Edward Hugh O'Rourke, Sr

Edward Hugh O'Rourke, Sr, age 87, of Whiteville, NC, passed away peacefully Friday at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.  He was born on September 2, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Michael Joseph O'Rourke and Julia Frazier O'Rourke.  In addition to his parents; Edward is preceded in death by his wife; Judy Lynn O'Rourke, a sister; Florence Alice Ullom and a brother; William "Bill" O'Rourke.

Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army.  After his service in the Army he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY.  While in college he served on the Debate Team and became a Master Debater.  Upon receiving a license from the American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters Inc, he began a career in Insurance going on to receive the Professional Insurance Agent of the Year Award in Kentucky and Florida, several times. Edward began an insurance school at Eastern Kentucky University around 1977 and taught insurance night classes for several years at the University of Louisville, Kentucky.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters; Catherine McFarland (David) of Atlanta, GA, Mitzie Dodge (Bruce) of Louisville, KY, and Christine Margaret Sauls (John) of Whiteville, NC, two sons; Edward Hugh O'Rourke, Jr (Rachel) and Timothy Richard O'Rourke (Colleen) both of Louisville, KY, and 12 grandchildren; Ted, Mikayla, Mitchell, Benlyn, Michael, Katie, Hanna, Jacque, Kimmie, Brian, Patrick, and Kelly.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Whiteville, NC, at 11:00 am with Father G. Fernand Melendez officiating.  Burial will follow at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the O'Rourke family.