Richard C. “Dick” Andrews, of Wilmington, died peacefully at Davis Health Care Center on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, at the age of 86.
He was born in Wilmington on Feb. 1, 1929, the son of the late Leon Polk Andrews and Ruth Pope Andrews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Leon P. Andrews Jr.
Mr. Andrews was a graduate of New Hanover High School and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He was an active member of the Wilmington community, having served on several city boards, including the Wilmington Housing Authority, for many years.
He was also involved in several civic and fraternal organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, the Lower Cape Fear SAR, the American Legion, St. John’s Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Sudan Shriners. He had served on the Board of Carolina Savings and Loan for many years and later on the Advisory Board of BB&T.
In his professional life, Mr. Andrews was the owner of Andrews Mortuary, his family business. Having lost his mother at a very young age and just a few years later his father, he understood the importance of compassion and dedication in funeral service. That compassion, dedication and tireless effort became the trademark of his work, his service to the community and his legacy that he has passed on to his three children, who he was proud to have working with him at the funeral home.
Mr. Andrews was also a man of strong faith. He was a charter member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, which merged to become St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder for many years. He was involved in all aspects of the church during his younger years, serving on many church committees and had most recently enjoyed being a member of the Evans- Feezor Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Van Horn Andrews; three children, Richard C. Andrews Jr. (Mary), J. Scot Andrews (Teresa) and Laura Andrews Gainey (Charles); six grandchildren, Allison Andrews Goodson (Will), Robin Andrews, Alexis Gainey, Weston Gainey, Grace Andrews and Jay Andrews; and his twin great-grandchildren, Jim and Louise Goodson. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Doris Dow Andrews and two nieces, Debbie Stick and Melanie Andrews.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. The interment at Oakdale Cemetery will be private.
For those who wish to make a donation in his memory, the family suggests St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the Salvation Army
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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