1940
Dr. George Butler Richardson, July 26, 2020, Florence, S.C. Richardson lived to be 102 and practiced dentistry for 68 years. He retired at the age of 94. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at 168th General Hospital in Normandy. He traveled to Europe on the Queen Elizabeth and enjoyed games of bridge and once found himself seated at a table next to Winston Churchill. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Florence and served on the board of the Thornwell Home for Children. Memorials may be made to Wofford College, Office of Advancement, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.
1948
Dr. Joseph Vernon Jeffords, May 23, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. Shortly after enrolling at Wofford, Jeffords volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Corps. He served at the Naval Medical Center in Washington, D.C., before receiving sea duty as a medic on the USS Opponent in the Pacific Theater. He returned to Wofford after being discharged. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and earned a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He was a charter member of MUSC’s chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Jeffords was active in many medical societies and held leadership positions. He worked in private practice as a surgeon for many years in Spartanburg. He also represented Spartanburg Regional’s medical staff for 21 years on the health system’s board of trustees.
1950
Eugene Clarence “Gene” Tabbot, Aug. 4, 2020, Boiling Springs, S.C. Tabbot enrolled at Wofford College after World War II. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the China, Burma and India theater. Tabbot flew combat missions throughout the campaign and transported personnel and supplies across Japanese lines. After the war ended, he picked up POWs in Hanoi from Japanese prison camps. He was a longtime educator in Spartanburg County and was named principal of the year two consecutive years.
Charles Faber “Charlie” West Jr., July 15, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. West was a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Following his retirement from the military, he worked with Bryson Chevrolet, Steris and volunteered as a tutor with Spartanburg School District 7. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Wofford College Scholarship Fund, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.
1951
John Fleming, May 17, 2020, Augusta, Ga. Fleming was second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart after service in the Korean War. He earned a law degree from the University of Georgia. The former Terrier football player also enjoyed being a college football referee in the Southeastern Conference. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Terrier Club at Wofford College, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.
1952
Dr. Henry Grace Kelley Jr., June 6, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. Kelley was a prominent cardiothoracic surgeon. He founded the open heart program at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in 1981. The auditorium in the hospital’s heart center is named in his honor. While serving in the U.S. Navy, he was chief of surgery at Station Hospital in Port Hueneme, Calif. Kelley was an Eagle Scout, licensed pilot, hunter and fisherman.
1953
Robert Timothy Barham, July 22, 2020, West Columbia, S.C. Barham enjoyed a long career at Columbia College beginning in 1958. It began as a student recruiter and led to him becoming vice president of business administration and finance. He was credited with helping the campus rebuild after a 1964 fire. He spent his last decade at the college as the director of planned giving.
James Wesley “Wes” Floyd, May 24, 2020, Lake City, S.C. Floyd worked in Florence County School District III for 28 years. He also served on the City Council of Lake City and was a lifelong member of Lake City United Methodist Church.
1954
Dr. Ansel Bobo McMakin Jr., May 26, 2020, Greenville, S.C. McMakin earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a doctoral degree from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. After serving in the military, he worked with the Greenville County School District. He was a longtime member of Northside United Methodist Church.
1956
Hubert “Hugo” Hodgin, May 24, 2020, East Greenwich, R.I. Hodgin earned a doctor of theology from Duke University’s Divinity School. He served for many years as a minister but became discouraged by limitations he encountered when speaking against racial injustice and the Vietnam War. This led him to leave the ministry while remaining committed to his faith. He earned a second doctorate in adult education from North Carolina State University. He transitioned to work in the North Carolina community college system, first as a sociology teacher and for many years as vice president of Davidson County Community College. He volunteered and served on civic boards in Lexington, N.C. He was a deacon at Grace Episcopal Church.
1957
David “Dave” Stuart, Aug. 6, 2020, Lexington, S.C. Stuart was an Eagle Scout. He owned David Stuart Insurance Agency in Greenwood. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church and served on many committees. He was active with the Greenwood Lions Club and supported American Legion Post 20 Baseball and Greenwood High School football.
1958
Albert Edison “Al” Ward, May 26, 2020, Rock Hill, S.C. Ward served in the U.S. Army and traveled across Europe during his service. He worked with Springs Industries in research and developed Tryst Fabric, a flame-retardant fabric used in children’s pajamas. He also worked with the ThermalKem Waste Treatment Plant. He enjoyed time in the woods and had a passion for American chestnut trees. He took a cherry blossom branch from the White House and was able to root it into a thriving tree.
1960
Emory Carlton Bowyer, May 23, 2020, Virginia Beach, Va. Bowyer earned a Master of Science degree in education from Old Dominion University. He was a past member of the Alumni Association’s board of directors. Bowyer arrived in Virginia Beach in 1960 to teach and serve as head football coach for Virginia Beach High School. He held several administrative positions with Virginia Beach City Public Schools before becoming its superintendent.
William Finley “Bill” Stokes Jr., May 23, 2020, Hendersonville, N.C. Stokes served in the U.S. Army Reserves and established several businesses. He had a long career with insurance agencies. Stokes, an avid golfer, helped start a maintenance and design company for golf courses. At his death, he was president of Signal Insurance Group in Greenville, S.C., with his daughter.
1962
Dr. Joseph Wesley Wimberly Jr., July 26, 2020, Bowman, S.C. Wimberly was a children’s dental surgeon. In retirement, he published “Sixty, Sexy & Steaming: About Exercise, Food & Longevity (With a Touch of Spirituality)” in 1996. The book shares his diet and exercise program, something he developed after a series of crises and self-realizations.
1963
Carl Eugene “Gene” Berry Jr., July 21, 2020, Batesburg, S.C. Berry returned home after graduating from Wofford and taught chemistry and physics at Batesburg-Leesville High School. In retirement, he operated Berry’s Nursery, where his prime interest was cultivating orchids, camellias and tropical plants. He also owned Windy Hill Farms, and there enjoyed hunting, fishing, wildlife management, land conservation, gardening, horticulture and hosting scouting events. He was an Eagle Scout. Berry was a member of Leesville United Methodist Church and served as director of music for many years. He served on and chaired the Batesburg- Leesville Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority. He assisted in the organization of the Ridge Choral Society and performed with the group at Carnegie Hall and toured Russia.
Crawford Edward Foy Jr., Aug. 9, 2020, Columbia, S.C. Foy served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from dental school. After Vietnam, he operated a private dental practice in Monterey, Calif., for nearly 30 years. He returned to his hometown of Columbia in 2014. He had many groups of friends and was active in Rotary Clubs in Monterey and Columbia. Memorials may be made to Wofford College, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.
1964
Robert William “Bob” Shirley Jr., June 9, 2020, Charlotte, N.C. Shirley earned an MBA from Wharton School of Business. His career included time with Paine Webber.
1966
James Franklin “Jim Frank” Henderson Jr., Aug. 2, 2020, Rotunda West, Fla. Henderson served as the president and economic developer for the Laurinburg and Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina for 20 years.
1967
Charlie Linwood Fowler II, July 15, 2020, Summerville, S.C. Fowler served two years in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a salesman and plant manager for several concrete companies between 1978 and 2016. Fowler, a captain of the Terriers tennis team, was a tennis pro at the George Miler Country Club in Summerville. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist.
Ferrell Lafayette “Larry” Holley Jr., May 12, 2020, Aiken, S.C. Holley earned a master’s in business administration from the University of South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Army and did a tour in Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star for his service. He joined Hutson-Etherredge in 1971 and remained with the independent insurance agency for 49 years, ultimately serving as president.
Huston Ira Huffman, July 25, 2020, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Huffman had an extensive career in engineering and management in the textile, paper and ink manufacturing industries. After spending several years managing plants, he began operating his own general contracting firm. He spent his retirement years in the Myrtle Beach area and served a term on the town council for Briarcliffe Acres before being elected to two terms as mayor. He obtained his pilot’s license, taught astronomy and enjoyed making wine. He was a member of Mensa.
1968
Rev. Charles Hilliard Humphries III, Aug. 13, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. Humphries was a retired minister and former English teacher in Union County, N.C., public schools.
Charles Richard “Chuck” LeGette, July 19, 2020, Charleston, S.C. LeGette had a lifelong passion for music that began after he attended his first concert at 11 when he saw Buddy Holly. He was known as “Mr. Entertainment” as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Wofford. A few of the legendary acts that he saw perform were Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, The Tams, The Four Tops, Elvis, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Willie Nelson.
1969
William Noland “Bill” Smith Jr., May 12, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. Smith held management positions in banking and the furniture industries during his career. In recent years, he worked as a realtor. He had a passion for aviation and achieved his pilot’s license.
1970
Dr. Wayne Laverne McLemore, July 20, 2020, Morristown, Tenn. McLemore graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and completed an internship at the University of Oregon and a surgical residency at the University of Texas, San Antonio, before spending 40 years as an orthopedic surgeon in East Tennessee.
Col. Gabriel Rouquie, June 3, 2020, Suffolk, Va. Rouquie retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service. He received numerous awards and decorations. He was an Eagle Scout and earned a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. After retiring from the military, he worked as a program manager and operations research analyst for Cubic Corp., Northrup Grumman and the Phoenix Group.
1971
William Congreve “Buzz” Jackson III, May 4, 2020, Greensboro, N.C. He earned a master’s in business administration from Wake Forest University. Jackson was a senior vice president of special assets for New Bridge Bank. While living in his hometown of Aiken, S.C., he was president of Jackson Petroleum and served on the city planning commission. He was active with the Aiken Symphony Guild and Aiken Rotary Club.
Rev. Richard Benson “Rick” King, 10, 2020, Paris, Tenn. King earned a master of divinity from Emory University and did his post-master’s work at Wesley Theological Seminary. He was a longtime pastor with the Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church. He actively worked with local government to help open the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Hardeman County. He performed with numerous choirs and theater productions.
James Thomas Schofield, July 18, 2020, Florence, S.C. Schofield served as chairman of the board and CEO of Carolina Supply House Inc. He was a licensed real estate broker and the former owner and operator of The Heritage Inn & Restaurant. His dedicated service to Florence included being a state constable, a city councilman and chair of the Florence County Council.
George Wison “Pudge” Tate Jr., May 29, 2020, Spartanburg, S.C. Tate’s 48-year career included time with Milliken & Co. and IH Services. He founded Executive Quality Management and served on the board of the Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition.
1972
James Lewis “Jim” Wilmer, March 15, 2020, Stokesdale, N.C. Wilmer earned a Ph.D. from Cornell University in environmental toxicology. He was a research scientist and received recognition from his employers over the years.
1975
Rev. Dr. Robert Norris Burkins Sr., May 1, 2020, Simpsonville, S.C. Burkins most recently served as senior pastor at Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C. Before that he was pastor of Cleveland Chapel Baptist Church in Spartanburg; Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange, N.J.; and Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Under his leadership, Elmwood became one of the largest African American Presbyterian churches in the United States.
1976
Stephen Drake “Steve” Hurst, Dec. 31, 2019, Lake Forest, Ill. Hurst practiced law.
1980
Michael Wren “Mike” Taylor, Aug. 5, 2020, Rutherfordton, N.C. Taylor was passionate about Wofford football and basketball. He attended many home and away games, including NCAA Tournament appearances. He was known as “Mr. First Down” during football season. He worked in banking and as an insurance adjuster before retiring. He served many years as chairman of the ABC board in Rutherfordton.
1985
Marshall Randolph Martin March 25, 2020, Loveland, Colo. Martin earned a MBA from North Carolina State University. He worked as a quality systems consultant in the pharmaceutical industry.
1990
William Gordon “Gee” Burnett Jr., June 24, 2020, Tampa, Fla. Burnett was active with civic groups and a member of Advent United Methodist Church.
1999
Jason King Sloan, May 2, 2020, Brentwood, Tenn. Sloan was senior director of treasury for Asurion Corp., in Nashville, Tenn. He was an avid soccer fan and was a member of the Memphis Football Club and Manchester United Fans of Middle Tennessee.
2023
Robert Edwin Gaddy Myers, June 9, 2020, Raleigh, N.C. A rising sophomore at Wofford when he withdrew from the college, Myers was planning to major in economics and finance. He enjoyed following the stock market and investing. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, grilling, playing lacrosse and audiobooks.
FRIENDS
Susan Calvert, July 3, 2020, Inman, S.C. Calvert was Wofford College’s first female Campus Safety officer. She served the campus for 25 years.
Dr. Kate Elizabeth Smith, July 11, 2020, Turbeville, S.C. Smith served on the Wofford College Board of Trustees from 1982-1990. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and was one of four women in her class at the Medical College of South Carolina. She practiced medicine in her hometown of Turbeville for nearly 60 years.