Eric Ussery

Eric Ussery was a rare find for a man of 23 years.  Eric was a son, brother, fiancé, and friend.  He was always full of life and energy.  He met life with wide-open arms and took on the good and the bad.  He strived to make the best of any situation and overcome the struggles life had handed him.  He had a great personality.  Anyone who knew Eric would say that he made an impact on anyone he knew.  Whether it was his jokes, carefee spirit, or compassionate big heart, Eric was an all-around great guy.  You would always see Eric with a smile on his face and talking to anyone he met.  Eric never met a stranger.  He loved talking with people of any age and made everyone feel loved.  Eric left everlasting impressions on everyone he met.

He had a passion for custom painting cars.  He also loved dogs, clothes, going to ball games, X-Box, music, and Mexican food.  As a recent college grad, Eric had begun planning his life as a responsible man and had many goals for a bright future.  Eric was the kind of person who would give his last dollar to make another person happy.  Because of this admirable trait, we know he would be elated at the thought of helping another human with his donation.


Edward Vansant






Michael David Vickrey

December 15, 1967 – August 6, 2007

All who knew him called him ‘Mike.”  My dad asked me to write this memorial and to mention a few things about my brother that others should know.  It’s unfortunate for anyone to have missed out on knowing such a man. 

One of Mike’s best qualities was his character.  Without fail, he drew attention to himself with his ability to look you in the eye when talking.  It was important to him to exude confidence in everything he did, most importantly in raising his children.   He was a remarkable father to his two children, giving his time, instilling lifelong values while showing love and patience to his children was his first priority always.  And while he may have only been here in their lives for what seems a short time here on earth, he has managed to leave with them a lifetime of love and morals in teaching them to be proud of who they are, not what they have, and how to live their lives treating others like they want to be treated, holding their heads up high even when things seem like they’re not going right.  When his children had misbehaved or needed to understand that life throws curve balls to us from time to time he always said to them ‘you’d better Tighten-Up’.

Another of Mike’s best features was his eyes.  When we received the call from the Eye Bank on donor participation, it was a hard decision to make until we found that on his license he wanted to be a donor.  We knew that without a doubt we’d not do right by Mike if we didn’t honor his wishes in that.  Mike’s eyes could stop you in mid-conversation; he had a way of smiling in his eyes and emotions were clear when you looked into them.  Honest, caring, loving and thoughtful eyes.  A shade of blue like no other I’ve ever seen.  During any conversation with Mike, he never made you feel like he wasn’t listening, because he kept his eyes on yours in a way that made you feel like whatever you were talking about with him at that moment was the most important conversation you ever had with him.  There was trust, and kindness in his eyes and it’s a quality that is hard to come by. 

To sum it all up, Mike was an energetic man, who loved his kids, his family and his life.  He really did live life for each day, not wasting a moment; he appreciated everyone in his life.  He had a strong value system and put his family first.  He gave 100% to his family, his job, and his friends.  His hobbies included fishing, RC Airplanes, and just hanging out at home with his family.  He leaves behind two children of his own, a fiancée and her son and is survived by his mother, father, brother, and sister.  The friends and family left behind know in our hearts that Heaven needed another angel, and who better to do the job than Mike.


Phillip Luke Villarreal

September 2, 1992 – May 23, 2007

Phillip was special in that, although he had cerebral palsy and could not walk, speak, or use his hands very well, he had a special joy and love of life.  He used his eyes to communicate and share his emotions.  He used all his senses.  He loved his family, riding in the van, watching TV, listening and moving to music, attending school and all of life.


Lubertha Virgil

Memories and Tribute to My Special Lady, Lubertha Virgil - wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

As I attempt to turn my mind and heart to the memory of my wife, I know that somehow and somewhere her spirit continues to glow with the brilliance she manifested while she was with me.  As she honored us, the family and others, with her life, each family member will forever honor her within our hearts and minds.

Yes, days and months have passed and we remember.  We see you as we knew you.  We see your smile and we return the smile you give.  We remember your commitment to God, your faith, family and education.  We remember your dedication to the ideals of teaching Bible classes and classes in the public school system and your deep concern for each and every child and person you taught.

We find that time has not erased that warmth we held for you in life.  And so, my love, I/we keep you close although we are apart and visit with you daily in the visions of our hearts.

In His service with love,
Mack Virgil



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 2007 Faces of Donation


A   |  B  C  |  D  |  E  |  F  |  G  |  H  |  I-J   K  |  L  |  M  |  N-O  |  P  |  Q-R  |  S  |  T  |  U-V  W  |  Y-Z