WILMINGTON — Alex Zebulon Congleton, at the age of 83, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Born on April 13, 1942, in Columbus County, North Carolina, he was the cherished son of Tom and Sudie Squires Congleton of Delco, NC.
A proud graduate of New Hanover High School, Alex embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His exemplary service was marked by several commendations, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Battle Efficiency Ribbon.
After retiring from his naval career, Alex dedicated another two decades to working for General Electric, exemplifying commitment and steadfastness in all his endeavors.
A man of enduring faith, Alex was a devoted member of Northside Baptist Church. He found solace and joy in the great outdoors, particularly through his passions for fishing and hunting.
Alex was preceded in death by his beloved son, Alex Scott Congleton; his parents, Tom and Sudie Congleton; and his siblings, Pvt. George T. Congleton, Doris Annell Murray, Sarah Jeanette Taylor, and Marshall McDonald Congleton.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Eva Lea Congleton; daughter Tracy Reeves and son-in-law Eric Reeves; step-daughter Melinda Stanton; grandchildren Meghan Juanarena and husband Brian Juanarena, Angela Erickson and husband Kristofor Erickson, Kylea Stanton, Braden Stanton, and Kenzie Stanton; and great-grandchildren Braxton Erickson, Thomas Juanarena, Gracie Juanarena, and Riggs Erickson. Also surviving are his siblings Marjorie Neve, Joyce Watkins, and Franklin Congleton and wife Wilma Congleton.
Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Alex are invited to a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, located at 1535 S. 41st St., Wilmington, NC 28403. A memorial funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, where his life will be celebrated, and his memory honored by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Alex’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Tree of Life.
His remarkable life and legacy remain etched in the hearts of those he loved and those who had the privilege to love him.
