J.M. Autry Jr.

J.M. Autry Jr. of Clarkton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, while at Elizabethtown Nursing Center at the age of 89. He was born in Bladen County on June 1, 1936, the son of the late Joshua Moore Autry Sr. and Ada Storms Autry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shelba Jean Autry, and siblings, Geraldine Mills, Dewey Autry, M.G. Autry, Jimmy Autry, Eloise Hodge and Darrel Autry.

J.M. always referred to himself as the “Antique Farmer” and everyone else referred to him as “Mr. Fix it”. He had a real passion for farming and was extremely knowledgeable about machinery. He was always content driving a Ford or a John Deere. He enjoyed traveling, grilling out, fishing, and hosting an occasional fish fry for his neighbors. J.M. was a loving and devoted family man. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great granddaughters. His unwavering love, compassion and friendship will always be cherished.

Left to cherish his memory are son, Gene Autry of Clarkton, daughter Shelia Mantz (Kenneth) of West Virginia, sisters, Louise White of Bladenboro, Judy Autry-Burnette of Lumberton, two grandchildren, Joshua Scott Mantz (Ashley), Tiffany Whitacre (Tim), and two great granddaughters, Sierra Neel, and Brooke Whitacre.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 14th at 10 am with a funeral service immediately following at 11 am at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown with Reverend Roger Coffey officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Old Field Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Elizabethtown Nursing Center and Liberty Hospice for the love and support given during his time of illness.