Jose Armando Maqueda Mejia (El Guero), 42, of Manns Harbor lost his life in a tragic work accident on April 14, 2021, in the Oregon Inlet on the old Bonner Bridge doing the work he loved. Bridge life has been his job since he was 20. Armando was born October 27, 1978, in Mexico to Amando Maqueda and Alicia Mejia, he grew up in Mexico and at the age of 18 moved to the United States. In 1999, he moved to Manns Harbor with his Uncle Pablo Mejia Ocampo where he met the love of his life and started a family. Armando was a dedicated dad, husband, son, brother, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and friend. He always had a smile on his face that could light up a room and if you needed him, he would stop what he was doing to help, even if it was to give you the shirt off his back. He was known among many as the shrimp man and shared a love of soccer with his soccer brothers. He was always working, whether on a bridge, welding something for someone, fixing a car or building something. His void is greatly felt throughout the community.
He was predeceased by a son, Jose Leon; his grandparents, Basilia Ocampo Ocampo and Santiago Mejia Resendiz and Sofia Mendoza Mejia and Leonor Maqueda Resendiz; his father-in-law, Jesse Ambrose; and his nephew, Christopher Cahoon.
Along with his parents who reside in Mexico, he is survived by his wife of 22 years, Crystal Ambrose Maqueda; his daughter, Marriah Isamar Maqueda; his son, Brandon Christopher Maqueda; and a son Roman Anthony Shedrick all of the home. Also, surviving are his sisters, Lupe Maqueda Mejia (Alvaro) Isamar Maqueda Mejia (Jonathon) of Mexico; sister-in-law, Sherrie Cahoon (Barry); and brother-in-law, Michael Ambrose (Paula) of Manns Harbor. Along with his nephews, Justin of Mexico, Curtis Cahoon and Jesse Ambrose of Manns Harbor; nieces, Ambar, Molina Maqueda Graciela Molina Maqueda and Megan Maqueda of Mexico, Courtney Cahoon, Caitlin Mares (Cheke) and Ann Marie Ambrose of Manns Harbor; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He is also survived by many past and present co-workers, one special boss Buzz Curlett, his soccer brothers who will miss him and his GOOOOALLLLLSSSS greatly. Of course, his grand FUR babies Toot and Novah who he secretly loved. There are so many people who he loved and too many to mention, but he knew, and we know.
A memorial service will be held at Harbor Light Holiness Church, 6547 Old Manns Harbor Road, Manns Harbor on May 7, 2021, at 3:00 pm
The family wishes to thank everyone for your love and support during this difficult time.
The family is receiving visits at the home of Carolyn Ambrose, 6655 Old Manns Harbor, Manns Harbor.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
