Robert Tate
Robert Tate was an exceptional person in many ways. I believe that his greatest attributes were his willingness to help others and to make people laugh. Robert was an electrician for about 30 years, a volunteer fireman, and he served on many church committees. He was a loyal member of the Forbus Athletic Booster Club and spent many hours volunteering at the school. He was always gifted in his ability to relate to teenagers and children of all ages.
Robert adored his family, and was always telling people he met how proud he was of us. His favorite pastime was controlling the remote for the television. He also had a passion for playing golf. He enjoyed traveling, or just being at home with his family.
We have an eleven year old boxer that is totally blind. Robert was always concerned about his blindness. When approached about being a tissue or organ donor at the time of his death, we as a family knew that it was a difficult choice, but we also knew that Robert would want us to do whatever we could that would help someone else.
We have been able to cope with our loss a lot easier, knowing that part of Robert lives on in others, and that many people were blessed to be a part of his life, even in his death.
Linda Tautphaeus
Shawn Lou Teague
Presence
by Lance Wayne Teague
The gentleness in your smile, the warmth in your eyes,
you hid all the pain so well, we never saw you cry.
Your heart though it was broken, you didn’t let it
show, you tried to carry on, but couldn’t let it go.
We miss so very much all you used to do, from
the strength in your laugh and those beautiful eyes of blue,
Succeeding in all you did, and did it all so well, you helped
so many others, not knowing how to fail.
You were so wonderful to know, different from any
other, until we see each other again, I’ll miss you, little brother.
Shawn has always been very outgoing, fearless and gave 100%, whether working or playing He was a perfectionist and did everything extremely well. He had a very unique laugh and beautiful blue eyes.
Sports were always an important part of his life. He loved skate boarding as a boy and was very good at it. He raced his bicycle and competed in the state finals. He crashed, but he still finished the race. He rode the bridge-to-bridge race twice, and placed in the top of his class. He also excelled at inline speed skating. Shawn qualified for the national championships, but we could not afford to send him. Bodybuilding was his last passion. He trained hard and placed high or won all his competitions. He was a personal trainer at The Spa in Hickory, NC.
He was an artist and painted a mural in the Broyhill showroom in Newton, NC. He was amazed at life. He loved animals, the ocean, and the mountains. He was always honest and very outspoken. If he saw a wrong being done, he took care of the problem. He was very brave – he was an Angel amongst us.
The love of his life broke his heart and he took his own life. He gave all he had to life and will always be remembered for his bright smile and laughing eyes. He touched the hearts and lives of many people who will never forget him. The morning of the service, his father was outside crying and he asked Shawn, “Why?” He felt Shawn’s presence and a peacefulness, and Shawn told him “God needs me, Dad, I’m a trainer of Souls.” He worked for Bassett Furniture as an upholsterer and part time at Goody’s Department Store. Shawn’s mother had German measles early in her pregnancy and was told by doctors that he would be born blind and deaf. He was not. Shawn was always a miracle. He was strong and always a free spirit. Some souls are too fragile for this hard world, but into its’ midst they are hurled. They stay as long as they can, these angels among men. They touch us in ways we’ll never forget. They leave us with memories of love, smiles and regret. When God calls them home and we’re left all alone, we’ll stay here on earth till God takes us home. Shawn, we love and miss you. Now you’re in God’s loving arms. He’ll hold and protect you from all harm, until we are with you again. You will always be in our hearts, minds and souls. God bless you, son. We love and miss you.
Your friends and family
Allen L. (Al) Thomas
Al Thomas was a man who loved life. He was a strong leader. He had a strong sense of humor and was deeply committed to God.
Al was an ordained Baptist pastor for about 15 years, and then went back to seminary and got a masters degree in Christian Marriage and Family Counseling. He was committed to God, to his marriage and family, and to his ministry.
He was a man of wisdom and taught others a practical appreciation of life. He loved people and they loved him. He never met a stranger. He was a strong, solid leader, but had a soft, compassionate heart.
He was dependable, loyal and trustworthy. He helped many find healing and hope in their lives by trusting Jesus to be their very life. Even in his severe battles with cancer, he role-modeled that Jesus would give you grace and dignity. He was loved and respected by many, and his life will live on through the lives of those he touched.
He is greatly missed by those who loved him dearly.
David Thomas
David and I met in 1983 in Germany. It was love at first sight, and we were married that same year. We enjoyed working and traveling in Europe while serving in the military.
A special interest David had was his Mustang, which he entered at car shows in Germany. He won a number of trophies for “Best Looking 1992 Mustang” several years in a row.
Other hobbies were fishing and snow skiing. Another enjoyment in his life was his two Collie dogs, Maggie and Jake. David was always funny and smiling, and never complained during our wonderful marriage. My husband was my best friend and the love of my life. I will always love him.
Eugene (Gene) Jerome Thomas
Eugene (Gene) Jerome Thomas, 55, was born 1/7/48 in Warren, PA. He was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Jay (1975). Survivors include his wife, Ethel, whom he married in Warren, PA on 10/4/68. This year would have been their 35th anniversary. Also surviving are a son, Gerald M. and his wife, B. J., their children, Sierra (Gabbie), Emma (Bugs) and Regena, and another son, Scott, with his wife, Michelle, and daughter Lynn, (Squirt).
Having been in a serious car accident in 1990 Gene was advised to leave PA for health reasons. He and Ethel found their way to sunny NC and its wonderful people, and purchased the old Millsap Farm on McCurdy Road in 1993, and moved there permanently in 1996.
Gene began working for Shurtape as a temporary employee and went full time in November 1997. He was now under the Maintenance Department. He had been on the Fire Crew and the Emergency Response Team.
Over the years he enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America; in the “Black Sheep” Troop 45 of Warren, PA, he had the honor of having thirteen boys become Eagle Scouts. He was known to give a nickname to everyone. He also participated as a Staff Member in two National Jamborees at Fort A.P. Hill in VA. He was also a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He had fifteen years of service with the Chief Complanter Council of Warren.
He was a former Marine that served from 5/66 to 5/69, and saw action in Vietnam. While in the Marines, he served under many units of the 1st and 3rd Marin Air Wing where he received wounds from combat that caused him to be medically retired from the U.S. Marine Corps with two Purple Hearts.
He became a member of the Marine Corps League, General Joseph H. Pendleton Detachment in September 1969 where he served in many offices until he moved to NC. He wanted to start a detachment there, but never did. He was active in Toys for Tots program for many years (15) and became a member of the Military Order of Devil Dogs, a fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League. He was always wearing Marine Corp T-shirts and was proud of being a U. S. Marine. Since being disabled, he became a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 75 in 1982, and transferred his membership to Chapter 84 He started the Veterans Flag Holder program for the local cemeteries in Alexander County.
Gene was a member of the “Redneck Club of NC” where he was known as “Big Yank” and loved to kid everyone on how he belonged. He was a member of and baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church of Hiddenite, NC. Being the Church Greeter, he was known for his hugs and words to everyone who came.
Malcolm Thompson
Malcolm was a very gentle, quiet and compassionate man. As a minister of the gospel, his greatest desire was for all those he came in contact with to come to know the Lord and Savior that he loved so dearly. Malcolm would encourage those that were having different challenges to see that through Christ they could overcome those challenges and recognize the potential which lives within them. Malcolm has touched and made an impact on many lives for Christ.
As a family man, he loved his wife, Alice, and his two children, Malcolm II and Crystal, and three grandchildren, Jeremy, Alexis and Christopher. He also loved target shooting, fishing traveling and spending precious moments at some of the lakes around Winston-Salem and High Point with his wife.
Malcolm had 35 years of law enforcement and security experience. He worked as a Police Officer in Washington, D.C. and as Campus Police at Galludit College, and in later years worked as Campus Police at Wake Forest University and Identification Technician at the Winston-Salem Police Department. His last position was supervisor for Guardsmark Security at American Express in Greensboro, NC.
I thank the Lord for the thirty-four years I had with you, Malcolm. I’ll love you always.
Alice
What I remember most when I was a child was when Dad and I went fishing. He loved fishing and how the peace of the water and surroundings of nature relaxed him. We could stay out there all day. He passed the enjoyment of fishing on to me and my children during their summer visits. Now as a way to grow closer to my children, I look forward to going fishing and spending quality time with them. Thanks, Dad, for instilling in me the value of spending time with family.
Love, Malcolm II
My Daddy’s Eyes: I’m glad to see my daddy’s eyes will live on even though he’s gone. I feel he was a hero though no metals has he worn. I have a pain in my heart that he won’t see my son grow tall, but whoever has my daddy’s eyes is grateful to see at all. I’m grateful for my daddy’s eyes because in them I could see that the world is my oyster and that God has given it to me. I hope my daddy’s eyes will let you see every flower bloom. I pray his spirit was in those eyes and he’s with you in that room.
I love you and I miss you, Daddy.
Your “Teddy Bear”, Crystal.
PaPa Thompson always wanted us to stay in school. He would ask us questions about our life, & always wanted family get togethers.
Jeremy Thompson
I remember the time we went fishing and the smile he always had on his face. I remember when he and Mom-Mom took us to Cherokee Country – these are just some of the great memories I have.
Alexis Thompson
My Grandpa loved me more than I know right now. I am glad he lives on through someone else and then my mommy can tell me the story of his heroic donation to someone else. Someday I will be just like him because I am part of him, and I have the hero in me. I miss you PaPa.
Love, your “Tug Boat” Christopher Elijah
Brandon Kyle Todd
Brandon was loved by all who knew him. He was fun loving, happy, and adventurous. He loved animals, Scouts, family, friends, playing Rook, music, old trucks, talking on the phone while pacing back and forth, rocking, and his beautiful 23-month old daughter, Treylin. Brandon had a heart of gold and a smile that was unforgettable.
Brandon, we all love you and miss you terribly. You will always be in our hearts and minds, forever and ever.
Ed Topolski
Ed was my life partner. From the beginning of our courtship we were always together. We worked played, and shared every day together. Last June was our 19th anniversary, and we shared it with the nurses in radiology. He wanted everyone to know how lucky we were to have had such a good life together. Ed made life fun. He could take an ordinary task and change it into an adventure. The day before he passed away he wanted to go on a “treasure hunt.” That was a trip to the locksmith to get a key made for an old safe box. We weren’t sure what was in the box anymore, and he was tickled at the idea of finding out what treasure might be inside. He never got to see the inside of that box. The key couldn’t be gotten until the next day. He would have really enjoyed discovering its contents. There really was a small treasure in it!
He loved football and I discovered he had 12 fantasy football leagues going at the time he passed away! One of his teams won its league and the owners put Ed’s picture on their web site in tribute to his great love of the game. Many teams he had played with for over 10 years and his fellow players wrote to tell me what a fine gentleman and true sportsman he was. He had names for his teams like Radioactive Man (because of all the radiation treatments), The Polecats and The Kielbasas (he was Polish). Even with all his treatments, he kept his sense of humor and tried hard to keep his mind alert.
Ed loved to travel. During the last 12 years we traveled to over a dozen Caribbean islands, South America, Mexico, Central America, Spain and Morocco. We were planning to retire and begin some serious traveling this year. During a chemo session he said he was glad I had made him take the time and travel when we did. His trip memories were wonderful. If we had waited until retirement, we never would have had those memories.
He grew spiritually during his last year of life. He believed in Jesus and was deeply moved by the gifts that God had given him, both before and during his illness. He used his own story to help others gain faith. His courage and faith helped many people to know the true meaning of the Lord’s love for His children. Ed believed that every trial and obstacle was an opportunity to grow and learn.
I love you, Ed, and I miss you beyond words.
Karen
Phil Tunks
Phil was a very loving husband to Kathy and an extremely proud father of Jeff. He and Jeff spoke to each other at least once a day. He was a fun grandfather to Jordan and Bradley, and went skinny dipping with them in the kiddie pool, because the boys wanted Grandpa in the pool too.
He had the ability to make each person with whom he spoke feel like they were number one in his life. A friend and mentor to many who worked with him in the corporate world, he kept in touch with them several times a year, to make sure all was well.
He and Kathy had a weekend marriage for twelve years when he was in the corporate apparel business. They began working together in 1989 and had a successful apparel business, working 24/7, traveling the southeast.
Some friends wrote in the memorial book “I will always cherish my memories of your twinkling eyes, with a touch of mischief.” “I remember his wonderful smile that you could even see through the phone line.”
Loving, loyal, and a quick wit aptly describes Phil Tunks.
Sandra Diane Tutor
Sandra Diane Tutor made her journey to her heavenly home suddenly and peacefully while receiving the gift of dialysis, which sustained her life for so long.
Her life was her God, her family and her friends. Always with a willing attitude and a smile, she served her church as a faithful and shining example. Her proudest moments were when she was recognized by her church family for her accomplishments and service. When Sandra’s body was too tired or sick to be there in person, she still served her Lord from where she was. Her bible, her family pictures and her prayer list were her constant companions, all reminders of what she loved most.
Sandra had many needs, but asked for so very little. Her life was simple but satisfying. Serving her family was her greatest joy and she did so, willingly and cheerfully, always asking “What else can I do for you?” Her pleasure was in keeping the home she shared with Mama and Daddy clean and orderly, and everyone fed. When she was able, she would help anyone she could, whether by babysitting, helping clean a home, or sitting with someone who was sick. Sandra had a gift with children and a great love and tender spirit that could bring out even the most inward child. Many children in the church and community experienced that love, as she had a hand in raising many of them as their babysitter, teacher, and friend.
Knowing that someone can see today because of her contribution would have made her so proud. Many people who hear of her gift had similar comments. “She is still giving, even in death.” What a legacy! What a woman! We will meet you in the rapture some sweet day.
I love you, Sandra.
Your sister, Nell
