Linwood Earl Shivar

Linwood Earl Shivar

July 14, 1947 – November 10, 2024

Kinston- Linwood Earl Shivar, born on July 14, 1947, in Kinston, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on November 10, 2024, at his home in Kinston. Surrounded by his close family, Linwood passed peacefully, leaving a legacy of faith, humor, and kindness. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who lived in service to his family, community, and Savior.

Linwood’s life was marked by a profound love for people and a passion for sharing joy in simple ways. He was well known for his quick wit and humor, often delighting friends and family with jokes, riddles, and anecdotes that would leave everyone in fits of laughter. He found fulfillment in the little things-casting a line on a quiet fishing trip, reading his favorite books, cooking a pot of fish stew, or grilling chicken for his family. A true lover of bluegrass music, Linwood was rarely without his guitar, banjo or harmonica, filling his home with the comforting sounds of his favorite songs.

Linwood is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Beatrice Parris Shivar, with whom he shared a remarkable life of partnership and love. Together, they built a close-knit family he held as his greatest treasure. He leaves behind his daughters, Sheila West and Sandra Jones, who were his pride and joy; his brother, Cecil Sutton; his cherished grandchildren, Kayce Rhue, Heather Rowe, Taylor Rhue, Hailey Hahn, Tate Rhue, and Hunter Davis; and his precious great-grandson, Emerson Rowe. Linwood’s extended family includes his in-laws, Paulette Sutton, Timothy West, Robert Jones, William Rowe, Luke Hahn, and Andrew Davis, each of whom he welcomed warmly into his life. He was preceded in death by his father, James Shivar; his mother, Alice Shivar; and his sister, Janet Williams. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Living at Kennedy Home in Kinston, Linwood was no stranger to hard work and resilience from a young age. After graduating from North Lenoir High School in 1965, he dedicated 35 years to managing retail drug stores, first with Eckerds and later with Rite Aid, where he became known for his loyalty, work ethic, and compassion for customers and coworkers alike. Even in his retirement, he continued to serve his community by working for five more years at Lowe’s Home Improvement, where his warmth and willingness to lend a hand made him a beloved mentor and friend to many.

Linwood’s faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted Christian and a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church in Kinston. He served faithfully as a deacon for 38 years, ultimately chairing the deacon board and guiding the church through countless seasons of change and growth. He was known for his heartfelt prayers, often lifting those struggling and earnestly praying that the lost would come to know Jesus. Linwood’s firm yet gentle spirit made him a trusted counselor and a source of wisdom to many. He took every opportunity to share his faith, whether through a listening ear, a kind word, or his unwavering example of humility and grace.

Beyond his roles and responsibilities, Linwood’s personality shone in every interaction. He had an unparalleled work ethic, often rising at 3 a.m. to begin his day with an hour-long walk before heading to work. His dedication, even in his final years, inspired those around him. Friends and family recount how Linwood’s generosity was second nature. If you were meeting him for dinner, Linwood would always insist on paying, finding joy in providing for others. His warmth and humor made him a people person through and through, and many sought him out for advice during times of hardship, trusting his steady guidance and profound wisdom.

In his last days, Linwood found great peace in the presence of God’s Spirit. He cherished his favorite Bible verse, John 3:16 (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life), which he held as a reminder of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. He found comfort in the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross,” a song resonating with his journey of faith and dedication to his Savior. Linwood’s greatest joy was knowing that his family, friends, and community could share that same peace and hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Linwood wanted everyone to know the simple truth of the Gospel: that God, out of His deep love for us, sent His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again from the dead, offering forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. Jesus paid the price we could never pay ourselves, so that anyone who believes in Him can be made new, freed from guilt, and assured of life forever with God. Linwood’s prayer was that each person would receive this gift of grace and experience the same peace, joy, and purpose he found in following Jesus.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at Grace Baptist Church on Hwy 58 S. in Kinston on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with visitation following. Burial will take place at Westview Cemetery on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Kinston.