Owen Lavelle “O.L." Starling, 97, of Goldsboro went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday morning, August 5, 2022 at home.

A graveside service will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at Holland Cemetery in Pinkney.  The family will greet friends following the service.

Mr. Starling was born in Johnston County, NC on December 31, 1924 to the late Robert and Zilphia Hawley Starling.  He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps, having been a World War II veteran.  Mr. Starling was most known for being the Owner and Operator of Trade Rite Motors for over 50 years.  He served his church faithfully having been a member and Elder Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro.  Mr. Starling was also a member of the American Legion Horace Orr Post #29 in Marietta, Georgia.

He is survived by his four daughters, Wanda Starling and significant other, David Carlson of Goldsboro, Phyllis Starling Patterson and husband, Gary of Goldsboro, Vanessa Starling of Pompano Beach, Florida and Tammy Starling Wingate and husband, Allen of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Ray Hawley of Garner and Wreb Hawley (Judy) of Garner; six grandchildren, Kirsten Carlisle (Scott), Valera Ryan (Scott), Gary Lavelle Patterson, Brianne Wingate, Zachary Wingate and Ellee Wingate; five great-grandchildren, Andrew Proctor, Rylan Proctor, Jackson Carlisle, Cannon Carlisle and Georgia Carlis; his nieces, Vickie Hill (Ronnie) of Goldsboro; Liz Ennis (Randy) of Raleigh and Chrissy Presley (Matt) of Raleigh; nephews, David Lee Odom (Lou Ellen) of Nahunta, Dennis Odom (Diane) of Nahunta, Steve Hawley of Pinkney, Derwin Hawley (Anna) of Ohio and Charles Hawley (Clytee) of Fremont.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Starling was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lee Cooke Starling; his brother, Jessie Hawley Jr. and sisters, Ruth Starling Odom and Marie Hawley Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.