Dirk Swart

March 26, 2011
Dirk Swart


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Dirk Swart III, of Castle Hayne, fondly called “Bunky”, peacefully went on to the gardens of Heaven on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dirk Swart Jr. and mother, Danie Southerland Swart, a sister Danie Squires, a brother Charles E. Swart. He is survived by his companion and care-giver, Nadine Gilmore, 4 children Connie Bechdolt and husband Pat Pettit of Zebulon, Penny Ledbetter and husband Reid of Olin, Lynda Davis of Shelby, and Dirk Swart IV of Apex, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, two brothers William(Butch) Swart, Cornelius(Casey) Swart. Three sisters, Alma Field, Helen Simmons, and June Tilden and countless nieces and nephews.

He was a veteran of World War II and retired Army Reserves-Warrant Officer Three, operated a Phillips 66 Station on 5th and Castle for many years and captained the Gillette for the Army Corps of Engineers until he retired at age 76. Throughout this time period, he enjoyed farming and growing vegetables at Swart Garden on HWY 117, Castle Hayne Road.

His skills and knowledge of mechanics, operating a boat, and gardening made him a mentor to many. His strength, determination and courage in battling cancer have been an inspiration. He was well-loved for his humor and generosity. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Northside Baptist Church 2501 N. College Rd. Wilmington. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until service time.

Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401, or a charity of choice.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910)791.9099


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  • March 31, 2011
    Pete & Betty Peterson says:
    Bunky will be missed, he fought so hard. We send our prayers to his family. I cherish the Swart heritage and am so glad to be included in this special group. Love, Betty Swart Peterson

  • March 31, 2011
    wendy mcpherson says:
    To the Cildren and Nadine, What a loss we have to deal with, such a wonderful loving man.As a Medical Professional ...on a bad day, a trip to see Bunky made everything alright with my world.A few weeks ago Bunky and I held hands as we buried yet another dear friend Hank Hankins.Last year we sat and held each other as we cried over LITTLE WALT.I bet they are having a ball together now....fishin..planting flowers....laughing...talking...and understanding each other and being in No pain- HOW GOOD IS OUR GOD-IT IS MY PRAYER TO BE WITH THEM AGAIN IN THIS SHAPE-FOR THIS IS WHAT THEY ALL THREE LONGED FOR ...I WILL TRULY MISS THEM BUT NOT A MINUTE GOES BY THAT THEY EACH TOUCH MY HEART IN SOME WAY- A FLOWER- A FISH - A PLANE IN THE SKY.......WE ALL NEED TO STOP OUR BUSY WORLD AND SPEND A LITLE MORE TIME AND A LITTLE LESS WORRY , AND LAUGH ALOT MORE - FOR LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND AGAIN I WILL QUOTE THE FIRST TIME I MET BUNKY HE TRIED TO SELL ME A 50 DOLLAR GERANIUM I THOUGHT IT WAS KINDLY EXPENSIVE AND I SAID WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL AND HE SAID TO ME WHY "i AM SPECIAL" GOD MADE ME REAL GOOD" AND I CANNOT ARGUE THAT- AND YES I DO HAVE GERANIUMS EVERY YEAR, JUST FOR BUNKY - BECAUSE THEY ARE SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL JUST AS HIMSELF- I LOVED HIM- WENDY

  • April 03, 2011
    Dianne White Ledbetter says:
    I am grateful to have known Dirk through the lives of his children and grandchildren. The love of flowers, plants, God's earth and hard work is a legacy that lives on because of him. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Comfort and Peace to all his family.

  • March 29, 2011
    Susan S Brooks says:
    So sad to read of your dad's passing. Dirk was a great guy and so smart, much like my dad, a WWII vet also who passed away in '09. For many years I lived on Marathon Ave in Castle Hayne and he would bring me firewood in the winter. I will always remember his kindness. My sympathy to the entire family, Susan

  • April 03, 2011
    Rhonda Scearce says:
    Oh the memories I too have of Dirk! He was so nice and wonderful to me and my family. My heart goes out to each of you during this time. My family and I send our prayers and thoughts your way with love.