Sidney Martin Metts, Sr.
Sidney Martin Metts, Sr. passed away peaceful at home, Saturday, January 15, 2022, with his loving wife and family by his side. He was 84 years old.
Sidney was preceded in death by his precious son, Stanley Todd Metts and infant grandsons, Tolson Kennedy Metts (Ricky) and Steven Andrew Metts (Sidney Jr. and Dina); his parents Joseph Martin and Hattie Mae Jarman Metts; brothers: Ivey, Joseph Franklin, and Gene; sisters: Hilda, Margaret, Faye, and infant sister Gladys.
Sidney was born in Trenton, NC, November 25, 1937 and raised in Comfort, NC. He met the love of his life and best friend, Lucy Bender in Pollocksville while visiting his aunt and cousins. They were married for 61 wonderful years, blessed with four devoted children, several grandchildren and a great grandson that he was able to hold before he passed away.
Sidney is survived by his sweet, loving wife Lucy Bender Metts; his sons, Sidney Martin Metts, Jr. (Dina Metts), Ricky Lee Metts, and daughter Donna Metts Venable (Richard Venable); grandchildren, William Tyler Metts, Nicole Summer Metts, Allison Sarah Venable, Theodore “Theo” McKenzie Metts, Brady Hutcherson Venable, Madison Bianca Metts, Christopher Tyler Miranda; his brothers, Carlton Metts (Anne), Nelson Metts (Melba), Ray Metts, Bruce Metts (Thelma), his sweet sister-in-laws Patricia Metts (Ivey), and Annette Metts (Gene), his beloved brother-in-law Chester Heath (Faye) and many nieces and nephews; special mention: Tyler Prince, Harleigh and Nick Thomas and their daughter Delilah, his prayer warriors: nieces Jerri Rogers and Natalie Crawford; Sidneys’s Hospice nurse Jennifer Snow, R.N. (Craven County Hospice); J. Matthew Smith, M.D., and Allison Tompkins, P.A.; Lucy’s brother, sisters and their families who have been so helpful to her during Sidney’s illness.
Sidney graduated from Jones Central High School, 1955 in Trenton, NC. He proudly joined and served in the United States Air Force for four years. In, 1960, Sidney played baseball in the semiprofessional Western Carolina League for the Gastonia Rippers. He retired after 37 years from Cherry Point, NADEP as a civil services employee where he started out as an airplane mechanic and later promoted the Materials Manager.
Sidney was a strong man who was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He always cared and provided for family. He enjoyed many things. He loved woodworking, mechanics, yard work, NASCAR, the New York Yankees, and especially playing and coaching baseball to young people. He took great pride teaching the game he loved, watching them learn and accomplish so much from the sport. He had great joy watching all his grandchildren. Tyler, Theo, Allison and Brady, all at some point played the game that was so dear to his heart: Baseball. He played baseball while serving in the US Air Force. He had the great honor of playing in the Military World Series while in Japan.
Sidney touched many lives with his compassion, strength, love, and care. He was so loved and respected by his family. He will truly be missed.
Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday January 23, 2022 and officiated by Reverend Sharon Bender. Visitation will follow the service until 5:00 pm at the funeral home.
