Elizabeth Ann Bair
A true belle of the south, she lived her entire life in Richlands, North Carolina, happy with rural life and its relaxed approach to living. Ann’s greatest pastime was reading mysteries and love stories set in North Carolina. She was always content with a good book until she felt the needs of others, and then she would go to their aid. A philanthropic supporter of battered women shelters and community soup kitchens, she volunteered many hours because she recognized that everyone’s fate is not a result of his or her own actions.
She was married to Charles W. Bair, Jr., and together they raised four children. Recognizing each child’s uniqueness, they raised a son to be a good provider, one daughter to be a great mother, another daughter to be a free spirit and their youngest to be generously giving to other peoples’ needs. She was an active member of United Methodist Women and a volunteer in the church.
Courtland Baker
Courtland enjoyed a lot of things; he was an avid bowler and bowled in a league for four years. Growing up in Long Island, NY, fishing was in his blood; bay fishing, surf casting at the ocean, throwing a line in a stream in upstate NY. He liked to play golf. His pride and joy were his daughters, Amy and Debbie.
He enjoyed his job as a delivery truck driver for seventeen years, as it encompassed another one of his favorite pastimes, meeting and talking to people.
Later on a hobby of collecting lighthouses became a pastime. He loved reading books on the Civil War and enjoyed partaking in re-enactments with one of his sons-in-law.
When the grandchildren came along - four of them - he was just bursting with pride, and was a big part of the children’s lives.
Jeremiah Clifton Baker
June 11, 1986 April 3, 2005
The tragedy of losing Jeremiah has left our family humbled by the greatness of our creator and the unanswered questions of the Universe. The order of life is not for mothers to bury their babies, but Jeremiah’s short life was a blessing to family, friends, and all that met the incredibly likable young man. He was his father’s son and every third beat of his mother’s heart. Jeremiah loved life, his family, his friends, his girl, his music, his art and all the wonders of the Universe. He was convicted to all the things he held closest to his heart, without apology or reservation.
Jeremiah had traveled coast to coast, enjoying the North Carolina beaches with family and friends and the beaches of California with his older brother Joshua. Graduating in the class of 2004 from Forbush High School in East Bend, NC, Jeremiah had earned the respect of his instructors and his peers. Attending Haywood Community College in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains was his future and Wildlife Sciences was his major.
Life has come full circle for Jeremiah, but he will not be forgotten. As a tissue donor, Jeremiah has enabled others to have an enriched and better life. Family will always remember the good natured, humorous young man that meant everything to them. Although sorrowed, a mother shall always feel blessed to have had such a remarkable son who honored her with a calling to serve a greater power.
Sandra Barbee
I am sending you this picture of Sandra. It was taken some years ago. But it shows her as the happy person she was.
She loved family and get-togethers like birthdays and holidays. She had two nieces she loved deeply. And she was an animal lover. She had an orange cat named Stinky dink. I am taking care of her now that Sandra is gone.
She collected light houses. She went to see the Cape Hatteras light house lots of times.
Thomas Barker
Thomas Barker was a kind and gentle man who loved everyone he met. He never met a stranger and loved to talk with everyone he met. He enjoyed gospel music, trains, ball games and NASCAR racing.
He was a hard-working man who enjoyed his work as an emergency generator technician. He traveled a lot with his work, but his greatest travels were to see his family. He had four grandsons and one granddaughter. He traveled to Germany to see his son and all over North Carolina to visit his daughter and her family. He traveled many miles to watch his grandsons play football, basketball, and baseball. He traveled to California twice to see his grandson and granddaughter after their births.
He loved to spend time watching his family do the things they enjoyed.
Nigel Barney
My dearest Nigel,
I know you were always fond of animals and nature. One incident always sticks in my mind. 1983…My father sent some cashew nuts through my brother who had just returned from visiting him and my sisters. When I opened the package I found a few ants among the nuts. You didn’t want to hurt them so you promptly picked them out of the parcel and put them in the garden, without even thinking that these ants came from another country! Your main concern was that they survived the airplane ride and the heat. You also knew that they would not survive the Canadian winter, but your main concern was to give them freedom for a short time. I know now you are in a better place. I miss you and love you always.
Your loving wife Kumu
Dear Nigel,
You were our dearest brother and best friend always, and we will miss you with much sorrow, even though we have many memories to comfort us. Your true devotion to nature made you someone very special, and you will live on in our hearts with deepest love.
Jan and Jen
James Baynard
Jimmy was always ready with a big smile and a joke. He had the ability to meet someone and remain friends for a lifetime. He was a wonderful husband of forty years and a great father.
He was very proud to have graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from North Carolina State University. He was a very avid NC State Wolfpack fan and a proud member of the Wolfpack Club. He attended all the home games and many of the away games. He enjoyed numerous hobbies. Among them was his love of NASCAR racing, cooking, traveling, music, history, sports and sitting around with his buddies. He also enjoyed working on his old truck, and almost everyone he knew had a hand in restoring “The Classic”. He loved his John Deere mower and made a social event out of cutting the grass he would ride across the street and to the next door neighbors.
He was the Regional Sales Manager for Mako Compressors and his territory was the western part of the United States and Mexico. He had traveled to all of the states in the US except two.
Jimmy’s brother had diabetes from age nine to twenty-eight. He was declared legally blind before he died. Jimmy wanted to donate his eyes in memory of his brother. I’m sure he would be so happy that two people now see through his eyes.
Wyoming Bazemore
Wyoming Bazemore, fondly known as Buddy, Wy, and Wyoming Kid, was a warm, tender, sweet man. Wyoming loved his family, especially his three sons, David, Anthony, and Kevin, and all his grandchildren. He loved to cook at all the cookouts. He loved hunting and fishing and just being with people.
Wyoming was never at a loss for words. He always had a joke waiting for you. If he saw someone who was feeling down, Wyoming would have something extremely funny to say to make them feel better. Wyoming had many friends who he treated as if they were members of his family. Anyone who was ever around him would not want to leave. Whenever someone was in trouble, it was in his nature to help out in any way he could. He was a positive role model and a hard-working husband and father as well. He was looked up to by many colleagues and peers. His truck-driving career enabled him to travel half the world where he started more friendships.
In high school, Wyoming discovered his passion for football. He played defensive end for his team and achieved records that have yet to be broken. While in New York, he joined a semi-pro football team, at the same time beginning a career in truck driving. As his love for the sport remained, Wyoming continued to play football, setting many more records along the way. He relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where he played for the Baltimore Eagles. He continued to play for the Eagles until complications with his health affected his ability to play. He also continued driving trucks well after his football career ended. He continued this career path until his retirement.
After retirement, Wyoming first became a hall monitor for Southwestern Middle School. He developed a wonderful relationship with the students and staff. He later became a coach for the school’s football team. Wyoming assisted in leading teams to stellar records and even achieved a perfect season. He continued coaching until illness caused him to no longer do so.
William “Henry” Beasley
William “Henry” Beasley went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2005 at the age of 69. We will forever miss our beloved father and husband. Henry was a trucker by trade, having driven for a number of trucking companies. Most recently he was a self-employed driver. It is with great joy to hear of the opportunity Dad gave for someone to have sight. Dad always had those strong beautiful eyes. As he was sick in the hospital, his daughter had a dream about his eyes being crystal clear. Little did we know that shortly after his passing his eyes would help another to see crystal clear.
Again, thank you for your service and for the opportunities you give to others. We will miss our loved one, but we are so glad that he, in death, as he did so often in life, was able to help another. Henry was a very giving man who loved his family and enjoyed his friends. May God bless you!
Sincerely,
The Beasleys
Owen Beckett
How very softly you tiptoed into our world.
Only a moment were you able to stay.
With tears and great sorrow, in the blink of an eye,
We were forced to say hello and goodbye.
Left with the magic of your sweet precious face,
We hold fast to the memory of our last warm embrace.
What a joy to know you Owen.
What a joy to have had you in our life.
A wonderful gift you are to heaven.
Oh, how bright your star shines…
Bonded by love, never will we part.
A beautiful imprint your footprints have left on our heart.
~«~
Owen Beckett
Born silently at 20 weeks
December 17, 2005
An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby’s birth.
Then whispered as she closed the book “too beautiful for earth”.
Ronald Alan Bell
June 14, 1956 August 1, 2005
When we think of Alan a great sense of warmth comes over us due to his laid back character and his contagious laugh. Now a smile appears on our faces since Alan always loved laughing and had a great sense of humor. He was a quiet person, but he would be right there with you whether a joke was being told or a story from the past being shared.
Alan was a man of great wisdom beyond his years and his spirituality provided a lot of inner strength and support to his friends and family. Three years prior to his death, he had given his life to Christ and was a faithful member of Piedmont International Church. He participated in church socials and activities as often as he could. Alan often spent all day cooking which gave him great pleasure.
Alan had a full life, even at the end. Alcoholism was a large part of his life for many years. He was able to beat it for the last three years. His family felt very blessed to have gotten him back even though it was for only a short time. Alan’s story is really remarkable due to the sighting of an angel one evening. The angel told Alan that he needed to change his life and live for God. What is so extraordinary is that he did exactly that. From that moment on, the demons of alcoholism were set free and he no longer had that burden.
Life is a funny thing, all of us take it for granted. Alan was never bitter with the hand he had been dealt. He truly was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, whether it was the young person in the church or his parents. He was stoic through his battle with cancer and never complained. He reversed the typical role during an illness and supported everyone around him through his tough time. What made him so special was that he never sweated the small stuff and he could really look at the big picture.
We will miss Alan. He will never be forgotten. We will have that warm feeling forever.
William Bell
My husband and I moved to North Carolina 2 years ago to retire. We were born and raised in New Jersey. My husband was a regional manager in the cemetery industry for over 20 years. He enjoyed gardening and became a master gardener in Wayne County, North Carolina. He also enjoyed woodworking. He made several beautiful items for all of our family members, that now have become beautiful memories of him. He had passion for antique and classic cars, and had restored several in his lifetime. He loved going to car shows to see how others had restored their vehicles. He enjoyed knives and was an avid collector. He even made all our cutlery. But my husband was best known for being a good father, husband and friend.
Robert Eugene Bennett
Robert Eugene Bennett was born and raised in a small community near King, North Carolina. He started work quite young and still provided help on the farm. He has always served and protected. He joined the Army and was trained in Texas, then transferred to Korea for the duration of his service. He worked with guard dogs patrolling, securing the border protecting missile sites. After his honorable discharge, he returned to King and worked at Hanes for a number of years until he was laid off. He then went to work at Wachovia Bank in security. Even though his size of over 6’ was quite intimidating to some, all that knew him saw him quite differently. He was both willing to help in any way possible or give a listening ear. He retired from Wachovia Bank in 1995 with 25 years service. I made a scrapbook for him on his tenure with Wachovia. Many people sent letters of congratulations and gratitude for his outstanding service with the company. He was a Security Officer and Department Manager for 23 years and the remaining two years in Bank Card Fraud when the department was moved to Georgia. When he retired, he told me he had decided he would make at least one person laugh each day. I am sure he accomplished that over the last ten years as he always made me laugh or had a funny story no matter how bad he felt. Most people can relate to his jovial manner by coming up with a joke or favorite story by Robert.
He was active in church activities, as long as his health permitted, at Poplar Springs Church of Christ in King. He loved His Heavenly Father, first, his family and friends and his country. He was very proud to have served our great country and was active in the American Legion for many years until his death. He had served the American Legion, Carl Calloway
Post 290 as Commander, on the Board of Directors and a number of other committees. He worked hard to see the Veterans Memorial become a reality and was very proud to see it dedicated on 11/11/04 in King.
He had also enjoyed working with the Lions for a number of years. He served as Vice-President, President, and on the Board of Directors and other committees for a number of years in the King Lions club. He also served as Vice-President and on the Board of Directors at the Konnoak Hills Lions Club, where he was a member until his death. He also served a number of District 31D positions, including Chairman of White Cane, Zone Chairman and Regional Chairman. He loved serving all the various projects in helping the blind, visually impaired and others needing help. He had many wonderful Lions friends throughout the District and State.
He was a very loving and caring man. Not only does his family miss him, but all his friends miss his jolly manner, gentleness and genuine friendship. When Robert was your friend, you would know he would be there for you. We had 32 wonderful years together. He was my best friend and the love of my life. We enjoyed doing everything together, from traveling to the beach or mountains. He loved sitting watching the waves at the beach or looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains, always smoking his pipe. We enjoyed golf when he was able to walk, which we gave up the last six or seven years. He was patient when I went shopping. He would just take a bench or chair out front and strike up a conversation with other men waiting on their wives. He met many interesting people that way.
He had gout, arthritis, knee problems, and high blood pressure before prostate cancer surgery and radiation treatments. In addition, he had kidney stones, heart stints and back surgery and diabetes within two or three years before his death. He was constantly in pain and could not sleep, but he kept going and most people did not know how much pain he was in. He did not dwell on it. If you did not have the opportunity to meet and know Robert, you missed a wonderful guy.
Bobbie Bentley
My husband was a people person. He loved people and never forgot a name or face. He loved to bowl and years ago play softball. He loved sports and kept up with it all. He worked for Wal-Mart part-time in their garden center and enjoyed meeting people very much. His other work was mostly furniture warehouse work. We were married for 28 years and he helped raise 6 stepchildren. Along the way, we had 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He loved them all and would do anything for them. He was greatly loved and is very much missed.
He fought cancer for 4 years and never complained. He was only 49 when he died. He also loved to travel and we did go a lot over the years. He loved to travel to just see family whether in Massachusetts, Kentucky or Florida. We’ve been to Arizona (across country by van) and to the Grand Canyon. We went to Ireland and Paris with a cousin to see her boyfriend and the country. We had some wonderful times just driving and sightseeing.
I am so proud to think that someone is seeing because of him. There’s not a day or any time of the day when I don’t miss him. For so long he was my reason for getting up. Our lives revolved around each other.
Thomas Charles Berg, Ph.D.
Thomas Charles Berg, Ph.D., beloved son of the late Dr. Charles F. Berg, Sr. and Mary S. Berg, and a special friend of Barbara Redzich, passed on to eternal life on September 19, 2005. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 1, 1951.
Dr. Berg majored in Religion and Education and graduated from Duke University in 1973. He completed his Master’s degree at Columbia University in 1975. He went on to the University of Michigan where he was awarded his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Dr. Berg made significant contributions to the instruction of children in Special Education in Winston-Salem, NC and elsewhere. He was a member of the faculty of East Carolina University. He also did some excellent writings for a book on the subject of children from the area of Special Education.
Dr. Berg is survived by his mother, Mary S. Berg, of Salinas, CA and three brothers: William Berg, M.D., residing in Salinas, CA; Robert Berg, living in Palm City, Fl; and David Berg of Cumberland, RI. He was preceded in death by his father Charles F. Berg, Sr., M.D. and brother Charles F. Berg, Jr., M.D., of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by nephews and nieces and best friend, Jim Carmody.
Tom loved children and donated much of his time teaching exceptional children. He was a doctor of educational psychology and often helped kids with their problems in school.
Tom wrote a wonderful children’s book about lighthouses and seagulls. He was very empathetic with the kids and they loved him.
Helen Jan Berrier
Helen Jan Berrier was born April 1, 1955. She was hit by a car when she went to the mailbox in 1960. The accident left her physically disabled and mentally retarded. She had lots of seizures.
When she died she was 50 years old, but was a little girl at heart, who loved her babydolls always little boys with a bottle in his hand. It took such little things to make her happy. She liked getting mail, cards with a dollar in them.
She would tell anyone “today’s my birthday”. She loved her puzzles, radio and writing letters to people and to Santa Claus.
We would take her fishing at the beach, pond and at our mountain cabin. She liked sitting on our front porch with a cup of coffee - people would blow their horns at her and she would laugh and say “they know me!” She had a lap dog named Dolton that she loved and he slept with her. She loved getting her hair and nails done. She enjoyed riding on the golf cart. Helen loved her church and singing at church.
Evelyn Berrier Hunt
Loving sister
Sallie Blankenship
“The road is rough, but you can make it. Hold out your hand, and God will take it.” These are the words taught to my wife, Sara Presley Boylston Blankenship, by her father’s mother when my wife was a child. “Sallie”, as Sara was called all her life, lived her life by these words. When Sallie learned that she had cancer, she wrote these words on a little scrap of paper and pasted it on her bathroom mirror so she could read these words first thing every day.
Sallie and I first met one another when we were both age 14, and I knew there was something very special about her. I recognized immediately that she was a good person. We married when we were age 24. After 43 years of marriage, Sallie left us on May 13, 2005. I love Sallie…and I will love her forever.
Sallie was, and is, the most wonderful, loving, kindest person I’ve ever known. Sallie had a good heart. She found happiness in giving of herself to others. She loved me, she loved her children and grandchildren, she loved her friends, she loved her little dogs, and she loved God and her church. She set an example for us all. We will try to live as she wanted us to live.
While on this earth, Sallie was a professional teacher of reading in the public schools and she found her happiness in teaching the joys of reading to children and, later in life, as a volunteer teacher to illiterate adults. Sallie was also a student of the Bible, in which she found great strength throughout her life, and she tried to live her life by God’s words. She dearly loved her little Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs names “Corgi” and “Buddy”. She loved her birth state of South Carolina. She loved to read. She loved to travel in other countries, where she easily made new friends by trying to learn a few words and phrases of each host country’s language. She loved to do genealogical research on her family tree. She loved butterflies. She loved hand painted ceramic eggs from Eastern Europe. She loved to celebrate Christmas, and she loved little ceramic angels.
Sallie…your husband and your children thank you for loving us. We will love you forever and ever. You will always be here with us in our hearts, and you will always be the most important person in our lives.
Husband Shields P. Blankenship, Jr. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Daughter Elizabeth Blankenship Absher (Greensboro, NC)
Son Shields P. Blankenship III (Nuremberg, Germany)
Michael E. Blankinship
Mike was a graduate of Wayne Community College and was a flight maintenance specialist and inspector prior to his illness. His love of flight was a passion for him, and he obtained his pilot’s license in both airplane and helicopter. He flew every chance he could.
Mike also loved to take his kids camping and fishing. They were two of his favorite pastimes, as was riding his motorcycle in the Phoenix Motorcycle Club . He was happiest being outdoors.
Mike was a very outgoing person who always put others before himself. Even after being diagnosed with lung cancer, he was more concerned with his family’s wellbeing than with his own health. He passed away in May at the age of 42. He is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends.
James W. “Junior” Booth
James was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. His passing has left a void in our lives that cannot be filled. We love and miss him very much. We are glad that he was an organ donor. His gift to someone will allow them to see the beauty in the world. James loved to travel with his family. He loved the mountains, beaches, waterfalls, picnics on the Parkway, and playing with his tractors.
We met in 1964. We were married a year later. Our son, Paul was born in 1972, and our daughter, Beverly, was born in 1979. James was a self-employed brick mason for many years. There are many buildings in the Triad area that he worked on. These buildings are a reminder of James. When we see something he worked on we think of him. Our son Paul runs the business now.
Every Christmas James would take the family shopping. He and Beverly would go their way to look for gifts. That was their special time together. Paul and I would spend time together looking for our gifts. James always said it helped him to get in the Christmas spirit. James had a sense of humor. He often played jokes on his sisters, Lois and Joan. They would get together and reminisce about their childhood. This always made us laugh. His laughter in our house is really missed.
James is gone but not forgotten because he will live in our hearts forever.
Janie, Paul, Beverly, family and friends.
Joan Bostian
A loving wife and a wonderful mother.
Vivian Bouknight-Reaves
Vivian L. Bouknight-Reaves, 52, was born July 2, 1953 to the late Maxcy G. and Rosetta Laney Bouknight. Vivian’s parents, her son Cedric Reaves and her only brother, Marcus Cornelius Bouknight preceded her in death. Vivian is survived by her children Sheritha Bumpass Nicholson, Mo’nika Bumpass-Dixon (Terry), Jerry Bumpass, Jr. (Hermena), Alysha Bouknight and Lovita Bouknight; stepson William Reaves, Jr., husband William Reaves, Sr.; two sisters, Maxine B. Alston and Delphine B. Lemon; sister-in-law Ann Bouknight; niece Kimberly McAllister and nephew Joseph “Shawn” Alston; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Vivian was educated in the Durham City Schools and was a 1971 graduate of Durham High School. She graduated from Kings College with a degree in Merchandising and attended N.C. Central University. She worked as a marketing distributor for many years and helped run her husband’s business Reaves’ Carpet and Vinyl. She was a member of First Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Our beloved mother passed away on September 1, 2005. She lived her adult life with epilepsy, Graves’ disease, high blood pressure, and a torn aorta. However, it was a massive heart attack that ultimately and suddenly took her life. Her ailments didn’t stop her from living her life to the fullest and unconditionally loving her family and friends. She had a love for shopping, playing pool, card and board games, and listening to gospel radio.
Our mother often expressed her desire to donate her organs for research. One reason was because she suffered from Graves’ (thyroid) disease, which caused her eyes to protrude. She would be immensely pleased to know that she had a part in giving sight to someone.
May the individual(s) who received sight be richly blessed, and remember our mother in their prayers.
Prayerfully submitted,
Vivian’s beloved children
James Anthony Bradley
James was born on 6 November 1977 at Subic Bay Naval Hospital in the Philippines. He was one of two children. On 7 January 2005, James was killed by a drunk driver who crossed the median from the opposite direction and hit James head-on. The drunk driver had a blood alcohol level of .18 at approximately 6:45pm on that Friday evening. The subsequent penalty for this conviction was a 13-16 months prison sentence. Ironically, a stiffer penalty (16-20 months) was added to this sentence because of injuries to James’ passenger who survived the crash!
Due to the outrage and exposure of this tragedy, North Carolina representatives have entered significant proposals to increase penalties some tenfold. The Senate voted completely for these increases and hopes are to pass the proposals into law. Perhaps James’ death may deter other drunk drivers and spare some families grief in the future.
James was a wonderful person with many friends. He had dedicated four years of his life to serving his country in the U.S. Army. His field of expertise was as a Model Subscriber, Equipment Node Center, Switch Operator/Maintainer and he served at Fort Hood, Texas for the majority of his military career. James had been trying for the past two years to convert his military telecommunications skills into a similar civilian job in Raleigh, NC and join some of his prior military friends. He was very focused and kept developing his computer skills, amassing some 70 college credits toward this goal. A week before the accident, he was contacted to interview for the Raleigh position and was assumed to have the position locked in due to his military experience and education.
During this period, James also worked as a real estate assistant for a year with his stepfather with Century 21 in Havelock, NC. He had recently taken and passed the NC Real Estate Salespersons test. His license arrived in the mail a day after his fatal accident. Also, in an extremely emotional graduation ceremony, James was posthumously awarded a General Occupational Technology Diploma from Craven Community College in New Bern, NC. It was clear James had some great opportunities on the horizon.
To keep his memory and presence in the spotlight, family members and friends have placed several meaningful memorials at the crash site. Also, they have joined the “Adopt a Highway” program and routinely perform cleanup along the stretch of highway where the accident occurred. Signs at both ends of this stretch read “In Loving Memory of James A. Bradley”. Fondest, lasting memories of James include his love, devotion, and dedication for his 1995 Eagle Talon, Carolina Panthers, and his surviving family.
Robert “Bobby” Bressler
My father’s name is Robert “Bobby” Bressler.
He died August 4, 2005. He was a donor.
His interests included motorcycle riding, especially doing toy runs at Christmas for the children. He loved to fish (for hours and hours). He was a professional truck driver and he referred to his job as a “professional tourist”. He loved traveling.
He loved his wife of 33 years. He had three children, a son and two daughters. He also worshipped his grandchildren. He had five, two boys and three girls.
Family was his biggest asset, he would say to everyone. He never met a stranger. He was one of the most so kind and big hearted people you would ever meet. He was wonderful to everyone that knew and loved him.
James Michael Brinkley
By Rev. Wallace Phillips
All over northeastern North Carolina there are people that know Mike Brinkley. He served for many years as a representative for North State Provisions a major supplier of meats to our region.
Mike Brinkley was a man who had many friends. Proverbs tells us in order for this to be, “a man must show himself friendly”. Mike did just that. A smile always adorned his face. A laugh…a kind word…a joyful gesture…could always be seen on Mike.
He was laid to rest on May 13, 2005 as a result of a tragic accident just outside of Lewiston, NC. We all mourn the loss and lift a precious family Debbie, Lisa, and Neal and all the extended family to the care of Christ. He will sustain them now and in the days ahead.
Mike lived and left a simple message to many men that I think we should heed
He loved God and was an active leader at Union Baptist Church.
He loved family and was a devoted husband and father. He could be found making time for them on a regular basis. He LOVED vacation…Saturdays…sharing hobbies…and enjoying friends.
He loved his community and protected it as a local firefighter and servant to the people.
Mike, we will miss you. Your smile has made an indelible mark on our lives. We will serve the Lord and see you again one day in eternity. You have taught us well.
David Harrison Brown
David loved many things; he loved the mountains and felt closest to God there. He loved cats, adoring the antics of Jamie, Jasper and Harley and remembering the solace of Shadow. He grew up in Reading, Massachusetts, near a turn-around point for the railroad and loved watching the trains and was building an N-gauge train layout. He loved firefighting, and he loved me. One of my fondest memories was when we went on vacation out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. We decided to take the excursion train ride on the Great Smokey Mountain Railway. David being a true train buff, we had to arrive early to see the train arrive and set up. While we were watching, the engineer called from the cab, “Want to come up?” Grinning from ear to ear, we climbed up into the cab and the engineer had David sit in his seat and the two of them talked trains. Then it came time for the engineer to start preparing for the trip. I climbed down and David stayed in the cab. The train backed up and connected the cars. When David climbed down, he said the engineer had let him back up the train. He was so excited he could barely contain himself.
It is good to know that his eyes are still able to brighten to the world around them - that a part of him continues on, blessing others.
George Livingston Brown
Born July 18, 1951, died September 5, 2005.
Our George was a loving, kind and caring person, generous to a fault if that is possible. He was highly intelligent, with an IQ of 153. In the U. S. Army, he was a Green Beret, Special Forces Airman and Medical Corpsman. In Vietnam, he was a medic caring for his wounded buddies on the front lines of battle and was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, a National Defense Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.
George graduated summa cum laude from East Carolina University with a Biochemistry degree. He worked in the medical field most of his life, in microbiology and research. He was always generous to others in life and well liked. We are so proud of our special George whose generosity, love and caring for others continues even now.
Georgia B. Wertman, Mom
Barbara Burenheide
When she died, all heads turned. Nobody could believe it, especially me. The woman who fed me and looked after me is finally gone. No more gazing at the fence during football practice to see her sitting there in her lawn chair watching. No more going to Randy’s Restaurant after practice for ribeye steak, extra mashed potatoes and cornbread. No more looking next door to see her beautiful face.
From June 18, 1937 to January 13, 2005, this woman impacted the lives of many. One thing is for sure, she left me at a time of need. But don’t worry, I will see her again. I know she will greet me at the gates of heaven when I go. But, furthermore, this woman is my grandma.
By: Brent Schoenberger
Our mom worked at Forsyth Memorial Hospital for 20+ years before her retirement. She loved going places. Her favorite phrase was “Let me get my shoes on”. She loved cooking for us and for get-togethers. Her specialties were potato salad, deviled eggs and chocolate sheet cake, a recipe she got from her mom.
Mom is loved and missed dearly.
Charles “Wayne” Burr
Our son, Charles “Wayne” Burr was born December 3, 1975 and his life was tragically taken on May 1, 2005. Our son was a very talented individual. He was an incredible artist and air brusher. He owned and operated a business called Artistic Creations. He worked as an electrician. He also had a passion for motorcycles and low riders. He won many trophies in low rider competitions.
He’s survived by a son named Nicholas. The most wonderful thing about Nicholas is every time we look into his eyes we see our son, Wayne. They both have the same beautiful blue eyes. Wayne had two nieces named Nicole and Maddy. He had a lot of love to give his son and nieces - now they will only have the memories of that love. I’d like to give an example of that love. He built a go-cart with a lot of safety features for his two nieces that was to be a Christmas present. However, it wasn’t to his standards of perfection, so they had to wait until February. He always wanted to give his nieces the best.
Our son had many close and long-time friends. He was a good friend to all of them. If anyone ever needed his help he was always there to offer and give it.
He will be missed and never forgotten by anyone that ever met him. Our family would give any and everything to have our son back. However, it is comforting to know that a part of him was used to give someone sight. It’s almost uplifting to know that even in death he is still a helping and caring individual.
Ronald Bush
October 30, 1948 December 18, 2005
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share the life of Ron Bush.
Ron was the son of Jack and Ruth Bush of Lafayette, Indiana. He had a twin brother named Don, another brother John and two sisters, Bonnie and Shari. For 31 years he was the husband of Julia Bush and had 3 wonderful children, Brian, Jasmine, Brandy and son-in-law Jeff. He had 2 grandchildren, Jacob and Mason. Mason was born 10 days after his “Pops” left us. Ron loved his family most of all. I have never known a man so dedicated to his parents. He was a husband that never asked me in 31 years the cost of anything that I bought for myself, his children or his grandchildren never once. He loved all of us in the most wonderful way you can be loved. The best gift I ever gave my children was Ron as a father.
Ron was a Purdue Boilermaker fan and you hardly ever saw him that he did not have on some type of Purdue apparel and always a hat. Ron was patient, loving and giving and such a decent trustworthy man. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that you have ever seen a soft blue.
The funeral home said it was the largest viewing they had ever seen and our church was filled to capacity for his service. That says a lot about how much he was loved. Ron served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972. For 33 years he worked for CSX Transportation in Atlanta, Georgia as a conductor, instructor and later as a manager where he coordinated the training of new hire conductors. Ron’s father was a railroad man, our son is a railroad engineer and our son-in-law is a conductor all for the same railroad.
He loved to deer hunt, golf and fish. In fact the week before he was diagnosed with the GBM brain tumor he was in a deer stand. While we were visiting his parents for Thanksgiving 2005, a trip to the emergency room sent us reeling with the diagnosis of a brain tumor which proved later to be a GBM brain tumor. The Lord led us to Duke University’s brain tumor center and surgery was performed on December 15, 2005. A pulmonary embolism took Ron from us on December 18, 2005 he was only 57 years old. He was 3 years away from retirement. He would tell you he was retiring in 3 more winters. He was the only person that had it down to the seasons. Thankfully, neither Ron nor the ones who loved him had to see the ravages of the brain tumor. He was walking and his mind was just as sharp the day he left us as before he was diagnosed what a blessing.
One friend summed it up best when he said, “When Ron showed you kindness, it was the type of kindness you could not forget”. As his wife of 31 years, I knew that to be true and that is why when I was asked if I would like to donate any of his organs, I said yes. I knew that even in death Ron Bush would want to show the type of kindness that a person could not forget.
Ron is missed greatly but we know we will see him again of this, there is no doubt.
The North Carolina Eye Bank takes great pride in our ability to share the gift of sight with thousands of people every year through corneal transplant, research and education. This gift does not come without a price. We must remember that for each grateful recipient of a transplanted cornea or medical breakthrough achieved, there is a family who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. These are the stories and remembrances of their family members — the faces of donation.
The 2005 Faces of Donation