William “T” Woodruff Taylor, Jr. ’32 passed away May 14. He was born April 1, 1912, in Warrenton, N.C., to Dr. W.W. Taylor and Elizabeth Wallace Poindexter Taylor. He studied as an undergraduate at Davidson and the UNC Chapel Hill. He was forced to quit school because of the Depression and worked in numerous small jobs. He then attended Wake Forest Law School from 1932 until August 1933 when he passed the North Carolina Bar examination. Immediately after Pearl Harbor, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and served until he was honorably discharged. He practiced law in North Carolina for 60 years, and, in 1962, was a founding member of the Raleigh firm of Maupin Taylor & Ellis, where he practiced until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1993. While practicing in Warrenton, he served as a prosecuting attorney of the local recorder’s court, as county attorney, as attorney for the town of Warrenton, and represented Warrenton in the N.C. General Assembly for four sessions. He was elected to membership on the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Warrenton and served on the board for 18 years. He was active in the N.C. Bar Association for many years and served as its president-elect and president, and, as one of the 12 members of the N.C. Bar Association appointed to study problems arising from a limited malpractice insurance market, he became a founding member of Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company of North Carolina and served on its board of directors. He also served on the N.C. General Statutes Commission. He served on the board of trustees of East Carolina University for 15 years and on the board of governors of the University of North Carolina for three years. In 1991, Mr. Taylor received the honorary degree of doctor of laws from Campbell University. He was appointed to the Campbell University Presidential Board of Advisors in 2001. Active in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Warrenton for many years, he served in all positions open to laymen and taught an adult Bible class for 10 years. After moving to Raleigh and becoming a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, he taught an adult Bible class there for five more years. Mr. Taylor retired to Lexington, Va., in 1993 where he became a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and served on its vestry for three years. A staunch Southerner, Mr. Taylor could tell endless stories of the experiences of his ancestors during and after the Civil War. He wrote a book about the position of the South during the tragic era of the 1860s published under the name Let’s Tell Our Side of It for a Change

Robert Bradford Orr ’33, of Sanibel Island, Fla., and formerly of Hingham, Mass., died on Dec. 14. After graduating from Davidson, he received his M.D. from the University of Virginia. During WWII, he was a U.S. Naval medical officer in England attached to a D-Day invasion support group and achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. Following the war, he joined the staff of the Lahey Clinic in Boston, Mass., and was chairman of the anesthesiology department. During his career, he performed anesthesia on such notables as actor Claude Raines, baseball great Ted Williams, Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, and claimed he “knocked out” Gene Tunney, world heavyweight boxing champion. After his retirement, he moved to Sanibel Island with his wife, Dorothy Winship Orr, who preceded him in death. Survivors include three sons, Robert B. Orr, Jr. ’65, 20 Roslyn Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236; Charles C. Orr II ’68; and Nelson W. Orr; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Edwin G. Holt ’35 (Lt. Col., U.S. Army) passed away in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on June 2 and went to eternal peace with the Lord. He was a friend, counselor, and leader to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Mr. Holt was born in Greensboro, N.C., in 1914. He graduated from Davidson with a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. He married Dorothy Creech of Smithfield, N.C., and went to work in New York City for Cone Mills, one of the world’s largest textile companies. Mr. Holt was recalled in 1942 by the Army and assigned to the 329th Regiment, 83rd Division for training in preparation for the invasion of Europe. He landed at Normandy, commanded troops and fought through the hedgerows near Carentan, France, and was wounded in the fighting. After recovering from his wounds, he returned to France and commanded two Allied prisoner of war camps holding over 100,000 prisoners. He is the recipient of numerous medals and awards, including the Combat Infantry Medal, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Battle Ribbons with Two Stars. After the war, he returned to work for Cone Mills, living in New Orleans, then Dallas, and was promoted to vice president and national sales manager in New York City. He lived in Summit, N.J., for 30 years and was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and Canoe Brook Country Club. He retired after a 44-year career at Cone Mills and moved to Thousand Oaks, Calif., in 1981 so that he and his wife, Dorothy, could be near their son’s family. After moving to Thousand Oaks, he enjoyed playing golf and worshiping with friends and family at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. He was active in the Sergeant Michael A. DiRaimondo Chapter of Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Conejo Valley Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, and received the Patrick Henry Medal for Patriotism. His loving wife, Dorothy, passed away in 1999. Edwin was blessed with a very close relationship with his family and friends, and with his faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Edwin C. Holt (Susan), 295 Bethany Ct., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; his grandson, Edwin L. Holt; and his granddaughter, Kari Endries (Robert), and her sons, Alexander and Jack.

Oscar Floyd Johnson ’36, of Charlotte, N.C., died May 30. He was 93 years old. Floyd was born in Spencer Brook, Minn., on Dec. 23, 1914, the son of the Rev. Oscar Fritzof Johnson and Annie Olson Johnson. He graduated summa cum laude from Davidson with a B.S. in mathematics. He received his master’s degree in math from Duke University in 1939. Upon his graduation from Davidson, he taught math and coached at Rockingham High School in Rockingham, N.C., for a year. He married the love of his life, Eleanor Carr Johnson, of Charlotte on Sept. 7, 1938, and they spent the next 42 years at the Stony Brook School, Long Island, N.Y., where he taught math and coached football, basketball, and baseball during his 43-year tenure. He also served as the school’s athletic director for 27 years. Upon his retirement in 1980, he and Eleanor returned to Charlotte to be near their sons who lived in Charlotte and Shelby. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor Carr Johnson, and his younger brother, Rev. Grant Johnson ’39. He is survived by his two sons, Dave Johnson ’65 (Susan), 8815 High Chase Ln., Charlotte, NC 28273-8865, and sons, Bryan and Gerald; and Jim Johnson (Linda Kay) and daughters, Carrie and Anna, and son, Craig; and sisters-in-law, Bert Johnson and Joyce Carr. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for the past 15 years where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, mentor, and prayer meeting participant extraordinaire. In addition, he was active in the mission activities of the church, nursery ministry, and faithful supporter of sports activities.

William “Bill” Caskey Brown, Sr. ’37 passed away March 23. He was born Aug. 27, 1915, in Chamblee, Ga., to Bessie Young Brown and Dr. Paul F. Brown, Jr., a dentist. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Samuel, Paul ’33, and Eldridge; and his beloved wife, Isabel McCain Brown. Bill attended Georgia Tech for two years preparing to become an aeronautical engineer until God’s call to the ministry led him in a new direction. Even so, he was always fascinated with planes and how things worked. He graduated from Davidson with a bachelor’s in philosophy and later was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater in recognition of his ministry. On Aug. 29, 1939, he married Isabel McCain. When he completed Union Seminary (Richmond, Va.) in 1940, Bill and Isabel departed for Japan as missionaries. Returning as the war began, they were led by the Lord to Welch, W.Va., and then to First Presbyterian in Hazard where they felt called to serve the people in the coal fields of Eastern Kentucky. God used that early love for engineering as Bill helped in the design and building of several of the churches. Bill and Isabel lived in Harveyton and Lothair, starting churches in those communities. They also started Hull Memorial, Smith Camp, and Glomawr churches and served the Vicco church. After their 24 years of ministry in Perry County, they moved to the London, Ky., church which they served for 10 years. In all of Bill’s ministry, God gave him a gift for planning, organizing, and coordinating programs, but more importantly a gift for making people feel included and needed, equipping them to lead and build up the kingdom of God. In 1977 Bill and Isabel retired to Montreat, N.C., doing several short-term interims while living at Umarest, the big, rambling house where they welcomed friends, family, and visitors from around the world. Their later years were spent at Highland Farms, until their move to Lexington two years ago to be near family. His retirement years weren’t spent just sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of Umarest, but making improvements to the house, working at the repair shop for Habitat for Humanity, arranging stamps in his albums, playing games, tracing distant cousins for genealogical charts, traveling, bringing out the beauty in a piece of wood, or completing a crossword puzzle. Bill was a wonderful father to six children. He and Isabel considered family a cherished blessing and went to great efforts to build strong family ties, including planning biennial reunions at the beach for the whole clan. Bill and Isabel were helpmates, friends, and true loves for over 70 years! Bill is survived by his son, Bill Brown ’64 (Marilyn), 309 Colts Fork Rd., Jackson, KY 41339, and children, Bill (Jane), Mike (Sarah), and Becky; daughter, Betty Sloop and children, Ann (Steve Payne), Scott, and Ross ’94 (Kira); son, Ross Brown ’68 (Cathie) and children, Roger ’95 (Jennifer), David (Stacey), Phil (Callie), and Nate (Nancy); daughter, Evelyn Christensen (Ralph)and children, Brian (DeeDee), Martin, Susan, and Stephen (Kari Foust-Christensen); daughter, Mary Louise Forsythe (Bob) and daughters, Kathryn and Elizabeth; son, John Brown (Beth) and children, Jessica Sullivan, Zach Sullivan, and Paul Brown; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth McLean ’39, of Lumberton, N.C., died Mar. 1. He was born on Nov. 16, 1917, the son of the late Alexander Torrey and Annie Neal McLean He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, a deacon, and a Sunday school teacher. He was a retired realtor and owned McLean Farm Services. He served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Archie ’31 and Torrey ’38 McLean, and Torrey’s wife, Anne Bridger McLean. Surviving are his wife, Betty McLean, 4401 Chub Lake Rd., Roxboro, NC 27574-7442; son, Kenneth Bridger McLean (Martha Kimball McLean); daughter, Anne Dickson Floyd; and five grandchildren, John and Anne McLean, and Charlie, Patrick, and McKoy Floyd.of Lumberton, N.C., died Mar. 1. He was born on Nov. 16, 1917, the son of the late Alexander Torrey and Annie Neal McLean. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, a deacon, and a Sunday school teacher. He was a retired realtor and owned McLean Farm Services. He served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Archie ’31 and Torrey ’38 McLean, and Torrey’s wife, Anne Bridger McLean. Surviving are his wife, Betty McLean, 4401 Chub Lake Rd., Roxboro, NC 27574-7442; son, Kenneth Bridger McLean (Martha Kimball McLean); daughter, Anne Dickson Floyd; and five grandchildren, John and Anne McLean, and Charlie, Patrick, and McKoy Floyd.

Dr. John Gray Hunter ’40, of Greensboro, N.C., died Sept. 26, 2007. Gray was born on June 20, 1918, in Greensboro to the late Hill and Annie Merritt Hunter. He graduated from Woodbury Forest Prep School in Virginia and Davidson, where he played baseball and football. He was also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Medical College. Gray was a member of the American Medical Association. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, and tennis player. Gray was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Hill M. Hunter. His wife, Sara Lyon Hunter, passed away Apr. 23. He is survived by his son, John Gray Hunter, Jr., 1210 Spofford Cir., Apt. 3, Wilmington, NC 28403-2587; daughter, Elizabeth Hunter Cook (Mark); granddaughter, Kathleen Cook ’06; and brother, Bynum Hunter (Bonnie).

John Withers Donaldson Sr. ’41, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Apr. 1. He was born on May 21, 1919, in Mt. Mourne, N.C., son of the late Charles Lafayette and Sarah Jane Gouger Donaldson. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, three sisters, two half-brothers, and a grandson, Brett Donaldson. He retired from the U.S. Navy and on May 3, 1946, he married Martha Norris Donaldson, 531 Virginia Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, John Donaldson, Jr. (Audrey), Ann Donaldson (Lary Gibson), Carol Donaldson, and Mary Smith (Jimmy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Donaldson and Jennifer G. Aday (Daniel); his great-grandson, Gavin Aday; his step-grandchildren, Tony Smith and Tracy Comer (Todd); step-great-grandchildren, Meredith and Scott Comer; and sisters-in-law, Ella Donaldson and Louise Mattichak (David), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. After a year at Davidson, he joined the U.S. Navy in November 1940. He retired in 1971 after 30 years of service. John served as Navy recruiter for Iredell, Wilkes, and Alexander counties for three years and was chief of recruiting in Raleigh at the time of retirement. He also served on four aircraft carriers. John was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, and a member of the choir for many years.

Southgate Jones, Jr. ’42 died peacefully June 5 in Durham, N.C. Born of Southgate Jones and Nancy Green Jones, the family has been a part of Durham’s history since the 1860s. Among his many accomplishments and contributions, Southgate was president of J. Southgate and Son, Inc. Insurance Agency founded by his great-grandfather in 1872. Within the insurance profession, he was also the president of Independent Insurance Agents of America and president of Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, who presented him with a lifetime achievement award for service to his industry. Southgate was a bellwether contributor to his community, including service as president of the Durham Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, the United Way, the Red Cross, and the Durham Jaycees. He was a member of numerous other boards, including service on the Durham City Council, the N.C. Planning Board, and the N.C. Symphony. Service to country was such an important part of Southgate’s life. He served four years in the U.S. Army during WWII and 26 additional years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as colonel and occupying the brigadier general position. He served four major campaigns in France and Germany and was a military governor both in Salzburg, Austria, and in the Berchtesgarden area in Bavaria. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, he was also the battalion commander, brigade, chief of staff, and assistant division commander of the 108th Division of the U.S. Army Reserve. Southgate earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Four Battle Stars, N.C. Order of the Longleaf Pine, Order of Kentucky Colonels, Civic Honor Award, and Durham’s Father of the Year. Southgate had a love for the arts and was both a painter and composer. His music compositions have often been performed at Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was a choir member for more than 50 years; and a special performance was hosted by the Music Appreciation Group of Duke University last year, who presented a program of his music. In addition to anthems and other works, he composed a sizeable volume of secular songs, ballads, and instrumental works. His paintings have been displayed throughout the Durham community and have won many juried shows. An avid golfer, Southgate was past club champion at Hope Valley Country Club. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying boating, fishing, and hunting. Southgate’s greatest loves were God, his family, and Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served as chairman of the trustees. His deep faith was an example to all and was such a comfort to him during his last months. This faith will last on in his surviving family members: wife, Dewey Owen Jones, 3505 Tonbridge Way, Durham, NC 27707; daughters, Nancy Beauvais (Ron), Dorsay Eichhorn (Keith), and Janet Cagle (Dan); son, Southgate Jones III (Charlotte); stepson, Mike Jones (Katie); grandchildren, Lawrence MacDougald Fountain, Jr., Vinton Southgate Fountain, Moyer Decatur Fountain, John Douglas Howard III, Carolyn Brendle Howard, Daniel Franklin Cagle III, Anderson Southgate Cagle, Southgate Jones IV, Margaret Elizabeth Jones, Alexander Moyer Jones, and three step-grandchildren, Stephanie Kim Plucker, Jessica Diane Jones, and Charles Michael Jones II; three great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Strong; and brother, Lyell Jones. Southgate was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Moyer Jones, and by two brothers, Thomas Decatur Jones and Nathaniel Green Jones.

J. Mason Wallace, Jr. ’42, of Charlotte, N.C., died June 12. He was born July 28, 1919, in Charlotte to John Mason Wallace and Gertrude M. Wallace. Mason was raised on his parents’ farm in east Mecklenburg County. He graduated from Davidson, his Army uniform under his graduation gown. He served as a lieutenant in the Army infantry in WWII in the mountains of Italy and along the Rhone River in France. He received several battle stars and three Purple Heart medals for his combat service. In 1946 Mason married Nancy Anderson Akers and began raising their family. Nancy and their children, together with a large extended family, were the most important part of Mason’s life. Mason was a lifelong member of Sardis Presbyterian Church where he served as a church officer. He also served on a number of the governing bodies of the Mecklenburg Presbytery. He dedicated much of his time, resources, and abilities to serving the church and the community. Mason served many years on the board of directors and as chairman of Presbyterian Hospital. He served on the board of trustees of Davidson, Brevard Music Center, Queens College, Charlotte Country Day School, and Sharon Towers. He also served on the Mecklenburg County Commission. Mason enjoyed the outdoors. He spent many hours with Nancy hiking in the North Carolina mountains with the Carolina Mountain Club. For a number of years they helped maintain a section for the Appalachian Trail north of Hot Springs. He loved flowers, attracting birds to his yard (and fighting off squirrels), and gardening. He loved sharing the fresh vegetables that his garden produced. In recent years, Mason was buoyed by the love of his family, friends, and the community at Sharon Towers. He maintained his sense of humor, even as Parkinson’s disease robbed him of his mobility. Mason was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy, and his youngest daughter, Gertrude Morgan. He is survived by his daughter, Kay Hodges (George), 2236 Overhill Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211-2122; son, John M. Wallace III (Debby Carlton Wallace ’81); son-in-law, Gary Morgan; daughter, Sally Wallace; and sister-in-law, Mary Akers Cathey. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: George Hodges, Jr. (Jennifer), Nancy Hodges, Katherine Swain ’06, Frank Swain ’09, Elizabeth and J. Mason Wallace IV, and Margaret and James Morgan. He recently shared in the joy of the arrival of his first great-grandchild, George Sawyer Hodges.

George T. Sinclair ’43 passed away peacefully in Newton, N.C., on July 4. George had a lifelong affinity for the arts. He enjoyed classical music, fine wine, painting, the study of language, and being surrounded by interesting and artistic people. Born Oct. 26, 1921, the son of Dr. Marshall Wray Sinclair and Kate Taylor Sinclair, he grew up in Bluefield, W.Va. He attended Davidson and Duke University and earned a liberal arts degree from the University of Illinois. During WWII, George served with the U.S. Army in the European and Pacific Theaters, where he spent much of his time in Tokyo as an interpreter and press analyst. After the war, he studied Chinese and classical music composition at Yale University. George spent nearly five years living in Paris, France, where he immersed himself in the study of theater and created a lifelong interest in the culinary arts. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., for almost 20 years, where he worked in the publishing and public relations industries. In later years, he worked with the N.C. School of the Arts, Western Piedmont Community College, AIDS Atlanta, Suzuki School of the Arts in Hickory, and most recently with the United Arts Council in Hickory. Even into his 80s, George had a passion for language and studied Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese. He considered himself a “broadly skilled human being” and he enjoyed being a citizen of the world. He was preceded in death by his life partner of 39 years, Daniel Guerin, and by his brother, Dr. Carter A. Sinclair. He is survived by nephews, John Sinclair, David Sinclair (Celia), Richard Sinclair (Barbara), Bob Sinclair (Carolyn); niece, Margaret Sinclair Sides (Michael); sister-in-law, Carol Sinclair; and by a number of grandnieces and grandnephews.

John “Jack” Simpson Lucas ’45, of Greensboro, N.C., passed away on June 18. Born Jan. 21, 1923, in Spartanburg, S.C., to the late Edwin Fleming Lucas and Mabel Simpson Lucas, Jack was a lifelong resident of Greensboro, N.C., as well as a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where he served as senior warden. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin F. Lucas, Jr. ’42, and his sisters, Laurie Lucas Little and Cora Lucas McAlister. He attended Davidson where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jack then served in WWII as a pilot in the 8th Air Force. After his service, he attended N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C. He founded Lucas Travel Agency in 1956 with offices in Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, and Charlotte. He was a founder and first president of the Travel Agents of the Carolinas as well as serving on the Travel Agents Advisory Board to United Airlines, Pan American Airlines, and Eastern Airlines. He founded Lucas Travel Schools in eight southeast locations. He was chosen as the Jaycee Boss of the Year in Greensboro. Jack was an active member of the community, serving in office for country clubs and the Greensboro Heart Association, as well as being a member of many social, athletic, and rotary clubs. According to his wishes, he would like to mention that he was a member in good standing of the exclusive Sam’s Club, the AARP, and Costco. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ida Lee (Holly) Hollingsworth Lucas, 3540 Wildflower Dr., Unit 538, Greensboro, NC 27410-8845; his two daughters, Rebecca Lucas Healy and Lee Lucas Jones; his grandchildren, Matthew Francis Healy IV, Freeman Randolph Jones III, John Simpson Lucas Jones, and Lee Hollingsworth Jones; and former brother-in-law, John W. McAlister, Jr. ’47.

Benjamin Douglas Morton, Jr. ’45, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died May 7. He was born Mar. 1, 1922, in Pinetops, son of the late Benjamin Douglas Morton, Sr. and Elizabeth Weeks Harper Morton. He attended Davidson and graduated in 1947 from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., where he met his wife. He had lived in Winston-Salem since 1947. He was employed for 25 years as a medical photographer by Bowman Gray School of Medicine and Baptist Hospital. He was a registered biological photographer (RBP) and member of the Biological Photographers Association, now the Biocommunications Association (BCA). He was elected as a fellow in the BCA. Fellowship in BCA is granted “for distinguished craftsmanship and meritorious contribution to the advancement of media in the life sciences.” In his later years, he worked for Wake Forest University in the athletic department. He was an active member of Highland Presbyterian. He and his wife were founding members of Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served as both elder and deacon. They later returned to Highland Presbyterian Church. He did volunteer work for Crisis Control Ministry and Meals on Wheels. Ben had a lifelong love of photography and sports, particularly Wake Forest basketball. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Harriet Barnard Morton. He is survived by son, Benjamin Douglas Morton III ’72, M.D., (Susan), 4827 Wesleyan Woods Dr., Macon, GA 31210; son, Paul Barnard Morton; and two grandchildren, Christopher Kerns and Aaron Morton.

Robert Marshall Brooks ’46, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away July 17. He was born in Charlotte on Oct. 26, 1924, a son of the late Edward and Sue Brooks. He was preceded in death by a sister, Frances McCorkle, and a brother, Edward, “Bub” Brooks. He was a lifelong member of Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church and a member of the Walter J. Miller Sunday school class. While at Davidson, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and captain of the baseball team. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was known by his witty sense of humor and compassion. His survivors include his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Nancy Blanton Brooks, 6133 Brace Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211; daughter, Anne Mulholland, and children, Allyson and Michael Martin; daughter, Susan McCann, (Bob) and children, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Caroline McCann; and brother, Richard Brooks.

John “Jack” E. Jenkins, Jr. ’46, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away July 4. Born on Sept. 19, 1924, in Huntington, he was the son of the late John Earl and Kathleen Pitts Jenkins, and was preceded in death by his sister, Marion. He attended Davidson, Brown University, and received an A.B. and L.L.B. degrees from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Theta Chi. A WWII veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He is survived by three sons, John E. Jenkins III (Stephanie), 2300 Lora Ln., Raleigh, NC 27604-2216; James C. Jenkins (Wanda); and Evan H. Jenkins (Elizabeth); dear friend, Camille M. Riley; and seven grandchildren, John E. Jenkins IV, Amanda V. Jenkins, James C. Jenkins, Jr., Edward M. Jenkins, Evan H. Jenkins, Jr., Charles X. Jenkins, and Olivia G. Jenkins. An attorney for more than five decades, he was deeply respected by his peers in the legal profession and on many occasions was ranked among the best lawyers in America. Joining his father in the practice of law in 1950, he helped shepherd the growth and prominence of the firm Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC. He argued several cases before the U.S. Supreme Court of Appeals, and for 15 years, enjoyed sharing his extraordinary legal experience with the students at the West Virginia College of Law. He proudly received the Justicia Officium Award, the highest honor the College of Law can bestow a recipient, recognizing his outstanding contribution and service to the legal profession. Devoted to the betterment of his community, he left a legacy of dedicated service and touched the lives of many through his involvement in membership and charitable organizations including The Edwards Foundation, trustee; Cammack Children’s Center, past board member; Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., trustee; Boy Scouts of America; Greater Tri-State Development Corporation, president; Huntington Clinical Foundation, past president; Huntington Foundation, trustee; Huntington Kiwanis Club, past president; Huntington Museum of Art, past president and trustee; City Club; Gypsy Club; Huntington Y.M.C.A., past president and trustee; Cabell-Wayne Heart Association, past president; Marshall Artist Series, past president and trustee; St. Mary’s Hospital, ethics committee and member; and United Way, past president and member. He was a member, Sunday school teacher, and elder of the First Presbyterian Church. An avid reader with an interest in current events, history, and art, he led an active lifestyle as a licensed private pilot, scuba diver, sailor, and golfer, and he traveled extensively for work and pleasure.

Shelton P. Colson, Jr. ’47 went home peacefully to be with the Lord on June 21. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Deloris F. Colson, and survived by his son, Shelton P. Colson III (Patsy), 200 N. Lakeside Dr., Fair Play, SC, 29643-2416; daughters, Lori L. Colson and Lisa L. Mayfield (Arthur); two grandchildren, Brooke M. and Cooper T. Colson; sister-in-law, Abbie L. Futch; and several nieces and nephews. A Jacksonville native, Shelton was a longtime member of First Baptist Church downtown and was once active in the bus ministry, chairman of the deacons, and treasurer of the King’s Servants Sunday school class. Retired from Langley Oldsmobile, he and was at Davidson when he enlisted in the Navy for WWII. LTJG Colson served in the European Theatre and the Far East.

Booker Edward “Ed” Rhudy ’47 died March 27 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was born in Abingdon, Va., and lived in Port St. Lucie for six months after relocating from Oriental, N.C. During WWII, he served the Navy as a naval air navigator. Before retirement in 1980, he served as a vice president with NCNB Mortgage Corp. in Wilmington and Greensboro, N.C. While residing in Greensboro, he served as president of the Optimist Club. He was involved in the organization of the Sailing Club of Oriental and had been commodore and lifetime honorary member. Survivors include his wife of more than 62 years, Mary Beard Rhudy, 2825 S.E. Rawlings Rd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952-6657; daughter, Judy Michael Rhudy; son, Douglass Edward Rhudy; brother, Harold Rhudy; sister, Margaret Rhudy Lilly; three granddaughters; and one great-grandchild.

Billy W. Lassiter ’48 died Dec. 4, 2005, in Davidson. Billy was born April 21, 1927, in Wake County, a son of Hugh and Jayne Cash Lassiter. He was former treasurer with Dize Awning and Tent Co. in Winston-Salem and was a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of the 9th Avenue Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. His wife, Hazel S. Lassiter, to whom he was married on Feb. 28, 1987, passed away Jan. 26, 2007. Surviving are two daughters, Sara Giroux, 1145 Kudzu Ln., Danbury, NC 27016, and Jayne O’Neal; three stepsons, J. Dwight Shoe (Cheri), C. Ralph Shoe, and A. Craig Shoe (Shelia); 12 grandchildren, Tyler Rowland Giroux, Sara Teresa Setzer, Billy Lassiter O’Neal, Colin Taylor O’Neal, Tara Brooke Ewald, Desiree Erin Shoe, Jordan Nicole Shoe, Dillon Michael Louis Shoe, Charles Robert “Rocky” Shoe, Tyler James Shoe, Teresa Shoe, and Andi Chad Shoe; and his beloved canine companion, “Josie.”

George Lynn Bernhardt, Sr. ’49, of Lenoir, N.C., died Feb. 25. He was born Oct. 25, 1924, to the late Richmond Gilbert and Ruth White Bernhardt. After George graduated from Lenoir High School, where he played first chair cornet, he entered Davidson. His education there was interrupted by WWII, where he served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, surviving the battle of Iwo Jima and then being a part of the force that occupied Japan. His reconnaissance platoon was the first to set foot on the Japanese island of Kyushu. He had often described the eerie sensation of marching through the streets, being watched by silent, wary Japanese civilians. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he returned to Davidson, and following his graduation, he went to Lenoir to work with his father in the family hardware store, Bernhardt-Seagle Company. George led a full life in service to his church and community. A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir, he was an elder and a deacon, active in fundraising campaigns and in the Men of the Church, and serving on Presbytery committees. For many years he sang in the church choir, sometimes as a soloist, beginning as a tenor and later changing to baritone. He served for a time as chairman of the Caldwell County Library Board, was president of the Chamber of Commerce, and was a charter member of the Caldwell County Men’s Chorus. Following his retirement from business, he was active in adult literacy programs and Communities in Schools. A member of the Lenoir City Council for 38 years (at times as mayor pro tem), his area of concentration was public utilities. He worked tirelessly for the water and sewer system of Caldwell County. The recently completed water treatment plant at Rhodhiss is named the George L. Bernhardt, Sr. Municipal Water Treatment Plant. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Thomas Maury Bernhardt ’74. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Katherine Jones Bernhardt, 214 Bernhardt Court S.W., Lenoir, NC 28645-5701; two sons, George Lynn Bernhardt, Jr. (Johanna) and the Reverend Dr. James Franklin Bernhardt (Anita); one daughter, Dr. Jane Bernhardt Brummer (Paul); a daughter-in-law, Margaret Adkins ’80; one brother, Richmond G. Bernhardt, Jr. ’52 (Doris); 10 grandchildren, Dr. Emily Bernhardt, Staff Sgt. George L. Bernhardt III, Molly Naugher, J. Travis Bernhardt, Michael Brummer, Aaron Brummer, Patrick Brummer, Katherine Brummer, Samuel Bernhardt, and Mary Bernhardt; and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Gwyneth Bernhardt.

Robert Alexander Carson, Sr. ’50, a native of Marks, Miss., died at his home Dec. 31. Bob was born in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 16, 1927. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. McAlister Carson; two sisters, Sally Carson Dowd and Abigail Alexander Carson; a brother, McAlister Carson Jr. ’46; and granddaughter, Lillian Graham Carson. In 1944 he volunteered for the Naval Air Corp and served as a radio gunner until his discharge in 1946, when he entered Davidson. Bob and his wife of 60 years, the former Lillian Graham, married in 1947. Bob moved to Mississippi in 1951, where he became involved in farming in the Mississippi Delta. He remained in farming until his retirement in 2004. He and his family farmed Buckskin Plantation. Bob was a Sunday school teacher for adults and youth for over 40 years. He was an elder of Marks Presbyterian Church, and was known best to his friends as a strong PCA Presbyterian and an uncompromising Calvinist. Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian Graham Carson, P.O. Box 306, Marks, MS 38646; his son, Robert A. Carson, Jr. (Sally), and two grandchildren, Fowler and Robert Carson III; and daughters, Donna Buford Carson and Lillian Graham Carson.

Donald L. Sasser ’50, of Columbus, N.C., passed away Nov. 1, 2007.

Roderick K. Shaw, Jr ’50, a native of Quincy, Fla., passed away July 6 in Tampa, Fla. He was a graduate of Davidson where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Rod first met his wife of 53 years, Floride, at an Honor Society luncheon. Rod and Flo were married in Tallahassee in 1951. Subsequent to his graduation, he and Flo moved to Gainesville, where he attended the University of Florida College of Law. His law school education was interrupted by service in the Korean War. Flo’s cheerful, newsy letters boosted his morale during his service on the front lines in Korea. During his service in the Army, he fought in the battle of Triangle Hill (Korea) during mid- and late-October 1952. As the commander of I-Company, he led a company-sized diversionary raid on the foothill of Hill 1066 Nov. 1, 1952. He later served in battalion headquarters as advisor for the battalion commander S-1, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Korea and concluded his service as the rank of Army captain, and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1958. He and Flo moved to Tampa following his graduation from law school. Rod practiced law with the firm of Allen, Dell, Frank, and Trinkle in Tampa. He primarily worked as a corporate lawyer representing the Florida citrus industry. A notable product of his corporate work was lobbying the Food and Drug Administration to require food labels on all orange juice products to enable consumers to distinguish 100 percent orange juice from 10 percent orange drink imitations. Modern-day food labels listing the ingredients of food products in grocery stores are a direct result of his legal practice. Following his success with food labels, his label model was mandated industry-wide and is now on all food labels. He maintained a lifelong passion for architecture and furniture. He showed his hobby via his woodcarving of Georgian-era chairs and his consultation on the design of the new chancel of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, where he was a member. He was also a member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. He is survived by his daughter, Floride “Reedi” Massey (Steve), 2523 Noble Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308-6479; son, Roderick Shaw (Kathleen); grandchildren, Roderick and Carolyn Floride Shaw; sister, Mary McMillan; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Floride Wilkinson Shaw, and his parents, Roderick K. Shaw, Sr. and Elizabeth “Dibby” Shaw.

Charles R. McAmis ’52, of Kingsport, Tenn., passed away Nov. 14, 2001.

Regnald Maxwell Jr. ’53, of Augusta, Ga., entered into rest on Nov. 24, 2001. Regnald, a native of Augusta, was the son of the late Dr. Regnald and Lollie Johnson Maxwell. He attended Davidson and entered the U.S. Air Force. Upon completing his military duty, Regnald received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. He was a 1959 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and a member Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. Regnald was in private practice in Augusta for many years and a member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon. In the mid-1960s he was elected to serve in the Georgia Legislature and was the first Republican to preside over the Georgia House since reconstruction. He was a board member of the Augusta Free School and was an avid deep-sea fisherman. Regnald is survived by his wife, Lorraine Elder Maxwell, 3256 Summerchase Cir., Augusta, GA 30909-4151; son, Regnald Maxwell III; daughter, Elder Maxwell; and one sister, Anna Maxwell Waller.

Carl Adam Thompson, Jr. ’53, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away Aug. 25, 2007. Carl was born Nov. 28, 1926, in Lenoir and was the son of the late Carl Adam Thompson, Sr. and the late Lena Keyes Thompson. He was a graduate of Davidson and UNC where he obtained his M.B.A. In 1954, he began his work career with Western Electric in Winston-Salem where he held various accounting and financial positions. After 33 years of service, he retired from AT&T where he was controller in the federal affairs division. He served four years in the U.S. Army and was a member of a variety of business and civic organizations where he held various offices. He was a member of College Park Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Burr Thompson. In 1951, he married Mary Frances Howard, 2966 Ormond Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106, who survives. He is also survived by three children, Marcus E. Thompson (Carol), John K. Thompson, and Kathryn Watson (Chad); four grandchildren, Amelia Thompson, and Tanner, McCabe, and Wade Watson; a sister, Patricia Beason; a sister-in-law, Beverly Howard; and a brother-in-law, Wesley Thompson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Richard “Dick” N. James ’57 died July 28 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Montour County, Pa., to Dr. Alfred E. and Esther R. James. His early career included serving as a research chemist at Riegel’s Research Laboratory, where he was awarded several patents, one of which sold to General Motors. The major portion of his career was spent as a senior chemist with Monsanto Co. in Greenwood, S.C., and also in Decatur, where he was presented with the Monsanto Achievement Award for designing and implementing a robotic testing system for the quality control laboratories. Dick was a graduate of Davidson with a B.S. degree in chemistry. He also completed graduate studies at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga., and The Polytechnical Institute, Brooklyn, N.Y. Following his retirement, he was a member of the adjunct faculty of Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood. Dick was a member of the American Chemical Society and recognized as one of the distinguished chemists in America. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood. Surviving are his wife, Sandra N. James, 101 Wexford Place, Greenwood, SC 29649; his mother; and a brother, David R. James (Kristin). Also surviving are three children, Christopher N. James (Rebekah), Candace James Cummings, and Dr. Karen James Cubelli; and five precious grandchildren, Ryley Breeding and his father, Brad Breeding, Alexander and Abigail Cummings, and Juliana and Carmine Cubelli. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, and a special friend to all who knew him.

John C. Crawford III ’59 died on July 4 of pancreatic cancer in Atlanta, Ga. He was born in Maryville, Tenn., on Mar. 23, 1937, the son of John C. Crawford, Jr. and America Crawford. After graduating from Davidson, he joined the U.S. Navy and served three years as a communications officer aboard the U.S.S. Springfield, the cruiser flagship of the Mediterranean Sixth Fleet. After active duty he continued his military career in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 21 years of service in the rank of commander. He graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in 1966 and joined his family law firm, Crawford & Crawford, in Maryville, where he practiced law with his father, John Jr., and his uncle, Roy. In 1973 he left the firm to become an assistant district attorney for Blount, Loudon, and Roane counties. He was elected circuit court judge, division II, for Blount County, handling primarily criminal cases, and was reelected to this position. While living in Maryville, he was a member of the Maryville-Alcoa Sertoma Club and served on the boards of directors of Child and Family Services, the Maryville Community Theatre, and the Blount County Council for the Arts. He was a lifetime member and elder of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville and served on the Synod’s Permanent Judicial Commission. He retired from the legal profession in 1990 and moved to Atlanta. There he was a member of the Decatur Civic Chorus and the Greater Atlanta Rose Society and a volunteer at the Atlanta Branch of the National Archives and in adult literacy programs. Among his interests were genealogical research, music, books and reading, collecting art, flower gardening, and German shepherd dogs. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Crawford Thorsen (Tom), 50 Biscayne Dr. NW, Unit 5114, Atlanta, GA 30309-2068; his brother, Duncan Crawford (Margaret Ellen); his uncle and aunt, Roy and Dorothy Crawford; and six nieces and nephews, John Chesnutt, Maggie Chesnutt, Rebecca Crawford, Adam Crawford, Tom Chesnutt, and Carol Chesnutt.

Warren Devereaux Scheerer ’60, of Chapin, S.C., was born on June 28, 1938, in Edison, Ga., and passed away on June 24. He was a son of the late William Woodrow and Mildred Holder Scheerer. Warren was a civil engineer and worked for the S.C. Department of Transportation. He was also an Eagle Scout, Army veteran, and a member of Chapin Baptist Church. Warren is survived by his wife, Betty-Raye Nunamaker Scheerer, 1118 Libby Ariail Cir., Chapin, SC 29036; sons, Eric Scott Scheerer (Heather Dunlevy), Kevin Ryan Scheerer (Rosie), and Ryan Durand Scheerer; grandchildren, Caitlin Rebecca Scheerer and William Declan Scheerer; brother, Raymond Henry “Rusty” Scheerer (Robin); and sister, Beverly Jean Scheerer.

Judge David Tillman Stitt ’64 died May 10 in Wilmington, N.C., after suffering a heart attack while vacationing in Topsail Beach, N.C. Judge Stitt, a well-known figure in legal circles, served as the Fairfax (Va.) county attorney for nearly a dozen years, as president of the Fairfax Bar Association for a year, and as a circuit court judge for almost 13 years. He was also known as a dedicated outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, boating, playing tennis, or commandeering players for a bar association volleyball tournament. His son recently qualified for the U.S. Olympic rowing team, and Judge Stitt had been hoping to travel to Beijing this summer. David was born in St. Louis and, when he was two, moved to Austin, where he was raised. He graduated from Davidson, where he played freshman basketball for then-coach Lefty Driesell. He entered the Army and served as a Ranger during the Vietnam War. He received his law degree from the University of Texas in 1969 and moved to Washington, where he worked first in the corporation counsel’s office, then as an assistant U.S. attorney. He became an assistant county attorney in Fairfax in 1975, was appointed county attorney in 1980, and left that job for private practice in 1991. Judge Stitt was a regular at state and local bar association functions, organizing so many volleyball tournaments that the local bar’s volleyball trophy is named for him. He also spoke regularly to law school classes about the need for civility and professionalism in the courtroom. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Stitt, 6503 Smoot Dr., McLean, VA 22101; and two children, Samuel T. Stitt and Rachel Elmendorf.

Locke Holland, Jr. ’68, of Charlotte, N.C., died July 6. He was born May 25, 1945, in Salisbury, N.C., son of Elizabeth Francis Holland and Locke Holland, Sr. He performed his undergraduate work at Davidson before completing his master’s at UNC Chapel Hill and his doctorate at UNC Greensboro. His studies were in the field of teaching, family and childhood development, and early childhood development. Locke briefly served in the U.S. Army before teaching at Charlotte Catholic and UNC Charlotte. After many job transitions, he built on his experiences and found his true passion in helping others find work and success in their careers. He managed Fox Morris, an outplacement service, before starting his own business as a management consultant and executive coach. Locke also volunteered part-time helping individuals and leading an unemployed networking and job placement group. In his spare time, he loved jazz, rooting for his UNC basketball team, and going on fishing trips with his brothers. His biggest source of pleasure was learning about others’ lives and exploring the world of self-improvement and consciousness. Locke loved the mountains of western North Carolina and named his mountain home “Ease” which reminded him of the relaxing, peaceful Blue Ridge scenery and golf that he played. He was a very courageous man who was never afraid to go against conventional wisdom. Once he learned of his rare cancer, he traveled all over the world to find a cure because he wanted more than anything to live a long, full, rich life with his family. People who knew him will miss his sense of humor, his constant affection for loved ones, and his zest for life. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cynthia Dimmette, 9546 Hunting Ct., Matthews, NC 28105; three children, Alex Holland, David Holland (Erin), and Amanda Holland; one grandchild, Grace Holland; his mother, Elizabeth Holland; and two brothers, Charles Holland and Bruce Holland.

David Woodman Wells ’71, of South Orange, N.J., passed away on July 13 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s disease, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. David was born on Oct. 2, 1949, to Albert N. Wells and Margaret Kelly Wells in Louisville, Ky., and grew up in Laurinburg and Sunset Beach. He graduated from Davidson with a degree in German. He attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., where he received a doctor of ministry in 1977. His first pastorate was in Jackson, Ky., at the Guerrant Memorial Church. In 1979 he and his family moved to Spencer, W.Va., where, in addition to serving as pastor of the Spencer Presbyterian Church, David traveled and provided support for pastors in remote rural areas in the Greenbrier Presbytery. David then became pastor of the First Federated Church of Bayonne, N.J., and attended the Blanton Peale Graduate Institute where he received a degree in pastoral psychotherapy. David practiced at the Grace Counseling Center in Madison, N.J., and subsequently developed a private practice in Montclair, N.J. At the same time, he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hamburg, N.J. David is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Esposito, 318 Meeker St., South Orange, NJ 07079; his children, Elijah Wells (Dana) and Anna Wells Hodges (Richard); his stepchildren, Ben Esposito (Tina) and Molly Crossin; his father, Albert N. Wells; and brother, John Wells (Carol). He was the adored grandfather of Isabella Esposito, and favorite uncle of 21 nieces and nephews. David loved sailing, music, dancing, travel, people, and laughter. He was loved and will be missed by all.

Reginald Michael Harding ’75, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away on Sept. 11, 2007.

Robert Anthony “Tony” Snow’77, the former television and radio talk show host who became President Bush’s chief spokesman and redefined the role of White House press secretary with his lively banter with reporters, passed away on July 12 at Georgetown University Hospital after losing a high-profile battle with colon cancer. In his brief tenure as President Bush’s public advocate, Tony became perhaps the best-known face of the administration after the president, vice president, and secretary of state. He was the first press secretary in years routinely asked to sign autographs and pose for pictures while on the road. Tony leavened his tense tenure with humor and music. He was friends with the members of Jethro Tull and played flute, saxophone, and backup guitar in his own band, called Beats Workin’. He also appeared on National Public Radio’s weekly humor show, “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” From the beginning, Tony was open about his battles with cancer. His mother had died of colon cancer when he was in high school, and he frequently said he felt he had been “stalked by cancer.” It struck him in February 2005 when a checkup found that he had the same cancer that killed his mother. Tony was born June 1, 1955, in Berea, Ky., and grew up in Cincinnati. He attended Davidson, where he sported a beard and ponytail and was a self-described Marxist, but he grew disaffected with American liberalism before graduating with a philosophy degree in 1977. He shuffled from job to job, first as a caseworker for the mentally ill in North Carolina, then as a teacher in Cincinnati and Kenya, before doing graduate work in economics and philosophy at the University of Chicago. In 1979, he discovered journalism. He started as an editorial writer for conservative editor Terry Eastland at the Greensboro Record in North Carolina, then followed Eastland to the Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, and eventually moved to the Daily Press of Newport News. In 1984, Snow became deputy editorial editor for the Detroit News, where he met and married the editor’s secretary, Jill Ellen Walker. In 1987, the same year as their wedding, he became editorial page editor at the Washington Times. President George H.W. Bush recruited him to the White House as a speechwriter, although infighting later relegated him to a backwater job in the media affairs office. After that, Tony wrote a syndicated column and branched out to broadcast, filling in for radio hosts Rush Limbaugh and Diane Rehm and doing commentary on NPR, CNN, and ABC’s Good Morning America. Roger Ailes, who met Tony in the first Bush White House, hired him in 1996 to launch a Sunday show for the upstart Fox News network. Tony made a national name for himself during the next seven years at the helm of Fox News Sunday. He also played a bit part in the Monica Lewinsky scandal that nearly felled President Bill Clinton: he introduced a friend from the first Bush White House named Linda Tripp to book publisher Lucianne Goldberg, helping set in motion a chain of events that resulted in an investigation and impeachment of the president. After Tony was replaced at Fox News Sunday in 2003 by Chris Wallace, he launched a Fox radio talk show, heard on 125 stations nationwide, before becoming White House press secretary. Tony is survived by his wife, Jill Snow, 8733 Plymouth Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308-2510; children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi Snow; father, James Snow; step-mother, Dorothy Snow; brother, Steven Snow (Jennifer Ashbrook).

William Marlin Geiger ’79 passed away July 15 at his home in Gainesville, Ga. Marlin was born in Decatur, Ga., on Sept. 14, 1957, the son of Becky and Leonard Geiger ’54. A multi-talented artist, Marlin was a painter and actor, a true scholar all of his life. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from Davidson, and then earned a master of arts in theology from Episcopal Divinity School (Cambridge, Mass.). He earned a degree in theology and the arts from the Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley, Calif.) and a master’s in fine arts from the University of Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Brooks Geiger, P.O. Box 586, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571-0586; daughter, Caitlin; son, Christopher; parents, Dr. Becky Geiger and Dr. Leonard Geiger ’54; brother and sister-in-law, Len and Christina Geiger and their daughter, Ava; sister and brother-in-law, Beth Geiger-Bolstad ’85 and Arlen Geiger and their children, Joanna, Emma, and Thomas; and brother, Ralph Geiger.

Martha Louise Spoor ’91 died peacefully at home on May 6 following a five-year battle against breast cancer. She was only 39 years old and had so much more living to do and many more lives to touch. Martha was born on Apr. 11, 1969, in San Antonio, Tex. She attended Davidson and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with the Class of 1992. Following graduation, she returned to San Antonio and received her master of arts degree in teaching from Trinity University in 1994. Martha’s greatest passion was teaching, and for almost 14 years she fulfilled her long-held dream as an English teacher at her beloved Alamo Heights Junior School. Above all others, her favorite assignment was to teach sixth grade pre-AP/gifted and talented English students, inspiring and encouraging them, especially in their writing skills. She loved her students as if they were her own children and always believed in their abilities to do better work than they thought they could. Martha was determined to teach as long as she was physically able, deriving strength from her precious students. She enjoyed the sense of family created by her colleagues, the students, and their parents and thrived on being a part of it. The most painful and courageous decision of her life was to retire from the classroom because she could no longer fulfill her own high expectations. She enjoyed physical activity, especially working out at the gym and playing ping pong, but also had fun watching sporting events on TV. She loved to bake, play Trivial Pursuit, and listen to an eclectic variety of music on her iPod. She is survived by her parents, David and Louise “Tookie” Parrish Spoor, 7603 Vinewood Ct., San Antonio, TX 78209; brother, Stephen (Jodi) and daughters, Emma and Eileen; sister Susan; uncles and aunts, Jack and Patty Parrish Hurt and Dan and Janice Bourdon Spoor; godparents, Dan and Molly Webster and the Honorable Sam Sparks; and numerous cousins. She is also survived by her beloved kitties, Cinnamon and Callie. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Mildred Merrill Spoor and Ray and Etna “Grannie” Stolz Parrish; aunt, Patricia Spoor Carroll; cousins, Leslie Anne Spoor and Zachary Owen Bueker; and other godmother, Arden Reed.

Petty Officer First Class SEAL Joshua Thomas Harris ’94, of Virginia Beach, Va., died Aug. 30 in a combat operation in Afghanistan. Described in a U.S. Navy press release as a “highly decorated combat veteran,” he is the second Davidson alumnus killed in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Josh was born in Chapel Hill on Apr. 19, 1972, to Dr. Sam R. Harris and Evelyn Long Harris, 6182 E. U.S. Highway 64, Lexington, NC 27292. He graduated from Lexington Senior High School and Davidson with a degree in studio art. He went on to pursue a master’s degree in architecture from UNC Charlotte and enlisted in the Navy in August 2000. Near the maximum age for eligibility at 28, he aimed to become an elite Navy SEAL, and he succeeded. He deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was serving with the Naval Special Warfare Command Development Group (NSWDG) when he died. His numerous medals include the Bronze Star. Surviving are his parents; his twin sister, Kiki Harris; brother, S. Ranchor Harris III (Serine); two nephews, Dylan and Chase; and uncles and aunts, Thomas Veach and Sveta Long, Randy and Penny Overby, and Tom and Marci Harris.