Thomas Rapley Jr., 71

DOVER - Thomas Rapley Jr. of Dover passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 10, 2007, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 71.

Mr. Rapley was born Oct. 1, 1935, in Winston-Salem, N.C., to the late Mary (Mangum) and Thomas Rapley Sr.

He attended Atkins High School, Winston-Salem, and after graduation he entered into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Korea.

After serving his country faithfully and receiving an Honorable Discharge, Mr. Rapley returned home to Winston-Salem.

He later migrated north, staying in Baltimore for a period of time, and lastly in Dover, where he made his home.

Mr. Rapley enjoyed cooking, fishing and playing music.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Thomasina Rapley; and a brother, Prince Roland Mangum.

He is survived by one daughter, Nadine Rapley of Baltimore; four brothers, William Rapley of Washington, D.C., and Arthur Rapley, Roosevelt Rapley, and Vernard Rapley, all of Winston-Salem; one sister, Mary Rapley Marsh of Winston-Salem; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Delaware Memorial Veteran"s Cemetery, Millsboro.