Lewis Walters
Lewis and I were married 45 years ago on Christmas day, 1958. He served in the Army the first two years of our marriage in Darmstat, Germany.
He was an employee with Centel Telephone Company, later Sprint, for 39 years, and worked in several positions over the years, retiring 12 years ago.
Lewis thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He enjoyed Flea Markets and Antique shows, and being with family and friends.
He was a loving husband to me, father and Poppy to our two daughters and granddaughter. He was strong in his religious faith, and faithful in his church family. This has been a great consolation to our family.
We will miss him always.
Sally Walters, wife
Betty Watkins
Betty Watkins was a very loving wife, mother, and friend. She cared for everyone.
She especially cared for her poodle, Sissy, who was always by her side. She had a tough life, but always tried to look on the bright side, and cheer everyone else.
She was much loved by her husband, daughter, and a son who passed away a few years earlier.
Betty was the best Nanny to her grandsons, Gary and Austin. We miss her so much! We all loved her dearly.
Joe Watkins and Cindy Robertson
Alexander George Weaver
Alexander was born in Canton, MA on July 11, 1976. During his early childhood he lived in Missouri, California, Texas and moved to Raleigh, NC in 1985. These were fantastic years for him. He was one of the most charming, compassionate, caring sons any parent would love to have. He was a very sensitive person with a heart of pure gold. As a young child he wanted to donate his allowance to the Jerry Lewis telethon to help those less fortunate than him. He loved trying to help others with their problems and spent a lot of time on the telephone with friends. When he was in the 2nd grade one of his classmates became ill and he stopped by every day to see how she was doing, and to cheer her up. At age 12, he became one of the less fortunate.
Alexander had a wide range of interests including current events, swimming, fishing and the ocean, cooking, reading, music, sports, psychology, and pets, especially Lester, his pet cat. He loved to experiment with sauces and spices to the extent that it almost drove those around him crazy. He loved listening to music and playing his drums, which was very therapeutic for him. His favorite artists included Pantera, Ozzie Osborne, Black Sabbath, COC, Black Flag and Enga.
He probably read more books in his 27 years than most people do in a lifetime. Some of his favorites were Tolstoy, Henry Miller, Arthur Rimbaud, Hubert Selby Jr., Nietzsche, Ayn Ryan, Bukowski and Ann Rule. He loved first-rate movies including Apocalypse Now, American History X, Requiem for a Dream, The Terminator, and all the Rambo movies.
Alexander was very close to those who loved and cared for him. He touched the lives of many people, providing enrichment, enlightenment, and influence to all he came in contact with. He was very dedicated to his son, Braeden, and was a fantastic father to him. Braeden was his “Big Guy” and “Chief”, and he loved him so very much.
Dan Randall Webb
Dan Randall Web (on the left in the photo) was born 8/31/61 in Rocky Mount, NC, the only child of Mahlon R. Webb (deceased), and Cleo Webb McClain. He was a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School and later became certified in welding and heating and air conditioning. He became skilled in home renovations and repair of all types, room additions and remodeling. He was just beginning his own business, New Beginnings. He was talented at taking something old and making it into something new and useful. It has been said he could build a house from the ground up on his own, and make it a home.
Dan was an active member of Life-Changing Christian Outreach, Assembly of God Int. church and was preparing to head up and coordinate one of the church’s ministries, Life Changes, helping people addicted to drugs and alcohol change their lives. His heart’s desire was to help young boys especially, as well as girls, avoid the pitfalls of addiction.
He was a loving son, grandson, father and grandfather. To his family he was “Randall,” to most friends, “Dan” (because the schools insisted on calling him by his first name), to his daughters, Randi Webb Leonard and her husband, Bo, and to his younger daughter, Jessica, he was Daddy. To his grandchildren, Alexis, Jade and Donnie, he was Pappy. His favorite thing was spending time with his children and grandchildren, which seemed to ease his pain, if only for a while. Above all, he loved God and his family. He was handsome, intelligent, remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, always making people laugh and feel good, and for his warm and generous heart to others.
He loved playing golf and sometimes called it an organized religion because he talked to others about his faith on the golf course, getting to do two things he loved at the same time, even when he was in terrible pain. There are so many things to remember about him – reading Christmas stories to his 2 year-old granddaughter in June! Or going shopping for school clothes with his 9 year old daughter and making us laugh with his remarks on some of the new styles of the day. Always giving his family big hugs, kisses and “I love you” – he said that everyone needed to be hugged and told they were loved.
Dan Randall had a tremendous heart with compassion, sympathy and empathy for others, especially those less fortunate than himself, or troubled. He was always one to root for the underdog. To him, his eyes would be a small part to give at this death, and he would gladly give his all, just knowing it would enrich another’s life. He would be very disappointed that he could not be a donor.
He died 7/16/03 at the young age of 41, but his memory lives on in the heart of his loved ones and friends, and hopefully somehow in the lives of those receiving new eyes, coming into a new light of life because individuals and families are willing to be donors so others might see.
Brian P. West
Brian P. West died at the age of 38. At the age of 14 he was injured in a bicycle accident that left him a quadriplegic. During his life span, Brian enjoyed many different things.
When he (about 13) and his brother, Bruce, lived in California, they got to be ushers at a Super Bowl game between the Vikings and the Raiders, and Brian was even given a Raiders jacket by one of the players. When Brian was 19 he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch from Greece through Tioga, TX.
Brian loved Harley Davidson’s all his life, and owned an ‘89 police bike with side car that was designed to accommodate his wheel chair. He won many awards going on Poker Runs. He attended the 90th Harley Davidson Anniversary in Milwaukee in ’93, and was featured on the front page of USA Today.
Brian and his best friend, Steve Green, went to a children’s camp where they gave motorcycle rides to kids confined to wheelchairs. He was always wiling to help other quads, whether it be inspiring visits or by letting doctors try different procedures that could possibly help.
He was a kind and giving person, always.
Phillip Allen Whitaker, Jr.
Allen was born August 4, 1990. He left us on October 11, 2003.
He enjoyed racing his motorcycle in the NCHSA circuit. He finished 6th in the 2002 race. He was an A-B honor roll student, and Student Body Treasurer.
Allen is loved and missed dearly by everyone. He gave a lot of joy to everyone around him with his playfulness and constant grin.
We will have you in our hearts forever. I love you!
Your Mom, Always, Tracy
Arthur White
Many years ago I knew Elder Arthur White when he preached at the church I attended. He was married at the time, and never did I imagine he and I would be married years later.
If he had lived until February 4th, we would have been married for six years. Our marriage was heaven on earth.
Beatrice White
Ralph Everett White
Ralph was just a boy when his father told him to get on the tractor and start plowing the fields. By the end of the first day he knew he was now the new farmhand. His pay was fifty cents per week.
Ralph was eighteen when he left the farm to work in a nursery. There only a short time, his Uncle Bunt offered him a job in dry cleaning. The nursery stuck with Ralph, though, and gardening became one of his favorite hobbies, along with fishing, taking care of stray animals and spending time with his four grandchildren, Louis, Jenna, Taylor, and Elijah.
Ralph and his wife, Elizabeth, retired from their family dry cleaning business in 1989 and moved from California to Clemmons, NC, where Ralph got the home of his dreams, equipped with a pond in the front. What more could a guy who loves fishing ask for?
Ralph’s favorite meal was pinto beans, cole slaw and fried bread, sometimes with sliced tomatoes fresh out of his garden. Every year he had his tomatoes out in the spring. They were like his babies. But his real baby was his ‘69 Ford pick up truck.
Although Ralph was blessed with a successful business, his children, his grandchildren and loving marriage of 49 years, he felt he needed to leave an even greater legacy than these. He wanted to donate his organs, so someone else could have a chance at life. Unfortunately, Ralph had cancer and was unable to donate his organs, but he was still able to donate his corneas. We know Ralph was very proud of his contribution.
Ralph leaves his wife, Elizabeth, three children, Pamela (husband Victor), Gregory and Joseph (wife Tammy) and four grandchildren. Two adoptive daughters Tammie Sue and Deborah Rose, his mother Frances Wilt White, three brothers, Roger, Larry, and Rodney, and two sisters, Annie Beckwith and Janie McBride.
Joshua enjoyed many wonderful life experiences. He rock climbed, fished, hunted, roller bladed, paint balled, white water rafted, and other adventures too numerous to list.
He lived each day to the fullest, saying you never knew what tomorrow would bring. His favorite time of day was just before dark. He liked to get in his truck (his pride and joy) and “ride around the block”, which is what he called a drive in the country.
He learned from his Mom, Dad, Grandparents and his friends. His core values were deeply ingrained. He was strong-willed, a fun guy to be around, and famous for his stories about his adventures. Josh spread joy wherever he ventured. He could walk in a room full of strangers and ten minutes later everyone would know him and he would know them. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed in mere words.
He loved his parents and his kinfolk, one and all. He could spend hours talking with old people or playing with children. His love of animals was evident.
Joshua had many friends and loved to “hang out” with them. He loved the ocean and everything about it. He liked to sleep late, so he didn’t see many sunrises, but he loved the sunsets.
He will live in our hearts and never fade from our memories. God bless him and keep him until we meet again.
Carter Todd Whitson
As Carter and I began together, and the Lord allowed me to assist Him in another miracle, I prayed fervently for the Lord to bless me with a healthy and sweet-spirited child. I also prayed that Carter and his sister, McKenzie, would love one another unconditionally, and that they would be best friends. I prayed that they would remain close throughout their entire life, even when each of them spread their wings and few from the nest that our home had provided.
She loved her brother so much, and followed closely behind me, watching and listening as I did what mothers do. Each time I kissed him, she followed suit. Sometimes Carter would cry to tell me he was tired of playing in his bouncy seat, or swinging in his swing. He was letting me know that he just wanted to be held and loved. I would say “okay, little man, you win”and I would go pick him up and would just rock him, and she would be right there beside me, repeating everything I said. I know the Lord answered my prayers.
Carter was the sweetest, happiest and most sweet-spirited little boy. He had these beautiful big blue eyes that would just consume you, and a smile so big, it would cover his tiny little face.
Even though we had him here on earth for a short time, his sweet spirit will forever remain with us. The Lord answered my prayers when he blessed my life with baby Carter. Now, I just pray that his sweet spirit will be with us everywhere we go, and comfort our hearts. I know that when I get to heaven he is going to meet me at the gate with those big blue eyes and that unforgettable smile.
As hard as it was to let him go, the Lord told me that his little life was not in vain. I just pray that this sweet spirit I have been speaking of, that only comes from the Lord, will spread to others and strengthen, comfort, and consume their souls. May the gift of those beautiful blue eyes improve the life of another sweet soul.
Patrick Wiggs
There are no words to describe the void Patrick’s death has left in our family. Every day is another painful reminder that he is no longer with us. His and our decision to be an organ donor has given us a little pleasure, knowing that the donation of his eyes has helped someone see the world in a better way. In this small way, he is living on, and continuing to help others. He must be smiling from above at the irony of it all.
You see, Patrick had to wear glasses his entire life from being just months old until just prior to his death. His eyes had just started to change, and for the first time in his life he had vision without his “coke bottle”glasses. He had just gotten contacts and was so proud of the new sunglasses that he could now wear. At the age of 15, it had become uncool to have glasses and his contacts had given him a new approach to the world. We hope that whoever sees the world through his eyes will see the world in a better way, just as Patrick had been able to do.
He loved to fly and we were going to start his flight training this year. We no longer had to worry about his vision for the flight test. He also loved fishing, was very active in Boy Scouts. He was a student of karate and was less than a year from completing the process to be a Black Belt. Patrick’s other love was working on cars. We were in the process of restoring a 1950 GMC truck that he had a particular yen for. It was destined to be “Pat’s Truck.”Now it will always be Pat’s truck.
He loved skiing and took to the slopes with a laugh and with the goal of having a good time. One of the things I miss most about our son was his ability to make you laugh. His laughter was infectious. Once he started he couldn’t stop, and everyone around him had a good laugh too! He had a wonderful sense of humor, a curious spirit, and genuine compassion for others. During his short time here, I feel he lived well, with openness and honesty. I strongly feel had he lived longer he would have accomplished many things and made us all proud.
It is impossible for me to put into words how much we miss him, or to be able to explain the pain in our hearts as we start each day without him. Wherever he is, I only hope he is at peace, that he knows how much he is loved, and that we hold him close forever in our hearts.
With all our love, always,
Mom and Jim
Lane Williams
Lane was self-employed, doing yard work in the community of Barney Hill.
He enjoyed leading the choir at the church were he grew up. His favorite pastime was playing golf and bowling.
Michael (Mike) Remer Williams
Michael Remer Williams, 41, was born and raised in Garner, NC. He touched a great number of people throughout his life, with his love and compassion for others.
Mike’s strong marriage was a testament of his faith in God, and his love for his wife. His hobbies included bowling, working with horses, hunting, fishing, and working in the garden.
At the age of 12, Mike and his mother were told he had Type I Diabetes, but the last four years were very difficult. Mike had two heart attacks in the year 2000, which were just the beginning of many trips to the hospital. However, Mike did not let his health problems break his spirit. He always said “I guess I’m O.K,” when asked how he was feeling.
Mike’s wife and his mother did not hesitate for a second when they were asked to donate his eyes. They felt this was a loving tribute to his memory, and that Mike would have approved of their decision.
Archie (Art) Willis
Art was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. He never lost his love of fishing with his son, walking hand-in-hand on the beach with his wife, or sharing good seafood with family and friends. His last day on earth was spent at the coast. He went fishing, visited with dear friends and family, ate seafood, and watched a beautiful sunset. And then God took him home.
Art and Donna’s marriage was a true love story. Their honeymoon lasted over 22 years. Art never hesitated to hold his wife’s hand in public, put his arm around her shoulders, or gaze into her eyes. They enjoyed the wonders of God’s creation together, usually on the back roads of North Carolina. And when they did part company during the day, each parting came with a kiss and a quiet “I love you.”
Art was the proud father of three children, Angela, Archie and Alicia. He loved his children immensely, and as each one matured, he became their friend as well as their defender and confidant. During the 1970’s, Angela presented him with his first and only grandchild, a precious girl named Charity. Sadly, Angela preceded Art in death in the early 1980’s.
Art had many career interests during his life. He was in radio and television broadcasting, the insurance industry, rural electric cooperatives, the safety and health industry, and finally, writing. He concentrated on technical writing, but he also enjoyed writing poetry.
Art had an intense interest in people, especially those who were hurting. He spent many evenings listening to friends’ problems, and he was often able to offer business or personal advice.
When he retired, Art was very active in the Church. He took part in an adult Bible fellowship, the Senior Adult Ministry, and Prayer Ministry, a support group for the unemployed, and yet another for those with life-threatening illnesses.
Throughout his life, Art maintained a very strong faith in God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 17. From that time forward, knowing his sins were forgiven and assured of his eternal destination of Heaven, Art wanted to tell everyone he met that they too could be saved by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Art lived in the light of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Knowing that Art is in Heaven comforts the hearts of his loved ones who remain.
Rosemary Wood
My mother was my best friend, my counselor, the center of my world, the one person that loved me no matter what, and the glue that held our family together. Her heart had room for everyone. She loved unconditionally and consistently. She never judged – she just listened. Her pride for her family would shine through her eyes. She loved us very much and this was proven to us over and over again. Even as she lay critically ill, she was still taking care of us.
I grew up watching her nurse animals and plants back to health. If she had a baby kitten or calf without a mother, she became the mother. She would feed the kitten through an eyedropper until it found its strength again. Her illness was a surprise. She was such a strong woman that no one knew just how sick she was until the end. She fought to hang on, but not for herself – she fought to hang on for us, her family. My mother went all 12 rounds and then some more. I found a new appreciation for her, and didn’t think my appreciation could have grown any more, because she was my every thing. I tried to nurse her back.
She was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, a farmer and a homemaker. She took all of these roles seriously and mastered them all. She loved to work hard planting in her yard, and her trophy were the flowers that came each Spring. She told me this past Spring that it was the prettiest she had ever seen. I believe this was a gift from God, because He knew how much she appreciated His work, and together they were a team.
Mother always gave herself to those who needed her, even when she didn’t have enough of her to give. I’m glad to know some one out there is seeing the world through my mother’s eyes, and I hope that those people now see the world a little differently. I hope they see how beautiful the green grass is, and how beautiful the sky is, as the sun is setting. I hope they appreciate how beautiful a table full of family is during the holidays.
I miss my mother more than I will ever be able to express. I’ve not got it all figured out yet, but as best as I can tell, I think God must be calling in all of “His best” for a big job, and with my mother on His team, we can all rest assured that it will be a job well done.
I love you, Mama.
James Woodle
James worked for Pine State Milk Company for about 15 years, then he worked for Maola Milk for about 5 years.
He loved all kinds of sports, especially football. He was an assistant baseball coach for Little League.
James loved to go and see his daughter at her dance recitals and enjoyed going out to eat with her. On Saturday mornings, she would go on the milk route with him and he would treat her with some chocolate milk to drink.
They loved to watch football on TV. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, and watching Westerns on TV – all kinds. He and his daughter enjoyed spending time with each other.
Harley Woolard
Walter Rickie Worrell
Walter Rickie Worrell was born on October 26, 1947, in Sanford, NC and grew up in the Raven Rock Community in Lillington, NC. He graduated from Boone Trail High School in 1966. Rickie then served in the US Army, where he was in the Vietnam War. He later met Gale Dowd in 1969, and they were married on January 31, 1970. They shared 33 wonderful years together, and he said they were good for each other. They raised two children, Paula and Jason, who gave Rickie and Gail two grandchildren, Stephanie, Paula’s daughter, and Jakob, Jason’s son.
Rickie went to CCTI in Sanford for Industrial Maintenance where he graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. He was a maintenance man for more than 32 years at different plants in Sanford, NC. He was one of the best maintenance men there ever was. All his co-workers respected him.
You could always count on Rickie because he was honest and dependable. He would tell you things they way they were, and gave it to you at face value. He did not do things for show. If you knew him, then you really knew him for what he was. He would always do what he could to help. You would just have to turn around, and he was there to lend a helping hand.
Rickie passed away on August 25, 2003. He was truly the best son, husband, daddy, pa, and friend that you could ever know. He was loved by all that knew him. His memory will forever live in the hearts of those that loved him, and we are glad that his eyes helped someone else.
Mitchell Wright
Mitch was an avid golfer who worked at a golf course. He was a great player with a dream job. He loved traveling to different areas and playing the courses.
He was also a loving husband and involved in his son’s life, eagerly looking forward to working with his boy at the course and teaching him how to drive. His love and caring for children was also evident in his role as a foster dad. He was a good teacher and advisor to kids who didn’t have a role model.
Mitch was a good, honest, ethical man who touched many lives and is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Wallace L. (Wally) Wright
Wally was a very special husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a very dedicated member of the Lions Club.
As a husband of 45 years, he was a wonderful, thoughtful and romantic man. He was the very proud and loving father of three sons. His last words to me were “tell the boys I love them.”
He loved being with his 6 grandchildren. He played games, went shopping, watched NASCAR races and television with them. He also liked to take them sight seeing. He helped them start coin collections, baseball and sports cards collections and went to ball games and soccer games in which they participated.
