Bernard Ray ("Oot") Stamper, 92, of Lumberton, NC went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, August 21, 2023, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC.

Bernard ("Bernie") was born in Dunlow, WV on March 29, 1931, the 3rd child of thirteen born to Henry & Goldie Stamper. He was a 1960 graduate of Allied School of Mechanical Trades in Chicago, IL, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Tool Engineering. He was also a 1978 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Science. He was a draftsman by trade. He also worked for Westinghouse in the Nuclear Fuel division designing rods.

Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955. During his service, he had three different classifications; fireman, sea bee, and airman. He served at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Dad said, "The Navy was a great experience for this poor mountain boy."

He was an avid golfer, until he was physically unable to play, and was a proud member of the O.F.F Club (Old Fart Fellowship), composed of friends. He enjoyed watching USC sports and videos about aviation, which was a passion for him.

Bernie accepted Christ in Columbus, OH, where he was led to the Lord at the age of 27 by a "big redhead, Executive Secretary of the Ohio State Southern Baptist convention." He was devoted to the Lord and served in many ways over the years in different churches, including North Trenholm Baptist Church (Columbia, SC) and First Baptist (Lumberton, NC) as deacon, deacon chairman, personnel chairman, and Sunday School teacher. Bernie pastored for a short time and made attending church services and activities with his family a priority.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Georgia of the home; his 4 children: Wendy Stamper Oxendine of Fairmont, NC, Henry Stamper of Batesburg, SC, Mike Stamper (Stacie) of Rocky Mount, NC, and Mark Stamper (Amanda) of Lewisville, NC; his grandchildren: Corey Stamper (Carly), Hailey Stamper Wright (Richard), Taylor Stamper, and Elise Stamper; his great-grandchildren, Ryland McKelvey and Arlo Stamper; and five siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Goldie Stamper; his daughter-in-law, Susan Stamper; and seven siblings.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 606 N. Walnut Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a celebration of Bernard's life will be held at 4:00 PM with Rev. Josh Owens, Rev. Henry Stamper, Mark Stamper, and Rev. Mike Stamper officiating. Burial will follow at Floyd Memory Gardens, 3720 Old Whiteville Road in Lumberton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bernie's honor to: First Baptist Church General Fund, 606 N. Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.