Nancy Bachenheimer
My sister always had a glint in her eye, that mischievous fun-loving glint. Her family and friends miss her so very much. We would like to thank the North Carolina Eye Bank for their concern and caring, and for the wonderful job they do.
Sincerely,
Family of Nancy Bachenheimer
Mary Ann Olsen Ballantyne
March 11, 1935 – July 24, 2006
Ann Ballantyne died July 24, 2006 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ann was born March 11, 1935 in Iowa City, IA, daughter of the late Evald and Helga Jensen Olsen. She believed in the power of education and was a strong example for her children. She graduated from the Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City. She received her B.S.N. degree from Washington State University, and she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Masters degree in Public Health. Ann worked as a nurse recruiter for Duke Medical Center for 20 years.
Mimi, as she was known to her six grandchildren, leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity. Upon retiring in Charlotte, she served as a community volunteer and elder for her church, Sharon Presbyterian Church, and with the Volunteer Guild at Discovery Place. My mom touched many hearts. Her greatest wish was to leave much to the world. She did so in many ways including giving someone else the gift of sight.
My mom was a joy to be around. She was funny, generous, and wise. She bore her burdens with dignity and grace. Her strength is a testimony to her love of God. She is greatly loved and will always be missed.
Gary Thomas Barber
1947 – 2006
Gary wanted to share with everyone the most precious and mystical experience he had ever endured; his salvation, his belief in Jesus Christ. His dearest place to be was in the house of God. He hungered for the wisdom a man can only gain from the Bible. He surrounded himself with things of a spiritual nature to remind him of the goodness of God and to show others a glimpse of his faith. When he was at church he was full and free. When not at church he found pleasure in helping others, sharing kind words to anyone who listened and lending an ear to any who needed a listener. Gary was a man of responsibilities; he knew what had to be done and tackled every task without complaint. He had strength and courage that comforted any in his presence. His caring nature is a virtue of his love so pure and true. Gary’s spirit will be felt by many of the family and friends he touched for generations to come.
Jerry Belcher
March 21, 1939 – January 13, 2006
When Jerry was born, Mom and Dad were told he would not live past the age of one. But by the grace of God, Jerry was with us for almost 67 years. When Jerry was born and growing up mental retardation was almost unheard of and unfortunately people who were different are at times ridiculed. This was Jerry’s fate for most of his growing up years. Mom and Dad were told that he should be institutionalized but they wouldn’t hear of it. They took care of Jerry and protected him from all the wrongs in the world.
Even though life at times could be difficult, Jerry always had a positive outlook. He never met a stranger and always was there with a smile and handshake. He was always a child, never losing that childlike innocence. He brought laughter and love to all he met.
Jerry loved teddy bears. I would hate to guess how many lined the walls in his room. He knew where each and every one should go and you would hear about it if any of them got moved and not put back in its right place!
Jerry was afraid of water. My husband, Ric, was an avid fisherman and had a fishing boat. One day, Dad and Ric decided to go fishing and much to everyone’s surprise, Jerry said he wanted to go. Ric put a life jacket on him and he and Dad helped Jerry into the boat. I wish you could have seen his face light up with that wonderful smile of his. He talked about that fishing trip for the rest of his life.
There is so much comfort in knowing that Jerry was able to help someone through his death. He loved people and he would have been proud to know he was doing something for someone else. May God always bless you for the wonderful work you do in the lives of strangers.
In loving memory,
Ric and Judy Orrell
Bill and Rosie Belcher
Jimmie Ray Belton
Jimmie Ray Belton, owner of Belco Mechanical, Inc. for over 35 years, and husband of Nancy Jane Mickey for 50 years, donated his eyes for research for sufferers of myasthenia gravis. As medicines for this disease are just emerging, his family finds comfort in knowing that his gift will help others.
After becoming a grandfather, Jim was then forever known as Paw by the entire family. Paw provided well for everyone throughout his life. As a talented craftsman and mechanic, he spent his time working and helping others. He enriched the lives of many people, and made his family’s dreams come true. He also led the construction of New Hope Christian Church, formerly of Winston-Salem, NC, and devoted much of his time in recent years to Central Tabernacle Church, also in Winston-Salem, NC.
Paw passed away one month before his seventy-first birthday on October 9, 2006, on a beautiful Indian summer day, which was his most favorite. He is a hero to many who will forever be grateful for the love and life lessons he shared throughout his wonderful, precious life.
John Wayne Bendure, Jr.
John Wayne Bendure, Jr. was an amazing father, husband, and son who always placed others ahead of himself. At a young age, John was taught of the Lord by his parents, and he carried those teachings on to his children. John’s life was taken suddenly by God’s mercy with a heart attack; but he didn’t suffer, and he wasn’t afraid because he knew and loved Jesus. John’s favorite saying was “count your blessings,” and he meant it. John’s blessings included his wife and three children who gave him the nickname Super Dad. He always gave his all whether it be staying up late at night doing school projects or attending ball games and school activities. John was a perfect whole-person role model for his family, and he left a lasting legacy in our hearts.
John truly cared for others. He worked for the people of North Carolina as a Forensic Investigator and an instructor for the State Bureau of Investigation for 26 years and strove to help those placed in harm’s way. In many ways, John was a best friend to the victims of crimes in North Carolina. He was also trained in arson detection and weapons of mass destruction. Many district attorneys across North Carolina noted that John was one of the best and most respected prosecution witnesses ever. He loved his work and it gave his life much meaning. It was always John’s wish that he be able to help others, when he passed, by being an organ donor. The pain of losing him has been and will always be immeasurable. But we know that he is very happy knowing that his gift of his eyes has made life for someone else better. We love John dearly and will miss him always.
John Berrier
John passed away in October 2006. He was the youngest of my three children. When he was born, people at the hospital kept coming to see him because he looked so much like a smaller version of his dad. We lost his dad in October 2005.
My son enjoyed life. He was active in sports until he started at the middle school. He was in the band. He played the drums and the saxophone.
He was very active at our church and went on every trip that the youth went on. He took piano lessons but that didn't last very long. He loved snow skiing. His favorite place to ski was Winter Place in West Virginia.
He worked at Blockbuster for three years. He attended Davidson County Community College, where he took advanced computer classes.
Well, I could go on and on. I will close by saying that my heart has been broken twice in a year. My hope for the future is to be reunited with my son and my husband.
God's Speed
John's mother
Henry Berry
Henry David Berry, nicknamed Lum, was born April 15, 1940 to the late Pete and Lucy Berry in Richlands, NC. He loved his family. He had one son who preceded him in death. He had four daughters and loved each one of them in a different way. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and father-in-law.
He accepted Christ at The Word of God Baptist Church, Washington, DC under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John L. McCoy and was a faithful member. He remained faithful, continuing to trust and depend on the Lord because he knew that his redeemer lived. Even on his last day on this side of the grave, Daddy was humming and praising the Lord. He told his visitors that he was so grateful to God for all He had done for him. He was always encouraging others.
Henry was a meat cutter by trade for 43 years. He enjoyed his job and meeting people. He was a people person and never met a stranger. He truly loved everyone no matter their race, creed, or color – people were people and his love for them was true. He is truly missed.
Gordon Lyles Blackwell, Sr.
Gordon Lyles Blackwell, Sr. died on March 13, 2006 at age 67 after a courageous battle with cancer.
The son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Williams Blackwell of Greenville, SC. Gordon attended Chapel Hill High School and graduated from Furman University with a BA degree in Business Administration and Economics. He was a 1962 graduate of Harvard Business School where he received an MBA degree.
In addition to his loving wife of 45 years, Gordon is survived by his three children and their families, all of Raleigh: Beth Blackwell Swartz and her husband, Tony, and their daughters, Elizabeth and Amanda; Celia Blackwell McCauley and her husband, Scott, and their daughters, Erin, Sara, and Ashley; and Gordon Lyles Blackwell, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, and their son, Alex, and daughter, Carmen.
A resident of Raleigh for more than 37 years, Gordon was the founder, President, and Chairman of the Regency Housing Group of Raleigh, which in 2001 was the second largest developer of affordable rental apartments in the United States. After his retirement from Regency Housing Group, he continued to be involved in the affordable housing industry as an advisor and consultant.
Gordon gave generously to many different causes. He was long active in civic and industry-related organizations on the local, state, and national level. His dedication to improving the lives of others was exemplified in his life’s work.
On the national level, he was Director of the Center of Faith Leadership; Director of the National Council for Rural Housing and Development; and member of the Blueprint 2000 National Housing Strategy Team.
At Furman University he served as President of the Board of Trustees, President of the Alumni Association, and was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Started in 2006, the Gordon L. Blackwell Service Award is given each year at Furman University in his memory.
On the state and local levels, he was President and Director of the NC Council for Rural Rental Housing, Director of the NC Low Income Housing Coalition, Board Member of the Downtown Housing Development Corporation, Chairman and Director of Advanced Energy Corporation, member of the Southeast Raleigh Assembly, and Director of Microcell Corporation. He also provided key leadership for the creation of Jubilee Jobs of Raleigh, a division of StepUp Ministry.
Gordon was a wonderful husband, father, leader, and friend. He is missed by many.
Larry Holland Bodenhamer
February 4, 1945 – April 3, 2006
On behalf of my husband, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity of sharing memories of my husband, Larry Holland Bodenhamer. His sudden passing was a shock and great loss that occurred three and one-half weeks after finding out that he had a tumor on his kidney and it was cancer. He had no previous warning and he did not regain consciousness after the surgery. It is with great pleasure that I learned that someone was given eyesight because of the donation of Larry’s corneas and to know that a part of him still lives on.
Larry and I would have been married for 40 years on June 11, 2006. We had two beautiful children, Wendy and Wesley, and included in our family is a great son-in-law (Terry) and two loving grandsons (Xander and Ethan) that Larry enjoyed and a soon to be daughter-in-law (Carley).
Larry had just recently retired from Sears after 39 years of dedicated service and we were going to enjoy his retirement, but of course we did not get to see this, because God had other plans for Larry in Heaven. He was dedicated and had great pride in doing his job. It took him away from his family more than he liked and he missed out on a lot of things. He regretted having to do that, but it was required in order to keep his job. Larry never met a stranger and was able to talk with everyone no matter what the situation was, and this was what made him a special person. He managed a lot of people at Sears and they learned a lot from him. Over 350 people came to the viewing, and that in itself showed how well he was liked and loved.
He loved God and his church and we know that he looks down on us every day and helps us make it through this difficult time. They say life goes on, but it will never be the same for those who knew and loved Larry. His business associates and customers miss his honest presence and ability to get a job done.
His family will always have a big hole in their lives and in their hearts. Larry left us suddenly and unexpectedly and with so many things left unsaid and undone, but he did know how much he was loved.
Our hearts still ache in sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
Our love, Dottie, Wendy, Wesley, Terry, Xander, Ethan, Carley
Joseph Boone
If I could stand Joe up in front of you I would begin to tell you about how Joe was.
I would tell you how he took my son and me under his protection.
I would tell you how no matter when I came home he was always there.
I would tell you how he kept the house clean, the laundry done. “God, I still miss this.”
I would tell you how he served me breakfast in bed every weekend
(grits, eggs, bacon, toast, hot tea).
I would tell you how he made sure Jesse and I had everything we needed or wanted.
I would tell you how he always said, “Cheryl, I love you”
whether he left me a note on the table or on my pillow.
I would tell you how he would bring me lunch at work everyday.
I would tell you how he protected me from people who didn’t mean me any good.
I would tell you how much he loved listening to the old school songs.
I would tell you how close he stayed to home.
I would tell you how towards the end of his life, he tried to hang on
as long as he could because he did not want to leave me alone.
I would tell you how he always put all his money in the house.
He always made sure he made enough money to cover all the bills.
I would tell you how when I came from work Joe would be sitting in the chair in
the living room with a great big smile on his face to greet me.
I would tell you how much he loved our granddaughter, Amina,
how he loved for her to sing to him at night.
I would tell you how he made sure I went back to school to get my teaching degree.
I would tell you how he was always praying to God to protect his family.
I would tell you yes, Joe spoiled me rotten.
I would tell you he gave me something I would keep in my heart forever
and that is his unconditional love.
And for all this I say thank you, Lord, for allowing Joe to come into my life and fill my heart with happiness. Joe was the most caring and understanding husband I will ever know.
“He did it all for me!”
Robert (Bob) Boyette
June 17, 1940 - July 20, 2006
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.
I write this so you too may understand the man we all loved and will miss so very much. My father was what you would call a hard man. He was very set in his ways and as old fashioned as they come. He would tell you what he thought and didn’t mind if feelings were hurt. But inside the iron shell he portrayed to the world was a family first tender hearted man. My father believed right was right and wrong was wrong, period. He would say and do the most unorthodox things. But you know what? He was correct most of the time. People would tell me then and even now “I liked your father because you always knew where you stood with Bob”. My father loved his family, sweet tea and deer hunting. He was six foot three and broad across the shoulders. I always wanted to be like my father, big and strong. But seeing the courageous fight he fought with the cancer makes me want to be like him even more. He never gave up. But it gives us comfort to know when my father passed, he was greeted by his brothers and friend Wally with that familiar “Hey Bud” he missed so much. My father would be very happy knowing he was able to help someone in his passing. My father was known by husband, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend. But he will always be known as Dad to me.
Robert Boyette Jr.
Grace Lu Anne Bray
Lu was always full of joy and laughter. She loved life and family, especially the grandchildren. She always put others first, especially family members. Any time any family member needed help, she was the first they called on. She never asked for anything and gave everything. Her love for the outdoors, especially her passion for fishing, was probably greater than mine was. She thought that when I went fishing, she was supposed to be going too. We were in several tournaments together and won several, plus we were in a bass club together. She wasn’t much on going to the beach but loved the mountains. Most of our vacations were spent in Cherokee camping and trout fishing. Other hobbies included cooking and cross stitching.
I think everyone realizes what we have lost. I know she is an angel in heaven because she was my angel on earth. I miss her so much.
Jim Bray
Daniel William Brown
July 2, 1955 – April 18, 2006
So much life, so little time.
What do you say about the man of your dreams? Intelligent, educated, humorous, worldly, passionate, empathetic, exciting, gentle, captain of his 31’ Choey Lee sailboat, computer genius, a Dead Head (knew the Grateful Dead personally), patriotic, memorable, and fish couldn’t wait to be caught by him.
Born in Waycross, GA, he had 10 years of high school and 12 years of college, which generated three degrees, a B.S. in Computer Science by the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology; a B.A. in Computer Graphics, Video, and Photography from Atlanta College of Art. He was a Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst for the government. He programmed Air Force One’s computers, knew President Jimmy Carter, worked at Cheyenne Mountain, and he could write in all computer languages. He truly loved his brother David; his children Danielle and Patricia, and the rest of his family.
There was no situation he couldn’t handle with ease and agility. I couldn’t wait to wake to his sweet voice and humorous antics. We never fought in ten years, and our love escalated beyond imagination. Each day was an adventure, never boring – always pondering the next one.
He is missed beyond comprehension and my heart is torn asunder. I love Daniel then, now, and for eternity.
Always yours,
Barbara J. Brown
Kenneth James Bunnell
On December 11, 2006, my brother Kenneth James Bunnell received his heavenly angel wings as he entered the presence of Jesus, and two strangers received the gift of sight through an act of kindness that represented the person he really was. Lives have been changed and that is what his love did for everyone he knew. He left us with many memories. The love he shared with us will be the sustaining thread in our lives. Kenneth was a loving friend, son, brother, and the father of two beautiful daughters, Ashley, 16 and Samantha, 6. His children were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending time with them. Our last family vacation to Disney World two years ago brought both families together for a really fun week. He was a big kid at heart and all the children were drawn to him. His love and kindness stretched way beyond his family. He was loved and respected by employees he supervised and friends with whom he fished, hunted, and socialized. He loved life and spent many hours entertaining family and friends with stories and jokes.
He developed a love of fishing and hunting at an early age. At age ten he caught a 24 pound catfish that was bigger than he was. His love of fishing continued throughout his life, and he spent many weekends fishing in tournaments. His other favorite pastime was racing. His niece Natalie looked forward to the May and September races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway because he would take her along.
Kenneth had beautiful, hazel eyes that sparkled when he laughed and sometimes we would catch a little twinkle of mischief in them as well. I hope that the recipients of his gift will enjoy every moment of life, as he did, for years to come.
Janet Bunnell Raybon
Max Duncan Buoyer
December 4, 1951 – July 25, 2006
Max Buoyer had the kind of smile that would brighten a room and, if you were lucky enough to be around him, you couldn’t help but smile back. He was the first to offer help to anyone who needed it, so it is fitting that even in death, Max continued that legacy by donating his corneas.
Max loved life; his passion was skydiving. Over the course of his 54 years, he was fortunate to have made over one thousand jumps and almost as many friends. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. The light of his life was his daughter, Lindsey, and he left this world very proud of her.
Max will not be forgotten by the many who knew him since the glow from his smile still warms our hearts.
Robert (Bob) Butterworth
September 12, 1952 – April 11, 2006
Some of our favorite memories of Bob are his love for the bagpipes and listening to his CDs with the volume as loud as you could stand it. The Grateful Dead was his favorite band; he had just about every CD or tape they ever made.
Our memories also include his love for his children and grandchildren and spending time with them, and his love for going trout fishing in the mountains of Virginia, and going camping.
He loved to cook on the grill - cooking lobster, and fixing ribs with smoke-flavored wood chips as often as he could.
And last – but not least – his love of the Navy. He retired after 20 years, but would have stayed longer, if at all possible.
