Daniel Ray Ensley

Daniel Ray Ensley, 43, of Blackwell Pt. Rd., Oriental, NC died Saturday at home.
Dan, was a member of the First Baptist Church, Buies Creek, NC. He was the Director of the Department of Mass Communication at CampbellUniversity, Buies Creek, NC. A graduate from Pamilco High School in 1975, and went to Campbell University and graduated in 1979. While attending Campbell University he worked at the campus radio station (WCCE-FM) and became station manager in 1986. Dan graduated from the University of South Carolina's College of Journalism. He accepted the position as an instructor in the Department of Mass Communication at Campbell and was later promoted to full professor. He later accepted the position as director of the department and remained in the position until he retired for health reasons in May of this year.
He was honoredfor the his dedication to his students and the Department of Mass Communication with the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence, the Professor-of-Year Award in 1993 and 1994, honored as teacher of the year by Omicron Delta Kappa Society in 1994, and the college yearbook, The Pine Burr, was dedicated to him in 1987, the College of Journalism at the University of South Carolina awarded him it's Excellence in Research Award for his Master's thesis.
In March, Dan received a Certificate of Achievement from Gov. Mike Easley and a congressional tribute from U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge for his outstanding service to North Carolina. Dan was devoted to his family, his students and his garden.
He was preceded in death by his aunt Bessie Pittman.
Funeral service will be Tuesday 2:00 p.m. at Oriental United Methodist Church with Dr. Mike Simmons and Rev. Stan Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Oriental Cemetery.
He was survived by his parents, Gyon and Jill Ensley of Oriental, NC; one sister, Sandra Ensley Vick and husband Don of Nashville, NC; one niece, Michaela Danielle Vick of Nashville, NC; grandmother, Ruth Mason of Oriental, NC; aunts and uncles Jack and Faye Mason, Les and Gail Ruggiero, Ken and Chris Mason, Berry Sue Lyons, John and Evelyn Beeman, Annalene Lilley, Vincent and Martha Terranova, Clara Jean Ensley.
Visitation will be Monday night 7-9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home and other times at the home 500 Blackwell Pt. Rd., Oriental, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dan Ensley Mass Communication Scholarship, c/o Jack Britt Advancement Office at Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27506.