Van William Cuthrell, 81, passed away peacefully at The Cypress of Raleigh Wednesday. Born in Pantego, NC, he was the son of the late Vera and Caze Cuthrell.

A private service will be held Wednesday the 9th 2016 at 11:00 AM at The Cypress of Raleigh, 8801 Cypress Lakes Drive, Raleigh, NC. Family will receive friends following the service from 11:45am to 1:00pm

He is predeceased by his wife Linda Jones Cuthrell and his older brother Red and sister-in-law Ann, of Elizabeth City, NC and survived by their four sons, and one daughter. Van is also survived by his daughter Peggy Cuthrell Shufelt, son-in-law Ray Shufelt, granddaughter Fleming Shufelt, of High Point, NC, son Huntley Cuthrell, daughter-in-law Aimee Cuthrell, granddaughter Shannon Cuthrell, and grandson Bradford Cuthrell, of Raleigh, NC.

Van, raised in Elizabeth City, NC came to Murfreesboro with his wife Linda in August 1957 after graduating from Guilford College. He came to Murfreesboro High School to teach Biology, General Science, Health & P.E., and coached football, basketball and baseball. Van’s football team was the 1959 Northeastern District Champions.

In 1961, he joined the firm of Revelle Agri-Products selling steel Butler Grain bins and metal storage buildings. He later became President and General Manager in 1967. In 1973-1975 he served two consecutive terms on the Butler Agri-Products National Advisory Council, serving as vice chair his later term. After retiring in 1986 from Revelle Agri-Products for a few years and moving to Raleigh in 1992 he re-entered the work force and joined Steel Dynamics, a commercial builder, in 1994. Van eventually became president of Steel Dynamic and retired again in 2002.

Even though Van left teaching for the world of business, his interest and concern for young people had not left. He served as Chairman of the Murfreesboro Recreation Commission. He served as Chairman of the Youth Council of Murfreesboro Baptist Church where he also was a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. Van also served as Cub Master for Murfreesboro Cub Scouts Troup 125 for two years.

Van and Linda were members of Raleigh Racquet Club where he served as board President. He participated in USTA team tennis and was part of the winning state champions in 2011 for his age group. His other passion for recreational hobbies was sailing. He and Linda spent much time sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and one year sailed north to Nova Scotia then south to the Bahamas.

Van was passionate about his family and deeply loved his wife and children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of their choice.