Justin Tyler Mabe
November 3, 1982 – March 7, 2006
Justin was my best friend and a loving and kind-hearted son. Justin and I shared laughter, tears, anger, and a love that only a mother and son could have. Justin endured a lot of challenges in his life, but he always tried to do his best, and to be kind to people that he met. When he was growing up, he would bring home stray animals and soon we would have a house full. Justin’s friends would always come to our house to play; so I had to keep snacks and plenty of Kool-Aid on hand. Justin was also a great help to his mother who he helped with household chores and cooking. Justin also enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and hockey.
As Justin became a young man, he again endured challenges of being a teenager, but still did the best he could. Justin began working when he was sixteen. He worked for Speedy Chef and became a cook, and later was made manager. He worked for Speedy Chef for seven years. Out of those seven years, he worked six to seven days a week. Of course, he saw and communicated with people. This was something he enjoyed. I have been told many times how Justin greeted people with a smile and a “How are you doing?” At times he had even paid for their meals. When they came to pick up their orders, Justin would tell them he had taken care of their bill, and to enjoy their meal.
When Justin first got his driver’s license he came out and told me he had passed the test, and also to tell me he was an organ donor. He did not ask me if I would give him permission to do this; he did this on his own. I did, however, ask him why he wanted to do this. He told me that this was another way of him helping people.
I am very proud of Justin with his gifts as an organ donor. As part of him lives on, so do the memories of Justin that will forever live in his Mother’s heart.
Love, Mom (Dawn Bowles)
Dean Allan Manor
January 13, 1964 – April 24, 2006
Dean was married to his wife, Denise, for 23 years. They had one son, Damian, 23 years old.
Dean was a very artistic person who was good with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking, crafts, and yard work. He loved the outdoors and spent many weekends camping and fishing. Halloween was his favorite holiday. He would spend many days beforehand decorating the yard, and looking forward to the night when he could scare the children. Dean was very adamant about his donation to the Eye Bank, and would be happy to know he helped someone to see.
Edward Martin
The one of a kind, who loved to laugh.
Generous, curious, eccentric, and lovable, Edward Martin affected everyone who knew him. His wit and charm made it easy for him to be able to talk to strangers and allow them to become fast friends.
He felt things very deeply. He spent many years working with the homeless in the New York/New Jersey area. Eddie graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. He was a teacher and a very good one, too. He spent the majority of his career at NASDAQ, where he made many friends. He could make friends with most anyone, anywhere. He had compassion and a curiosity for family, friends, and strangers.
When he asked, “How are you?” he really wanted to know, with the stipulation he could share with you how he was doing. He was always open and honest and occasionally illogical, but he was loved for it. He taught that there isn’t too much use in taking life too seriously. Conversations varied from very deep subjects of religion and philosophy to the very, very inane. His laugh will be missed.
He always wanted to donate any parts of his body that could be used. If the quality of someone else’s life improved as a result, it, of course, would be an easy decision. He leaves behind a family who misses him each day and countless friends. We know this world is not the same without you in it but we were grateful for our time we had. Good luck to all your roommates in heaven!
We love you!
Robert Joseph (Josh) Mathis
September 1, 1952 – October 6, 2006
Josh was born on September 1, 1952 in Jacksonville, NC and grew up in Wilmington, NC. He was the oldest of five children. He was always the leader and everyone looked up to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend.
We moved from North Carolina to Texas in 2003 and Josh was in an automobile accident in February, 2004. He was in and out of hospitals all over southeast Texas for over two and a half years battling infections and failures before his heart finally gave out on October 6, 2006. I was able to get him back home to North Carolina before he passed away. Josh was just a good old country boy and he always belonged in North Carolina. He was only 54 years old when God decided he needed another angel to look over us.
He left behind his loving wife of 23 years, Teresa, five children, Dawn, Shelley, Matthew, Mark and Jennifer, and six grandchildren, Kelton, Kendin, Kodie, Dusty, Joshua and Noah. Also missing him is his little dog, Miss Emily.
In life all Josh wanted to do was help other people and make them happy. If they were happy, he was happy. He never thought of himself. So even in death he is helping two other people to see with his beautiful blue eyes.
Josh loved NASCAR (#3), the good Lord, his family and friends, and to laugh. His sweet memories will always be with us until we see him again. We love and miss him more than he will ever know. He was just a big loveable teddy bear. He never met a stranger. No matter where we were traveling, he always seemed to know somebody there.
On the night of his visitation there were over 300 people there to pay their respects. There were those he grew up with, worked with (26 years at the paper mill), neighbors, family and friends. Though I have lost my soul mate, I have such a good feeling knowing a part of him still lives on through his eye donation.
Patricia (Trish) Bush McAllister
May 15, 1960 – January 20, 2006
Patricia (Trish) Bush McAllister was an angel sent to us from heaven for almost 46 years. She was very family-oriented and loved life to the fullest. No matter what the situation, she always managed to see the good in it.
She was loved by so many people and she gave so much love in return. Trish’s pride and joy was her family. She was a loving wife to Theotrice and was the mother of three handsome sons (T.J., Chris, and Stephen). She was special to all of her brothers and sisters. She was always the one we called on for advice. No one was better at keeping your secrets than Trish. She made all of her nieces and nephews feel so special. She would talk to them on the phone before they were even old enough to talk. She married into a wonderful family whom she loved very much.
I would be remiss if I did not mention her love for North Carolina State Wolfpack sports. She had season tickets for basketball and football games for several years. Nothing made her happier than State beating Carolina.
Most importantly, she was a Christian and was proud of it. She accepted the Lord at an early age. The way she lived her life was a testimony to us all. You never had to question her amazing faith.
Trish was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2005. We have never seen anyone with stronger faith than she had. Throughout the chemotherapy, her faith never wavered. She would always say that she was alright and not to worry about her. She never complained or questioned God by saying, “Why me?” She always knew no matter what, the Lord had a plan for her. Trish encouraged us daily. She would give you the shirt off of her back if she thought you needed it. That’s why I’m sure she would be so happy to know that she gave someone the gift of sight. This makes us feel as though a part of her is still with us. She went home to be with the Lord on the morning of January 20, 2006.
We miss you every day, Trish, but we take comfort in knowing that you are in a far better place. We know you’re up in Heaven watching over us. We’re better people from having you in our lives. We will forever love and miss you and will strive to be with you again in your new heavenly home!
Your loving family
Brendan McCann
My son, Brendan, was a young man who loved animals. In 2006, he adopted two kittens and a dog and brought them home to live with him in his apartment. Brendan also loved fish and had four fish tanks. When Brendan threw his heart and soul into something, he researched everything he could on the subject and became an expert on it. Brendan was an expert on tropical fish.
Brendan was also an accomplished artist and had had his own website since he was a junior in high school. He showcased his artwork and sold it on his website. Then, when he turned 16, he began bugging the Marine Corps recruiters about joining. And when Brendan turned 18, I signed the paperwork. After Brendan served his country in the Marine Corps, he went to the Art Institute of Charlotte and received his Associates Degree in Graphic Design.
Brendan was a talented young man who in his 23 years managed to combine his love of animals, his love of the Marine Corps, and his love of art into one beautiful life.
Annette McDonald
Gaye McDonald, known in our community as Mama Gaye, was a one-of-a-kind treasure. She was like a shining star, she made beautiful contributions to all that knew her. Her heart was full of love for others, her soul filled with sweet grace, her faith strong and bold. We will be inspired by her courageous strength and determination. To whom that was blessed to receive her gift of sight, how beautiful life must look through her eyes.
Keith McDonald
Kim McDonald Hartley
Wendy McDonald Estes
Richard McMaster
On December 19, 2005 Richard walked me to my truck. I was off to work and he was on his way to pick up the things he needed for his special Christmas Eve supper. Little did either of us know this would be the last time he would walk.
Later that morning Richard had an accenting, dissenting, dissecting aorta which left him paralyzed from the waist down. After surgery, we spent a month in the hospital. After his aorta surgery healed we were to go back to rehab for three more weeks and then start our new lives. Unfortunately we rushed him back into surgery where they had to operate again and this time take out most of his tailbone. This meant another three weeks in the hospital. For recovery he had to be on a wound vac, and we decided he would go to a local nursing home. This allowed me to work and still be with him as much as possible. Of course, while he was trying to recover, contractors were busy getting the house handicapped accessible. We came home every weekend so Richard could check things out. Our date for coming home was September 1st. When I talked to him the evening of August 20th, he was in great spirits as usual. So to say all of us were shocked when we were called August 21st and told he had passed away is an understatement. This could not be, he just turned 60 and we had plans for our new adventure. He planned on going back to work; he was a certified chef. He had his special wheelchair and he could do anything he wanted.
When I met this man 35 years ago, I fell in love with those beautiful blue eyes. Richard let very few people in his life; he was that private. He undertook the responsibility of a ready-made family, and made all of our lives better for him being there. Richard was my best friend, a father to my children, granddad to Hayes, Papa Boots to Rylie and Aaron. Rylie named him Papa Boots because he always wore western boots.
I do not know another person who could have gone through what Richard did, and still have a positive outlook on life. He cooked every chance he had and our life was back to normal. God had spared his life.
I will always be thankful that Richard was an organ donor. Our family is happy that two people have the gift of sight. Whoever these folks are, I hope they are enjoying all the blessings God sends us each and every day.
Anthony (Tony) Joseph McNeill, Sr.
Anthony (Tony) Joseph McNeill, Sr. formerly of Dunn, NC, peacefully entered into eternal rest on November 25, 2006 in Statesville, NC after a short illness. Born September 7, 1953 in Harnett County, NC, he was the son of the late Paul and Sarah McNeill.
Anthony graduated from Dunn High School in 1971 and went on to graduate from NC A&T State University in 1975 with a degree in history education. He taught at Lillington High School before fulfilling his military duties as a commissioned Armor Officer in the US Army. He remained employed with Michelin Tire Corporation for 27 years up to the time of his untimely death. He received much recognition and advancement for the many contributions he made to Michelin. Anthony was the Director of Commercial Business, residing in Pittsburgh before he became sick. He was responsible for the successful marketing and sales of Michelin, BFG, and MRT truck tires in the Northeastern US.
Anthony was a realist who lived life to its fullest. Anthony traveled extensively and never met a stranger. He was a true outdoorsman. He was an avid golfer; a Harley rider, fisherman and boater. His competitive spirit, quick wit, and sense of humor will dearly be missed by the many lives he touched. Anthony’s voice is now silenced but his wisdom will remain. Although Anthony’s eyes are now closed, he has made it possible for someone to one day see again because of his generous spirit of giving.
In addition to his parents, a son, Christopher Paul McNeill preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Essie Patterson McNeill of the home; a loving daughter, Shanda Nicole McNeill of Charlotte, NC; a loving son, Anthony (Tony, Jr.) Joseph McNeill, Jr. of Concord, NC; four sisters, Rutha Simmons Halley of St. Albans, NY, Christine McNeill of Greensboro, NC, Florence (Robert) Hicks of Dunn, NC and Helen McNeill of Raleigh, NC; three brothers, Paul McNeill, Jr. of Grapevine, TX, William McNeill of St. Albans, NY and Linwood (Gloria) McNeill of Raleigh, NC; father and mother-in-law, Wiley and Lillian Patterson of Statesville, NC; special friend of the family, Aminah Franklin, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends throughout the US.
John Scott Melahn
May 3, 1964 - February 4, 2006
Our son John Scott (we called him Scott) died of a massive heart attack. No one saw it coming. He was one of those people who worked out at the gym five nights a week and rode his bike 15 to 20 miles every weekend. He ate all the right foods and died of a heart attack. All three main arteries to his heart were clogged.
Scott had the most beautiful piercing blue eyes. Two people received the gift of sight because of our Scott.
He was an artist and computer engineer. He loved nature, computers, photography and the Carolina Panthers.
Scott was a very humble person who would give the shirt off his back. His family and friends miss the good kind person he was; we miss and love our son Scott.
All our love, Mom and Dad
Kenneth Melvin
July 30, 1957 – June 19, 2006
Married: September 24, 1977
Family: Beloved sons, Jr, Robert, Joey, Brooks, three daughters in law, five grandchildren, brother, Randy
Hobbies: Wrestling, car racing, reading, football, softball, volleyball, square dancing, horseshoes
Kenny was a devoted husband and father, who strived to be the best at any task. He worked hard to provide for his family and through his fatherly qualities transformed four beloved sons into respected men and fathers. He was also known as a devoted husband who truly loved his wife, so much that they even worked together for sixteen years. His favorite band was Lynyrd Skynyrd. This lets us know that he is a Freebird, Knocking on Heaven’s door. You will be truly missed!
Dan Michael Merrifield
Dan was born on December 15, 1968 at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, CA. He lived in California most of his life. After his father passed away in 2000, Dan moved to North Carolina to be with his family. He was such a comfort to us. Dan was close to his father and missed him very much. Dan spent time in the Army, and received an honorable discharge. He worked for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department.
It was so like Dan to be an organ donor. He helped so many people in his lifetime, and was always there for his family. We will always remember his sense of humor. Dan always made our family gatherings extra fun. Dan will be in our hearts forever. We will always love and remember him. As his mother, I feel grateful to have had him in my life.
Dan Michael Merrifield died December 10, 2006.
Bill Merritt
Bill Merritt was born January 4, 1949. The love for farming and all aspects of agriculture were nurtured throughout his childhood and was his passion all of his life. He received the Outstanding Conservationist Commendation from the Woodmen of the World in 1996. Bill Merritt was the person he presented to the world - a quiet, kind, hard working, humble and honest farmer.
The third of three children, Bill was successful in his chosen profession, loyal to his family, friends, and neighbors, and the best friend his wife ever knew. Bill was faithful, protective, caring, loving, and compassionate with his wife of 19 years and 15 days, Gail Jenkins Merritt, a Registered Nurse.
In February 1993, Bill and his wife accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and were baptized into the First Free Will Baptist family. He was a God fearing man and each task he performed daily was done with his faith and trust in God to guide and direct his endeavors.
An extended family member was an organ donor in October 2005 and Bill was very enthusiastic about the young man and his family sharing the gift of life. Even though his body was riddled with cancer, his eyes were still viable and useful. The decision to donate his eyes was very easy because of his belief in the donor program and how precious each gift is.
Bill and Gail never had children, but they both loved cats. There were always several outside cats in the barnyard and one special baby inside the home to love and spoil. Puddin was 16 years old when she died June 21, 2006 of kidney failure. She was her Daddy’s special girl and gave him many hours of love and loyal companionship.
If his life can bring a valuable lesson to one person, he would want to share this with you. Bill began to exhibit symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux in 1988 and was diagnosed by his doctor, who gave him a prescription for Pepcid. A person in his immediate family encouraged him to stop taking the medication and to not trust the doctor. Bill listened, threw away his Pepcid, and refused to return to the doctor. He took antacid liquids, chewable tablets and other across the counter and homemade remedies. Bill was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, stage 4B in April 2005 and waged a courageous battle until his death on August 24, 2006. He did suffer the last four to six weeks, but he refused to give up and fought until the last minute. Bill and Gail prayed many times for God to remove the awful scourge of cancer and allow him to return to farming, but God took him home, made him whole again and gave him eternal peace.
Please know that God gave us doctors and medications to prevent and treat disease and we need to trust in and listen to our doctors and ignore those who are not knowledgeable and educated enough to be passing out harmful advice.
Robert (Skip) Eugene Mintz
Robert (Skip) Eugene Mintz was born on September 6, 1945 in Randolph County to Worth and Mary Mintz. He was a loving husband of 30 years to wife Theresa (Terri). He had one brother Gregory (Tinker), and a sister-in-law Janet. He had four children, two step-children, two foster children, thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He loved life and his family and enjoyed spending time with everyone. He was a big fan of NASCAR racing – he always pulled for Tony Stewart – and he also loved fishing. He worked as a Purchasing Manager at Resco Products in Greensboro. He loved going on vacations. Our last vacation together was in Jamaica and we had the most fun. I will always treasure that time that we had together. His life was ended suddenly way too soon and he will always be loved and missed by us all.
Skip, we love and miss you,
Terri and family
Stephen Wayne Mintz
With Big Blue Eyes and Dark Hair
Steve Was Such A Beautiful Child
He Was Always Very Quiet
And In Some Ways He Was Even Shy
Steve Loved The Big Outdoors
And Loved God’s Creation on Display
He Loved to Watch The Animals
He Was Unique In That Way
Steve Longed For A Wife and Kids
And Maybe A Farm Someday
But Life Isn’t Always Fair
And It Just Didn’t Happen That Way
We Don’t Always Understand
Why Some Things Happen In This Life
But I Believe If We Could Ask Steve
He Would Say “Now I Understand Why”
I Believe That Steve Is With Jesus
And That He Is Happy Now
I’m Sure He Wouldn’t Come Back If He Could
I Just Seem To Know This Somehow
Hazel Beasley Hall
Ray Monahan
Ray Monahan was born on April 20, 1943 and died on September 9, 2006 of an enlarged heart. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1965. While at the university, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Ray retired after thirty years in management at Sears Roebuck and Company. He was an avid golfer and in 2000 was named the Pfizer Senior Associate Player of the Year for the Carolinas Section of the PGA. He enjoyed all sporting events and supported both high school and college teams.
This picture was taken in New York in May, 2006 while attending the graduation of his daughter, Alison, from Columbia Law School. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and his daughter, Cathleen.
Raymond Monroe
Raymond was a good man, loving husband, father of three children, and grandfather of four.
Christopher Morgan
October 22, 1981 – December 17, 2006
Chris was an amazing young man, personable, kind and talented in many dimensions, and greatly loved by his family and friends. He was born in Austin, TX and grew up in North Carolina after moving to Durham, NC at age 4.
Chris’s main talent and love was music. He played violin and baritone saxophone, but his primary love was singing. He was intensely involved in chorus in high school at Durham School of the Arts appearing in musicals and choral performances both in school and in outside venues. He was selected for the North Carolina Governor’s School in voice. Chris sang in the NC State University chorus when he attended NCSU. He received many awards and accolades—concertmaster of his intermediate string orchestra, assistant concertmaster of the Piedmont Youth String Orchestra, member of both state and national honors chorus.
An excellent cook, Christ took a detour through cooking, studying culinary arts at a central Piedmont community college.
Christ loved the outdoors and animals. While he and his brother were growing up, we had a household full of cats, dogs, guinea pigs, fish, etc. Camping, canoeing, and hiking were frequent family activities.
The things we will remember most about Chris, though, are the small things, the personal moments, happy smiles, and the love he had for us and his friends during his too short lifetime. Chris was a caring, kind person, and we loved him intensely. The last time we saw Chris was two days before his accident when we took him shopping for new shoes to wear to his cousin’s wedding. He was happy about the prospect of restarting college and was talking about starting to play the violin again. These happy plans were terminated by a moment’s inattention while driving too fast, leaving a hole in the heart of his parents, brother, and many friends.
We are happy that Chris was able to help others even after he died by being an organ donor.
Lillie Morgan
Our mother, Mrs. Lillie Morgan, was a thoughtful, kind, considerate person. Although her sudden passing was a shock and a great loss, we find some comfort knowing she was able to give such a gift. It was always her wish to be a donor.
She married the love of her life, and together they raised three daughters. She never had biological grandchildren; her life was blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She worked at Pitt Memorial Hospital for over 30 years always demonstrating a caring attitude. Sometimes she would befriend and invite hospital patients who had too far to travel home with her for a meal, to sleep on her sofa, or to give a comforting word.
Our mother loved to travel and most of all to spend time with her family. We would like to think, through her gift to the North Carolina Eye Bank, someone else is seeing something wonderful from the help of a truly admirable lady.
Randy Earl Murphy
My husband Randy Earl Murphy was born on April 15, 1960 to Earl and Ellen Murphy in New Bern, NC. Randy grew up in this beautiful small town on the Atlantic coast illuminated by lighthouses in the distance. Randy or Rock as his friends called him, graduated from New Bern Senior High School in 1978. He received his Associate of Science degree in Professional Photography from Chowan College in 1980, his Bachelor degrees in Mass Communication and Speech/Theatre Arts from NC A&T State University in 1982, and finally his Master of Science degree in International Relations and Mass Communication from Troy State University in 1992. He entered the U.S. Air Force as an officer in 1982 and in 1992 was honorably discharged as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Randy and I, Savannah King, met during our service in the U.S. Air Force Space Command Systems. He was Romeo Mike and I was Sierra Delta over the air waves as we radioed back and forth to each other from our secret locations. We married on October 26, 1985 and welcomed my son Arturo Duan into the Murphy family. We were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lakeshia Nicole on December 31, 1986, and SaRanda Charmaine on September 9, 1988.
In his spare time this wonderful father was a semi-professional tennis player in the U.S. Air Force, a professional photographer for any and all occasions, a member of the Ocala Word of Faith Media Ministry, as well as a youth advisor in the community, but with the many hats he wore none fit him as well as full-time family man.
Randy gave his last great oratorical tribute, another of his many hobbies, at St. Peter’s AME Zion Church in New Bern, NC to his family and friends. On January 15, 2006 at 7:45pm, Randy was just in time to catch the 7:47 jet plane to his home in the heavens with his loving Aunt Jannie Kenyear by his side. His eyes saw 20 years, 2 months, 2 weeks and 6 days of our lives shared together, his two children enter college, and one in her senior year of high school. While looking on, his right eye was often hidden behind the lens of his Elion Sharp-Shooter camera, capturing snippets and instances of our active lives that today form the threads guiding, leading and gently drawing us back through the dark caves of forgetfulness, in our minds to the life of Randy Earl Murphy. He was a son, husband, father and friend to all who would simply respond to his famous opening line, “Greetings and salutations”.
