Walter Pate Eakins, Sr., age 72, of Burgaw died Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 26, 1935 in Wilmington and was the son of the late James Clifton and Mildred Estelle Eakins. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Gurganious.

Mr. Eakins was a member of Moores Creek Baptist Church. He served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict in the US Air Force.

Surviving are his loving family; his wife of 50 years, Virginia M. "Jean" Eakins of the home; children, Walter Pate Eakins, Jr. of Burgaw, Michael Stephen Eakins and his wife, Teresa of Willard, Donna Tatum of Burgaw, Donald Eakins of Burgaw, Millie Gurganious and her husband, Junior of Currie and Johnny Eakins of Currie; grandchildren, David Eakins, Melissa Eakins, Renee Brown, Michael Eakins, Matthew Eakins, Shannon Tatum, Morgan Tatum, and Stephen Gurganious; three great grandchildren; sisters, Edna DeBose of Atkinson and Carlene Mundt of Sanford; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with the Rev. Philip Eakins officiating.

Burial will follow in Eakins Family Cemetery with military honors.

Casketbearers will be Russell Lewis, Lee Tatum, Charles Lee, Mike Carlisle, David Hall, and Donald Caison.

Memorial gifts to honor Walter Pate may be given to Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, PO Box 1316, Burgaw NC 28425.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.