WILMINGTON — Walter Ray Brigman slipped the surly bonds of earth to join his Lord on February 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Rockingham, North Carolina on July 20, 1941. He is predeceased by his parents Eva Welch and Walter Lee Brigman and his brother, Jimmy Brigman.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Louise (Susie) Brigman, his children Ray Brigman, Jr. and Steven C. Brigman (Patricia), step-children Ben Brantley (Sherri), Katherine Allen (Scott), Grandchildren Dana Bryant, Conner Brigman, Nicholas Allen, Sarah Allen, Natalie Allen, Sophie Allen, and Savanna Brantley. His sisters Glennie Dodds and Helen LaSanta (Art), several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He moved to Wilmington in 1966 to build boats with Ed Lowe and Bill Fetner at Intercontental Trimarans. In 1968, Ed built a big shop in his back yard and Masonboro Boat Yard was born. It was started to build custom boats and evolved into a full-service repair yard and unique community. Walter worked there until he retired in 2005.
Walter had a talented, curious mind, always learning. He could build anything and if asked if he could do something his answer was always “I don’t see why not.” His vocation was boat building but his passion was flying. He had a student pilots license before a driver’s license. He built his first boat at age eleven and sold it to his dentist. The next boat was a ski boat completed when he was 15. His proudest accomplishment was the Stolp’s Starduster Too he built. It was a two-place aerobatic airplane. His hobbies were flying, messing about in small boats, hunting, music, and travel with many miles in a motorhome traveling all over the United States with Susie. They were also fortunate to have traveled to several foreign countries. They had a full, happy life working, living and playing together.
He was a quiet gentleman, liked children, and was a mentor to several young people. He was well respected, always willing to share his knowledge and dry wit. Last Saturday he was building beds for kids. He will be deeply missed.
He was a member of Pine Valley Methodist Church where funeral services will be Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 3788 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC with visitation at 11:00, service at 12:00 followed by a graveyard service at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace (building beds for kids) c/o Tommy Underwood, 6924 Lipscomb Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412
