Kenneth R. Talley

We all benefit when we take time to reflect on our blessings of health and loved ones, our true treasures. I pray you will take the time.

My dad died from cancer. He had it for two and a half years. But when he died, I knew he went to heaven to be with his grandpa.

I love my dad. He loved to hunt at my great grand ma's, and he took us for tractor rides there because it used to be a farm with animals, but now we just grow things there. My Paw-Paw takes care of the garden.

My dad loved to fish too. He liked to fish in the pond in our back yard. One time, I even caught a snapping turtle, and my dad had to cut the line.

Dear Daddy, I love you very, very much. I want you to come to my birthday party, but you are only going to be in my spirit.

"My dad just can't be beat.
He helps me feel the warmth and heat.
Boy, i have the best seat,
Sitting upon my father's feet."

This poem reminds me of when I used to snuggle up with my dad and watch army movies.

Thank you to all of you who serve at the North Carolina Eye Bank for giving us the opportunity to "see" some earthly benefit resulting from our loss.

Carlos Huerta Taxtho

Mi hijito Carlos Huerta Taxtho, tu recuerdo vive con nosotros todos los dias, y tu alla con neustro Dios todopoderoso.
Te recordamos con todo corazon.
Que Dios te bendiga en el paraiso de Jesu Cristo.
Tu Papa, Mama, dos Hermanitos, Tias y Primos.
Amen

Words in memory - my son, Carlos Heurta Taxtho, your memory lives with us every day, and you are with our almighty God. We remember you with all our heart.

May God bless you in heaven. Amen.

Gayle Wayne (G. W.) Teal

Born March 22, 1940, in Concord, North Carolina, Gayle Wayne Teal was the youngest of four boys, one of whom was his twin who died shortly after his birth. After the death of their parents at a young age, G. W. was raised by his oldest brother, James Howard Teal, and his wife, Faye Allman Teal.

G. W. Graduated from James A. Gray High School in Winston-Salem in 1958, and was a member of the Army Reserves for many years. He was stationed in Jackson, SC during his basic training. He married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Maranville in 1959. They had three children - Sherri Teal Carey, Michael Lane Teal, and Tracy Teal Cox. His grandchildren are Brandon and Brian Carey, Casey and Kelcie Teal.

G. W. worked for Reynolds Tobacco Company until 1964 when he joined the Winston-Salem Police Department. He was very proud of his career serving the community. He was a gun enthusiast and very proud of his status of Expert Marksman, and his gunsmith abilities. He attained the rank of Lieutenant, and retired from the police force in 1988.

One of the accomplishments that he and his family were most proud of was his desire to continue his education while raising a family and working full time. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of NC at Charlotte, and his Masters Degree from Appalachian State University.

After his retirement, G. W. was an instructor of Basic Law Enforcement Training and Criminal Justice at Forsyth Technical Community College. He also instructed through the Stokes County Community College program.
We, his children, are all thankful for the valuable lessons he taught us, and the wisdom he instilled in us. We will especially cherish the last year, when we all became so much closer.

Dad, you are deeply loved and greatly missed.

Patrick Leon Teal

Patrick was a man of great honor and high principles. He lived his live to serve others. Patrick served his country in the US Army, and was employed as an Administrative Medical Patient Support Clerk at the Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury for over twenty years. His deep care and concern for his fellow veterans and small children were superseded only by his awesome love for God.

In March 2002, Patrick received two heart stint implants to repair a 99% blockage, which nearly took his life. This gave him precious time to spend with his grandsons.

Patrick had many talents. He was a whiz on the computer, and, being a Private Investigator, he located missing people. He was also a Notary Public, and tremendously enjoyed reading books.

He had tons of friends, and was always there to help in times of need. He was a best friend and mentor, and best of all, he was a kind listener.

During 2002 Patrick received his lifetime member award for the American Legion post 342, and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a 32nd degree master mason and Worshipful master of Cannon Memorial Masonic Lodge #626, Kannapolis Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Scottish Rite of Research Society, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of the Oasis Temple in Charlotte, and Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star #349.

His greatest aspiration at this time was to become a clown through the Shriners, so he could entertain sick children in the hospital. He had always wanted to be a clown.

On June 12, 2002, just 7 months 3 days after our marriage, Patrick was struck from behind while waiting to make a left turn, and later died of internal injuries. He was enroute to deliver flags for the Flag Day in his hometown of Kannapolis, planning a celebration ceremony. He never made it to the Flag Ceremony.

Patrick will live forever in our hearts and minds. He made a tremendous impact on everyone whose life he touched.

I will love you forever, my dear husband.

Thomas (Thom) Temples

Thom Temples was a loving husband, fabulous father, and a terrific grandfather! Thom loved his life and lived it to the fullest.

Even after his death, he continues to give through the gift of sight, a choice that he made in becoming an organ donor.

Thom's smile, laugh, hugs, kisses and the roar of his Harley will be missed, but the memories that he gave his family and friends will forever be cherished.

Charles Oliver Thomason, Jr.

Charles was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving during the Vietnam conflict. He received wounds during this time, and was honorably discharged. His disability finally lead to his being 100% disabled.

Charles always was a donor, and wanted someone else to be able to be helped when he passed on, hoping to give them a better life.

He is missed so very much by family and friends, and it will be hard during the holidays, but knowing that his eyes have helped someone is a comforting feeling.

James Allen Thornton

Jamie was a kindhearted loving person, full of human compassion, larger than life, loved surfing, smiled like the sun, laughed like the stars, and exuded a light that could be seen for miles.

Jamie's love for his mother, family, and friends was without boundaries. He loved to love. In his short life of 22 years, he left memories in our hearts that will last a lifetime.

It was an honor to have him in our lives. Some people come into our lives and stay in our hearts forever. James Allen Thornton is one of those people. If Jamie knew of the gift he has given to his recipients, his heart would be swollen with pride and honor.

Jamie, we miss you, love. Watch over us, and keep us safe. We'll see ya -

Green Grass and High Tides forever!

Gail Tilley

My mother, Gail Tilley (Hicks) was always a kid at heart. She was a kid when she gave birth to me at 17.

I have to say something she passed on to me is a love of sports. She was an ardent fan of the LA Dodgers, the Buffalo Bills, and her favorite NASCAR driver, Mark Martin.

I can remember taking her to her first NFL game five years ago. Her Bills were trouncing my beloved Panthers. As the angry Panther fans quietly looked on, she celebrated loudly as the Bills scored time and time again. Here was this small feisty woman, in enemy territory, whooping it up with no fear whatsoever.

Always one who gave of herself, she never turned down anyone needing help, even those who turned their backs on her. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known, and I hope she passed even just 1/10th of that to me.

She was a doting grandmother to my wife's two children, as well as our child together. She was the happiest pitching baseball with my nine-year-old stepson and playwith her nineteen-month-old grandson.

Those simple pleasures summed up the spirit of my mother. Her last act of love and selflessness was being an oran donor, giving the gift of life to at least eight people.

I am sure she would be so happy to be able to give of herself, once again.

Elizabeth Ann Vallandingham

Ann loved life. She fought on a daily basis with a lung problem for thirty years.

She had a double lung transplant March 3, 1992, and lived daily with pain, but no one could tell. She cared about family and friends more than her own problems.

Always smiling and happy on the outside - anyone who knew her, loved her.

Jonathon was killed in a head on collision with a drunk driver January 26, 2002, and we would request that all memorials of any type dedicated to Jon contain this information, with the plea to please don't Drink and Drive.

Although mainly self taught, Jon played the guitar, trumpet, harmonica, and cello, but he was a drummer first and foremost. He got his first drum set for Christmas when he was three years old, and never stopped playing from that day on. Jon was also a talented poet and writer, and wrote most of the songs his band played. He had taken classes in Graphic Arts, and at the time of his death was considering going to college for an Arts degree.

Everywhere - by Brenda Van Horn

Everywhere I turn there are tall boys with blond hair,
wearing tattoos and baseball caps.
Everywhere I turn there are ponytails and skinny girls,
like the one you brought home to meet me.
Everywhere I turn is the sweet promise of youth,
full of hope and joy, the promise of a future.
Everywhere I turn I see everyone but you -
Yet everywhere I turn, you are all I see.

He was a good friend who rarely met a stranger. Barry was also a dedicated public servant. He volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, and returned home to pursue a life in public service as Planning Director for Caldwell County, and then Cumberland County, for almost thirty years combined. He excelled in many public, professional and civic arenas, but remained down to earth. In his own words, he was "just a country Mama's boy."

Barry was a devoted Christian and served his church for many years as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on numerous committees. Because of his walk with God, Barry understood, and tried to share with others, the brevity of life on this earth and the importance of knowing Christ personally.

Barry loved life, and enjoyed it to the fullest. We will remember his laughter, his big bear hugs, practical jokes, constant strength and encouragement, his love of fishing golfing, and riding his Harley.

His boundless love for his family was recognized by everyone who knew him. His passing has left an inmeasurable hole in our family that will not be filled. Because he understood that life is a gift from God, Barry was compelled to share that gift, even in his death. Because of his desire to share this gift with others, there are recipients who are enjoying improved quality of life today.

We remember him and swell with pride. Barry was a hero to us.

Norwood Warren

Norwood was a loving, fun and caring man. He loved the Lord and his family and friends. He was not ashamed to praise Jesus Christ for what He had done in our lives.

Norwood loved children. He did not have any biological children, but he loved mine as if they were his own, and they loved him as their father.
He loved playing practical jokes on friends and family. We never knew what to expect.

Deer hunting and fishing were passions of his. He could tell you how many days there were before the season started, or how many were left in the season.

We loved Norwood very much. He is with Jesus, that we know, but we miss him with all our hearts.

Norwood and I discussed being donors, and it was what we both wanted. I know he is happy to know that two people are enjoying sight from his gift.

I know Fletcher would be delighted that he was able to give the gift of sight to two people. He was bedridden for five years before his death.

He was a wonderful and loving husband of forty three years, and father of two sons.

He gave of his time and money to people that needed help.

He was not only my husband, but my best friend.

Barbara Ann Webb

On June 13, 2002, we lost my mother, Barbara Ann Webb. It was her wish that any organ that could be donated, be donated, so that someone else would have the chance to live, or improve their life. This shows what a generous and loving person she was.

Barbara was a wonderful, supportive person. Family was very important to her. Her greatest joy in life was her two grandchildren. She was the best grandmother in the world. No one could talk to her for more than a minute without hearing about the grand kids. She thought they could do not wrong.

Those lucky enough to know her, always knew that she would be there for them through thick and thin. She is greatly missed by all, but even in her absence, we still feel her love.

Knowing that she was able to give someone else the gift of sight is something her family is very proud of.

Shelly Elizabeth Webb

Shelly was a senior in high school, looking forward to college. She loved clothes and fashion, and had plans to study and work in this field. Her favorite things were music and her friends. Her spare time was spent going to concerts, listening to bands, playing CD's and spending time with her friends.

Shelly was a sweet and beautiful girl and was known for her smile. Her beauty did not make her vain. She was friends to all, and would go out of her way to try and help someone who was feeling down.

She lost her life in an accident on the way to school, but she remains alive in our hearts and memories.

Matthew Alexander Wentz

Matthew was a beautiful baby. He had light brown hair, blue eyes, a round full face, and a perfect nose. His right eye was two shades lighter than his left eye. When Matthew was six months old he was diagnosed with cortical blindness. His eyes were fine, but his brain didn't process the information.

I never doubted that Matthew could see. It was what he could see that was a mystery. He liked to watch cartoons, perhaps the movements or the colors were getting through, but Matthew didn't really "look" at anything.

Except for the very rare occasions when I would catch his eye, and knew that he was seeing me. Really seeing me. And that memory I will hold forever.

Daniel Eric Wieselquist

We are thankful for the thirty three years that we had Dan, a pure, tender, loving person, that we know now rests in the bosom of the Lord.

We miss you Dan, but we know you now rejoice in the kingdom of heaven.

Your loving family

Dennis Wayne Williams

As I write this, it has been a few short weeks since my husband, Dennis Williams, went to be with Jesus. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

He was a wonderful husband to me, and a loving father to our children, Dwaine and Daniel. When I think of Dennis, I see smiling eyes, loving arms, a heart of gold.

Dennis always told our boys they could do anything if they tried. When Dwaine got his scholarships, Dennis was beaming. When the boys finished school, he told them "you made it - I knew you could." He helped both boys get their first jobs at the store where he managed. He taught our kids and those who worked for him to be responsible adults.

Dennis loved to take us on camping and fishing trips. He did all those things that daddy's do with their families.

When Dennis got the call from God to preach, he beamed with an angelic glow. He had a ministry for cancer patients and kids. He had a special way with young people and would tell me, "you never know when you're entertaining angels."

Dennis has always been my best friend and loyal companion. No matter what we've had to face throughout our twenty eight year marriage, we faced it together.

He is my buddy, the love of my life. I know I will be with him again, someday, in God's glorious Kingdom.

In loving memory...

Dennis was my youngest son, and was a son any mother would have been proud of. He had a heart of gold. If he had only one dollar and you needed it, it was yours. He was a good friend to everyone. We miss him very much, but I know he is happy in heaven.

With loving thoughts and memories...

Howard Leroy Williams

Howard was a husband, the father of Katie and Marc, and grandfather of Christina, Joshua, Ben and Megan.

He was a real estate appraiser, and instructor. A sunday School teacher. A gardner. And a friend who brought love, joy, caring and friendship to all he met.

One of Howard's greatest joys was working in his garden and yard, seeing the results of his labors, and sharing the bounty with friends and neighbors.

Sharon Elizabeth Patterson Williamson

Sharon was a sensitive, happy, loving, giving, trusting, and wonderful friend to all. She loved her family unconditionally, and this was proven over and over again in many ways, even when she lay critically ill with multiple sclerosis.

Her two children, Leecia and Jason, grew up knowing much love from their Mom. While they were in school, she did the usual things, running the car pool, the scout things, church, home-school, friend things, and was always welcoming friends into their home.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when both children were still quiteyoung, but fared rather well for 12-15 years, managing all those mom "things" for them both.

About the time her son was graduating from high school and her daughter was planning a wedding, Sharon suffered a set back and had to be hospitalized for several weeks.

In the end, Sharon was confined to a nursing facility. Such was her impact on others that a few days prior to her death, over 100 residents and employees (current and former) of the facility came into her room to pray for her.

It is a joy to know that two others can now see because of our Sharon. Her maternal grandfather was blind, and her mother's eyesight is not good at all, so her whole family knows the importance of organ donation, so that a part of us can live on, and so that others may be spared lives of pain and loss.

John Palmer Williamson

John was three weeks shy of his twentieth birthday when he tragically died in an automobile accident on his way home.

A freshman at UNC-Wilmington, John is survived by an identical twin brother, Ben, an older sister, Bridger, and his parents, Rick and Beth Williamson.

John blessed his family and many friends with his humor and affection, always standing up for what he believed to be right.

He loved his truck, the outdoors (he loved hunting and fishing), animals, country music and good times with his family and friends.

He is greatly missed.

Jimmy Leon Wright

Jimmy came from a big family, and was the youngest of nine children. We have five children and ten grandchildren.

Jimmy was a brave, compassionate and patient man who had a passion for life. He was a very dependable, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He would help people in any way that he could.

Jimmy drove a tractor trailer for twenty four years. He loved to keep his vehicles clean, and to do the yard work.

We love and miss him very much.

Robert J. Wyke

When our first child was born, Robert called everyone he knew at 3:00 a.m. He never thought of the time.

When we had a stillborn child, his deep sadness and incredible strength guided the family through it.

Robert stuck by his principles, regardless of who he was dealing with.
He took care of our elderly neighbors' garden, and helped with whatever they needed, and would visit and cheer up friends and family, in illness and in need.

Robert unselfishly offered a helping hand, and if he saw a job that needed to be done, he did it.

He was almost always smiling and giving hugs - he guided our children with a firm, gentle hand.

He was adored by his grandchildren, even though they had to play by the rules.

Robert was our "rock" and our family misses him terribly.

Albert (Eddie) Douglas Young

I'm Free

Be not burdened with time of sorrow.
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow,
My life's been full; I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seems all too brief,
Don't spend your life with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted you to know, He set me FREE.