William "Buck" Shealy Rourk Jr.

WILLIAM "BUCK" SHEALY ROURK, JR, age 88, passed away at his residence Tuesday October 21, 2014. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 1, 1926, he was the only son of the late William S. Rourk and Janie Bell Southerland Rourk. Buck was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Ethel Johnson Rourk. He leaves behind his only child Terri Rourk Parham, his two granddaughters, Airlie Suzanne Parham and Chelsea Lane Parham and two sisters Mrs. Otis Jarman and Mrs. Mary Helen Deardoff Although Buck's only home was his beloved Wilmington NC, his world travels began in 1943 at the age of 17 when he joined the Navy and served with the Scout and Raiders which were the pioneers of the Navy Frogmen and now known as the Navy Seals. This earned him a recognition in the Naval Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida along with his fellow Scout and Raiders. After leaving the Navy, he joined the Merchant Marines and continued to travel the world for the next 3 years visiting countries too numerous to mention. In 1950 he returned to Wilmington and became the body shop manager for Rainey Chevrolet. During this time he married Ethel Johnson Rourk on December 17, 1950 to whom he remained married to until her death January 30 2004. Having a love for serving his country, Buck joined the Army Reserve in 1951, serving faithfully for 38 years. At the time of his retirement from the Reserves in 1989, he held the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1966 Buck left Rainey and was employed by Allstate Insurance Co as their property claims adjuster. Here Buck worked for 23 years retiring in 1989 after having served as President of the Wilmington Claims Assoc. Coming out of retirement in 1991, he traveled for five years for Allstate to work claims during natural disasters. Buck enjoyed his retirement for 25 years doing the things he loved best....fishing, playing golf and working in his garage. Our family will always be indebted to the loving care given to Buck by his friend and caregiver Mr. Wallace Council. We would also like to recognize the following caregivers, Virginia Perkins, Shante Rowell, Risa Johnson and Felicia Robinson and we would also like to thank the entire staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their kindness and excellent care, especially Brandy, Kim, Tracie, Renee, Cathy, Monique and Patty. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401 or the charity of one's choice.

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