 to 1974. As a member of Back Creek ARP church, he held positions as deacon, elder, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, sang in the choir and was the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troup 49 in the 1950s and advisor for many years.

Too numerous are the number of people he has helped along the way, friends and strangers alike. His faith dictated that he help those in need and many times, very few knew of his involvement. That dedicaton to serving the community and charity to those in need will live on in his sons. He was a man of decisive action whose impact has been felt and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Doris of 62 years, four sons, Julius and his wife Jan, their son David and daughter Sharon and her husband Ricky Jones, Eli and his wife Jackie of Charlotte and Eli's son Warren and wife Shawn and Warren's daughter Ashley in Belmont. Robin and his wife, Cheryl, their son Sandy and wife Laura and sons Micah and Riley of Harrisburg. Sean and his wife Lisa of Fort Mill, SC.

He also is survived by his brother and best buddy Virgil and wife Greta and their sons Virgil Jr. and Darel and Darel's wife Renda and their son and daughter Colby and Emma. Also sister Thelma Gilland and family in Florida and sister, Winona LeVie and family in Denver, NC. Preceding him in death are his son Michael, his mother, father, a brother, and a sister.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the gracious caregivers of Presbyterian Hospice.

Funeral services wll be at Back Creek A.R.P. Church, 1821 Back Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213 on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the old sanctuary. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, and Presbyterian Hospice, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233.

J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting the family.