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 28, 2011
    Teresa Williams says:
    My family has been so blessed by the Swart family gardens. Mr. Swart has done so much good for GENERATIONS- service to his country and his community. How many of us could live up to his example? I feel so humbled. What a truely amazing man. Thank you Lord.I will remember his family in my prayers, and thank all of the Swarts for sharing Mr. Swart with us.

  • March 28, 2011
    Anita Jones says:
    Lynda, You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you much peace and comfort. Love, Anita Jones

  • March 29, 2011
    Jeff Marlow says:
    Enjoyed working with Captain Dirk from 1984-1995 at the Army Corps of Engineers. He was a superb captain.

  • March 29, 2011
    families de Jong, de Jong-Swart, Oosterom , de Vri says:
    We all share your grieve and keep the memory of a hard-working, always smiling person. An anecdote: looking for the deer who ate his vegetables, he took his rifle saying "make my day". BUT THE DEER ESCAPED!

  • March 28, 2011
    Gene Shaver& Family says:
    Penny, Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We remembered you especially in SS this morning. Your UGUMC family is praying for you as well. We love you!1 Gtace and Peace to you, Gene, Lisa, Kelly, Jake, Kristen, and Wesely