Search by Name

Search by Name

William Sword Obituary

William "David" Sword, 18, of Cary, died suddenly and unexpectedly, Wednesday, October 10, 2007. David graduated from Cary High School and was a freshman at UNC Wilmington. A member of the White Plains United Methodist Church, he was active in the Youth program for many years. He loved skateboarding, playing video games and playing his guitar. He was looking forward to a new phase in his life and was excited about his future. Always social, David had many friends, new and old. He brought joy to all who knew him. He was loved so very much by his family and friends and we will miss him terribly. We draw comfort in knowing he is in a better place and we will one day see him again.
David is survived by his parents, Bill and Judi Sword; sister, Sara and brother, William, all of the home; grandparents, James and Anna McMillan of Laurinburg; grandfather, Neal Sword, Sr. of Atlanta, GA; great-grandmothers, Gladys McMillan and Martha Hasty, both of Laurinburg; uncles, Jay McMillan of Laurinburg, Neal (Gina) Sword of Atlanta, GA.
David was preceded in death by grandmother, Gloria Sword and great-grandfather, Walter Hasty.
Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday at the Richard Boles Funeral Service, 13640 Andrew Jackson Highway, Laurinburg, NC, 910-291-0066.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, he will be laid to rest in the McMillan family cemetery. A celebration of David's life will be held Monday at 6:30 p.m. at White Plains United Methodist Church, 3113 South East Maynard, Cary, 919-467-9394 (nursery available). In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the White Plains United Methodist Church Youth Group, or to charities of choice. Condolences to the family may be made at: http://www.richardbolesfuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Oct. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Sword

Not sure what to say?





Lynn Culey (Nock)

November 7, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We hope that knowing others care about you and your great memories of David will sustain you through the difficult times ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lynn, Shawn, Allison and Aaron Culey

nicole atkins

October 24, 2007

Dear Sword Family,

I had many classes with David At Cary High he was always smiling and that smile could make anyone smile. He was such a good friend know matter who he was around or what he was doing at the time he always managed to say " Hey Nikki" and always gave me a hug and sid something to make me laugh. You and your family will always be in my heart and prayers and i will never forget that BEATUIFUL smile of Davids that i loved to see so much.

Claudia Labrador

October 19, 2007

My heart goes out to you, the family of such a beautiful and promising young man. Truly the world's loss and Heaven's gain. I lost my college-age son Joey last year in July. I am from Holly Springs, but now live in Ecuador in missions with my husband and heard about your tragedy through the online news and observer. I'm so sorry for your loss, from a mother who knows your grief and your HOPE in that we will meet our children again when our time here is complete. God bless you and keep you, bringing comfort and shelter through the storm. In Christ, Claudia Labrador

Mara Lewis

October 19, 2007

Dear parents of David,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for the loss of your beloved son. We are a support group comprised solely of bereaved parents who meet twice a month in Raleigh. We truly know what it is like to lose a precious child and thus want to reach out to you. If you would like to learn more about our group, please call us at 833-4022. There is always a bereaved parent on call to talk with you. And please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and concern,
The Compassionate Friends of Wake County

Dustybear Stark

October 18, 2007

What can one say that hasn't already been said, except that I am terribly sorry for your loss. David was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Db

Nancy Couch O'Larnic

October 17, 2007

Dear Bill,

I was saddened to read about the passing of your son. We attended ECU at the same time and many years have passed since we have seen or spoken with each other. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet David, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

D. Albin

October 17, 2007

I learned of your son's death through my daughter who is a freshman at UNCW. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the happy memories help you through this very difficult time.

Susan (Achuff) Cornett

October 17, 2007

We are so sorry to hear the sad news. It has been many years since we have seen each other; as a mother of young teens, my heart feels for you and your family.

Mitch Parker

October 16, 2007

Judi and family

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends. May the Lord watch over, and help to comfort each of you during this tragic time.

Shannon Barschaw

October 16, 2007

Bill, Judi, Sara & William,
We are so sorry for your loss. We lived next door to you on Needle Park Drive and remember how much fun the kids had playing together. Little blonde hair David was always smiling. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
The Barschaw Family,
Jeff, Shannon, Nikki, Peter & Chris

Beth (Harling) Rudy

October 16, 2007

Judi,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. I remember meeting David and your family at our 10th high school reunion and thought then how proud you must be of your beautiful family. After reading all of the touching memories about David, you do have alot to be proud of. May the peace of God be with you as you go through this time of healing.

Sharpie

October 16, 2007

David was a wonderful friend. I had drivers ed with him and we would always pass notes back in forth. I still have them. He was so much fun and i never saw him without a smile. I used to walk around cary alot and everytime he would see me he would honk and turn around and get me. A few days before he died I got to see him. He had stopped by the mall to see me and we spotted each other and just laughed. I'm so sorry. I will miss you David. You Are Forever. - sharpie

Margaret Carter

October 15, 2007

Dear Bill, Judi and Family, I am Ellen Kinsinger's mother. Judi, you and I met when I was in Raleigh recently. I was so saddened by news of your loss. As a mother, I extend my deepest condolances and please know that my thoughts are with you along with all your friends who grieve along with you. Margaret Carter

David S. Tyree

October 15, 2007

Dear Judi, Bill & Sara,
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I knew David from being an Adult Volunteer with White Plains UMYF. The entire group is deeply sadden to hear of your loss.
His involvement with New Spirit group and UMYF will never be forgotten.
He was a VERY outgoing and friendly person to be with. He always had a wonderful smile and words to cheer you up.
May God bless you and heal you as you go through this most difficult time.

Julie Lasky

October 15, 2007

The Sword Family,
i had many classes with you son at my years attending cary. i was shocked when i found out. i sat and i cried, but i know david is in a better place and everynight i have been praying. alot of people are sadden by this event. but your son was a great guy, and a wonderful friend.

Matt Sims

October 15, 2007

To the family of David Sword. We are all very sad about the lost of Daivd. I grew up with David since we were kids at northwoods. He will be miss and i cant beleive he is gone. I look back on my life and I remember all the great times from pokemon cards at northwoods to sk8 cary at west cary to just going to lunch at Cary high. Sword's you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry about the lost.

Courtney Hanson

October 15, 2007

I am sadened by David's death. I met him last year and was struck by his personality and his willingness to meet new people, I dont think he ever met a stranger. David will always be remembered. My heart goes out to his family and they are in my prayers. David R.I.P and keep smiling down upon us.

Phyllis Alston

October 15, 2007

Bill Sword and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. May God's peace give you solace.

Phyllis Alston

October 15, 2007

Bill Sword and Family, I send my sincere condolences. May God's blessings and healing give you peace.

Jackie Rivenbark

October 14, 2007

Sword Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. My daughter was a hallmate and classmate of David's. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Chanelle

October 14, 2007

I'm very very very sorry for your lost. Even thought i didn't know him or his family, i just wanted to take the time out and show him and his family how sorry i am for the lost so sudden. Im from Laurinburg, NC but i go to school in Greensboro, NC, and im surprised i didn't know him because Laurinburg is so small. But anywho, i just want him and his family to know that im praying about ya'll and we all know hes somewhere greater than Earth, and with somebody we all know whom is going to take great care of him! God Bless You & Family.

<3 -- Love.

Brian and Carol Roark

October 13, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. David made a lasting impression on our family and will always share a place in our hearts. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Kacee

October 13, 2007

Sword Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. David was and amazing individual who will always be remembered here at UNCW.

8th grader (UMYF) at White Plains

October 13, 2007

Dear Sword Family,
I just wanted to let you know that pretty much the whole youth group is praying for you.And my family is too.

Elizabeth, Jason and Jennifer Adams

October 13, 2007

Dear Judi, Bill and Sara,

We are so sorry for your loss. David was a teen who always said hi to his neighbors. I remember how happy Sara was when she was riding in the car with her big brother. My daughter Jennifer always enjoyed saying hi to Sara and David at the pool. She is too young to understand. Our prayers are with your family, and we are here to help you as needed. - Love, Liz

Jeanne Funrue

October 13, 2007

Bill and Judi,My heart goes out to you as you lose such a handsome son. Although we never met I'm sure he was a joy to your hearts.The hardest thing to remember is that your lose is his gain. He's in a better place and you will see him again in the future. Lovingly, Aunt Jeanne Funrue

Brian & Deidra Blackmore

October 13, 2007

Bill, Judi and Family,
This is such heartbreaking news! We are praying for you in this tragic time. We are out of town this week and will not be able to be with you Monday but please know we are praying frequently for you all.

Romans 12:15
"Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep."

We cannot help but weep with you.

Rose and Dean Zachos

October 12, 2007

You have become a wonderful friend and neighbor to us this year Bill. More than you will ever know. Our hearts are breaking with the sad news of David's death. We "weep with those who weep", and lift you and your lovely family up in prayer to our Creator & Redeemer. Much Love,

Cindy Winter-Hartley

October 12, 2007

My family prayed for you today. I met your son while speaking at WPUMC youth group. I was saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. May the God of ALL comfort help you as you begin the painful process of mourning. As a mother of three sons, I can only imagine how you are feeling. Lean on Jesus and know people are lifting you up to the Lord.

Angela Gallagher

October 12, 2007

I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Joy (Nock) Wolff

October 12, 2007

Your son looks and sounds like he was a wonderful young man. Although disconnected by years and distance, know that prayers are coming from your family across the country. Joy

Jack and Ruth McMahon

October 12, 2007

Bill, Judi and family,
Its with saddness that we learned of David's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God grant you strength and understanding in the days ahead.

Chad Lepisto

October 12, 2007

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I would like to send my sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Nicole

October 12, 2007

David was an amazing kid, and an awesome friend..he always knew the right things to say when you needed to hear them..i know i will miss him terribly and as well as the rest of us at Cary High School that knew him..church will never be the same without him..he brought joy and happiness to any room he entered..may he rest in peace and be rested up with our Lord..

Sean Luo

October 12, 2007

David, in the short time we spent together, I realized how thoughtful you are. Always there at the front of Galloway letting people in with your ONE card. Your family here in Galloway misses you but we all know that you are in a better place. God Bless.

joan pace

October 12, 2007

Judi,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies extended to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sorrow.
Joan Pace

Ann Bruun-Andersen

October 12, 2007

David was a student of mine at
Cary High School. I was saddened
to hear this terrible news. I
remember him so clearly with that
beautiful smile. I enjoyed seeing
him everyday with his lively
personality. I pray for your
family during this time and I know
he is in a good place in peace.

Chuck Achuff

October 12, 2007

We are so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love,

Chuck and Sara

Paula and Jeff Cox

October 12, 2007

Bill and Judi,
We are sincerely sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep your family in your thoughts and prayers. Please know we are available if you need anything!

Marvin Duval

October 12, 2007

Dear Judi, Bill & Sara,
Just wanted you to know that my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you in such a time as this.

Marian Harrison

October 12, 2007

Bill & Judi and family,
I send my heartfelt love to you and prayers for your strength to face the days ahead. Aunt Marian

Sharron Stewart

October 12, 2007

Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, especially the White Plains Youth Group.

Frank Yarborough

October 12, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are grieving with you. May God's peace, comfort and love overwhelm your grief and be a blessing to you. We are very sorry for your loss. We will continually pray for you all.
Love, The Yarborough Family

The Supercuts Family

October 12, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Paula McSwain

October 12, 2007

I heard of the loss of David only yesterday from the mother of a dorm mate.
Please know that many prayers from many places are with you all.

Miles Howard

October 12, 2007

I will always remember when david introduced himself as "david with a d." He could always make me laugh and brought much joy to everyone he was around. We will all miss him, with all of our hearts. Here's to you, David. I hope you have found a better place.

Kevin, Christy, & Justin Lauenstein

October 12, 2007

We are certainly very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will certainly miss your son's presence in the neighborhood. He was always a very polite and cordial person. If there is anything we might do to help you at this time, please let us know.

Debra Becknell

October 12, 2007

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Dan Baer

October 12, 2007

David will be missed greatly. As a volunteer with the youth at White Plains, he was a very friendly person. You have my deepest sympathy. May God be with you during this time.

Prayers and Blessings,
Dan Baer

Peggy Hawkins

October 12, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. David was a bright and positive young man. I met him in Cary this past summer. Sarah Koon had come to live with me and they wanted some time together at the center. They have been talking all summer on the telephone and Sarah was devastated to hear the news. Thank you for bringing him to the shopping center that day to spend time with my granddaughter and have lunch. She had begged and I'm thankful they were able to visit. God has other plans for your son. Just hold on to the good memories.

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

Make a Donation
in William Sword's name

Memorial Events
for William Sword

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Sword's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more