Gwynn David Holbrook

April 13, 1949 - January 10, 2018

Gwynn David Holbrook, 68, of Cary, North Carolina died on January 10, 2018 at Rex Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife, Joyce, at his bedside. Gwynn grew up in Elizabethtown, IL. Gwynn was born on April 13, 1949 in Harrisburg, Illinois to Gwynn “Dommer” Holbrook and Vada Brittain Holbrook. Gwynn was a graduate of Rosiclare High, Rosiclare, Illinois. He later attended SIC, Harrisburg, Il and SIU, Carbondale, Illinois. After college, Gwynn served three years in the US Army and was proud to be a US Army veteran. Gwynn, a part-time inventor, held a US patent with his good friend, Bruce Hauck for a magnetic field generator and detector position indicator. Gwynn, also, held a second patent with another friend, Roger Warner for a small-parts counting machine. Gwynn was an expert computer programmer and wrote several computer programs. He loved reading Isaac Asimov’s science fiction books. Gwynn enjoyed “Star Trek” Episodes and “Star Wars” movies. In fact, 4 beloved pet dogs were named after Star Wars characters: Chewy, Han Solo, Obi Wan, and R2D2. Gwynn was successful in his chosen careers in the telephone and communications industries. He started out his career with Huffman Telephone, Memphis, TN. He, later, worked as District contractor supervisor for Contel Telephone Company, Hoffman, Il. His computer expertise led him to his next job as a Senior Software Engineer with Nortel Networks, Research Triangle Park, NC. After Nortel Networks sold off their IT division, Gwynn accepted a position at Gilmore Global Logisticsin Morrisville, NC. His final career was as a Systems Administrator of a nationwide database for the US Coast Guard in Elizabeth City, NC. Gwynn was predeceased by his parents, Gwynn and Vada Holbrook of Elizabethtown, IL. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joyce and beloved dog, R2D2, of Cary, NC. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Ronnie Austin, Rosiclare, IL; Sister-in-Law, Angie Wallace, Rosiclare, IL.; Sister-in-Law, Bonnie (Jim) Clemens, Gibson City, IL.; and Brother-in-Law, Clark (Sharon) Wallace, Mt. Vernon, IA. Gwynn leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews: Kelly (Orbie) Ratliff, Rosiclare, IL.; Shirley Jean (Wallace) Kash, Rosiclare, IL.; and Micah Hill, Rosiclare, IL.; Jeremy (Tara) Wallace, Rosiclare, IL.; Marty (Jill) Austin, Harrisburg, IL.; Scott Wallace, Northern, IL.; and Timothy (Shelia) Wallace of Mt. Vernon, IA. Gwynn has one beloved Godson, Scott (Whitney) Telford, Troy, IL. In addition, Gwynn leaves behind, long-time and special friends: Roland and Sandy Telford, Hoffman, IL.; Rick McWhorter of Cary, NC.; Kim and Kris Lee, Cary, NC.; and Bruce and Beth Hauck of Belleville, IL. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Empire Cemetery in Elizabethtown, IL. Arrangements are by Hardin County Funeral Service, Rosiclare, Il.