Obituaries - January 10, 2026
Alexander Stanland, Jr.
Alexander Stanland, Jr., 80, affectionately known as “Chief”, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center. A man of unwavering faith and quiet strength, he leaves behind a legacy of selfless service and devotion.
Alex was born Dec 2, 1945 in Wilmington, NC son of the late Alexander Stanland, Sr and Evelyn Stanland. He is proceeded in death by his brother Billy Stanland.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan; his daughters, Pamela Adams and Alexa Tarplee; his sister, Evelyn Jones; his grandchildren, Anthony Adams (Ashleigh), Blair George (Andrew Franklin), and Tiffani Crawford (Caleb); his great-grandchildren, Addison, Alex, Aberdeen, Lucas, and Brooks, along with many nieces and nephews, all who he held very close to his heart.
Alex dedicated his life to helping others, proudly serving 6 years in the United States Navy and 60 years as a firefighter with multiple departments, including a 31-year career with Wilmington Fire Department. He continued to serve his community at Cape Fear Community College assisting with the Fire Training Program until his retirement in 2025.
Respected by his colleagues for his calm presence and reliability, he faced danger with courage and humility. Even after retirement, his passion for the fire service and community always remained strong, often mentoring younger firefighters. He exemplified the true meaning of 'brotherhood' and his strong bonds with his fellow firefighters were everlasting.
He served on multiple boards and committees throughout his career, most notably the NC association of Fire Chiefs. One of the highlights of his career was representing NC by visiting NY after 9/11 to transport back a beam from the Twin Towers as a memorial at Camp Lejeune in 2003. His dedication, leadership, faith and commitment to the fire service allowed him to train, influence and mentor so many people past and present. His legacy lives on to continue helping future firefighters through the Eastern Carolina Firefighter Association – Stanland Scholarship fund.
While his firefighting career was a significant part of his life, his family meant the world to him. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was known for his quiet and gentle ways and the endless love he had for his children and grandchildren. He was a man of strong faith who taught his family the importance of kindness, hard work, and doing what is right. His kindness and warm spirit were a blessing to all who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Andrews Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Northside Baptist Church, 2501 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Alex, may be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care or CFCC Fire Academy.
His family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center who provided comfort and support during his last days.
---
BARBARA “Bobbie” LINKOUS QUEEN
BARBARA “Bobbie” LINKOUS QUEEN of Wilmington, NC died on January 5, 2026. She was born on October 5, 1948 in Huntington, WV to Carl and Theresa Linkous.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Mike Queen; her children, Brett (Amy) Queen of Wilmington, NC and Amy (Jason) Knight of Greensboro, NC; and her four grandchildren, Joshua Knight, Jacob Knight, Kamryn Queen, and Emma Grace Knight. She is also survived by her brother Carl “Moe” (Becky) Linkous, Jr. of Huntington, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bobbie is a graduate of Marshall University and taught first grade in Wayne County, WV.
She and her business partner, Karen Harmon, owned and operated six Cold Stone Creamery stores across North Carolina.
She married a guy she thought was going to be in the supermarket business and live forever in West Virginia. But God’s call changed both of their lives forever. The sacrifices she made to support him were not insignificant. At every turn, she was incredibly supportive of Mike and his ministry. From teaching children, to chaperoning youth on mission trips, to singing in the choir, to organizing countless events, and to cooking for 200+ on Wednesday nights at the church for more than seven years, she always said ‘yes’.
Devoted is the only way to describe her investment in her two children. She loved them both and cherished every minute spent with them. Both they and their spouses cared for her in the most loving ways possible. Apart from being a wonderful wife and mother, she was an even better Grammy. When they were younger, the grandchildren loved to come to Wilmington for a week of Camp Grammy each summer. All of that culminated when they got older with a trip out west, and the girls coming for cooking camp in Grammy’s kitchen. She and Mike enjoyed three passions they pursued across the years: travel, Wake Forest sports, and music concerts. They met when Mike moved across the street from her when he was 15 and she was but 12. After he met her that first day, he told his mother that he would marry her someday. He said of her, “She was always the prettiest girl in the room.”
A special thanks goes to her two nieces, Carolee Hale and Shannon Pipkin, and her friends who cared for her weekly later in life: Pam Fallis, Dee Worrell, Carol Rosborough, Jean Wachtel, India Causey, and so many more from First Baptist Church. Special thanks to the Memory Partners and Hospice Teams at Lower Cape Fear WellCare. No words can capture our family’s gratitude to the entire awesome team who cared for her these last few months at Bradley Creek Memory Care.
A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church, 411 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401 on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00pm. Memorials may be made to the church or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, who supported our family over the last seven years. A live stream of the service may be viewed on the First Baptist Church YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@fbcwilmington1808) starting at 12:30pm.
---
Beverly Ann Williams
Beverly Ann Williams, of Sneads Ferry, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 65. She was born on Saturday, May 7, 1960 in Detroit, MI to the late Thelma Williams and Miles Hubbard. Her journey through life was marked by strength, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her family.
Beverly lived most of her life in Oceanside, CA before relocating to Jacksonville, NC to be near family. Her career was as diverse as it was impactful. She crafted airplane parts for Deutsche Aircraft and later served as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Most recently, she held the role of Resident Care Coordinator, where her kindness and compassion touched many lives.
Beverly found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fan of talk shows, especially “Maury,” and a passionate sports enthusiast, with a particular love for basketball. Movies provided her with relaxation and entertainment, allowing her to escape into other worlds while still appreciating the beauty of her own.
She had an unparalleled gift for cooking, with her fried chicken and meatloaf being particularly cherished by all who were fortunate enough to enjoy them. Her secret ingredient was love as she enjoyed hosting family gatherings, no one left hungry.
A woman of deep faith, Beverly was a member of the Christian community, drawing strength from her beliefs and sharing that strength with those around her. Beverly was a strong, single mother who taught her children the values of resourcefulness and resilience. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her children always came first. She was a private person, chill and content in her own company, yet her presence was uplifting and encouraging to those around her.
Beverly leaves behind a loving family. She is survived by her children: Jason Williams of Sneads Ferry, Arniesa Saunders and her husband Ricky Saunders of Jonesboro, AR, Brittney Jones and her husband Steven Jones of Jacksonville, Sailmia Banks of Sneads Ferry.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jason Williams Jr., Saveon Williams, Jávonne Williams, Brian Green, Makayla Williams, Diamond Saunders, Chyanne Williams, Amarie Jones, Jasciana Williams, Basil Jones, Amor Banks, Kamilia Weatherspoon, Seven Jones and Kobe Williams, as well as her great-grandchildren, Goldyn and Amari.
Beverly is also survived by her sisters, Arletha Williams of Oceanside, CA Brenda Williams of Jacksonville, NC and her brother Jerry Williams of Oceanside, CA. Her nephews Michael Smith, Christopher Smith, and Myles Williams will also hold her memory dear.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Donald Williams and Michael Williams, as well as her nephew, Donovan Williams and granddaughter Kimora Jones.
In accordance with Beverly's wishes, no services will be held. She preferred a life of simplicity and privacy, and her family honors her desire for peace in her passing.
Her presence will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. As we say goodbye, let us remember her as she lived: happy, encouraging, and resilient.
---
Brooke Noel (Eddleman) Whitley
Brooke Noel (Eddleman) Whitley, 34, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Born in Colorado, Brooke went to grade school in Lamar Colorado and graduated from Pueblo East High School in 2010. She later pursued higher education in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she earned a degree and built a life filled with love for her husband and son.
Brooke leaves behind her beloved husband, Shawn Whitley—her true love—and their son, Chase Levi Whitley, age 5—her greatest joy.
She is also survived by her parents: Chuck and Pam Snow of Pueblo West, Colorado; Alan and Betty Eddleman of Las Vegas, New Mexico; and In-laws; Doug and Beth Whitley. Her siblings include Nathan (Kayla) and their daughter Ellie; Damien (Audrey) and their children Nathan and Reagan; Derek (Angelica) and their son Elias; Kendra (Blake) and their children Maizelynn, Mackinnon, and Jolie; Kyle (Samantha); Lucinda (Rafa) and their daughter Amaya; and Horocio. Brooke is also survived by Aunts, Uncles, numerous cousins and countless friends who cherished her warmth and spirit.
A local memorial celebration service for family and friends in the Wilmington area is planned from 2:00 - 5:00 Sunday 1-11-26 at the Elks Lodge in Wilmington; 5102 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
Additionally, a memorial service in Colorado is planned within the next few months, with further information forthcoming.
If you wish to send something in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you share pictures, notes, and stories of Brooke to create keepsake albums for Chase and the family.
Please send them to email: [email protected] or text pictures to Shawn at: (910) 620-6797). You can also mail them to (6012 Fern Ct., Wilmington, NC 28405) and/or email: [email protected]; (457 W Hahns Peak Ave., Pueblo West, Co. 81007, text 719-778-0595). Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address with your submission.
---
Daniel David Evans
Daniel David Evans, 72, died peacefully on January 7, 2026, at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by his family. Daniel was born on January 31, 1953, in Syracuse, New York, to the late Howard and Rosemary Hart Evans.
Dan was steady, loyal, and deeply principled. He was known for his calm presence, great sense of humor, and quiet confidence. He spoke when it mattered, acted with integrity, and was a source of stability for many. Protective by nature, he did the right thing without needing recognition, choosing consistency over praise and substance over show.
He identified strongly with service, both as a United States Marine and as a New York State Police Investigator, roles that reflected who he was at his core: disciplined, protective, faithful, and dependable. Dan carried responsibility with humility and dignity. His strength was never loud. It lived in endurance, resolve, and in his unwavering commitment to holding the line for others, even when it was heavy.
Above all else, Dan’s life revolved around his family. He loved quietly and consistently, by being present, by being the safe place, and by never letting those he loved feel alone. He was deeply respected and profoundly loved. His absence will be felt for a very long time.
Married for more than 51 years, he was a devoted husband to Carol, a loving father to his three daughters, Karen LeRose (Darren), Barbara Evans, and Lisa Roddey (Zak), and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Aiden, Keira, Quinn, Dante, and Shea.
One of eleven siblings, Dan shared deep, lifelong bonds with his brothers and sisters: Judy Evans; Ron Evans (Sara); Tim Evans (Ness); Mary Gotham (Steve); Jim Evans (Kathy); Ed Evans (Janet); Ann Evans; Joe Evans (Diana); John Evans (Jennifer); and Steve Evans (Kerry). He was also a beloved uncle to more than fifty nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Friday, January 16, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
---
Ralph Murray
Ralph Murray, a devoted family man and retired general contractor, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 30, 1946, in Dillon, South Carolina, Ralph lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep love for those around him.
In 1968, Ralph established Ralph Murray General Contractor, dedicating more than five decades to his craft with unwavering integrity and commitment to quality. Through his work, he left a lasting impact on countless communities and the people he served.
Ralph’s faith and family were the foundation of his life. His love for the Lord guided him as he worked diligently to care for and provide for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Peggy Wallace Murray; his children Dewayne Murray, Amanda (Jack) Phillips, Anthony (Vera) Murray, and Crystal (Donnie) Buie; his grandchildren Marjorie Murray, Avery Hill (Kayanna), Bailey Hill (Kaitlin), Colby Hill (Melanie), Adam Phillips (Sydnie), Ben Phillips, Timmy (Katie) Mills, and Carrie Mills; and his great-grandchildren Wyatt Spanjers, Abilene Hill, Barrett Hill, Landon Sligh, and Tatum Hill.
He is also survived by his brother Jackie Maynor (Terry) of Wilmington; sisters Betty M. Hurley of Burgaw and Patsy Harrell (Renee) of Tallahassee, Florida; and sisters-in-law Patricia W. Saunders (Brady) of Pine Tops, North Carolina, and Carla Maynor of Crawfordville, Florida. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Maynor, and his two brothers, Jimmy Murray and Bobby Maynor, whom he dearly loved.
Beyond his family, Ralph was a man of many passions. He deeply loved his animals, including his cherished pets Rocky, Wallie, Fluffy, and Socks, who were special companions to him. For the past 20 years, Ralph found great joy working on his little ranch, The Broken Spoke, where he raised cattle and lived the cowboy way of life each day. His love for the Old West extended to classic western movies and television shows, country and western music, and cowboy memorabilia. Ralph was truly a cowboy at heart.
Ralph treasured time spent with his family, especially during their frequent trips to the North Carolina mountains. He delighted in traveling scenic backroads, listening to bluegrass music, and taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, he enjoyed visiting antique shops and flea markets, always searching for vintage and nostalgic treasures.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 12:00 noon, followed by funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Dr. Mary Rudyk and the staff of Senior Health Associates, Liberty Hospice, and Novant EMS teams. A special thank you is also extended to Jennifer, Latoya, and Shelly for providing exceptional care to Ralph during the final two months of his life.
In honor of Ralph’s memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Spring View Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 801 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405, where Ralph was a member for several years.
Ralph will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and all whose lives he touched.
---
Hezzie Patrick Jr,
Hezzie Patrick Jr, of Dawsonville, GA passed away Monday January 5, 2026 at the CLC in Tuskegee, AL.
Born August 6, 1945 in Bolton, NC, Hezzie was a lifelong resident of Council, NC. He was a 1963 graduate of the Waccamaw Indian School in Bolton (Buckhead), NC and completed one year of trade school. He joined the Marine Corp in 1965 and completed 4 tours during the Vietnam War. After serving his country, Hezzie began his career as a Boiler Maker Rigger working throughout the country for Brown and Root. Spending majority of his working career at a nuclear power plant in Texas. Hezzie’s life was defined by love, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
His presence was a source of wisdom, strength and laughter to all who knew him. He found his greatest peace in nature. A passionate fisherman and hunter, he treasured early mornings on the water and in his tree stand. Although he was man of few words, the love of Christ spoke volumes through his life in the way he loved others and leaned into his relationship with the Lord to get through the challenges of life.
Those who knew him will remember his steady hands, kind heart, and deep respect for the world around him. He believed in living simply, working honestly, and treating others with fairness and compassion.
Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the family he loved so completely and the many lives he impacted throughout his years. His life was one of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and profound love — a life well lived. Hezzie is proceeded in death by his father Hezzie Patrick Sr. and mother Parree Patrick.
He is survived by his wife, Vara Sue Patrick and their son Hezzie Patrick III (Miranda Patrick). His brothers Marcus Patrick (Alice Patrick) of Bolton (Buckhead), NC, Kent Patrick (Belinda Patrick) of Clemmons, NC and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Services will be planned for a later date
---
Eugene Joseph Wingerter
Eugene Joseph Wingerter passed away at the age of 87 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roberta Ann Wingerter; his son Stephen Joseph Wingerter, wife Donna and sons Dylan and Sawyer; his daughters Mary Louise Britt, husband Clay, and daughter Elizabeth; and Kristin Marie Abrials, husband Mark and children Josephine and Nathanael; and his two younger brothers, John (wife Edythe) and Robert (wife Patricia) and many nieces and nephews.
Gene was born on April 19, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Eugene and Francis Wingerter. His early years in Erie included working at his father’s grocery store, Wingerter’s Market, where he often joked that he was assigned the worst shifts—Saturdays and holidays. He spent time on his father’s boat and could barefoot water ski despite not knowing how to swim. He especially enjoyed time at Presque Isle State Park.
He was a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory High School, Gannon College, and earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Detroit, followed by a Master of Engineering Administration from George Washington University. While in college, he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and served as social chairman.
Gene’s professional career spanned more than 50 years and included work on advanced naval missile systems and evaluation with Vitro Labs, serving as Research Director with Booz Allen Applied Research, and a 25-year tenure with the National Solid Waste Management Association where he served as Executive Director and CEO. During this time, he was instrumental in organizing the industry to shape the legislation that created the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and founded Refuse Insurance Liability Limited, a Bermuda-based insurance company that provided liability insurance to more than 100 member companies of the Environmental Industry Association (E.I.A.). In 1982 he founded The Institute of Chemical Waste Management which became the Hazardous Waste Management Association. His international experience included designing an association in Russia for the privatization of municipal and industrial waste management services.
In 1992, he launched the Environmental Research and Education Foundation to provide non-advocacy driven research on waste issues. Following his retirement from the waste industry, he formed Wingerter & Associates, a management consulting firm that included projects with Republic Waste Services. His ventures over the past 20 years included being a minority partner with two industry colleagues in SCA Services Corporation, a waste collection company in New England; serving as an advisor to DuraProducts, a manufacturer of pallets made from recycled materials; RouteWare, a GPS software company for the waste industry; and advising private equity environmental investments at Farlie Turner & Company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He also co-founded Threat Response Technologies with William Schild, focused on intelligence data acquisition related to Homeland Security. In 2005, he was inducted into the Environmental Industry Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his many contributions.
Gene’s early career nearly took him to a naval research position at a shipyard in Florence, Italy; however, his life took a far more meaningful turn after meeting Roberta Ann Mastny in 1962—the love of his life. Together, they began a lifelong adventure that included extensive international travel for work and settled in the Washington, D.C. area. They lived in Montgomery Square in Potomac, Maryland, then in Darnestown, Maryland, and later in Bethesda, Maryland, where they were members of Little Flower Parish. They spent more than 50 happy years as Washingtonians, raising their children and welcoming grandchildren who attended local schools. Along the way, they built strong friendships and were longtime members of Columbia Country Club.
Gene and Roberta eventually purchased a second home in Wilmington, North Carolina, where many cherished family memories were made. Seven years ago, they sold their Bethesda home and became full-time residents of Wilmington. They are members of Landfall Country Club, where their home is located.
Eugene was a mentor in UNCW’s Cameron Executive Network and volunteered at Kenan Chapel in Landfall and was a member of Knights of Columbus. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time with family at the beach and at country clubs in both Wilmington and Maryland. He was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington and walked daily with a deep relationship with Christ.
Gene loved breaking bread and conversation, and he had a special fondness for salmon—and wine. He was a thoughtful listener who respected the views of others. A humble and compassionate man, he was known for his kindness, warm smile, and eternally positive outlook. He took a genuine interest in everyone he met, regardless of their walk of life. One of his final remarks was, “Do it with love.”
The world is a better place for Gene’s journey. The boy from Erie left his mark.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 13th, at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Eastwood Road (Wilmington, NC), with a visitation from 10am followed by a funeral mass at 11am. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Landfall (Dye Course Clubhouse) from 12pm – 3pm and all are invited to greet the family there.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Eugene Wingerter to: Kenan Chapel at Landfall - https://kenanchapel.com
Good Shepherd Center (Wilmington)- https://www.goodshepherdwilmington.org Little Sisters of The Poor - tps://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org