Vernon Wendell Shivar

Vernon Wendell Shivar, 82, of Rocky Point, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born May 28, 1940, in Wallace, NC to the late Lola Mae and John Ray Shivar. Also preceding him in death were his Brother, Billy Shivar; Sister, Barbara Shivar; Daughter, Tammy Burgess; and Granddaughter, Candis Acheson.
He served in the United States Army for more than 13 years serving in Vietnam and was a Captain with Special Forces 82nd Airborne, and proudly wore his green beret.
Whether you knew him as Vern, Wendell, Daddy, or Grandpa, you knew he had a heart of gold. He loved his family very much and loved to tell others how blessed and proud he was of each one of us. His happiest days were with good food, something sweet of course, and a house full of kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 51 years, Nancy Jolly Shivar; Children: Donna VanVliet (Jayson), Johnny Shivar, Karen Benton (Bobby), and Jennifer Shivar; Grand-children: Cherry Burgess, Breanna VanVliet (Mike), Aimee VanVliet (Robert), Jayson VanVliet II (Rachael), Samantha Powelson (Jay), Stephanie Gurganus (Cory), Sarah Benton (JT), Brooke Benton (John), Hailey Kellerman (Kason), and RJ Benton (Asia, LJ); Great Grandchildren: Gabe, Arabella, Brayden, Maddox, Mason, Clint, Gatlyn, Graelyn, and Payton; Siblings: Laura Anderson (Doug), Helen Newbold, John Shivar (Val), and Debbie Sorg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
We are going to miss the smile on his face, mischievous chuckle, and endless support.
Whether he was the grizzly bear or the teddy bear, he always kept us on our toes, and we loved him just the way he was!
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Saturday April 29, 2023 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park 9332 US Highway 117 N, Willard, NC 28478.
The family will see friends at Wilmington Funeral Chapel Friday April 28, 2023 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.
The family wants to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice and the many nurses who took such good care of him and a very special thank-you to Evelyn and Ivey whom he had a special bond.
In his memory the family suggest memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be directed in his memory to Lower Cape Fear Hospice 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401, or to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099