NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA New Hanover COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000178-640 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Preston Eugene Ladd, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Preston Eugene Ladd to present them to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of May, 2026 (this date being 3 months from the first publication date of this notice) or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 19th day of February, 2026. Sherri L. Gray, Executor c/o Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP PO Box 4 Wilmington, NC 28402 Executor of the Estate of Preston Eugene Ladd February 19,26,March 5,12 2026 LWLM0461561