John Bernard Ennis

December 28, 1945 - July 3, 2020
John Bernard Ennis

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John Bernard Ennis of Wilmington, NC, age 74 passed from this earth on Friday July 3, 2020.

John was born to Emory Turner Ennis and Elmore Bernard Ennis of Morehead City, North Carolina on December 28, 1945. John made his home in many North Carolina locations including Morehead City, Raleigh and Wilmington. He also lived in Denver, Colorado, Clovis, New Mexico, Miami and Gainesville, Florida.

John attended North Carolina State University and graduated form Eastern New Mexico University. He obtained an MBA from the University of Florida.

John had an extensive thirty-three-year healthcare career in areas of information technology, clinic operations, and finance. He was employed as a manager, executive, and healthcare consultant. Employers included: The University of Florida College of Medicine, Ernst & Young LLC, Beacon Partners, Pitt Memorial Hospital, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Shared Medical Systems, and Rex Hospital. Consulting clients included large medical centers and physician practices nationwide. John also proudly served as a Staff Sergeant, US Air Force, 1968–1972, Avionics Technician.

Additional accomplishments included a Fellow appointment with Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Advanced Member, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), Junior Navigator, US Power Squadrons and a longtime dedicated member of the N.C. State Wolfpack Club and University of Florida Gator Boosters.

John had an infinite passion for nature and all the wonders in it. He was a life-long naturalist, a longtime member of the Carolina Bird Club, several Audubon organizations, wildlife photographer and amateur naturalist. He had over thirty years’ experience in birding and nature photography. His nature trips took him to forty-nine states in North America plus a sliver of Canada and Mexico. When John was not in God’s good wilderness, you could almost certainly find him attending college football and basketball games. John was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, NC.

John Ennis is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Christopher and Katherine Spivey of Wilmington, NC, his sister Joanna Wright of Huntersville, NC and Ralph Ennis and wife, Jennifer of Raleigh, NC. Uncle John loved his many nieces and nephews which he spoke of often. A private celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

A quote from John’s favorite poem – “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring, will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • September 16, 2022
    Sam Buentello says:
    After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a means you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!

  • July 06, 2020
    Sherry Lane says:
    I knew John as a local birder who always was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful in getting people excited about our local birds. He will be very missed by many. So sorry.

  • July 20, 2020
    Ann Orsillo says:
    I met John in the Carolina Bird Club when we were new residents of North Carolina. He led many of the bird walks and was always patient and liked sharing his knowledge. He took Sue and I to South Carolina and showed us all the hot spots there. We helped him carry his big lenses and scope to view the shorebirds. He made our trip fun and interesting. He wrote a nature article for the State Port Pilate newspaper (Southport) every month. I kept all the articles which also contained his fantastic photos. A great guy to know and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

  • July 14, 2020
    Debbie Deiner says:
    July 5th I opened my favorite Bible to read the the first page, presented to, Debbie Deiner by John Ennis. He wrote "Proverbs 3 5-6, January 26, 1990. I believe he was a born again Christian around that date. I followed the same year. I will always treasure this Bible. I leave this scripture for you, Revelation 3 verse 12. Go in Peace and Love Debbie

  • July 14, 2020
    Barry Oldham says:
    Kathi, I have many fond memories of your Dad putting up with all of the shenanigans from us in college. My deepest sympathies for your loss. Sending you love and prayers. After losing my father, I realized they will always be with you and you will feel and see his presence when it’s needed .Love you, Barry