JAMES DAVID ALCORN July 30, 1919 - January 3, 2011 Mr. James David Alcorn (91) of Columbus, Georgia, and Eden, North Carolina, died peacefully at his daughter's home where he had been living for the past five and one-half years since the passing of his beloved wife, Edith Hall Alcorn, on July 11, 2005. He and his wife had been married for 62 years and lived in a home that Mr. Alcorn and his father-in-law, Cicero Hall, built in 1946 when Mr. Alcorn returned from his tour of duty in the European Theatre during World War II. Mr. Alcorn was the son of the late James Turner Alcorn and Flora Howell Alcorn. He was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, where he lived all of his life except for his time in Europe during World War II and the time he lived in Georgia. He was very proud of his service to his country. He entered the war in Normandy, France, and fought with his artillery unit in northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He left the Army as a staff sergeant and earned the Good Conduct medal and the EAMET Campaign medal with five Bronze Stars. He kept a coded diary about his time in the U.S. Army. After the war, Mr. Alcorn served for 30 years as a rural mail carrier in Rockingham County. He loved his job and his hobbies, which included quail hunting, fishing, golfing and working for his church with his close friend Carl Spain. He became a Christian at age 27 when he joined Spray Baptist Church. When he moved to Columbus in 2005, he joined St. Luke United Methodist Church. The churches allowed him to keep his membership in each. Mr. Alcorn was preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife; an older brother, Otis Alcorn; an older sister, Edna Weddle; a much-loved younger brother, Lloyd (Red) Alcorn; and two nephews, James Weddle (Buddy) and Greg Alcorn. He is survived by his only child, Dr. Carolyn F. Gates and son-in-law, Thomas; two grandsons, James David Ferguson and Charles Patrick Ferguson (Lisa), all of Athens, Georgia. He is also survived by his step-grandson, Chris Calle (Monica) in Columbus; a step-granddaughter, Stacey P. Gates, of Washington, D.C.; and a step-great-grandchild, Mariana Calle; and many nieces and nephews. The family greatly appreciates the excellent care provided by Dr. George Shannon. Papa was attended by loving caregivers Gloria Purter, Winnie Clark, Linda Dodd and Sandra Watson. Visitation will be at Fair Funeral Home, Eden, NC on Thursday January 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be at Spray Baptist Church, Eden, North Carolina, at 1PM Friday January 7, 2011 with interment in the family plot at Overlook Cemetery in Eden, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spray Baptist Church in Eden or to Paws of Columbus. Carolyn and Tom will receive friends at their home on Sunday, January 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Carolyn and Tom, We were so sad to hear about the passing of David. I have such fond childhood memories of visiting David and Edith whenever we went home to Grandmother's place in North Carolina. Both David and Edith were such special people. I've always felt like I would not be in this world if it had not been for a big-hearted Carolina GI taking pity on a big-hearted Texas GI and taking him home to meet his sweetheart and to introduce him to our mother. Even though we can't be there with you this week, our hearts are with you as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a truly wonderful guy. Regards, Patricia Horton
Patricia Horton
Carolyn and Family, We both were so sorry learn of David's passing. He was truly an outgoing and friendly man to all who met him. Though we hadn't seen him since the very last reunion with him and Edith, Mom did talk to him after Dad passed in 2000. Mom could't remember how Cicero was related to the Wyricks, but I do remember coming to Eden when I was little visiting David and Edith, and Mom and Dad even way before I was even born. We hope his loving memory will be a blessing and a comfort to you at this time of sorrow and will carry you through the days ahead and always. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Betty and Chris
Betty Wyrick and son Chris
I'm so sorry for your loss, but may you look to the scriptures for comfort. And I hope it provides you with much hope and with the opportunity to see him again (John5:28,29).
E.M.
Carolyn and Family, so sorry to hear of David's passing. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. David, along with your Mother, were special friends to my family. So loving and caring to my children. I will hold dear the memories of the yearly trips to Fort Caswell and the wonderful homemade ice-cream he made every 4th of July. We will hold dear those special memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you The W. J. "Bill" Leffew family
Jane Leffew Paschall
Dear Alcorn Family, My sincerest condolensces in the passing of David. He was greatly loved over the years by our congregation at Spray Baptist. He will be greatly missed. Please know that our prayers and concerns are for you all at this time. The Lord promises great comfort and consolation at times such as these. Take care and God bless. Pastor Joseph Hethcoat Spray Baptist Church Eden, N.C.
Rev. Joseph Hethcoat
Hello Carolyn, my parents, J.L and Dorothy Harris, grew up with your mom and dad. I remember you from school. I just wanted to let you know something sweet about your dad. He was our mailcarrier for many years. During the years of 1967 and 1968, my husband was in Vietnam. Your dad said he very much enjoyed bringing love letters back and forth from me and my husband. With Love, Nadine H Knight
nadine harris knight
Carolyn and family, we are saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I have fondest memories of David working with the youth helping us prepare for and then taking us to the many Bible Drills over the years. Of course each year's drill ended with the state tournament at Ft. Caswell. He would let us go out and play on the beach as long as we promised to take a break sometime during the day and practice for the final drill. He and my dad sang together in the choir, served as deacons, and in many other capacities over the years. I am so glad my family got to see David a year or so ago at the Weddle Family Reunion up on Rocky Knob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. The Roy Cottrell Family
Mary Leigh Cottrell
Ray and I were very saddened to hear of your loss of David. We always enjoyed him and Edith coming to our Weddle Reunion,in Floyd, Va. He will be greatly missed, and I hope your great memories of him will help you as you grieve. LOTS of LOVE and PRAYERS,
Ray & Mary Weddle
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