Vernon Matthew Allred

April 7, 1971 – September 10, 2006
Matthew was our oldest child; he was a very unique person.  He loved God, his family, his friends, and his dog Dixie very much.  He had a special bond with children and always had time for them.  When Matthew turned 16 years old and got his driver’s license, he decided to become an organ donor.  Matthew loved to play bluegrass music.  He played the mandolin, guitar, banjo, and the electric bass.  He loved to read his Bible all the time.  In sports, his favorite basketball team was the North Carolina State Wolfpack.  His Dad and uncle were a big inspiration to him playing music.  He moved to Tennessee in 1996 and for 8 years played with different bands there.  He played on the Grand Ole Opry, and even got to go to Japan and to London, England, and also played at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.  Matthew moved back home to North Carolina in 2004.  He and his brother started a band called the Allred Brothers and Friends. They played in church on Sunday mornings, also at nursing homes and even weddings.  Matthew touched so many people through his love for the Lord and his music.  Matthew also led many people to the Lord.  While he was growing up, he had to help raise his brother and sister.  They remember him as their role model and they looked up to him. Matthew’s passing has left a big void in our hearts.  It also helps a lot to know that a part of him will also live on in someone else’s body.  We always respected Matthew’s wishes.  We know that he is at peace with the Lord and playing in God’s angel band.  Matthew, go rest high on that mountain.  We will be with you again someday!  That is what keeps us going.

We love and miss you so much,
Mama, Daddy, Derrick, Amy, and Dixie


Kenny Arce

Kenny Arce was a wonderful young man.  He was much loved by his mother, sisters, brother and caregivers.

He loved to sit outdoors and feel the wind on his face and hear the wind chimes ring.  He would smile and sometimes laugh when his mama would run her hand over his hair and tell him she loved her Buddy.

When children came to visit his eyes would get a twinkle, and he’d grin if they laughed or even if they were having a spat.

You could tell when he wasn’t feeling well or if he was having a bad day.  Sometimes he’d cry or just wouldn’t smile, but it seemed like he did his best not to be a bother.

Cerebral palsy may have robbed him of the ability to move or speak but it couldn’t take away his spirit.  We know he is safe with Jesus but he will be missed.


Jimmy G. Arthur

April 11, 1940 – February 5, 2006

Jimmy Arthur was a wonderful, loving father, brother and friend to everyone.  He loved his grandchildren more than anything.  He was always willing to participate in whatever they wanted him to do.

He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.  He also enjoyed spending time playing golf with his buddies.  He spent as much time as he could at the Winding Creek golf course.  He went there even on days when he was not able to play.

Anyone who knew Jimmy knew that he would do anything for you at any time, even if he was not feeling that great.  He never complained about anything.  He almost always had a smile on his face, so anyone he came in contact with couldn’t help but smile too.

Jimmy will forever be remembered by anyone and everyone who knew him.

Dad we love and miss you very much.



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 2006 Faces of Donation


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