Christopher Imke, III, known lovingly by most as “Pete”, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday morning, August 24, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born in Queens, New York to Christopher, Jr. and Patsy Fulford Imke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah “Sallie” Imke; brother, Steven John Imke and sister, Patsy Imke Lane.

The Imke family left New York and headed south to make their home in the waterfront town of Little Washington, North Carolina where Pete and his siblings grew up along the banks of the Pamlico River. He later entered and served honorably, first in the United States Army, and afterward, in the Army Reserves.

He married his best friend, Sallie Rudd, in 1984 and together they formed a dedicated team of faithful servants, passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus. Pete was a devoted Christian and long-time member of Christ Covenant Church where he served in many capacities. His service and ministry continued outside of church as a hardworking volunteer with Meals on Wheels and local soup kitchens. While they had no children of their own, Pete and Sallie loved their nieces and nephews and were dear to their family, friends and church family.

He will be greatly missed by his nephew, Larry Lane and wife, Becky of Nashville; niece, Pattie Bryant and husband, Norman of Greenville; several great-nieces and nephews; nieces, Catherine Rudd Luce and Michelle Rudd Stiller and their families of Fredericksburg, VA and Baltimore, MD; sister-in-law, Helen Rudd of Acworth, Ga; his Christ Covenant family and friends; along with Rhoda Allen-Davies of Zebulon, a dear friend who was deeply special to both Pete and Sallie for many years.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider memorial contributions to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

A service to honor God and celebrate Pete’s homegoing will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Christ Covenant Church, 3124 Belmont Lake Drive, Rocky Mount, NC. Interment with military honors will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:00PM.