Earl Stewart Saylors

Earl Stewart Saylors, 72, of Wilmington, born June 21, 1939 in Benton County, Indiana was called home by God on Thursday April 26, 2012 after a nineteen year battle with cancer which he fought with dignity and grace. He was preceded in death by two wives, Claudia and Joyce; parents, Earl and Helen Saylors; and brothers, Scotty, Larry, and Ronnie. He is survived by a daughter, Michelle Pender; grandsons, Marcus Allen, Nicholas Thomas, and Justin Pender; sisters, Judy Parsley, Wetonna Wagers, Janet West, Wanda West, Donnetta Spear, and Paulette Kellerhaus; brothers, Lyndon Saylors and Dwight Saylors; and many nieces and nephews. He was a man of faith who had a special place in his heart for always being there to support family members in need, taking them in and assisting them during times of hardship, and will be dearly missed all those whose lives he touched. Mr. Saylors proudly served and retired from the United States Marine Corps, honorably fighting many tours of foreign war. Following his military service he retired from a second career with the City of Wilmington Water & Sewer Department. He really enjoyed and was known by all who knew him for his collecting of toy trucks and tractors. His collection often amazed guests who entered his home. He had a passion for woodworking, boating, fishing, reading the Bible and Louis L'Amour books, writing poems, and watching John Wayne westerns and war movies in the recliner with his beloved dog Sassy. Most of all he enjoyed spending time and joking with family. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel with Pastor Jerry Andrews officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd. Wilmington, with military honors accorded by an honor guard from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He will be forever remembered and dearly missed. His family would like to give a special thank you to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, and Hanover Medical Specialists Hemotology and Oncology, for the loving support and care they have given to him through the years. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the American Cancer Society.