Gary Eugene Widenhouse

September 8, 1931 - November 22, 2012
Gary Eugene Widenhouse

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Gary Eugene Widenhouse, 81, of Wrightsville Beach, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2012 at his home.

Born on September 8, 1931 in Concord, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Martha Scarborough Widenhouse. He was a 1951 graduate of Concord High School and in the same year he joined the US Air Force and was stationed at Rhein Main Air Force Base in Frankfurt Germany for 3 years and trained and worked as a medic and dental technician until 1955. In 1959, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and then obtained a Masters of Art Degree in Education from East Carolina University in 1963. Gary worked in various capacities for New Hanover County Schools for 37 years including Teacher & Assistant Principal at New Hanover High School, and principal at Forest Hills Elementary School, Ogden Elementary School, Roland Grise Middle School, and College Park Elementary School until his retirement in 1997. He was an avid fisherman and participated in many king mackerel tournaments on his beloved boat, “GW’s GW II”.

Surviving are four sons, Gary E. Widenhouse, II (Sherry), Alex Widenhouse (Christie), Chris Widenhouse (Tammy), Ashley Widenhouse (Kelly); a sister, Martha S. Allen; and ten grandchildren, Madison, Keaton, Sydney, Alex, Alexis, Carissa, Delaney, Christopher, Blake, and Brynn. He really loved and enjoyed life and many years with his close friend, Sheila Rainey.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6 pm until 8 pm at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.

Funeral services will be 11 am Thursday at Wrightsville United Methodist Church with Reverend Bob Bauman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Coastal Conservation Association of NC; 4809 Hargrove Road, Suite 123; Raleigh, NC 27616 or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation; 1359 Broadway Suite 1509; New York, NY 10018.

Please share memories and condolences with the family 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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  • November 25, 2012
    Val, Jeff, Amanda, and Olivia Davidson says:
    Our family has been blessed to have known and spent a great deal of time with Gary. He was my aunt Sheila's beloved companion for the last 17 years. In essence, he became a grandfather figure to myself and my family. Above all, we will miss his companionship and wicked sense of humor. I'm sure he has a special place in Heaven. Val Davidson

  • November 26, 2012
    Marge Cooper says:
    My condolence go the familyof Gary. He loved his children very much and talked about them all the time I worked for Gary at College Park School for 5 years as his secretary. He will be missed. Know that the angels have him wrapped in their arms now.

  • November 26, 2012
    Iris Pickler White says:
    I was so sad to hear about Mr. Widenhouse's passing. He was my favorite teacher at NHHS. I saw him just a short while ago at my workplace. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

  • November 26, 2012
    Andy Cook says:
    Gary, sorry to hear about your father passing on. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Andy Cook

  • November 26, 2012
    Bo Shinn says:
    I work with Gary Jr. and feel that Gary Sr. must have been an incredible man to have raised such a great son. My prayers go up for your entire family.