SUNSET HARBOR — The Reverend James A. Whitworth, 93, left this world for his heavenly reward Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017.
As a U.S. Marine during World War II, James was wounded in action in the Pacific theater and received the Purple Heart. He attended Gardner Webb College and Limestone College. James served his Lord as a Baptist minister throughout North Carolina and Virginia for 50 years. He served Brunswick County at Supply Baptist Church as pastor and served throughout the county at various churches until the age of 90.
His ministry included West Franklin Baptist, Ozark Baptist and Oakland Baptist in Gaston County, N.C. James also served Dublin Baptist in Dublin, Va., for 10 years. Traveling the U.S. and a visit to the Holy Land were highlights for him. Along with being a minister, James was a master carpenter, beekeeper, gardener and fisherman.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert V. Whitworth and L. May Walters Whitworth of Gastonia, N.C.; brothers, Clayton Whitworth, Clarence Whitworth, Bob Whitworth and Joe Whitworth; and sisters, Martha McLamb, Helene Whitworth and Rachel Long.
Surviving are his loving wife of 74 years, Ruth of Sunset Harbor; sons, Roger Whitworth (Bitsy) of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Michael Whitworth (Rebecca) of St. Cloud, Fla.; daughters, Wanda Ward (Jackie) of Dublin, Va., Linda Richardson (Don) of Southport, N.C., and Jane Hall (Jack) of Kure Beach, N.C.; sisters, Virginia Border, Lina Willard and MaryAnn Ailstock; grandchildren, Melissa Carpenter, Laura Richardson, Tshenea Royalty, Jeremy Whitworth, Chris Whitworth, Marcia Bouquet and Elisha Hall; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Brunswick Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor, 3867 Sunset Harbor Road, SE, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Online condolences can be made at www.brunswickfuneralservice.com.