Joseph Rudolph Ennis, 83, of North Fourth Street in Smithfield died Monday, June 15. Born Jan. 31, 1926, in Johnston County, he was a son of the late Carl and Betty Pilkington Ennis.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens on U.S. 301 south of Smithfield. The Rev. Rod Carpenter will officiate.

Surviving are his wife, Nellie Gray Ennis; two sons, Jerry Ennis of Smithfield and Stephen Ennis of Fuquay-Varina; a daughter, Anita Denning of Raleigh; three brothers, Carl Ennis Jr. of Smithfield, Johnny Ennis of Wilson’s Mills and Marvin Ennis of Texas; three sisters, Rachel Lassiter and Annie Ennis, both of Smithfield, and Emma Lou Gilbert of Selma; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 till 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Underwood Funeral Home, 522 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield.

The family suggests memorial contributions to New Life Baptist Church, 2075 Swift Creek Road, Smithfield, N.C. 27577.

Condolences to the family may be made at underwoodfh.com.