June 2008 Obituaries

Donald Craig Downing, Sr.
Atkinson--Donald Craig Downing, Sr., 72, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at New 
Hanover Regional Medical Center. 
He was born March 7, 1936 in Wilmington and was the son of the late Herman and 
Ethel Kelly Downing. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sue Downing.
Donald was a graduate of Atkinson High School and attended Wilmington College. 
For many years he farmed in Pender County growing tobacco, strawberries and 
flowers. He was a member of Atkinson Baptist Church and past member of Atkinson 
Ruritan Club. For many years he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army 
Reserves. Currently and for the past few years Donald was employed with Ezzell 
Trucking Company. Truck driving was Donald’s life long passion and he was a king 
of the road. 
Survivors include his loving wife of twenty years, Gale Patricia “Pat” Downing of the 
home; two sons, Herman Downing of Wilmington and Daniel Downing of Atkinson; 
four step-children, Rose Milazzo of Atkinson, Michael Milazzo (Daniel Murphy) of 
San Diego, Calif., Christopher Milazzo of Jupiter, Fla. and Gale Milazzo of Boynton 
Beach, Fla.; several special cousins and his beloved pets, Sissy and Baby.
Final rites were held Saturday, May 31, at Atkinson Baptist Church with the Rev. 
Douglas Warnock, Sr. officiating. Burial followed in Point Caswell Baptist Church 
Cemetery. Casketbearers were Ricky Kelly, Jimmy Kelly, David Kelly, Sheldon 
Mekler, Ricky Rhyne and David Coleman. Honorary bearers were members of Men’s 
Bible Class of Atkinson Baptist Church.
Memorial gifts may be given to Pender County Humane Society, P.O. Box 626, 
Burgaw, N.C. 28425, Atkinson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 368, Atkinson, N.C. 28421 
or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences to the family may be sent to 
www.quinnmcgowen.com. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of 
Burgaw handled the arrangements. 

 
Willie D. Walker 
Watha—Willie D. Walker, 89, died Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Pender Memorial Hospital. 
He was born Aug. 9, 1918, in Pender County to Carrie E. Herring Walker and the late 
Joel Walker. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Tate Walker and a daughter, Tanya Walker. 
He was a graduate of the former C.F. Poe High School and retired from New York City 
Transit Authority as a Motorman. He faithfully served his country during World War II in 
the U.S. Army. 
Survivors include his mother, Carrie E. Walker of Watha; a son, Willie D. Walker Jr. and 
wife Pamela of St. Louis Mo.; two daughters, Deborah W. Molina and husband Ernest 
of Staten Island, N.Y. and Juana Walker of Brooklyn, N.Y.; six sisters, Bertha V. 
Bannerman and Vivian Minatee both of Watha, Bernice White and husband Clifton of 
Burgaw, Dolores Tyree of Rocky Point, Juliette Goodwyn of Suffolk Va., and Esther 
Brinson and husband Teddy of Decatur Ga.; three brothers, Reginald Walker and Ray 
Walker both of Watha, and Carl Walker and wife Janice of Conway; other sisters-in-law, 
Ida C. Williams of Baltimore Md., Norma J. Walker of Watha; nine grandchildren; three 
great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Final rites will be held Wednesday (today) May 28, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Missionary 
Baptist Church in Watha. Interment will follow in the Joel Walker family cemetery. Dunn 
Funeral Home of Burgaw is handling the arrangements. 
 
 
Annie Laurie Sidbury
Hampstead--Annie Laurie Sidbury, age 86, of Watts Landing fell asleep in the Lord on 
Tuesday, May 27, 2008. 
She was born October 21, 1921 in Pender County to Wilbur Dowless and Gracie Batson
 Dowless. She was a graduate of Topsail High School. On May 19, 1940 she married 
Richard Atkinson Sidbury who preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 2000 after sixty years 
of marriage.
Sidbury along with her husband served the Lord by playing the piano with various gospel 
quartets, teaching Sunday school and being a constant witness to all. Her greatest love 
was that she had for her family; her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She 
enjoyed taking care of them, spending time with them and loving them. She often told them
 to remember, “There is nothing like a mother’s love.” She was a faithful member of Blakes 
Chapel Advent Christian Church. A gracious soul with a heart of gold, Annie Laurie lived her 
life generously, compassionately and with concern for others. She was an inspiration to all 
and will be missed more than words can express.
Survivors include a son, Rex Sidbury and wife Andrea; two daughters, Marsha Spiller and 
husband Warren, Virginia Swinson and husband Robert; four grandchildren, Carson Sidbury, 
Zachary Spiller, Robbie Swinson and wife Sonya, and Lynn Gideon and husband Todd; and
 three great grandchildren, Greyson and Chesnee Swinson and Mason Gideon.
A graveside funeral service was held Thursday, May 29, at Blakes Chapel Advent Christian 
Church Cemetery with Rev. Edward Dowd officiating. Casketbearers were Layton Coleman, 
Tom Sessions, Wayne Padgett, Gerald Padgett, David Justice, and Gene Grafius. Honorary 
bearers were Jeff Alford, Wilbur Carter, Owen Martin, Harold Meadows, Cecil Johnson and 
Blaine DeNius.
In lieu of flowers in memory of Mrs. Sidbury please give memorial gifts to the Blakes Chapel
 Penny Crusade, 88 Blakes Chapel Rd., Hampstead NC 28443. Condolences may be sent 
to www.quinnmcgowen.com. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw 
handled the arrangements. 
 
 
Eloise Bowling Macgill
Wilmington--Eloise Bowling Macgill formerly of Pulaski, Va., went to be with her Lord and 
Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 29, 2008. 
She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Daniel Macgill, Jr. She is survived 
by her only son, Rev. Dan and Sybil Macgill of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Burgaw; four 
grandchildren, Will Macgill and Tricia of Summit, N.J., Gordon Macgill and Andrea of 
Richmond, Va.; Peirce Macgill and Meg of Baltimore, Md.; and Stephanie Macgill of North 
Lake Tahoe, Nev. and six special great grandchildren. She was also close to the Owen family 
members, Bill, Carolyn, Pennie and Leslie.
Throughout her adult life, Eloise was involved with civic and community organizations, 
including Hensel Eckman YMCA, New River Historical Society, Pulaski Chapter of the 
American Red Cross, Presbyterian Children’s Home, Fine Arts Center New River Valley. 
She also served on the Virginia Governor’s Mansion Board and was a member of the Thorn 
Spring Country Club. Her special loves were the Friday Bridge Club and Round Dozen Club. 
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and later a member of St. John’s Episcopal 
Church.
Final rites were held Monday, June 2, at Stevens Funeral Home in Pulaski, Va., with the Rev. 
Dan Macgill officiating. Entombment followed in Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski, Va. Memorial 
gifts may be given to American Red Cross, Cape Fear Chapter, 1102 S. 16th St., Wilmington, 
NC 28401 or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and 
Cremation Center of Burgaw handled the arrangements. 



JOHN SZARY		
John Szary, 84, of Hampstead, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Woodbury Wellness 
Center. John served his country in the United States Marine Corp during WWII, Korea 
and Vietnam. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann Szary of Hampstead and 
Elaine Needham of Snow Camp; one brother, Andrew Lesico of Pennsylvania; one 
sister, Blanche Nawroski of New Jersey; one granddaughter, Bethany E. Dodgens and 
two great grandchildren, Lily and Jeremy Dodgens. In accordance to John's wishes, 
there will be no services held. 
Tributes and Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com Coble 
Ward-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Oleander Chapel, 791-4444. 
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com 


Hollis Jr., Elmon -  HAMPSTEAD - Elmon "E. J." Hollis Jr., 66, of Hampstead, died 
June 23, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. A funeral will be ...
Published in the Jacksonville Daily News from 6/25/2008 - 6/28/2008





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