Marty Kelly Campbell
On October 8, 1961, a third son, Kelly Campbell, was born to Allen and Margaret Campbell of Statesville, NC.
Kelly was supposed to be his mother’s little girl this time but he was another beautiful boy that both Mom and Dad loved dearly. Kelly was all boy. He rode bikes, mini-bikes, dirt bikes, motorcycles, ponies, and horses. He loved all kinds of sports, particularly water sports and football.
His many friends and family loved his out going personality. Over the years he, like all of us, had to make many decisions. Some were wise decisions and others were not so wise. But for sure, there was one very wise decision that Kelly made when he was 10 years old. That decision was to accept Jesus as his Savior and Lord.
Therefore, we are sure of this – that He who began a good work in Kelly has been faithful to complete it.
Yvonne Carr
Yvonne Carr was an exceptional mother, teacher, and friend. Originally from New York City, she eventually settled in Philadelphia. Her life was a myriad of adventures from friendships with artists of the 1950’s such as Cuba Gooding of the Main Ingredient, to work as an undercover officer.
She was one of the first female police officers in Philadelphia, a member of the force for over 30 years. Before her death, she had been teaching the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to elementary and middle school students.
Her friends, students, colleagues, and daughter deeply mourn her loss. She touched so many with her charm, warmth and smile.
Willie Adolph (Bud) Carter
My husband’s name was Willie Adolph Carter, but I called him Bud. He was born 3/12/47. Bud was a man that loved the outdoors and hunting. Bud was an outdoorsman at heart, and everyone knew this. Fishing was his favorite pastime. If you ever got Bud to the water, it was very hard to get him away. He would sit for hours at a time, just doing what he liked to do best – fish.
Bud also liked helping people. If he could help in any way, he would be there for you, whether it was working on your car, doing plumbing work, or making sure somebody had some food on their table. Even though we were not financially well off, Bud would still always think of others.
He always found ways to make others feel happy when they were down, even me. He worked for 32 years as a heavy equipment operator, and loved every day of it. He could operate any machinery they had for him. I said it was a natural gift for him, especially since he had no education, just knowledge that came from God.
Willie Carter, I love and miss you dearly.
Nellie (Fly) Carter
Dwight Michael Cashwell
My son was a very special young man in my life. He had an older brother, George, whom he loved dearly. He would have done anything for him or anyone else. He was just so full of love for his family and friends. After his death many of his friends told me he was my “best friend.”
Dwight was born 9/3/82 and departed this life on 2/23/03. Since that time our lives have changed forever, and we will never be the same as we were before his death. He was so special throughout his entire life. As a little boy, he enjoyed all the little boy things – bugs, lizards, picking flowers everywhere he could find them for his mother, and going to the parks to play on the swings and slides with his big brother. He was in the Boy Scouts from a Tiger Club right on up to age 14. As he grew older, he developed a love for reading and would read for hours. Two of his favorite authors were Piers Anthony and Stephen King.
He had a great love for animals. Once we had just been through a hurricane with high flood waters and we drove past a turtle on the road. We had to turn around and check on it – it was dead, but had it been alive, no doubt we would have rescued the turtle. In 1999 Dwight got a dog he named Jose. He taught this dog so well, and loved him so very much. We are blessed to have Jose with us. To me, Jose is a part of Dwight still living on.
Dwight had a certification in Computer Technology and he also had a love for art and drawing. However, his dream was to go to culinary arts school and become a chef, because he had a love for cooking and was very good at it. His job before he died was as a cook.
I’m so very thankful God gave Dwight to me to teach and love for 20 years. This little poem sums up what all his family and friends feel for him.
Love lives on forever – in the memories, in the stories, in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by a very special person.
Loving you always, missing you still…cherishing the memories and joy you brought to so many
We will always love….
Garland CaudleGarland Caudle was a native of Winston-Salem. During high school he received an award as the Most Valuable Basketball Player, and a college scholarship. Most of his employment was with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He retired May 1999.
He enjoyed NASCAR racing, ACC basketball, James Bond movies, and spending time at the beach. He especially enjoyed cruising and flying.
Garland made friends everywhere he went. Even now, just the mention of his name brings a smile to all who knew him. One of his co-workers said, “there was no finer man. Garland was truly everyone’s friend”, and for 24 years I was privileged to share his life.
Patrice Caudle, wife
Roy Cave
Roy was a kind and considerate man who loved life and his family. He loved doing things for other people when he was able. Before he became disabled, he painted signs. He loved woodworking and made some beautiful things. He loved fishing with the children, grandkids and myself. He loved gardening and working outside in the yard.
He will forever be in our hearts and minds. We miss him greatly. He was a great husband, dad, and Papa to the grandkids.
Eva Cave
My Dad was warm and gentle, who loved life but most of all he loved his family. He wasn’t a wealthy man in material things, but he was rich in character (Psalms 37:23). Although he wasn’t perfect, I never once heard him raise his voice at my Mom. He taught me patience, kindness, and honesty. You see my Dad was not my biological Dad, but he was my Dad in all other ways. My heart breaks and I miss him so much, but I know one day we will be together in heaven where we’ll never have to say goodbye again.
Linda Cecil
This photo is of my darling wife, Linda Cecil. I always called her “Babe.” We were on the Gulf of Alaska watching killer whales when this was taken. On our many trips in our motor home we discussed many things. One of them was organ donation. We both agreed that when one of us died, any organs that were usable would be given to help those living.
When Babe died, I kept her wish. Her eyes were donated so that she might help others to see. Babe was a very caring, giving lady. It was her nature to help those who could not help themselves.
It is my understanding that because of Babe, two people can now see. She would be so proud to know that, even in death, she could help some person have a better life.
She is constantly in my thoughts and will always be in my heart.
Jimmy Lee Chambers
The family of Jimmy Lee Chambers would like to express their gratitude for the opportunity to make more people aware of his being.
Construction work was his field of choice, and he was a very hard worker. No job was ever too big or too hard. Jimmy loved sharing time with friends and family. He never seemed to meet a stranger, so he had a field of many friends.
NASCAR racing was his main choice for entertainment, and Jeff Gordan was his driver of choice.
He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Rev. Kenneth Wayne Clark
Kenneth Wayne Clark was born in Wilson, N.C. to Vernon and Reatha Clark, who were serving as pastors of the Shiloh Church in the NC Conference. As most “preacher’s kids, Kenneth would be required to move around once in a while, but this was not all bad for this young, outgoing fellow, because he loved people and was delighted to make new acquaintances and develop new friendships. His parents were key people in ministering during the camp meetings, youth camps and other special occasions at the conference grounds in Falcon.
Kenneth was blessed with a brilliant mind and always did exceptionally well in his educational pursuits. He graduated from Emmanuel College where he made many new friends who remained faithful comrades all through his life.
Almost 20 years from the time of his birth, he felt the Lord’s call upon his life and joined the NC Conference. Two years later he was ordained. Due to physical problems, he was hindered from accepting certain ministry opportunities as some of his fellow ministers did, but he gloried in the accomplishments of his friends. He knew who he was and he knew God would do right by him, so he kept on trusting Him.
Kenneth accepted pastoral assignments in several churches and pastured one church in Alabama. At every church he gave his heart in ministry, and God blessed. Some weeks ago he called his uncle to encourage him in the Lord. He talked about the hard places through which we sometimes have to go and said “God has brought me to a good place in life. God is blessing…I’m preaching…people are accepting the Lord.” And, he said, “In a few weeks, I’m going to be married to a wonderful girl.” He was very happy.
Well, Kenny, God was not quite through. He had something better planned for you before you could realize all your wishes here. He lovingly promoted you to a better place with Him. After all, Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you, and where I am, there you shall be also.” Kenneth, you’re there, the envy of all us left behind. Enjoy!
William Steven (Steve) Clark
If there was ever a man who gave it all, it was Steve Clark. He would be the first to tell you that if there was ever anything you needed, just be sure to ask. Many times, he had nothing but the labor of his hands to give, and he would give even that.
It was an easy decision to donate Steve’s corneas. We had discussed organ donation in the event of death and he was adamant that he be a donor. He said “I don’t know if this body is usable at all, but if it is, I’d like to give.” I didn’t ague. In fact, in the 3 years and 10 months we were married, Steven and I never argued, not even once. Both of us knew that there was nothing in this life that was worth arguing about. So when we started getting riled, we would look at each other and the same thought would cross our minds. “I love you too much to argue with you.”
Steve told his story to anyone who would listen, so that maybe they could learn from his mistakes. He had a hard life, abusing alcohol and drugs from his teenage years until middle age. He wasn’t proud of that, but wanted others to know that they could conquer it too. He would want anyone reading this memorial to know that there is hope for the worst kinds of alcoholics and drug abusers. He would say “you aren’t so bad that there is no hope for you – take it from me, because I’ve been there.” He would tell you to seek the help of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous now, today, without hesitation. Then he’d tell you about all he lost; his first wife, his job, his children, his freedom. Alcohol and drugs stole everything he thought he had, and led him to do things he hated, but seemed powerless to stop. But when he turned away and sought God, he gained so much: freedom, a life, a wife and his children. On meeting him, he told me “I had a 26 year drinking and drug career, but I gave that up. By God’s grace, I won’t drink today or do a drug, but I can’t promise about tomorrow.” When Steve stepped into heaven on October 14, 2003, he had kept that promise for 9 years, 10 months and 15 days.
Steven’s hobbies included every kind of craftsmanship imaginable – carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, any kind of “fix-it”. One of his favorite expressions was “I still haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up.” I’m sure that up in heaven he is working on some heavenly building project and continuing to offer “if you need anything, just be sure to ask.”
Richard Clausen
My husband was a believer in organ donation. He had Alzheimer’s disease for many years, and loving him in earnest was a daily need of mine. The love was reciprocated by his trusted comfort in me.
My love for him was sad, in a sense that he was unable to touch me as a husband, to give me a romantic kiss, or give me a greeting of “happy birthday!” “Merry Christmas!” or “let’s go out for our anniversary.”
But there is this one time – the one look. A day before he died. He looked at me, recognizing me with eyes of so long ago. A look of love, compassion, for ME! And followed by a smile so gentle and warm, that Mona Lisa would be envious.
This last gift to me is branded in my heart forever. Now my quest is to search in someone’s face for “the Look” and perhaps, in this journey, this will be a reminder to me to be more loving and compassionate for my fellow kind.
Irene W. Clausen, wife
Jack Hunter Clemmons, Jr.
Dad had the most beautiful blue eyes – as clear as the sky. I used to wonder as a teenager why I couldn’t have inherited his scorching blue eyes and why mine were so plain, compared to his. Those blue eyes smiled on the world long enough to make sure nobody who met him would ever forget him. It was only proper that his eyes ended up being his final gift.
To say that he was only an avid golfer, a gifted artist and an innovative floral designer would be to slight the world of what was really important about Dad. So, quite apart from his work and his hobbies, he defined himself as a man in love with the mysteries of life. Why are we here, why does the universe exist, what is being human all about? He engaged me, even as a young child, in discussions of deep philosophic relevance and offered the most amazing questions up for my growing imagination. Once, as my mother vacuumed the floor, he pointed out the dust floating through a beam of sunlight. He looked at me and said “what if each of those specks is a tiny universe, and we are just too far away from them to see us?” This is who my Dad was. He created feasts of wonderment in his children’s lives – he was more than just a father, he was a best friend.
When Dad became sick with cancer, it bored a hole into the heart of our family. We pulled together tighter, perhaps knowing our time was short, and spent every Sunday in his home, sharing dinner and laughter. He used to sit by and watch us, all of his children and grandchildren, play and eat and just be alive. He watched with pride and accomplishment in his eyes. And in the end, though he passed suddenly, it was with his eyes he told me that strength and endurance were escaping him. When he couldn’t catch his breath to speak, he told me he loved me with his eyes.
I’ll remember the times I visited him at the florist and he wouldn’t let me leave without picking a flower from the cooler. I’d always choose something like an unnatural looking purple carnation. He would stop me and say “honey, don’t you want a rose?” And he’d walk over and choose the most perfect rose in the bunch, hand it to me and smile. Roses will always remind me of him. He worked all day making beautiful things even more beautiful, just by the way he put them together. I’ll never again recognize the scent of a rose without believing Dad’s spirit is reaching out to me. In this way, his memory is never lost.
Patrick Harris Cochran
“My name is Patrick Harris Cochran. I live with my parents, my brother and my sister. I like to play soccer and draw. I also like to skateboard, snowboard, wakeboard, and sleep. I have a lot of friends too. My favorite classes in school are math and social studies. I like to play on my computer and my X box. I like to play golf too, and I hope to make the school team this year.
I had a pretty good summer. I had fun with my friends, went swimming in the river, and just had fun. I went on vacation with my family to the mountains to go whitewater rafting and camping. I also went to soccer camp at NC State University to learn how to play better. I had a really good summer, as you can see. I wasn’t ready to come back to school yet.
The thing I expect from this year in your class is that I will keep an A or B average. I hope that you will be a good teacher to help me be the best that I can be. I believe you will be a good teacher, and I will try my best to be a good student. I believe we will get along this year.”
The words of an 8th grader, excited and anxious to begin his last year of middle school, Patrick wrote this paper for his Language Arts class just three weeks before his death. On 8/30/03 our family was returning home from the NC State University season opening football game. Our vehicle was “T-boned” by a car that ran a red light, just two miles from our home in Washington, NC. Patrick was killed instantly. Our entire community was shattered by his death. Over 1,500 people called during the visitation and 800-900 attended his funeral. In thirteen short years, Patrick had made his mark on our small town.
Patrick had a passion for living and loving. An honor student and member of the golf, wrestling and soccer teams at PS Jones Middle School, he was a leader both on and off the field. In his last round of golf, the week before he died, he birdied #18! His great athletic skill was evident on the soccer field, the sport he loved the most. An active member of St Peter’s Episcopal Church, we smile at the thought of him as an acolyte to God, with shorts and skateboarding shoes on under his robe. And we hold dear to our hearts the knowledge that one day we will all be together again in God’s arms.
Patrick was born 2/5/90. He spent most of his time with his twin brother, Kyle, and Emily, his 16 year old sister. How they did share! “Little P” was his nickname. We all miss him so much.
Patrick had beautiful blue eyes. The decision to donate his organs was not difficult. Our hope is that his passion for life will now live on in others, and that his beautiful blue eyes are now helping others to see.
Susan Elizabeth Porucznik Cole
When you hear a bird sing, the beauty of the bird’s song – is this intentional, or is it the beauty of the bird’s spirit? Is this beauty intended, or is this something that is the natural expression of a beautiful spirit? Sue had a song that was more beautiful than any star is bright. The light she gave blinded us all.
Robert Troy Cole
Our oldest daughter and 2nd child of 4, Susan was wonderfully motivated, highly spirited, and met work as something to be accomplished. In her short 30 years she lived a full and exciting life. Susan had beautiful blue eyes, perfect vision, long, thick, natural blond hair, and a radiant smile. We are more than proud of our daughter, and as we mourn and grieve her death, we know that two people are now blessed with vision. Even with her tragic, un-timely death, she gave a lasting gift of herself. She has left a husband, parents, brother, sisters, in-laws, a multitude of friends, and her beloved pets. What we have left are cherished memories of a wonderful girl that we loved dearly. May we all see as Susan saw.
Paul & Mary Beth Porucznik
Besides being an unselfish individual who seems to always have a smile on her face, my sister was extremely hard working and always keeping herself occupied between work and graduate school. Susan touched so many people in her unique way, and continues, even though she is gone. Her donation to the Eye Bank is just a continuation of her generosity, and I am glad that some good has come out of her death. I know two people out there right now are truly looking through my sister’s eyes. I hope they see only kindness, love and a path to a wonderful life. Susan did.
Jeff Porucznik
I always said Sue got the pretty eyes. She was a vibrant, wonderful, loving and giving woman. Like everyone else who loved her, my life has been changed forever. A piece of me was stolen the night she was killed. Though I can never look in those eyes again, it brings me comfort knowing that part of those beautiful eyes were donated, and knowing that someone can see because of her. She was a very giving person who loved the outdoors. Those eyes saw so many parts of the world – Egypt, Italy, France, Alaska, and so many of the beautiful states here in our country. They saw concerts, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, Christmases, friends and family. I hope that whoever received Sue’s last gift to this world uses their eyes to explore and live life just like she did.
Kathy Porucznik
Everybody loved my sister. She had a presence that could light up a room. The party always began when Susan showed up. She was always able to see the best of a situation. Rather than seeing a hut, she saw a home that needed some work, and had an awesome pond with nature all around, which was great for the dogs. She was always there for anyone who needed her. Her eyes were crystal blue and deep as an ocean. There is some comfort knowing that someone else gets to see the world through her eyes. I wonder, will these lucky individuals see what Susan saw? Will they see the world the way my sister did? They are fortunate to have their sight, but they will be truly lucky if they can see the world the way Susan did.
Julie Porucznik
Tommy Clifton Coley
Tommy Clifton Coley was born July 21, 1943. He was married in 1961 to Ernestine. They were married for 42 years. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to work with his hands, doing carpentry work and gardening. Tommy worked for the Brick Company for 30 years.
He was kind and everyone loved him. He is missed very much by everyone. He put God and his family first in his life. The most important thing is he was a Christian man.
Victor Gary Collins
Born in New Jersey, this bright, intelligent child had a contagious laugh, was full of energy and non-stop questions. As Victor grew, so did his determination to accomplish his goals in life. It led to a late family vacation because he would not take the last half-day of school off and miss a perfect attendance award.
After moving to North Carolina, Victor joined the Boy Scouts and continued to strive to be the best he could be. Spending summers at Boy Scout camp he soon became a counselor. His dedication to scouting earned him the honor of Eagle Scout. He excelled in his education and graduated Valedictorian of Surry High School, class of 2000. He moved on to UNC Wilmington, where he became a member of the Honors Society. His sense of adventure took him on his most recent vacation to the Galapapos Islands.
Victor was a wonderful son, brother, boyfriend, and friend. We are all honored to have known him. He is very much loved and missed by his family and friends. The Boy Scouts of America have dedicated a campsite honoring Eagle Scout Victor Collins.
Victor lived life to the fullest and gave the gift of his eyes. May it bring happiness to the persons who received them, so they may see the beauty of life. This gift from Victor made us realize that we can see with our hearts.
Harold L. (Chuck) Confair
Harold was owner and operator of Jimmy’s Garage in Sanford, NC. He was an auto mechanic for 40 years and specialized in transmission work. He served 4 years in the US Air Force at Pope Field in Fayetteville, NC.
Married on 6/1/74, he and Nancy had two daughters, Candace and Brandi, and two grandchildren, Savannah Kaylen Oldham and Matthew Vincent Farfaglia.
Harold was an avid Harley Davidson rider. He traveled across the US and Canada over the last 10 years. He worked on motorcycles in his spare time, when he wasn’t riding. He loved car racing and enjoyed cooking shows on TV.
Devoted husband, father and grandfather, Harold was killed on his 29th wedding anniversary Sunday, June 1, 2003, while riding his motorcycle.
Brenton Charles Cook
Brenton was a 22 year old that loved life. He was the older of two boys. His brother, Ryan, is two years younger, and his best friend. They purchased their first house together last June.
They grew up playing football and basketball and were fondly known as the Cook Brothers.
Brenton was an art major at East Carolina University and loved being creative. In high school, one of his sculptures toured the art museums throughout the United States. He left college to join the working world. Cars were always a hobby, and he began tinting windows.
He loved spending time with his family, fishing with his friends, and planned on going back to school part time in the fall. Brenton could make you laugh on your worst day, and often wrote poetry that touched your very soul.
He was a cherished grandson, a loving son, the best brother, and a great friend. We all miss him very much. The next time you see a beautiful sunset, think of Brenton. I’m sure he’s had his hand in creating it.
Edward Lee Coons
We called him Lee from the day he was born almost twenty-nine years ago. If only through his eyes you could acquire his love and appreciation of life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In school years he did well in soccer, cross-country, and wrestling. He lived by the ocean and not a day went by that he took it for granted. He walked the beaches and swam, fished, and boated it almost daily. He was a carpenter by trade.
Lee was loved as a son, brother, father, grandson, uncle, nephew, and friend. He brought the sunshine with him, no matter what struggles he had in life. He was a sweet and sensitive, gentle man and was so loved by all who knew him.
We will miss him for the rest of our lives here on earth, but as his eight-year old daughter said “Daddy will live on in our hearts forever, but now he is in heaven building for Jesus."
Dewey George Copeland, Jr.
Our loved one, better known as George, was a kind and caring 61 year-old man, always giving of himself to others. He loved and lived life with such zest. His day always started early, for he truly loved seeing the sunrise and the start of a new day.
He was the loving husband and best friend to Elizabeth, his wife of forty years. He was the proud father of three sons, Terry, Mike and Jeff, father-in-law of Julie, and granddaddy to two wonderful grandsons, Cody and Blayne; he was preceded in death by a son, Jeff. George was born in Elizabeth City, NC, where he lived and worked until his death December 2003. He served in the US Air Force.
George made his living in the management field of a cabinet manufacturing company for more than thirty years. He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR racing and the Redskins football team. His hobbies were antique automobiles. He was the proud owner of a 1935 Ford and a 1923 Ford T Bucket. He and Elizabeth loved traveling, especially to the antique car shows. He also enjoyed working with his hands, building special items in his wood working shop.
He lived his life by a simple philosophy. Take time for your family, your friends and yourself. Each day is a gift from God, so make sure each one counts for something or someone and take time to enjoy it your self.
Although our hearts are broken and we will truly miss our loved one, it gives us a degree of comfort knowing that even in death George was still able to do what he loved best, helping others. With his wonderful gift of sight, today someone can still enjoy that early sunrise and view the world through his eyes.
God Bless You
The Copeland Family
Fred Cottle
I chose this picture because it was Fred’s favorite. Before we even went to the photographer, he knew he wanted this taken. He called it his Norman Rockwell.
There’s not enough space to tell you about my husband. In his early years he was a wild child. He did drugs and drank to excess. He knew these things were controlling him and he made up his mind to stop, and did - all by himself. He regretted all the bad things he had done throughout his life. They were all before he and I met, but it is what made him what he was. He was one of the strongest men I ever knew. He loved me with all his heart, and he loved his children and grandchildren.
He was not afraid when he found out he had cancer. He never complained when they put him on pain pills, but he kept asking the doctor if they were addictive, as he did not want to become dependent on them. He wanted to have quality of life for as long as he could, and God answered his prayers.
Fred lived every day to the fullest. All he worried about was how his family would be when he was gone. He amazed his doctors. He built a porch on the front of our house, and a sunroom on the back, working a little at a time. He told the doctors he had projects he had to finish.
He got so sick at the end, the fight went out of him, and the day before we went to the hospital he said he could not fight anymore. He said he was crying, but the tears would not come. This is why I say God took care of him – he did not let him suffer long. He was gone in three days.
Fred wanted to be a donor. We had talked about it many times, so when I was asked I did not hesitate. My daughter and I both made the same statement. It was what he would have wanted, and maybe someday his eyes “would see us again.” We do not know the recipients, but were told he gave sight to two people. His eyes were given with love from him and his family.
We have many wonderful memories to cherish, and he will forever be alive in our hearts. It is not what you take when you leave this world, it is what you leave behind.
He left wonderful memories and lots of love.
Iris Louise Cox
Iris Louise Cox was a very precious gift from God. She came to live in our foster home with her twin sister when she was only eleven months old, and remained there until God took her home on 3/2/03. Although we were never able to legally adopt her and her twin sister, we immediately adopted them into our hearts and lives.
Iris was a very loving child and young woman. She loved our family as well as her biological family, and “most” of the foster kids that came through our door. She was very active growing up. She participated in dance, cheerleading, t-ball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and would have played football, but girls weren’t allowed. She was also active in student council, Beta Club, Interact Club and Youth Group at our church.
She was a very unique individual and had a mind of her own. Once when she was playing t-ball, her Dad (also her coach) told her when she hit the ball not to stop running until she reached home. And that’s what she did – even passing some of her teammates so she could be the first one home. Now she’s the first one home in heaven.
Iris was the first of her biological family to graduate from high school. She was home on spring break from her first year at East Carolina University when she died in a car accident.
She decided she wanted to be a donor, and had it noted when she first got her driver’s license. Hopefully, by her being a donor, some other person will be able to have a better life and a part of Iris will live on.
Michael Craven
Michael was one of those rare sons that showed love to all his family members, as well as anyone he met. He had lots of friends and would do for those that were not capable of doing for themselves.
He was a great artist, drawing renditions of trophies and awards, should he ever win a race. One of his drawings of a trophy will be engraved on his gravesite marker.
His greatest love was racing, having competed at several tracks and placing 6th in points at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2000 and 6th in points at Tri County Speedway. He never won a race, but was a Christian and a winner with God.
“Those beautiful blue eyes were always smiling at you,” many of his friends said. Blue eyes, we loved you so very much. We are thankful that a Gift of Sight has been given.
We continue to remember him but, with time, maybe this overwhelming pain and sadness will recede.
Earsell Creech
Earsell Creech was one of the best men God ever created. Daddy served in the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska. He then became an employee of BellSouth Telephone Company, from which he retired after 31 years of service. During those 31 years he married my mother, and they had me, Kimberly Raye Creech Jones.
His hobbies were hunting, fishing and ballgames. However, anyone that knew him could tell you that I was his life – that is until my husband and I had Julia, and then she became #1 in his life. When Steven and I married on 7/4/02, Daddy acquired a son whom he loved very much. The following year, on May 13, 2003, Julia was born. She was truly Daddy’s life.
When I was pregnant, his emphysema worsened and he was in the hospital, and then rehabilitation. He would always say to me, “I just want to see my grandbaby born.” The day I went into the hospital for Julia’s birth, Daddy got out of rehab and spent that night with us at the hospital. He would not leave because he just could not wait to see her. I can never explain how happy he was when she finally arrived the next morning.
Once home, we spent a lot of time together and just enjoyed watching Julia grow. Daddy had to go back to the hospital in August 2003, but was able to come home again and spend nine more weeks with us. On 10/24/03 he went to heaven. We had eaten supper and he held Julia almost as if he knew what was going to happen. We loved him “night night” and it happened – he went to be with Jesus. You see, this is why I am so glad that I found out about the NC Eye Bank, because Daddy lives on, and I know that the recipients can once again see the things they longed to see, just as Daddy wanted so badly to see Julia.
We love you, Daddy, and you will never be forgotten, for you live on, not only through the recipients, but in me and your grandbaby, Julia.
Robert L. (Bobby) Cribbs
Bobby was a retired electrician from IBEW Local 349 in Miami Florida. He enjoyed the traveling and many friends he met over the many years through his occupation. He worked on the World Trade Building in New York, and was very saddened about its demise.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Garner, N.C. They were married 43 years and had two sons, Jeffrey (and Stacy) of Garner, N.C., and Michael of Clayton, N.C., and daughter, Robin Cuoco of Cooper City, FL, as well as six grandchildren.
Bobby had many great qualities as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was always smiling, devoted to his family and loved those Florida Marlins, Dolphins and Miami “Canes – never missed watching a game
His next love was those dinners he always helped prepare for our family gathering each Sunday, always saying “Mom, what are we making this week?” Family togetherness and Miami ball games were always close to his heart, but his God and family always came first.
Giving the gift of sight meant so much to him. He always wanted to be an organ donor to help others live. Through our love for Bobby, we made this dream possible for him.
The Cribbs family wishes to thank the North Carolina Eye Bank for all their caring and support we have received.
Thank you!
