Edward D. (Ned) Van Sant, of Rocky Point died Friday morning, December 14, 2007, in an automobile accident outside Wilmington, North Carolina.

He was the son of George M. Van Sant and the late Peggy Hutchinson Van Sant.

Mr. Van Sant was born January 18, 1955 in Charlottesville, Virginia and was raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He attended the Fredericksburg public schools and finished his secondary education at Eastbourne College, Eastbourne, England. He then attended Old Dominion University and finished his studies in Art History and Sculpture at Virginia Commonwealth University.

He spent most of his adult life in Richmond, Virginia pursuing his art studies. He also worked for many years at the Science Museum of Virginia, where he assisted in the construction of many original exhibits in that museum. For some years he ran his own business in fine carpentry and cabinet work in Richmond.

Last year he moved to the Wilmington area, where he was employed by Interroll, Inc., a firm which builds automation equipment. He was living with his sister, Mary V. Duncan and her husband, Dalphus (Buddy) Duncan, when he died.

In addition to his father and his sister, Ned is survived by an uncle, Fred U. Mills of Alexandria, Virginia; two cousins, Richard Lee Mills of San Francisco, California and Katherine M. Polys of Blacksburg, Virginia; and many friends.

Ned was an organ donor and his request was carried out that others may benefit.

A memorial service, to be announced later, will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia early in the New Year.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw is handling local arrangements.