James David Alcorn

JAMES DAVID ALCORN July 30, 1919 - January 3, 2011 Mr. James David Alcorn (91) of Columbus, Georgia, and Eden, North Carolina, died peacefully at his daughter's home where he had been living for the past five and one-half years since the passing of his beloved wife, Edith Hall Alcorn, on July 11, 2005. He and his wife had been married for 62 years and lived in a home that Mr. Alcorn and his father-in-law, Cicero Hall, built in 1946 when Mr. Alcorn returned from his tour of duty in the European Theatre during World War II. Mr. Alcorn was the son of the late James Turner Alcorn and Flora Howell Alcorn. He was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, where he lived all of his life except for his time in Europe during World War II and the time he lived in Georgia. He was very proud of his service to his country. He entered the war in Normandy, France, and fought with his artillery unit in northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He left the Army as a staff sergeant and earned the Good Conduct medal and the EAMET Campaign medal with five Bronze Stars. He kept a coded diary about his time in the U.S. Army. After the war, Mr. Alcorn served for 30 years as a rural mail carrier in Rockingham County. He loved his job and his hobbies, which included quail hunting, fishing, golfing and working for his church with his close friend Carl Spain. He became a Christian at age 27 when he joined Spray Baptist Church. When he moved to Columbus in 2005, he joined St. Luke United Methodist Church. The churches allowed him to keep his membership in each. Mr. Alcorn was preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife; an older brother, Otis Alcorn; an older sister, Edna Weddle; a much-loved younger brother, Lloyd (Red) Alcorn; and two nephews, James Weddle (Buddy) and Greg Alcorn. He is survived by his only child, Dr. Carolyn F. Gates and son-in-law, Thomas; two grandsons, James David Ferguson and Charles Patrick Ferguson (Lisa), all of Athens, Georgia. He is also survived by his step-grandson, Chris Calle (Monica) in Columbus; a step-granddaughter, Stacey P. Gates, of Washington, D.C.; and a step-great-grandchild, Mariana Calle; and many nieces and nephews. The family greatly appreciates the excellent care provided by Dr. George Shannon. Papa was attended by loving caregivers Gloria Purter, Winnie Clark, Linda Dodd and Sandra Watson. Visitation will be at Fair Funeral Home, Eden, NC on Thursday January 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be at Spray Baptist Church, Eden, North Carolina, at 1PM Friday January 7, 2011 with interment in the family plot at Overlook Cemetery in Eden, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spray Baptist Church in Eden or to Paws of Columbus. Carolyn and Tom will receive friends at their home on Sunday, January 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.