Elbert "Bert" Pilston Felton

Elbert (Bert) Pilston Felton, born on May 25, 1944 in South Norfolk, Virginia to the late Henry Norfleet Felton II and Audrey Leary Felton. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rebecca Hobgood Felton, daughter Melissa Felton Valego and husband Matt, son David Edward Felton, grandson Nicholas Edward Valego, granddaughter Paige Beverly Valego, brother Henry Norfleet Felton III and wife Judi, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces.

Bert (known by friends in Southport) was a quiet man, deeply spiritual, devoted to his wife Becky and their family, served others in need, a researcher of facts, an enthusiastic story-teller, a licensed boat Captain, a ready volunteer and a man with a passion for life especially history of the Cape Fear region, sea-going vessels of all kinds and lighthouses.

He graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A, in 1966 and from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, in 1971.

For twenty years, he worked in Winston-Salem, NC as an aide to U.S. Congressman Steve Neal. In 1995, he move to Southport and worked for the state of North Carolina at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic site and later for the Historic Tourism Division of the Department of Commerce. His enthusiasm for history was evident with countless tours, lectures, Civil War events and “Jack Tar” portrayals. In 2005, Bert earned his Captain’s license and launched his career as Captain Bert Felton on his re-fitted 1938 Harker’s Island fishing vessel ‘Solomon T’. People on ‘Solomon T’ river tours received unique insights and knowledge into the history and wildlife of the Cape Fear region.

His volunteer work included Coast Guard Auxiliary (serving many positions including Flotilla Commander, Southport Flotilla 10-05, in 2009), Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson, Oak Island Lighthouse, NC Aquarium, Southport Maritime Museum, Brunswick Catch, Southport Historical Society, “Thor” cannon crew, Disaster Response Teams, Honduras mission work, Caswell Beach Turtle Watch program and crew on several Tall Ships including the USCG Eagle. One of Captain Felton’s proudest accomplishments was the Southport Wooden Boat Show, which he was instrumental in founding in 2009.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church, in Southport, where he was a member with Rev. Bryan Faggart officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Stephen Ministry program of Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St, Southport NC 28461, or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport is assisting the family.