Michael Wade
Michael was 32 years old and is greatly missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered for the way he poured his heart into whatever he was doing. His philosophy on life was “anything worth doing was worth doing well”, whether doing work around the house or working in his profession as a chemist at EON Labs in Wilson, NC. He was a quiet intellectual type who did not try to draw attention to himself. He was easy to get to know and was very loyal to his friends. His favorite activities were internet surfing, watching TV and camping and fishing with friends on long holiday weekends. He loved being out on a lake in a boat. He had been active in the North Raleigh Optimist Club since graduating (Summa Cum Laude) from NC State University with a BS degree in Biological Engineering. He was active in their fundraising activities and monthly newsletter.
I had shared with him that I carried an organ donor card and was pleasantly surprised upon finding out that he also had one. We were pleased that he had his donor card in his pocket at the time of his fatal automobile accident. I do not know how many people his body parts helped, but was told that it was possible to help more than 50 people. I think he would be pleased with the useable parts that were harvested.
Tonya Walters
I thank you for this opportunity to share in a memorial for my wife. One memory that stands out above others is last Christmas. We heard that there were a few house fires around town, so we decided to go with a fake Christmas tree. We had this plastic green tree in the corner of our living room, and my wife Tonya suggested we decorate it. It was bent to one side, not shaped like a Christmas tree at all, but I said “Alright, let’s go.” I got all the decorations from the basement and we sat down and put all the ornaments on that plastic tree. Blinking lights, little houses with lights in them, candy canes – the whole works! We even had all the family presents stacked under it, and all through the holidays that was our Christmas tree. I still have it in the corner, and when I look at it, it reminds me of something we did together.
Ralph L. Wareham, Jr.
Ralph L. Wareham, Jr. passed away on October 27, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on December 29, 1947. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of service in 1989. He then continued in Government service as an employee of the Naval Aviation Depot.
He was a vibrant man who loved his life, especially his garden and sports, but most of all his family. He loved to “play” in his garden, it kept him youthful. The best memories that his wife and two daughters have are family vacations to Pennsylvania to see the extended family. Ralph’s family believes that he is very happy to know that his tragic death was able to help someone have a better quality of life. When he was alive he donated blood as often as was allowed.
Ruth Byrd Warren
Ruth Byrd Warren was a loving, kind, generous woman who always thought of others before herself. She would have found great joy in knowing that after her death her eyes could be used to help another.
Ruth was a wife to Graham, a mother to Todd and Ryan, a friend to many. Her family was more important to her than anyone. She loved having everyone together for holidays and cooking more food than anyone could eat.
She loved to laugh and make others laugh. Her love, smile and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Trent Emery Watkins
Trent loved life, and during his almost twenty years, he tried to live it to the fullest. He was the youngest of three sons and spent all of his life in Washington, NC. Trent was an independent precocious little boy with a sense of humor that was appreciated by everyone who knew him. He was truly unique, never met a stranger, could talk to anyone, and genuinely cared for others. He “sparkled” when he spoke and had a grin that lit the room!
Trent loved sports and played baseball, football and soccer as a young boy. He continued with baseball and football throughout middle school, junior high, and high school. Trent played “all out” and some of our sweetest memories are from watching him participate in athletics. His senior year baseball and football players and coaches served as honorary pallbearers at his funeral - those young men dearly loved him. After his death, the high school retired his #8 baseball jersey in an emotionally moving ceremony.
Trent also loved the outdoors and nature. He spent many hours sitting in a tree-stand or watching an open field while deer hunting with his Dad and older brothers. He was extremely proud of a huge 8-pointer that he bagged when he was 16. In addition, he loved spending time at the river and the beach – swimming, water-skiing, or just “hanging out”.
Trent treasured his pets - Katie, Molly and Ralph, all Labrador retrievers, helped raise three boys. Katie died at 12 a few years ago, and sadly our beloved 10-year-old Ralph (aka “Bubba”) died about 2 1/2 weeks prior to Trent being killed. They were best buddies and we’re certain that Ralph was there to greet Trent in heaven. Molly is almost 14 now and still checks his room to see if he’s there.
Trent loved music, both playing and listening. He got a kid-sized set of drums when he was six, and later had an electronic synthesized set. Right after high school he used graduation money to buy a fully equipped drum set and sharpened his playing skills, and even played in a small band that had a few “gigs”. It surprised us at how well he played – he was a natural.
At the time of his death, Trent was a student at the community college. He was intelligent but never concerned about grades – he hated studying and tests but did enjoy learning new things. He liked making things with his hands, i.e., building, welding, etc.
Some of Trent’s other loves – everything about Christmas, the ladies, airplanes and flying, macaroni and cheese, his truck, and his motorcycle. He was thrilled when he purchased the bike last summer, and even though I (as his mother) did not share his excitement, I knew that was Trent being “Trent”. It was a beautiful spring day, a sunny April afternoon when he went for his last ride – just 1/4 mile from our home – he lost his life when an oncoming vehicle made a left turn in front of him.
His death devastated us, and we know that we’ll never get over it – we just have to learn ways to endure it. We do find comfort in knowing that Trent did not suffer in pain, as he died instantly from a broken neck. We also find great comfort in knowing that Trent helped give sight to two people after his death. Perhaps those two persons not only see better through the corneas that he donated, but view life with the same enthusiasm that he lived. Trent will live forever in our hearts.
Susan Margaret Cole Webb
January 4, 1949 – August 18, 2004
Susan was born on January 4, 1949 in Pinehurst, North Carolina to Clarence and Mary Lena Lewis Cole. She was a graduate of South Edgecombe High School in 1967. She graduated from Randolph Technical College in Asheboro, NC. As a life long Presbyterian she was an active member in the Pinetops Presbyterian Church providing both leadership and service through the Presbyterian Women.
She was a founding member of the Down East Scottish Society. She enjoyed participating in all of the Highland Games and loved Celtic music and the bagpipes. She had traced her family’s Scottish heritage. From her great love of family and history, grew her long time research of the Lewis and Cole genealogy. Her love of books led her to her lifelong profession as librarian. She was a devoted employee of the Edgecombe Memorial Library and served the Pinetops Library and community for twenty years. She often took books to those in the community who were unable to get to the library.
She served the larger community as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She was also an active member of the Pinetops Junior Book Club.
Since January 2000 she has been a breast cancer survivor and for four years has been an active participant in the Survivor Walk in Relay for Life. She was a volunteer for the HOSTS reading program at Carver Elementary School in Pinetops, NC. She delighted in being an active fun-loving member of the Royal Red Hatters of the Pines.
She was a loving and devoted mother, Nana, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend. Her special love was being outdoors and gardening with her grandson Zachary. She also enjoyed shopping for and collecting Seagrove pottery.
She is survived by her son Daniel Collin Webb, wife Sherry and grandson Zachary Collin Webb of Tarboro and her daughter Emily Christian Webb of the home. In addition to her parents Clarence and Mary Lena Cole, she is survived by her sister, Clare Cole Phillips and husband Ellis of Pinetops, and her brothers, Donald Edward Cole and wife Dale of Crisp, Daniel Warren Cole and wife Kimberly of Fountain, Timothy Lewis Cole and wife Rose of Fountain and Andrew Anthony Cole and wife Melinda of Macclesfield, eleven nieces and nephews and four great nieces and nephews.
There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of her…her zest for life, her passion for her work, and her love of family and community, but this we know: She has never truly left us, she lives on in the kindness she showed, the comfort she shared and the love she brought into our lives.
Lynn Weed
The world through the eyes of Lynn Weed:
On December 12, 2004 at 3:35 am, Lynn Ann Weed closed her eyes to this wonderful world, for the last time. Due to her caring spirit and love for people, another person may receive the precious gift of sight.
Lynn grew up in Bridgeport, CT. She attended St. Charles Parochial School and Warren Harding High School, where she excelled in all her studies. Upon graduation, her Mom and Dad wanted her to get a job. However, as persistent as Lynn was, she was determined to further her education. She applied to Stamford Hospital School of Nursing, and was accepted on a scholarship, because of her good grades. Upon graduation from nursing school, she decided to work in the recovery room at Stamford Hospital, and after some time there, she became the Head Nurse. Lynn loved the hospital, the employees, and the doctors, but most of all she loved caring for her patients – she applied care and love to every patient. If you were one of Lynn’s patients, you received exceptional care.
After retiring from Stamford Hospital, Lynn worked at Norwalk Hospital and at Health South, in Danbury, CT. While working at both of these establishments, she maintained her excellence in patient care, as well as making new friends.
Lynn and I decided to move south for a warmer climate and to forget about the snow and ice. We rented a cottage, on Sunset Beach, NC, which was one and half blocks from the ocean –Lynn absolutely
loved the cottage and the location. She and I would walk the beach every evening around sunset. The sunsets on the island were spectacular, and every night the sky and clouds were breathtaking. We would have loved to live there forever, but it was too expensive for our budget.
Lynn applied for a job at Brunswick Community Hospital, and was hired for a position in the Gastroenterology Unit, since the one in the Recovery Room had already been filled. She accepted the job and had to learn some new procedures. She loved her job, and the doctors and her co-workers loved Lynn. Once again, she maintained her excellence in patient care. She became the Head Nurse, and was instrumental in implementing a Conscious Sedation Policy. Everyone who knew Lynn misses her and her great smile.
Lynn loved life, and spending time with her grandchildren. If you knew her, you knew the names of her 7 grandkids. She was such an energetic and caring person, who had a smile and a laugh that you would never forget. She had many friends and she loved going out to dinner and to the theater. She enjoyed having friends over to the house for dinners or just social get-togethers. She has left an empty spot in so many lives, as she was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Her life was a gift to many, and now upon leaving, she left one last gift – her eyes. Lynn, we love you and we miss you.
Lee Welker
October 25, 1984 – October 15, 2004
Lee was a student at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. A music student from the age of 4, he played piano, violin, harmonica, and acoustic, bass, and electric guitar. Lee was home schooled and first went to college at age 16, attending GTCC in Jamestown. After graduating from high school in December, 2003, he began attending Appalachian the next month.
Lee won first prize in a Barnes and Noble countywide poetry contest while still in middle school. The theme was “If I Could Change The World”. Lee changed the world of everyone who knew him with his kind and loving personality. He appeared on numerous local television shows and in the NC Public TV film, “The Birds for Christmas”. Lee first appeared onstage with a band at age 13. After completing over 1500 hours of volunteer work at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro, he received a gold Presidential Award from President Clinton.
Lee was a very loved and special spirit. He touched the heart of everyone he met. At the time of his death, he had just completed his first CD, “Watching the Sounds”.
Ronald Wiggins, Sr.
A common man of the most uncommon courage, faith, loyalty, and grace. He was a young man, only 53, and a strong man, but uncommonly gentle and wise. A man too young and strong, it seemed, to have passed through an illness such as we all witnessed.
This honorable man did have a mischievous side, though, and it was part of his great charm. There are several siblings who witnessed his impish abuses of power as the baby of the family, born twenty minutes junior to his twin brother, thereby ensuring his claim to whatever bottle or toy was at stake. Many of his family breathed a sigh of relief at no long having to aid and abet his fondness for Black Maria plug, that he kept from his wife Cindy for nearly 18 years.
He served his country as his brother had before him, and chose to stay when it was not required, putting himself on the ground in Vietnam for a year and a half.
He married for love more than once, producing with Connie three beautiful and strong-willed children, and later marrying Cindy Young, a widow with four children of her own. He had the quiet tenacity to usher seven children through the harrowing white rapids of teenager-hood, and to do whatever was necessary to get us the things that we needed. Pride was not his comfort, faith was. Relatively few things could bring him to that foreign emotion – in fact, I know of exactly seven: the first was his service to his country during a difficult war, and the other six, in order of their births, are named Victoria, Katrina, Lillian, Nicholas, Elizabeth, and Zachary – his grandchildren.
He was isolated by distance from most everyone, all of his loved ones, and yet chose to shield the true terrible progress of his disease from us all. But we never heard a single word of ungracious judgment escape his lips, not even when there might have been great cause. He gave us many gifts, the majority of them just moments – advice given, attitudes conveyed, sassy jokes, and silly faces.
Now his dear body has passed from our sight and touch, and he rests, eternally peaceful and loved, on the shores of bountiful lakes, pole in hand, bass in bucket, and sweet air in his lungs.
Raymond Wilkins
Raymond Wilkins’ hobby was bird hunting with his bird dog, Joe. His full time hobby was farming tobacco. He always loved being outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful creation. Raymond battled cancer for three years and on Tuesday, February 10, 2004, at the age of 57, he won the Victory for he went to be with the Lord. Raymond was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. His love and faith in God went with him everywhere he went and he always let his light shine for Jesus. His battle for cancer never got in his way of the love he had for his family and God. He was the best Son, Husband, Father and PaPa anyone could ever have. He was the love of my life.
His loving family,
Linda and children, Kevin Todd and Ashley Wilkins
Clinton Fontan Wilkinson
Clinton Fontan Wilkinson was a friend, a co-worker, a coach, a cousin, an uncle, a son-in-law, a brother-in-law, a brother, a son, and a loving Dada and faithful husband. Clint is a wonderful man and friend whom we all love so dearly. Clint had two very strong hands that he always used to serve others. When you needed a helping hand, Clint was always there! He came with a hammer, a saw, a wood splitter, a shovel, a paint brush, a tarp or a big loud blue Chevy – or he came with knowledge and coaching, or sometimes, he came to us with that big ol’ toothy grin.
Clint loved life and he loved his friends, his community, and most especially, his family. He graduated from his beloved Tarheel University and he could have chosen to spend his life anywhere, but he chose to come home to Wake Forest – and Clint and I chose to spend our lives together. The love that we have for each other is a love that many husbands and wives seek to have for each other.
I have been told that our love and relationship is inspirational. It is a selfless commitment that bound two soul mates together as we have created and love our two sons – Mason and Mitchell.
We have all been greatly shocked and saddened at the sudden death of Clint, but we will always remember Clint as a servant to others – even in death Clint was able, by being a donor, to help other people. We will remember and be comforted as we think about his zest for life and hopefully the recipients of his corneas will see life a little the way Clint did.
We love you!!!
Gary Williams
Here are a few lines about Gary Williams from his wife.
We were married 43 years. We have 3 children, Sharon Presnell, Donald Williams, and Phillip Williams and 4 grandchildren, Brooks Presnell 21, Destry Presnell 15, Logan Williams 2, and Bailey Williams, 3. Gary worked in construction most of his life. He was working at Hickory Springs Manufacturing when he died.
He liked to fish and hunt and enjoyed his family. He also loved his computer. He was a Christian – he was saved about 20 years ago. He went to Smyrna Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for many years. His mother was Lorraine Fox of Hickory, NC. He had a sister and a brother. His dad was from Valdese, NC. Gary was a good dad and husband. We miss him very much.
Sharron Lynn Williams
You are not forgotten, loved one
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore
As time goes by we’ll miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face.
No one can fill your vacant place.
Stephen Williams
Stephen was a real encouraging person to be around. When we were down in spirit we could always depend on a smile from Steve to lift us up. Steve’s favorite hobbies were reading (comic books, mysteries). Steve also loved spending time and playing his Playstation 2 with his nine nieces and nephews. He is loved and missed daily. God Bless You.
With All Our Love,
Mom, Carolyn, Lisa
George Williford
Our family appreciates the opportunity to introduce George Williford to everyone who reads this. George was not only my husband, he was my best friend and confidant for 20 years and will be for the remainder of my life. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all he met. Upon retiring from the transportation industry, he began his ministry within the Methodist Church. I wanted anyone who reads this to see George through our children and some of the memories they shared during this difficult time in our lives.
I received a never ending love from my Daddy, he taught me to laugh and to laugh often. He lived life to the fullest and taught me to do the same. He had that special something that you just can’t explain. When you met him, you knew you were meeting someone very special and dear. He touched many lives throughout his life. There are many people that will always have their own special memory of him. I am thankful that with this donation, he will be able to continue touching lives through the research that can be done with the use of his donation.
My father was the “Daddy” of all Daddys. He always saw the good in anyone he met. He touched many lives and hearts during his life. He was always willing to help anyone he met in need. He always had an open door at home for any who wished to come in. He was the strength of our family and showed each of us how to love one another. He taught us the way to God and eternal life. We wait our time to see him again, until then, we know he is watching over us.
Dad was always there when we would call home. He was there to listen to whatever we said and was never too far when we needed help. He was always there to offer advice and lend a tall shoulder when things weren’t going good, without criticism. He was a great father and father-in-law and will be greatly missed.
Daddy was not a person you could surprise, he always knew what you were up to. Prior to his having to go out of state for surgery we managed to surprise him at church with my singing Amy Grant’s “My Father’s eyes”. The words to the song were so true to our living God, and they describe my Daddy. The song gives a glimpse of the kind of man he was and how much I love him. I am so proud to know his vibrant blue eyes that showed me so much compassion, strength and goodness, may help bring sight into this world, even now that he is gone.
We share our thoughts and memories with you through this book of who George Williford was to us. There are not enough words or space to say how much time, energy and love this man gave to all who knew him. George requested Colossians 3:12-17 be read at his funeral. This scripture described the type of person he was.
Even in his death there is a way for him to continue to give through the North Carolina Eye Bank and we are so proud we were able to give this gift. We will always be grateful and thank the NC Eye Bank for this opportunity to let you know who George was.
Geraldine Willis
The Thursday before August 15, 2004, at Bible study, Geraldine Willis, mother of four daughters, grandmother of four and mother-in-law of one son-in-law, proclaimed that she had decided to stay home and watch the Atlanta Braves baseball game instead of attending Bible study. After all she adored the Braves, and she was their #1 fan. But after looking over her lesson for the week, she decided to make a stand and put God first. So she went to Bible study. Little did we know that would be my mom’s last Bible study with us. She went to be with the Lord that following Sunday after attending church and having dinner with her family. The time between that Thursday and that Sunday, Mom had special time with all of her girls from coffee talk, talking on the phone about the Braves on Saturday night, to making me a special lunch that Thursday. She also spoke with friends in and out of state and spent special time with grandchildren, each one of them individually. Her last days on Earth were lived as her life had been lived. Enjoying family and friends and loving Jesus Christ our Lord. One more thing, Mom used to always have me or my sisters phone in her prescription due to the numbers being so small. She would say, “I can barely see”. We were amazed and overjoyed that God could take those same eyes and bless someone with the gift of sight.
LaKenya Latrice Winchester
February 27, 2000 – May 25, 2004
LaKenya at age 4 was one of the smartest kids you could have met. She had the brightest eyes and the biggest smile. Kenya was always doing something to make you laugh. There was no one thing she did because as small as she was, she was into everything. She loved to talk, she loved to dance, and she especially loved to eat. On your worst day she would do something or say something to make you laugh. At 4 years old she had the energy of ten people. Kenya never got tired – if anything you got tired watching her. Kenya was the one that was guaranteed to make you laugh and she will be missed by all of her family and the people that met her. To be such a small person, she left an everlasting impression.
We miss and love you LaKenya. When Kenya was born the first thing I said was “look at her eyes”. It was just something about them. I never thought that her eyes would one day help someone else see this world, when she no longer could.
Love, mom, dad, sister Pria, and baby Zay, who you knew about but never got a chance to meet.
William Bennett Woody
My name is Sharon Gottschalk and I am writing about my father, William Bennett Woody, May 23, 1936 to December 14, 2004.
I’m glad my father chose to be a donor to give someone else the chance to see.
When I was a little girl my dad was always gone because that was the life of a Marine, but what I remember about my dad was that he was the one who taught me to swim and to drive my first 4-speed car. My father was a very friendly type of person, I guess because of the different jobs he had, having to do with the public.
May we always remember the big smile and the way he was always there, and his very, very big heart.
Bert Anthony Wren
Everybody called him Tony. Tony was a good caring man - he loved his children and me more than anything. He worked hard to make sure we had a good life. He spoiled us all. His children’s names are Anthony, Phillip and Brittany.
The same week Tony died we were watching a special on organ donations. He made me promise that when he died I would make sure that his organs were donated. Tony cared about other people – he liked helping others.
Tony worked as a welder in automotive design. His coworkers admired and respected him. He had so many friends – they were like family to him.
I know that Tony lives on through the donations. I am so proud and honored to be his wife. He will always be a part of our lives and other people’s. Thank you for taking care of him.
