Johnny Sampson
Johnny Sampson was a wonderful, loving, caring, awesome man. Words can’t express how he was a big inspiration to so many people. If you had ever come into contact with him, you would understand that he never met a stranger, and when you were in his presence there was never a dull moment. He was a family man; he loved his wife of 40 years and his three kids – one daughter and two sons - and six grandchildren that he loved dearly. He was also a man of God. He was a deacon at his home church for 15 years. He loved to work on lawn mowers and fix them. We, his family and friends, were really blessed and honored to have a husband, father and friend that has been a big inspiration in our life. He will continue to remain in our hearts forever. He will surely be missed very much and we thank God for the time that he was with us.
Thank you,
The Sampson Family
David Sechrest
David Sechrest was 17 years old when a tragic car accident took his life. He showed love, kindness, and respect to everyone regardless of their race or social status. As Jesus taught, he treated others as he would want to be treated. He was baptized at eight years old and regularly attended Reidsville Christian Church as a teen where listening to our preacher was never a chore to him. David believed families should attend church together, no one left behind.
Growing up, he was serious about every sport he played: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and lastly golf, which became his passion. He practiced many hours and became a great golfer - the conference champ in 2006 as a junior for the Rockingham County High School team. He had a +1 handicap at Plantation Golf Course where he would often outplay the men - but they still loved him. He believed in the honesty of golf and had no patience for cheaters or phonies. As parents, some of our favorite memories are from NC junior tournaments where we would follow him to watch him play. The Donald Ross Tournament at Pinehurst was especially fun for us the 2 years he played there.
David always had a great sense of humor (like his dad, John) and loved to make people laugh with a goofy face, an impersonation, or a joke. He loved his older sister, Kelly, and learned a lot from her about how to treat people. David is missed by many friends from school, from various golf courses, and from church. His best friend though was his mom, Pat - he shared his hopes and fears with her, and she loved him more than words can tell. God blessed our lives so richly with the time He shared David with us, and we are thankful for His comfort and His assurance that because of Jesus, we will be with David again someday in Heaven.
Ericka Ann Gesell Sharplin
January 25, 1979 – July 8, 2007
Ericka was a daughter, sister, wife and mother. Born on January 25, 1979, she was the daughter of Charles and Linda Gesell. Ericka was the wife of Horace G. Sharplin, Jr. and the mother of Christopher and Christian Sharplin. Ericka had long, beautiful red hair and her eyes sparkled with joy when she was shopping.
James Francis Shine, Jr.
James Francis Shine, Jr. was born in Rocky Mount, NC on April 20, 1933. He died on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. He was the son of Frances Chadwick Basnight and James Francis Shine, Sr. Jimmy served in the US Army from 1952 to 1955 as a radio operator and in the Engineering School. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1961.
He graduated from East Carolina College in 1959 and received his Master’s Degree in Education from East Carolina University in 1973. He began his teaching career at Morehead City Elementary School before moving to New Bern in 1960 as Athletic Director of the New Bern City Recreation Department. He returned to the classroom in 1963 at Brinson Memorial School and then served as principal at Riverside, Marshall, Central, Oaks Road and Brinson where he was very active with the special-needs children until his retirement on December 30, 1989.
An avid Democrat, he served as campaign county key for James B. Hunt during his bid for lieutenant governor and two terms as governor. In 1985 Governor Hunt awarded Jimmy The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. During this period he served as inspector for the state for the North Carolina East Railroad.
Jimmy had been active in the Boys Scouts of America for many years, first as a member of Troop 7 in Rocky Mount, then Assistant Leader of a New Bern Sea Scout Troop. When his son Jamey began as a Cub Scout in 1979, he became an assistant for the troop and moved to Troop 67 with Jamey as Troop Committee Chairman, Assistant Scout Master and Troop Commissioner. He later because a Neuse District Assistant Commissioner, a member of the Executive Board of the East Carolina Council, BSA, and on the council commissioner staff. He was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge trained, a James E. West Fellow and recipient of the Council Silver Beaver Award. He also served on the dining staff of the 2001 National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
As a member of the New Bern Civitan Club, Jimmy devoted many volunteer hours on the local, area, district and international levels. Having served every club office from treasurer to distinguished president in 1978-79, he served as Area 8 Lieutenant Governor, as a director on the N.C. District East Board, governor-elect and then N.C. District East Governor in 1992-93, recognized as one of six distinguished governors in Civitan International. He received the District Outstanding Secretary-Treasurer Award in 1982-83. He was named the Club Civitan of the Year with a Club Honor Key and awarded the District Honor Keys in 1988 and 1993. His fellow Civitans honored him with the Shropshire Fellow of the Civitan International Foundation, the Junior Civitan International Fellow and the N.C. District East Foundation Scholarship Fellow. He was a member of the President’s Council for Civitan International.
As a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Jimmy served as Sunday School Superintendent for 13 years, as a member of the Church Vestry and as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention. He attended the East Carolina Diocesan Cursillo #43 weekend at Trinity Center and has since then served on ten Cursillo Teams. He was a 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Sudan Temple.
Jimmy was an avowed East Carolina Pirate and was beginning his 45th year of perfect attendance at football games in Ficklen Stadium and was presented an award as the only Craven County Pirate with perfect attendance.
He is survived by Helen, his wife of 47 years, and by his children, Mary S. Williams and husband Ernie; Elizabeth S. Peele and husband, Bo; James Francis Shine III, and granddaughters, Amanda Peele and Katy Williams.
Sharon Shonkwiler
Sharon was born in Polk County, FL. In the 1980’s she moved to North Carolina. Upon moving here she fell in love with North Carolina and soon became a true blue Tar Heel. Sharon was an RN. In the later years she worked in geriatrics, working in nursing homes. She loved working with the residents. She loved being a nurse. Sharon also loved her family. She loved her two sons and all seven of her grandchildren. Sharon also loved animals. She loved her beloved dalmatian, Maggie, and her shih tzu, Reggie.
Sharon was an angel on earth to her family and friends, but in May 2007 God called His angel home. But He did give her one more opportunity to be that angel on earth. He made it so that her eyes could go to someone else, so that they could see His beautiful world. If you are seeing this world through her eyes, I hope you see it as she did. She loved the beauty of this earth, especially a beautiful and colorful sunset.
Sharon always said she wanted to be an organ donor, but because of an accident many years ago and the medication she had been on for many years she never thought it possible. I believe that Sharon is dancing in heaven now, knowing that she was able to give someone the gift of sight. And I believe that not only is she looking over her loved ones, but she is also looking over the recipients of those eyes. We just ask that you take care of those eyes and enjoy the beauty of life and family as she did.
Sharon, you will always be missed. I love you.
Lauren Patrice Sigmon
September 17, 1984 – May 30, 2007
"How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when it is quite clearly Ocean." - Arthur C. Clarke
Lauren was our beautiful only child whose soul was still innocent in many ways. She loved her family and was a loyal friend. From infancy through young adulthood, Lauren’s smile could light up a room and her laughter was infectious. She was a young woman busy living her life.
Lauren was an honor graduate of T.W. Andrews High School in High Point, NC, and attended Duke University. Majoring in marine biology, she served an internship at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island from the fall of 2005 to the spring of 2006. The internship solidified her determination to dedicate her career to the protection, care, and release of endangered sea turtles. She was a quietly determined advocate for environmental causes.
Lauren enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests. In addition to sea turtles and the ocean, she loved cats and babies; music, movies, and the Harry Potter novels; her Chuck Taylor sneakers, spin class, and knitting; photography, Family Guy, and Happy Bunny.
We miss Lauren dearly, but we know that she continues; she is with us always. Her beloved sea turtles symbolize the will to endure. Lauren inspires us to live each day fully and mindfully.
We love you, sweetheart,
Your mom and dad,
Patrice and Allen Sigmon
Lester Pernell Simpson
Pernell was a young, bright and fun person to be around. He would always cheer up your day and everyone he came in contact with loved him dearly
Pernell had a big, bright smile and he loved to have fun, listen to music and go dancing. He loved talking and texting on his cell phone and also picking on his two sisters constantly.
Pernell was 24 years old. He played football and basketball in high school. He loved to play basketball the most and continued playing after high school as a hobby.
Robert D. Simpson
MMSGT Robert D. Simpson USAF (Ret/Dec) passed away at home March 25, 2007 after a lingering illness. He was married to Madeline for 46 years prior to her death. We were married a year later. We had what Robert called a “Geriatric Wedding.” His mom and my mom were at the wedding at ages 92 and 86 at the time. They are surviving today.
To combine our families we added up two moms, six children, twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren before Robert went to heaven.
Robert was proud to have served his country in the USAF for twenty-two years having traveled extensively outside of the USA. He was a member of many military associations.
I was drawn to him by his Christian love of life, caring ways, sense of responsibility and his shining hazel blue eyes. A smile was expected frequently that lit up those eyes. His eyesight was almost perfect.
He always enjoyed our frequent trips to the mountains. He said he was closer to Heaven and it was so serene and quiet. He sang in the church choir and helped with Bible School. His love of Southern Gospel Music led us to travel in North Carolina and to other states.
When cancer struck him in 1997 with the loss of a kidney, he just kept up his spirits and continued on with his activities. He was never idol until the last four weeks of his life. He loved his home, gardening and all of his family. The humming birds soaring onto the deck feeder and the Finches feeding in the tree were also to be seen by him through the window.
As an RN I feel the Lord put us together so I could keep him at home watching his birds and spending time with the family.
I know you are singing from Heaven.
We love and miss you.
Your wife Ruthie and family
Rodney Linell Sims
Rodney Linell Sims, age 19, was born May 14, 1988 and died August 5, 2007 as the result of a drive-by shooting. Rodney was a very special young man who loved people. I always accused him of trying to save the world, which he did without thought of himself. Rodney’s biggest passion was dancing. He was also a very talent and gifted artist. Rodney was to begin college this fall in the electrical engineering field.
Knowing Rodney’s love for people, donating his eyes and other parts was the least that could have been done to help someone else see.
James Keith Slaughter
A Mother’s Memories of James Keith Slaughter:
September 9, 1964 – August 26, 2007
As a baby: Colic for six months – an outgoing, happy baby and toddler who never met a stranger; bright; slow to walk because he must do it perfectly and never fell; eager to learn new things.
As a child: Very sensitive to social situations, helpful, obedient, wants to please; does well in school; cares deeply for his friends; has a poetic bent, artistic; calls me in the night if he thinks his brother needs me; sharp sense of humor.
As a teen: Defiant, trying to find his way into adulthood; girl crazy; the phone rings often; girls find him irresistible; battles his parents over the length of his hair; school performance casual.
As an adult: Strives for excellence in his chosen work – printing; a nurturer; an excellent cook; avid reader; spokesman for his colleagues; a loving son who keeps pushing the envelope with his health.
We miss his gentle sweetness, his free spirit.
Elisa “Joy” Smith
Elisa “Joy” Smith was our gift from God, teaching us to love as God loved us. She had a unique personality. She was unable to verbally use words, but she could laugh, cry and scream. Mostly she talked with her eyes. You could tell what she wanted and needed by just looking into her eyes. We miss her so much, but her memories continue to bring us joy.
Jan Lee Smith
April 1934 – May 2007
“Mr. Jan” was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We were married fifty-three never boring years. I first met my future husband the summer of my junior year in high school and fell like a ton of bricks. Even back in the early ‘50’s Jan was an outgoing happy-go-lucky guy who was always ready to lend a helping hand to someone who needed it. Instead of working through the summer cutting grass or bagging groceries, he worked for two summers as a junior counselor for Camp Easter Seal, a summer camp for crippled children.
After graduating from high school, he decided to make the United States Marine Corps his career and joined up during the Korean conflict in January of 1953. After attending boot camp and electronics school, he finally received his duty station at Cherry Point, NC. Shortly afterward, we married and I moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. And there the adventures began! Having been an army brat during his growing up years, he wanted to give young boys attention that, at times, he did not receive when he was growing up. He threw himself whole-heartedly into the Scouting program, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Explorer Leader, District and Regional Council member – whatever came along.
In the mid ‘60’s a bleeding stomach ulcer caused him to terminate his career as a Marine and he was severed from the Corps on partial disability. This didn’t slow him down, however, as he took the position as Boy Scout amp ranger and affected the lives of many boys who remember him with fondness to this day. In the latter part of his life he worked at the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, NC until a stroke finally ended his working years.
It came as no surprise to me when he indicated that he wished to become an organ donor. This was true to form. Now that he is gone, it is a comfort to me and his family that part of him still lives in another, giving them the gift of sight. We pray that they will see the world through his eyes as a wondrous place where helping one another will reap benefits untold. As you can see by the photograph, his ready smile for all who came in contact with him seems to light up the whole room. His sharp wit and his crazy jokes (mostly met with groans) will always be a part of our memories. We miss him terribly, but know he is sitting on a cloud somewhere, making the angels laugh.
Susan Snipes
My mom was in every way a present to this world. Her outlook on life was something I envied. I’d give anything to be able to do what she did, welcoming everyone with an open heart and a plate of homemade food. She loved with everything she had and with things she didn’t. She’d forgive you if you did her wrong, and the strength she had to do that was amazing. She never judged people by the way they looked, only by their actions towards her. Every day she made someone happy or something more beautiful. Now memories of her do what she isn’t here to do. I loved her with my everything. She will always live in my heart and the hearts of all she met.
Her daughter,
Shanna (age 15)
Ernest Byron Snody, Jr.
Ernest Byron Snody, Jr. was my first born of five children. He was a wonderful, caring person. He was ready and willing to help anyone he could. When his nieces were small and young of age, they knew J.R. (his nickname) could fix anything. So whatever toy or thing broke or quit working, they would bring it to him to fix. The same with grown ups, cars or appliances. He was always ready to help out in any way. I was always proud of him. He was a kind, caring person. He was always so good to me. I miss him so bad, words cannot begin to tell. He was a born-again Christian and I am sure he is in heaven and I look forward to seeing him soon.
Rebecca Ann Odell (Mother)
J.R. is my oldest brother. Not was, but still is. While trying to decide which memory of him to share - there being so many – one stood out the most. It was a conversation he and I had at another family member’s funeral. We were sharing memories and he made the comment that if we didn’t have memories, then we had nothing; that our memories were what kept people alive. So with that memory of my brother, I am reminded that he will always be alive to me because of all the precious memories I have of him. He is and will always be remembered and loved.
Tammy S. Kennedy (Sister)
Christopher Michael “Bubby” Spaulding
“Our Bubby”
Chris blessed us with his special inspiring quality.
Chris and us, his great many family and friends
All going about life together
Chris not one to be left behind
Always right there with us
In our center, at our front
Gifting us with his love, charm and spirit
Chris our cherished partner
Along with us in this worldly journey
In adventures and misadventures
Sharing our sorrows and joys
The recollections of this handsome young man, with his mischievous smile are many of the memories that provide us with comfort today.
Chris was an achiever: as a student in strength building, swimming, creating art and building friendships. Chris’s charisma was obvious. Others, especially children, were drawn to him. He interacted and loved unconditionally.
Chris the companion excelled. Whether at home, school, play, out and about or on the town his participation enriched us. Life around Chris was good.
The delight I personally feel recalling family nights: at watching movies with Chris on the front row couch being crowded by his faithful big brown dog Bogey and rat terrier Duncan; a funny or action scene might be on the screen making him laugh often garnering his special sound of approval and excitement that pretty much was the rebel yell that certainly was derived from his southern roots.
Chris had fun even if it was keeping everyone activated by kicking off one of his shoes at every opportunity.
Chris was a traveler. Many of us here journeyed with him to the mountains, the ocean, the beach, woods, lakes and far places. Anyone on a trip with Chris was better for it.
The notion that Chris is gone my mind will not wrap around. Elizabeth, his mother, stated often how Chris was an angel. Now Chris our angel has evolved into his new form and continues on with us. Guiding us with enhanced charismatic spiritual energy. Letting us know the Christopher we love is alive and well in our minds, hearts and souls.
Pat Hitesman
“Pat Daddy”
April 7, 2007
Christopher Michael Spaulding, age 17, of Worthington, OH passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007 in North Carolina. A graduate of Montrose Elementary School in Bexley, Christopher was currently attending West Central School class of 2010. Christopher was an active Summer Center participant over the past ten years and a founding member of the BW3 Tuesday Night Wings Club. Christopher is survived by parents Elizabeth R. Spaulding and Joe Spaulding, extended family, Pat Hitesman and Stacy Spaulding; sisters, Libby and Sarah Spaulding of Thomas Worthington High School; and a great many more family throughout the US who ask for your prayers.
Therese Marie Starnes
Therese Marie Starnes, 43, passed on Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2007. She will always be remembered as a survivor and devoted mother. Therese was born on September 24, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio. She moved to Fayetteville in 1983 and is a graduate of Fayetteville State. She joined the ROTC and reached the rank of lieutenant.
Her faith guided and provided her strength and peace in which she lived her life. Therese, filled with the spiritual light, reached out to those in search of their faith by her leadership and involvement in RCIA, Landings and as a Catechesis. Therese also touched the lives of countless students by using her gift of patience and continuous love while teaching at EE Smith High School and Douglas Byrd Evening Academy. Her belief and support in each individual student provided her students the ability to succeed and achieve in their goals. As a result their successes touched her heart and motivated her to strive each day to be the best teacher she could be for them.
Therese also impacted the lives of so many by her ability to encourage and teach those around her to never give up hope. Her own long, strenuous battle with cancer was a living example to all those around her. The strength she demonstrated for her daughters (Alyssa 19 years old and Sarah 15 years old) will live on forever.
Leila Patricia Stauffer
Leila Patricia Stauffer was my heart and soul mate. On December 1972 she became my wife.
Her loves were our children, Fred and Angie, then our grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Aries, Claudia and Gavin, whom she never got to meet.
When no one wanted to do it, she stood up and became Cub Scout Master; I was her Webelos Leader. Her hobbies were baseball, baseball cards and lots of baseball stuff. Most people just have a box of cards; she had a room with 500 pounds of cards, ball bats, gloves, statues, etc., etc.! She loved movies, travel, motorcycles (Harley Davidson), cards, eating out, games on her computer and working at Hardees. She loved Perry Mason, Murders She Wrote, Court TV and Cool Runnings.
Pat even loved me and our dogs. We were each other’s lives. How to put 35 years in a few words?
Edward L. Stauffer, Retired US Army/Air Force
Judy Stevens
Judy and I were hired by Goodyear the same day. Someone reminded me today that between the time Judy was hired and her actual first working day, she decided to put color on her hair. Well, it turned out orange, and she wondered if they would just tell her to go home. I have had the privilege of calling her friend since 1968. Judy had humor, compassion, love and knowledge – many wonderful characteristics that we admire.
We all recall when Kenny came to the Danville plant and told some of his friends that he was going to marry that little red-headed girl in Personnel. Kenny, she loved you dearly. I recall on many occasions her wearing some new beautiful clothes that you picked out for her. She always said you could pick her clothes better than she.
Gwen, Ed, Chuck, Cheryl and Denise - I know you felt her love over the years. She loved and spoke of all of you often.
Judy was the secretary for many years to the HR Department, and then she took over the Insurance Department at the plant. She was the tiny, tiny little lady who was The Insurance Guru. You could take it to the bank if Judy said it!
A friend who worked with Judy at the plant for seventeen years before moving on to other Goodyear plants wrote me a note saying his wife will always remember Judy as “the little lady walking into work with the thermos as big as she was.”
She was loved by everyone she came in contact with and we admired her patience and expertise.
Our precious friend Judy has found a new home.
In a land where no sadness ever is known.
No more struggles, no pain, no eyes filled with tears.
Just happiness always and good memories held dear
Of her life as a mother, a wife and a friend.
To the many her kindness and patience never wore thin.
Though your time here on earth was too short at best,
You forged it with friendships that were meant to last.
We all built something over the years
That will keep us close and forever near.
So fly away, Judy, to your new home above.
Forever in our hearts, we’ll remember you with love.
Donna Eades, Co-Worker at Goodyear plant
Mike Strickland
Michael Ray Strickland was born on December 12, 1953 in Raleigh, NC. He was the first-born son to William David Strickland and Nancy Rowe Strickland. He was the oldest of four children. Mike was once married and had no children.
Mike led what would be described as an average normal life. At the age of 17 Mike joined the United States Army. This was a time of national unrest and in the middle of the Vietnam era. Upon exiting the military in the early 1970’s, Mike returned to his old home in Raleigh, NC. He began what can be described as a life-long journey among people. He loved people and his heartfelt laugh was infectious. Mike served in careers as a truck driver, EMT-1, Red Cross worker, hospital worker, police officer, industry worker and as a bus driver. In all of his jobs he found great joy in being with and around people.
In the mid 1970’s Mike married Sheila Ellis. While they eventually divorced, it was obvious that the happiness he enjoyed during that time would never be equaled. It was during that time that Mike became one of the first EMT-1’s in the state of North Carolina. He served on the Knightdale Area Rescue Squad and worked a full time job at Wake Medical Center as an x-ray technician. It was during this time that Mike became an organ donor. He thought it was important to be a donor and never wavered in his commitment to leave his organs for others who were in need.
Mike was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He knew all about Dallas Cowboy teams from any era. He followed their every game, right up until the end of his life. Mike would find great joy in knowing that even in his death, he was able to leave a part of himself behind to help someone else. His only hope would have been that whoever they were, they were a Dallas Cowboys fan.
Patricia Abby Stroupe
On behalf of our mother, we want to thank you for giving us the opportunity of sharing our memories of her. Our mom was beautiful and elegant but also down to earth and unpretentious. She became a nurse and lived the majority of her life in the small town of Spencer, NC where she could be close to her mother and only sister. Her mother was always her best friend, and we know life was not the same for her after losing her mother at the age of 98 in 2003.
The highlight of her life was the birth of her twin daughters and four years later her son. Once we were born, she devoted her life to staying at home with us. As children we have many favorite memories. One of them would be when she took us for drives out into the country. She loved to walk through old, abandoned houses and she always joked that if we got caught, pretend like we were writing a paper for school. While driving on these country roads, she would speed up then let off of the gas pedal over dips in the road, which would make our stomachs drop as if we were on a roller coaster. She loved to sing and have us harmonize with her. Other memories would be our many trips to North Myrtle Beach. Our mother loved to be near an ocean or lake, and even though she didn’t look the part, her favorite pastime was fishing. She was very talented, creative and was a great cook. All three of us would agree that her chocolate oatmeal cookies, lady finger cookies and her purple-colored blueberry muffins were the best. Our favorite meal was her Mexican food.
She was proud of the adults we all became and though the only grandchildren she got were all our pets, she treated them just the same. She loved animals and her favorite conversations were hearing about what our pets had done now! She would get so tickled and her laugh is one we will never forget.
It was always our mother’s wish that she would be able to help others by being an organ donor. She donated her body to the Bowman Gray Medical School, with the greatest hope that one day there will be a cure for all of those who suffer from depression. She donated her eyes to The North Carolina Eye Bank. Her gift provided sight for two people and we are so thankful that her beautiful eyes brought sight to others who could not see. That gift has meant more to us than any other.
Though we miss her so very much, we know her spirit is in all of the butterflies that suddenly began appearing in all three of our lives after her death. We believe that they have appeared to let us know that she is finally happy and free. We also know that she is reunited with her mother, her favorite aunts and the pets we lost before her, all of which she loved so dearly. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all of those who are a part of The North Carolina Eye Bank for the incredible work that you do.
Respectfully submitted,
Tammy, Camie and Britt Stoupe
Jesse Thurman Stump
Born in Rockingham County, NC.
Born on a farm – son of a large family
Served in the Navy
Worked in a cotton mill
Worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company
Retired from American Tobacco Company
Called into the ministry in 2000
Passed away in 2007
Loved people and loved the church
He will forever be missed by me.
Vivian Riggs Stump, Wife
Thomas “TJ” Henry Suggs, Jr.
My son TJ was a loving, caring little boy. He loved fishing and 4-wheeler riding better than anything. He loved to eat at Bojangles every time I picked him up after school or on the weekends he spent with me. He loved helping others. He never met a stranger. We loved going shopping together, even though he would get upset when he couldn’t get what he wanted all the time. He was very impatient when it came to that. He was an outdoors lover, cold or hot. I miss him coming to my work wanting something to eat. He loved cats; not crazy about dogs. He never wanted anyone in the front seat of the car with me except him; had a few arguments over that, but he always won the fight.
Overall all of our memories are good. When I took him fishing I loved seeing him get excited when he caught something because that made his day. His Uncle Lane was his 4-wheeler buddy. He loved getting dirty and coming home bragging about it. Most of all he loved everyone. I miss him more than anything. Christmas mornings were another good time because I loved seeing his expression when he opened his gifts.
Love,
Cindy Gray (Mom)
John L. Sullivan
This picture was the one chosen to be used on the memorial card at John’s funeral services. It was taken shortly after we became engaged in 1957. He was 23 years old at the time and had the most beautiful eyes and smile. He retained both throughout our lives together. We married in 1959 and at the time of his death we were short of being wed 48 years. He loved his life in retirement. He was a master gardener and a tennis player. In fact, three weeks prior to his death he and his partner won the Senior Men’s Regional Championship.
He loved his four children and they remember all he taught them and he taught them well. He and I would take our eight grandchildren in pairs or singles on what we called Honey and Pop vacations. I do believe that those trips will be of a tremendous legacy to each and every one of them. His legacy to me is the memory of his loving and caring protection. He was the love of my life.
Hiroko Swanson
Hiroko and I enjoyed 51 years of marriage. We had five children, three of whom preceded her in death. Hiroko always had a vision of world peace and devoted her life to achieve that goal.
As retirement neared Hiroko and I started to talk about traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast. At retirement our dream became a reality. During the trip the awe and astonishment glowed in Hiroko’s face. The journey was embedded in our hearts. Hiroko’s life is joined with my life, and her strength and courage will continue to live in every life she touched.
Roy Swanson
At age 60, my husband Roy, a handsome, intelligent, physically fit man who loved life, learned he suffered from stage three lung cancer. The unexpected news hit like a sneak punch, hard and swift below the belt. We felt ourselves reel with the news, but after catching our breath and gathering up the pieces of our minds that we feared we’d lost, we made an indelible pact. We vowed to welcome and embrace each new day, no matter what it brought, because despite the incredible challenge we faced, we knew how blessed we were to have each other. We stuck as close together as two people could. Holding on for dear life, we laughed often and asked God for the strength to move us forward in our journey. For the next two years Roy faced his incredible challenge as he did all things in life – with good humor, fierce determination, unwavering courage and inspiring grace.
To whomever received the gift of Roy’s eyes, please know that he was a happy man whose eyes saw and appreciated much throughout his life. At age 16 he earned his private pilot’s license and admired the world from high above. A scuba diver since adolescence, he marveled at the world beneath the sea. He hiked and ran; he loved fine art, travel, history, the ocean, our family, our two cats and me. He was a treasured gift to all who knew him. Our life together was a dream come true.
