OBITUARIES

Elizabeth J. Dowell

Elizabeth J. Dowell

Aug 22, 2025

It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Elizabeth J. Dowell (Lund). She passed on August 22, 2025 due to her long-term battle with Alzheimer’s. The disease affected her deeply and took tremendous emotional and cognitive abilities away from her far too early. Her family is gaining some comfort that she is no longer suffering and can...

Brian Christopher Lane

Brian Christopher Lane

Aug 18, 2025

Brian Christopher Lane, born on November 7, 1975, in Greensboro, NC, left this plane of existence on August 18, 2025, in Wilmington, NC. For those of you that will understand, he knows where his towel is and will arrive safely at the next destination. He leaves behind his life partner Lindsey Coley, and his two creative and beautiful children, Lily...

Alicia Carey Larsen

Alicia Carey Larsen

Aug 8, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alicia Carey “Lisa” Watson Larsen, who left this world on August 8th, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her children.

Alicia was born on April 27th, 1969, in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she was also raised. Known to many as Lisa, she carried the heart of Wilmington with her throughout...

Jerry Lee West

Jerry Lee West

Aug 6, 2025

Jerry Lee West, born on April 16, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 79.

Jerry was a dedicated educator who devoted nearly two decades of his life to the Rochester School District in Vermont. During his tenure, he served as an educator, advisor, coach, and principal, touching the...

Charles R. Varner, Jr.

Charles R. Varner, Jr.

Aug 4, 2025

On August 4, 2025, the world lost a truly remarkable man, Charles Raymond “Charlie” Varner, Jr., who passed away peacefully at Novant Health-Wilmington at the age of 74. Born on September 24, 1950, in Greensboro, NC, Charlie lived a life filled with passion, dedication, and love.

Charlie spent his formative years in Guilford County, North Carolina, where he embraced his southern...

Norman H. Vreeland

Norman H. Vreeland

Jul 26, 2025

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord,” Norman H. Vreeland passed away peacefully July 26, 2025 at the end of a long and active life.

He proudly served his country for 35 years as a U.S. Marine. He celebrated being married to his high school sweetheart for over 70 “grand and glorious” years which he claimed were “unhindered by progress.”...

Richard Allen McMullin

Richard Allen McMullin

Jun 30, 2025

Richard "Rick" Allen McMullin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 30, 2025, at his home in Rocky Point, NC, at the age of 72. Born on February 7, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH, Rick lived a life filled with love, dedication, and an unwavering zest for living.

Growing up in Cincinnati, Rick demonstrated an early work...

Richard Adam Gutsin

Richard Adam Gutsin

Jun 5, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Richard Adam Gutsin, in Wilmington NC, on June 5, 2025. Despite being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2019, his death was unexpected, and arose from complications due to an infection. In his typical fashion, Dr. G continued to work throughout his years of cancer treatments and dialysis sessions,...

Carl Francis Marlowe

Carl Francis Marlowe

Jun 1, 2025

Carl Francis Marlowe, a distinguished veteran and cherished family man, passed away on June 1, 2025, in Shallotte, North Carolina, at the age of 76. Born on November 3, 1948, in Conway, South Carolina, Carl lived a life marked by dedication, bravery, and love for his family and country.

Carl proudly served in the United States Army and the National Guard,...

Bynum Kermit Merritt III

Bynum Kermit Merritt III

May 21, 2025

Wilmington - Bynum Kermit Merritt III, affectionately known to all as Kevin, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025 at the age of 55 leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished by all who knew him. Born on January 13, 1970, Kevin lived a life full of creativity, compassion and unwavering faith.

Kevin dedicated his professional...

Diana Lynn O'Grady

Diana Lynn O'Grady

May 9, 2025

Hampstead - Diana Lynn O’Grady, affectionately known as “Nanny Di” to her ten wonderful grandchildren, passed away so peacefully on May 9, 2025, at 11:11 a.m., with her daughters by her side. She was 72 years old.

Diana was the proud mother of five children: Aaron Bush (wife, Jennifer), Jason Bush, Allison “Alli” Deacon (husband, Mark), Valerie Melton (husband, Jason), and...

Lynn T. Henry

Lynn T. Henry

May 8, 2025

Southport - Lynn Throber Henry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated marine biologist, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Brunswick County, NC, at the age of 68. Born on July 13, 1956, in Bertie County, NC, Lynn devoted his life to both his family and his work, leaving behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and love for...

Kim Litkenhaus Marino

Kim Litkenhaus Marino

Apr 12, 2025

Kim Litkenhaus Marino laid down her last beat on April 12, 2025.

If you knew Kim, you knew her laugh. You knew her generosity, her kindness and compassion. You knew her love of the theme song from the 80’s sitcom Alice and her constant submissions to The Family Handyman “tips and tricks” section. You knew what size her kidney stones were...

Kenny Hobby

Kenny Hobby

Apr 3, 2025

Charles Kenneth Hobby passed away April 3, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Kenny was born April 9, 1953 into a large, loving extended family in Durham, North Carolina and had a lifelong love of music. Becoming a drummer in his high school band kickstarted what would eventually set the course of the rest of his life as a business owner...

Henry "Hank" Shields

Henry "Hank" Shields

Mar 23, 2025

Henry (Hank) Shields of Wilmington, NC, passed away on March 23, 2025 at Peak Resources of Wilmington. Hank was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on August 26, 1938, the son of Henry and Marie Shields. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964, he then went to work for GTE in York, PA. He retired after 35 years of service....

Nancy Ann D'Auria

Nancy Ann D'Auria

Mar 8, 2025

It is with profound sadness and boundless love that we announce the passing of Nancy Ann D’Auria, a beloved grammy, mother, sister, and friend, who left us on March 8, 2025 at the age of 74. Nancy was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Tom and Sue Mahoney and was the oldest of eight children. She graduated at the top...

Edward "Ed" Wales Flagler

Edward "Ed" Wales Flagler

Mar 6, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Edward "Ed" Wales Flagler, who passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 83, at his home in Wilmington, NC. Born on May 29, 1941, in Troy, NY, Ed's journey through life was marked by dedication, service, and boundless love...

Michael "Mike" Phillip Beaudoin

Michael "Mike" Phillip Beaudoin

Mar 5, 2025

Michael "Mike" Phillip Beaudoin, 76, of 220 Wetland Drive Wilmington, NC, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by family at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington, NC. Mike was born in Plattsburgh, NY on August 19, 1948, and was the son of the late Glendon and Rita Beaudoin. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education,...

Wendy Michelle Wensel

Wendy Michelle Wensel

Feb 27, 2025

Wendy Michelle Wensel, age 55 of Wilmington, NC, passed away at Novant Health/New Hanover Regional Medical Center on the 27th of February 2025. She was born to Richard L. and Barbara G. Hebrank (née Lehrer) on September 8, 1969 in Parma, OH. There are no services planned. Please leave memories and condolences for Wendy's family on the "Tribute Wall". Care...

Charlie "Dickie" Francis Dickinson, Jr.

Charlie "Dickie" Francis Dickinson, Jr.

Feb 26, 2025

Charlie "Dickie" Francis Dickinson, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice Services of Wilmington, at the age of 79. Born on December 24, 1945, in New Bern, NC, Charlie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and service. Charlie graduated from New Bern High School as...