Dr. Ira “Ike” Polycarp Efird, Jr. passed away March 2, 2016 surrounded by his wife and family he loved so dearly. A memorial service to celebrate his life officiated by Pastor Tom Gibson will be at 3PM Sunday, March 13 at Guilford College United Methodist Church followed by visitation in the fellowship hall.
Dr. E., as so many people affectionately referred to him, was born in Stanly County, NC to the late I.P. and Lona Dry Efird on December 31, 1925. His parents instilled in him a reverence of God, the positive consequences of hard work and the importance of family. From 1944 to 1946 he served in the US Army, 376th Infantry Division, as a heavy weapons crewman. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the EAME service medal with two bronze service stars, WWII Victory and Occupational medals and Good Conduct medal. From 1950 to 1954 he served in the dental corps and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He received his DDS from the Medical College of Virginia and practiced dentistry in Greensboro for 43 years graciously serving four generations of families in his office. His occupational associations include the Guilford County Dental Society and induction into the Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry in 1988.
Ike served his community through several different avenues. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder, and was a member of the Young Men’s Bible class. He particularly enjoyed Tuesday morning Bible study with John Willet for many years. He also attended Guilford College United Methodist Church with Debbie, his wife of nearly 26 years. He participated in Civil War re-enactments with the Guilford Grays. Since 1957 he served with the Gate City Kiwanis Club and actively supported Boy Scouts of America.
He also loved to be on the water and was a Junior Navigator in the Greensboro Power Squadron, and enjoyed the comradery and playing golf at Greensboro Country Club. Ike delighted in gardening and woodworking. He was passionate about books and was an expert duplicate bridge player. Ike exemplified what a gentleman should be. He and Debbie enjoyed the simple pleasures of spending time together. He didn’t tolerate rudeness and even when correction was needed it was always given in a calm and respectful manner. Everyone who knew Ike described him as the sweetest man they had ever known. Many felt that it was a privilege to have known him, and that he impacted their lives in a profound way.
He is survived by his wife Debbie; children and their spouses, Charles Efird and John Gartling of Baltimore, MD, Bob Efird and Forrest Hughes of Richmond, VA, Kathryn and David Stover of Raleigh, NC; John and Michelle Efird of Greensboro, NC; Anne and Richard Romano of Virginia Beach, VA, and Joseph and Julie Schlosser of Raleigh, NC; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Virginia Efird of Monroe, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Harwood Efird and sister, Geraldine Shaw.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Beacon Place, 2502 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 to which Ike’s family is extremely thankful for their kindness and loving care shown to Ike during his stay. Debbie is grateful for the amazing support of their friends and church family that cared for Ike and for her. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Efird family.
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