Christopher William Archer–also known as Chris, Archie, Bubby, and his favorite, Uncle Chris–died unexpectedly after a short illness, on Friday, Dec. 25, 2015 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born Aug. 16, 1986 in Wilmington. Chris is survived by his parents, William V. & Claudia L. Archer; sister, Jennifer A. Archer (with Derek Reynolds); and nephew, Michael J. Archer. Other surviving family members include aunts and uncles, Charles and Carol Ohnmacht, Thomas and Jane Archer, Kathi (Archer) Hanson-Boyce and Ric Boyce, as well as cousins, Andrea Russo, Christine (Russo) Sullivan, Valarie and Jamie Fowler, Chuck Ohnmacht, Bobby Hanson and his dog, Roscoe, as well as too many wonderful friends and associates to name.
He has joined, in Heaven, his grandparents, William and Dorothy Archer, Charles Ohnmacht and Florence L. Avery; uncle, Dave Hanson; and his beloved dog, Foxy, and childhood cat, Missy.
Chris graduated from John T. Hoggard High School in 2005. He worked for several years as a deck hand and later as an A/B Seaman on tugboats for Reinauer Transportation Cos. of Staten Island, New York, and then as an appliance and furniture delivery driver with Sears Roebuck in Wilmington.
His hobbies included surfing, basketball, fantasy football and hanging out with friends and family. He loved playing with his nephew, Michael, and helped to coach his tee-ball team, and planned to help Michael become the starting short stop for Chris’ favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. Chris earned the rank of “Life Scout” during his years in the Boy Scouts, and enjoyed camping and rock climbing with the scouts.
He became best friends to all who met him. He was a gentle soul whose actions spoke volumes, as did the humor and grace that he brought to each situation.
There will be a celebration of life from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel for friends and family to remember Chris and to talk freely with others who have been touched by Chris. Because Chris was such a free spirit, there will be no dress code for this event–shorts and flip flops would be just fine. Chris would want you to be comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the family would rather donations be made to Chris’ GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses and an animal rescue association in Wilmington.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation.
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