Rafael Saenz
He was a very caring and loving person. Good husband, father and son. Loved baseball and boxing. We will never forget him.
Kenneth Sale
Purdy Poppie was my Grandpa. He loved us all so. He would dream his dreams and would fly away if he could. But he loved his animals and let them go he never would. The cats and dogs he left behind will never be the same but life will go on for them and us day by day. He shall be missed. He never again will receive a gentle kiss by his wife or the rest of us but he will be loved and he will be missed by the very best. But as we glide into a happier note…He was the jokester in the neighborhood and could never resist a laugh.
He would go fishing and sled on sleds in the winter when the snow was at its best. He’s no longer with us. That’s only what the doctors say but I know every morning I wake up he is with me in every single way. He will be missed dearly but we must not be sad for Purdy Poppie would not want that. He would wish us to be happy and never have a dull day. For no day can be dull when Purdy Poppie is here to play.
– Victoria Schlitts
Our “Purdy Poppie Ken” was taken away with the gentle breezes created by the angels’ wings. At that moment, in a twinkling of an eye, he transcended this earth and met the spirit realm.
He simply loved life and life grandly loved him in return. He lived well and loved well. This was his ultimate success!
Our tears were and are many. The memories of his life with us keep us warm, smiling and laughing. We are certain this is how he planned it to be.
We love you Purdy Poppie Ken! Your life is still being honored privately and also by means of your gift of sight. All of your loved ones sincerely hope the recipients of your precious gifts are enjoying their lives with all the love, joy and laughter you gave to everyone, every day.
From all who knew and love you.
Thomas Ralph Sarno
My Dad, Thomas Ralph Sarno, was the BEST! He was so cool; even my best friend, Laura Miller, thought so. He loved to be complimented. These are the things I want him to know I loved best about him: that he could still act like a kid, that he would watch TV with me, even cartoons, that we had inside jokes that no one else got, that no moment with him was dull, that he would sing me to sleep each night with our special song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Dig a Hole”, and, of course, that he would make up the most wild stories. My Dad had the bluest eyes, and even though almost no hair…I loved everything about him. My Dad, my Baldy, the Bald-headed Eagle.
I have many treasured objects such as Matilda, a stuffed kangaroo my Mom and Dad got for me before I was even born, and a stuffed dog that plays my Dad’s and my favorite song, Sugar Pie. However, the one item I would not want to be without is my Dad’s flannel jacket. It may just sit on a hanger in the back of my closet, but every morning I look at it and tear as I choose each day’s outfit. My Dad was my best friend. I love him dearly. This jacket, he wore EVERYWHERE, everyday. It still smells like him, and I can still see him in my mind’s eye in it every time I look at it. When I look at his jacket, or even when I slip it on, I can think of him and feel close to him. Even though he has passed on, and I sometimes feel so alone, I know with his jacket he is still standing right beside me.
Cameron Schmitz
Although my experience was not as I had planned for it to be, I still thank God for giving me the opportunity to be blessed with Cameron for the short time that I held him in my arms. He was and will always be a special part of my life. I also thank God for giving me the wisdom and the strength to allow Cameron’s departure from me to benefit others in this world. I have a word of advice to everyone who may experience any difficulties in life. Whether you are blessed with a child with a disability or a child that is only with you for a short time just remember that God’s purpose may not be understood to us at all times but he will never give us a mountain that together with His help we cannot climb. May God bless all of you as He has me.
Laura Anne Roberts – mother to a very special boy!
Ronald Schweinefus
A devoted husband, loving father, caring friend, and dedicated Marine. Ron was many things to so many that miss him.
Ron was born in 1945 in Covington, KY and joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating from high school. He honorably retired a Utilities Chief with a rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant after 30 years of service. Aside from his career, his world revolved around his loving family. When he wasn’t at work or with his family, he could be found out working in his gardens, filling bird feeders, or in his workshop building something. It was not uncommon for passersby to stop and compliment him on the yard.
It’s hard to believe that only a year ago we were helping you prepare the gardens and trees for the winter. We think of you often as we prepare your gardens this year, but we know that you are honored by giving the gift of sight so that someone can see the beautiful world through your eyes.
You have left a void in many lives, but we will always have our memories, laughs, and great times to remember you by. We will cherish them and keep them close to our hearts.
Semper Fi.
Henry (Joel) Sensley
September 14, 1986 – January 29, 2004
Joel was my only child – not only was he loved, he was adored. In the seventeen years that he was with us, he touched many lives. He was very thoughtful and considerate to everyone - through the many trials that he endured during his sickness he never once complained. No matter how sick he was, whenever someone asked how he was doing he would always say “I’m alright”.
Joel loved to go to church where he sang in the choir. He loved basketball as well as music. He also loved school, where he excelled. He was in his senior year of high school with plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But God’s plan was for Joel to join him in heaven. I thank God for the time that he allowed Joel to spend here on earth, because through that process he has left his footprints on many hearts. Even though Joel is gone I know that one day we will be together again in heaven.
Bradley R. Setzer
Bradley was the son of the late Ned R. Setzer and Judy J. Setzer Fulton. He is survived by his mother, his stepfather, James W. Fulton, his sister, Lisa R. Setzer and three step siblings.
Bradley graduated from Bandy High School. In school he competed in basketball, football and baseball. Baseball was his favorite sport where he excelled as a pitcher.
After high school he served a two-year enlistment in the US Army. He served in the U.S. and Germany during the early 1980’s.
He then attended Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute in Charleston, SC, where he received his degree in culinary arts.
Following graduation he worked as a chef in Hilton Head, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC and Hickory, NC. Although his talents as a chef and restaurant cook were well recognized, his favorite and equal gift was as an automobile salesman. He spent much of his latter years working in sales.
Brad’s love of sports continued after school. He was passionate about Duke
basketball, and he enjoyed snow skiing. The Army allowed him a great opportunity to ski the Alps while in Germany. He took up scuba diving and followed up with a diving trip to the Caribbean to test his newly learned skill.
Bradley loved people in general, but was especially devoted to children, including those physically or mentally challenged. They returned his affection and devotion.
He loved his family, particularly his parents, his sister, stepbrothers and stepsister along with their children. He was completely unselfish in his giving. He had no understanding of “mine and theirs” – he felt it was all God’s. He was completely driven by his faith in Jesus Christ. Since his death, two of his friends have shared with his mother that because of Brad’s influence they were regularly attending church. This is Bradley’s gift to his friends and family.
Anthony Sgalato
Tony had been retired for two years. Prior to retiring, he had worked in the motel industry. He loved people; meeting and interacting with everyone. Our church sponsors a SHARE program which helps to distribute food to the marginally hungry. Tony participated in this program because he did not think anyone should go hungry.
Tony loved his grandchildren. His two granddaughters lit up his eyes. He was eagerly waiting for his grandson to be born. He arrived at 2:00 p.m. on the day Tony passed at 3:40 a.m.
Tony had a gruff exterior and tried to be a grizzly bear. But he had a heart that was as big as he was. In reality, he was a big old teddy bear.
Family was very important to Tony. He loved all of his family and extended family equally. He treated all of his family the same.
Joyce Sholar
Joyce Sholar was an outstanding citizen in her community. She was employed by Duplin County Solid Waste program, as a site attendant. Joyce was very well respected and loved by her community. She was a dedicated Christian and very active in church programs including Bible school. Joyce was a member at Sharon Baptist Church in Chinquapin, NC. She and her husband, Vaden Sholar, were active in every civic program that came along: building a community center, community pool, two fire departments, etc. Joyce was also a very concerned citizen for others and loved to help people, counseling, sharing and just helping people. She was a proud donor and said if she could make anyone’s life a little better she was always ready to do it.
Bradley Pearce Shuller
Brad was a wonderful son, brother and grandson. He lived life to the fullest. He was a giver of his time and love to all he came in contact with. He worked on houses with Habitat for Humanity. He was a Best Buddy at the Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program. He spent Sunday afternoons with his Grandmother and put puzzles together with the ladies in her retirement home. He was instrumental in helping two couples traveling in RV’s who had gotten lost from one another because one had broken down and the other one was much further down the highway. He helped get the broken RV to the repair shop, led them to a restaurant and became friends with both couples.
As a younger brother to Jeff, he once got in a suitcase and let his brother carry him around the house. He was also very dogmatic about making his wishes known, and when he was young and found out there was no Santa Claus he got in his Dad’s lap and let him know exactly what he wanted. Brad knew no strangers and always made a point to speak to everyone he saw and had an uncanny memory for names. He was a thoughtful gift giver and always put thought into every gift he gave. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a great friend and always there to help in any situation. He loved to water ski and hike in the mountains.
Brad died in an automobile accident at the young age of 30. He was a member of Crossroads Fellowship where he attended the men’s Bible study. The men in the Bible study started a memorial fund for Brad and were able to buy Christmas gifts for four families and bought a very needy woman a stove and refrigerator. Brad would have loved knowing that. He was loved by all and we miss him terribly.
Tommy Sigmon
Tommy was a devoted husband and dad, loving life, his family and his Lord very much.
Tommy owned and operated several businesses. When his cancer returned and he was unable to work fulltime, he enjoyed selling plants, flowers and the outdoors. Helping customers with their questions, he would always try to find the answers for them.
Our fondest memories of him are from our trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He was a wonderful cook and always wore a smile – even during chemo treatments.
It has been an honor keeping his memory alive. I know he would want someone else to enjoy seeing the beauties of the world as he did.
Having kept his faith till the end and telling my daughter and I both “Goodbye and I love you” before going to be with his Heavenly Father, Tommy now smiles down on us from his eternal home. We will never stop missing him, but will always have the memories and know someone else has been blessed with sight.
Grover A. Skeen
Grover was born in 1939 in Archdale, NC and grew up there with his parents and 6 sisters and brothers. Upon graduation from high school he went to jet training school which began his aviation career. In 1963, he entered the U.S. Army as a MedEvac helicopter pilot and served in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. After 11 years, he began working for civil service as an aviation mechanic where he remained until 1990 when he retired due to back injuries. He developed Alzheimer’s Disease in the early 1990’s and died of cancer in 2004. Grover now has his permanent wings.
He is survived by his wife, Jitsy Skeen and one daughter, Stephanie Skeen Cole.
Donald Gray Smith
Mr. Donald Gray Smith was a devoted and loving husband for forty-seven years to his wife, Betty. He was a loving dad to his daughter, Lisa and papaw to his two granddaughters Michaela and Kaitlyn. He was a kind and wonderful Christian man. He lived and served his Heavenly Father, by being faithful in everyday life and as a member of Twin City Baptist Church. He served as president of his Sunday school class; he was the head usher for his church and served on the finance committee.
He served his country in the United States Army from 1962—1964 and he served in the army reserves for two years. He was stationed overseas in Germany. He worked thirty-seven years for Kraft Foods (Sealtest).
He had a special friend, his dog Cody. He loved to feed his feathered friends, the birds, too. He enjoyed watching the UNC basketball team when Dean Smith was the coach. He also liked the Atlanta Braves baseball team and NASCAR.
He loved to travel to the ocean and sit on the balcony to watch the ocean. He loved to travel to Florida, Hawaii and the New England states.
He had beautiful blue eyes that he lovingly willed to someone else on March 12, 2004.
Phil Steven Smith
My son, Phil Steven Smith, was a very loving and giving person. He has two children and six grandchildren. He loved visiting with family members. Phil loved horses and fishing. He loved to walk around the land with his horses checking his fruit trees. He loved to help others. He was a hard worker even at times when he wasn’t really able to work. In his later years, he liked to travel to the mountains. Phil gave his all, even after his death.
Our grandpa Phil was always fun to spend time with. We didn’t see him every day, but, when we did he always had something for us, a dollar or some candy. He was always thinking about us. We liked to go up to his house and feed the horses he had in his pasture. He would give us apples to feed the horses. He would cook things for us and bring them over for us to eat. He made the best barbeque chicken ever. If we ever needed anything and he had it, he would give it to us. So we know he would be happy to know he was able to help someone else by being an organ donor.
Our dad was a special person. He worked hard and tried to provide the best he could. He loved horses and taught us how to ride. We used to help him break the horses, feed, water and take care of them. He had a beautiful Palomino horse named Blaze that he loved dearly. Blaze was dedicated to my father. Dad would ride that horse to town or anywhere he wanted and that horse could take him home blindfolded. Dad was a giving and loving man to all his friends and family . We truly miss him.
Derek John Sneed
On January 5, 2004, we lost our son, Derek John Sneed. Derek was 5 years old and in kindergarten when he was tragically killed by injuries sustained from a car accident.
His favorite things were playing flag football, Power Rangers and soldier men. Derek was a sensitive, happy, loving, caring and wonderful son! Two weeks before he went to Jesus he told everyone at Christmas that “it didn’t matter how many presents you received, it was who you loved in your heart!”
Our son will never go on to play any sports but we received his Heisman trophy when we got our letter from The North Carolina Eye Bank stating that two other people can see now because of our son! It is a blessing knowing that the gift of his eyes will bring joy to others.
Billy G. Spencer
My father was a wonderful man. He was my Dad, my teacher and my friend. He loved his family and always found ways to spoil us because he loved to see us happy and smiling. He was a hard worker who always gave 100% to everything he did! He loved to build things for his family and friends and especially enjoyed making things for his grandchildren. His grandchildren called him “Papa” and his memory will live on in them. I always loved, respected, and admired him for being so selfless and always thinking of so many others before he thought of himself. He was loved and respected by many. He is missed by us all!
I Miss
I miss his love
I miss his laugh
I miss his hugs
I miss his beautiful blue eyes
I miss my Dad!
I miss his jokes
I miss our talks
I miss my Dad!
He is now my guardian angel
And sometimes I cry but I know
He is looking out for me from the sky
I miss my Dad!
May he rest in peace and know
That he was loved by us all!
Gary Michael (Mike) Spivey
Mike was a man who loved life and lived it to the absolute fullest of his abilities. He enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and being an active member of the Massy Hills Lions Club in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Before his health became a factor, his favorite pastime was duck hunting. He would always prepare the evening before and anticipate the cold dawn of the following day with much excitement. Fishing was also a hobby for Mike. He caught many, many fish – bass being his favorite – that were mounted and displayed with pride. The outdoors was where Mike was most comfortable, so golf was a natural extension of his favorite pastimes, too. He had many golfing partners and loved to wager on the best putts.
Over the last two years, he and his wife traveled extensively. His favorite trip found them on a cruise ship in the Alaskan Inside Passage. The untouched scenery was refreshing. His travels usually involved time spent in the casino. The excitement of a
casino and the concentration of a good game of poker were always fun. He was lucky in the game of chance and more times than not, he came out on top!
Mike loved to help people and his membership in the Lions Club allowed him to extend his reach even further. He volunteered for oyster roasts and sold his fair share of raffle tickets to help them raise the funds needed. He even found deep friendship through his assistance to some disabled motorists from a neighboring state. Mike never met a stranger – making friends always came easily to him.
As a recipient of the gift of a heart, it was only natural for him to share with someone else by donating through the North Carolina Eye Bank.
Beth T. Stalker
January 5, 1903 – January 16, 2004
Teacher
Wife of Douglas Alexander
(Manager of the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC for ten years)
Mother to Sherrill-Ann and Douglas Alexander, Jr.
Grandmother (“Gammy”) to:
Kim Colladay, Jr.
Kell Stalker
Kerry Elisabeth
Caitlin Rosemary
Douglas Alexander, III
Great-Grandmother to:
Joshua Cakebread
Parker James
Colby Stalker
Lindsay Alexis
Tucker Flynn
Kelsey Beth
Mikaila Bryn
Savannah Rae
Best Friend to Mary
So proud to be able to donate her eyes at the age of 101.
Gammy Angel – Beth T. Stalker
Our newest angel in the sky
Was once an angel here –
Teaching by example,
What we should hold most dear.
She taught us to believe in God,
To follow in His way –
Whenever we had deep concerns,
We asked for her to pray.
Her favorite time was Christmas –
The gifts on Christmas morn…
But, to her, the special gift
Was that Christ was born.
We know she’s thinking of us –
Our angel up above…
Our Gammy Angel watches us
And guards us with her love.
We’re missing her this Christmas –
But then we realize…
We see her in our children’s hearts,
In our grandchildren’s eyes.
- Sherrill S. Cannon
Archie Stokes
Archie Stokes was a native of Graham, North Carolina. He was married and had six boys. Any time you saw him he was always smiling, joking around, and full of life. Archie never met a stranger and was well known in the community.
Archie joined the Air Force after high school to help pay his way through college. He attended North Carolina A&T University, where he earned an engineering degree. Although he had an engineering degree, he chose to do body work on cars instead, which was his love. His hobbies included visiting car museums looking at cars built in the 50’s and 60’s. His favorite pastime was to take his wife nearly every weekend for a long weekend (Friday-Sunday) out of town to have time for each other.
Whenever you were around Archie he would always have a nickname for you, instead of calling you by your real name. Archie also had a love for animals.
Although Archie has gone to a better place, his family and friends will always remember him.
Hugh Stokes
Willing his eyes to the Eye Bank was a natural for Hugh, as he was a member of an organization for 48 years dedicated to “Helping the Blind”. For Hugh this was the Hamilton Lake Lions Club in Greensboro, where he had served as president. Hugh and other Lions Club members all over the state could often be found selling brooms and other blind-made products, helping with eye clinics and collecting glasses.
When Hugh realized the malignant brain tumor was not going away, we talked a lot about the three “F’s” in our lives - the importance of faith, family and friends. I would say that developing a relationship with family and friends was a kind of hobby with him. He was always able to come up with a humorous tale, which friends seemed to enjoy and even expect. One of his cohorts in engineering once made the statement, “Hugh, you can tell more clean jokes than anybody I’ve ever known.”
His humor continued through when he could barely open his eyes. He would inject a word of humor into our conversation. What a treat and blessing that was for us.
Ann Stokes
Wife of 53 years
Michael Kevin Stowe, Jr.
November 24, 1972 – August 23, 2004
Mike was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever had the privilege to know and love. He was a wonderful husband and an even better father. He was also the most logical person I knew; he always had the solution to any problem. The world has lost a phenomenal man; he was not only my husband, but was also my best friend and soul mate. I had only 12 short years with him, but he is with me always. My heart aches for the son who is too young to remember much and the child who was born without her father. I can only honor him by raising his children the way we envisioned.
Mike spent 7 years in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1998. We were married in March 1999. Mike pursued his Bachelors degree in Information Technologies and completed that in December 2001. Our son (Cameron Michael) made his debut in March 2002 at 10 1/2 pounds! Our second child (Bryn Laken) will be born in February 2005 (please God, don’t let this one be another 10 pounder). Mike loved computers and drinking coffee - he could often be found at his grandmother’s drinking coffee and chatting. Mike must have known on some level that his life would not be long – he made sure he enjoyed every minute of it. It was very important to Mike that he be an organ donor, as we have a dear friend who was the recipient of a liver transplant. I can only hope that the individuals who received the gift of sight from my husband, embrace life and live it to the fullest just like he did. God Bless you all.
John Strickland
I lost my soul mate on July 5, 2004. My children and I feel like our hearts were ripped from our bodies.
I feel like his death was for a reason. Johnny was always helping someone here on earth, and even after his death he helped two people to see again. Knowing this has helped my family and me go on with our lives. Somewhere out there Johnny’s eyes can see again.
Johnny loved to work in the yard planting flowers in his garden. His greatest joy was his family and his only grandson, Joely.
Phyllis Strickland
Jeremiah Bruce Swenson
Jeremiah Bruce Swenson was born on July 11, 1977 in San Francisco, CA. He passed away on July 15, 2004 in Wilmington, NC.
The moment I was introduced to Jeremiah, though we were only 14 years old, I knew he was my one and only true love always and forever, on heaven or earth. We were always taking adventurous rides in his ’65 Chevy truck whether it was to the peaceful ocean, or the snowy mountains, or to go on an eight-hour drive with no exact destination. Jeremiah always did great with the kids. He was the uncle to teach a game that would be fun, exciting, confidence building for the children to occupy their time.
Though he will be missed dearly by everyone, no one will miss him more than his 2 1/2 year old son, Jeriko Dee. He looked up to his daddy, thought the world of his father. I can only pray that Jeriko will remember memories to share with his sister Miah Marie, who is due January 23, 2005. I would like Jeremiah to be remembered as the spontaneous, adventurous outdoorsman, kind hearted guy that he was.
