Ike Noah

Ikey "Ike" Lee Noah was born on March 4, 1950, in Salisbury, North Carolina, to John Franklin Noah and Marjorie Ethel Mae Noah (McIntire). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dallas Noah.

Ike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a rifleman, earning the Rifle Marksman Badge. Ike would later say that his greatest personal victory was overcoming an alcohol addiction that began during those years of service.

Through faith, determination, and humility, Ike lived sober for 33 years, a milestone that would have reached 34 years on New Year's Day 2026.

Ike found purpose and passion in metal recycling. He worked with Asheville Metal Recycling, specializing in freon reclamation and unit tear down. This work reflected his nature. Ike loved reclaiming what others considered unusable.

Beyond his profession, Ike enjoyed trading tools, repairing small engines, and restoring what was broken. Lawn mower repair was his favorite, and his extensive tool collection told stories of his love of repairing, selling and trading.

Ike approached life with humor. His quirky "quotes of the day" often shared by Darinda became beloved moments of laughter and joy, not only to them, but to Darinda's Facebook friends as well.

Ike was blessed with his only daughter, Rebecca in 1985, and she brought unending joy to her Dad's life. Their breakfasts were a highlight of his life, and she was his main supplier of Bojangles biscuits and gravy. She will always be his princess.

Ike met Darinda Wilson in July of 1991. They married in November of 1993, separated after three years, and remarried on November 24, 2004, seven years later. In total, they shared 32 years of marriage. Their greatest shared passion was children's ministry, serving in and leading nine ministries together.

Ike was a Ruby Certified AWANA Commander and loved running game stations at VBS, Kids Church, and Woodland Family Wednesdays. He turned red solo cup stacking into legendary events and loved children wholeheartedly.

Ike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Darinda Wilson Noah; children Rebecca Marlowe (Jacob), Aaron Dillingham, and Andrew Dillingham; and sons-at-heart Caleb Dillingham (Lindsey) and Logan Noah. He is also survived by his brothers Eddie Noah (Frances), Jerry Noah (Christy), and Albert Noah (Melinda).

The lights of Ike's life were his adopted granddaughters, Paisleigh Rae Dillingham and Georga Mae Wallin, they affectionately referred to him as Papa.

Ike's Living Celebration of Life was held December 6th, surrounded by friends, family, and ministry partners, sharing laughter, stories, pinto beans, cornbread, and favorite desserts.

The family extends deep gratitude to the Charles George VA Medical Center, Four Seasons Hospice, and all medical professionals who walked with Ike during his cancer journey. With special emphasis on the Oncology Team at the VA (Taylor, Jason, Annette, Diane, Matt, and all the rest), as well as the nursing staff on 5 West. We are also thankful for Dr. Timothy Plaut who was Ike's primary physician, and Dr. Matthew Rees, his oncologist.

Our Four Seasons Hospice family made all difference in the past couple of months. Their warm hugs and listening ears made the final steps of Ike's journey here on earth a loving time. Special Thanks to, Jackie (The BEST CNA Ever!!!), Heather, Cristin, Chrissy, and Alisha, as well as Yoshida the Four Seasons Chaplin. We will miss them, but they fulfilled their calling, and assisted Ike to reach the shores of home with dignity and comfort.

God blessed Ike by allowing him to connect with all these folks, and other patients as well. During Ike's chemo and radiation journey when things were getting rough, Darinda would say, "It's just one more thing" and so it is with death, but that "one more thing" leads us to the BEST thing, which is a home with our Father and Savior in heaven. We will see Ike again, but we will miss him in the interim.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice or the Children's Ministry Fund at the church of your choice.

Favorite Scripture – The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10):

"Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain."

And God granted his request.