BURGAW — Cornelius “Neil” Bryan Whitehurst, age 77, of Burgaw passed peacefully from his earthly life on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family who loved him.
He was born February 1, 1946 in Bethel, NC. Neil was one of four children born to Robert Staton Whitehurst and Etta Faye Whitehurst. He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters; Barbara Ewart, Patricia Whitehurst and Beth Anderson.
A Pitt County native, Neil was an ECU graduate and a lifelong US Marine. From Patriarch to Patriot, he exuded loyalty to his faith, family, friends and community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and just being out in nature. He attended Rocky Point Methodist Church and was a member of King Solomon Lodge #138 A.F. & A.M. in Burgaw, NC. Neil’s legacy to us all, is to love our neighbors as if they were our family. He never met a stranger, and he made you feel important from the moment you met him. We find great peace in knowing we will see him again in Heaven.
Neil is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda Wright Whitehurst; their daughters, Laurie Slezak and husband, John, and Cristy Kessler and husband, Charlie; grandchildren, Kyle Slezak, Jacob Slezak, Ryan Slezak, Samantha Slezak, Tyler Kessler, Jay Kessler, and David Kessler; a great grandson, Jaxson Slezak and a special nephew who was like a son, Gregory Ewart; along with his sisters’ daughters: Sharon Whitehurst, Amy Forbes, Kimberley Warrick and Holly Austin.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. The Rev. Thomas Melton and Rev. Mark Murphy will conduct the service.
In lieu of flowers; Please consider making a donation to Rocky Point Methodist Church, PO Box 6, Rocky Point, NC 28457. Thank you and God Bless you.
