­­­William “David” Sword, 18, a resident of Galloway Hall, died unexpectedly Wednesday, O­­­­­­ct. 10, 2007. Sword was a native of Cary, N.C., and a freshman at UNCW.

As one of the first people to introduce himself in Galloway Hall, David made many new friends, adding joy to everyday life. Active in the youth program for many years and a member of the White Plains United Methodist Church, David’s infectious personality touched all who met him. David loved playing video games, playing his guitar and skateboarding. Just like many new college students, David looked forward to a new step in his life and was filled with excitement for the future.

“Everyone saw him all the time and knew who he was,” said Sam Begley, a freshman of sixth floor Galloway Hall.

A good friend of his, Sam spoke much of David’s great personality.

“He was friends with everyone,” Begley said.

A week after his death Galloway Hall held a memorial service Oct. 17 in honor of David. As many as 30 or 40 students attended the service held in the Big Back Yard by the basketball courts, including Begley.

“There were a lot of people there for David,” Begley said of the service.

Some students even traveled to Laurinburg, N.C., to attend the actual funeral services held at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church Oct. 14,. David was buried in Laurinburg in the McMillan family cemetery.

Other ways UNCW students are honoring David’s memory is a guest book for words of praise of David and words of encouragement to his family. The book will be presented to David’s parents, Bill and Judi Sword. In addition, Area Chapter is contemplating ideas of a physical form of tribute to David’s life. One such idea is a tetherball, a suggestion made by David at a Galloway floor meeting.

“He was always very adamant about the tetherball. He suggested that it be put out in front of Galloway for everyone,” Begley said.

Loved very much by his family and friends, David will be sorely missed by all who knew him and will not be forgotten.