The Rev. Ora Wilbert Eads, 94, died September 5, 2008 following a lingering illness. Sixty years ago when his children were toddlers, he served the First Universalist Church of Sampson County at Red Hill in Clinton, NC. After several years of parish ministry, his failing eyesight caused him to leave his church. He then offered mail order Bible correspondence courses, so that he could support his family. Throughout his life, his passion was writing poetry. He was a prolific writer, who won critical acclaim for his work. He also enjoyed walking, which inspired his poetry. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ivaree Cochran Eads in 1999. He is survived by his five children: Ora W. Eads, Jr. of Nashville, TN; Wayne B. Eads of Chapel Hill, NC; Carol Ball of Williamsburg, KY; Janice and Janet Eads (twins) also of Williamsburg and five grandchildren.