Rufus Linwood “Cotton” House, 77, of Eastover, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Rufus was born on August 13, 1949, in Harnett County to the late Clayton M. “Sam” House, Sr. and Helen Griffin House.

Rufus graduated from Central High School, class of 1967, and Fayetteville Technical Community College in Industrial Management. He retired from civil service at Fort Bragg, where he trained Army Reserves and National Guard members in vehicle maintenance.

Rufus was a proud Mason and member of Stedman Masonic Lodge No. 730, as well as an active member of Salem Methodist Church in Eastover. He had a lifelong love of classic cars and especially enjoyed showing his 1968 Camaro at local car shows. Some of his happiest times were spent at his home away from home near the ocean in Sunset Harbor, NC.

Of all Rufus accomplished in his lifetime, his greatest legacy lives on in the family he loved, guided, and helped shape. Those who knew him were made stronger, wiser, and better because he was part of their lives.

In addition to his parents, Rufus was preceded in death by his older brother Clayton M. House, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Godwin House, and his children Andrea Whitlow and husband, Scott; Bradley House and wife, Michelle; his sisters Marilyn Parkin and Peggy Tew; grandchildren Breanna Whitlow and Angelique House; step-grandchildren Alyssia Modesto, Dylan and Dustin Bryant; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Salem Methodist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.