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