Spring-Summer 2025
Peggy Baker Cannada ’48
Peggy Baker Cannada, 97, went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2024, at St. Catherine’s Village, Madison, MS. Peggy lived a life marked by her commitment to her Savior Jesus Christ and by service to Him and to His church. Peggy was born on April 3, 1927, and was a Leland, MS native. Although initially named Camille after her mother, a relative looking at her shortly after her birth remarked that she did not look like a “Camille” but rather like a “Peggy.” The name Peggy stuck with her for the remainder of her life. She attended Leland public schools through high school. Peggy graduated in 1948 from her beloved Southwestern at Memphis, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and active in many campus organizations. Following her graduation from Southwestern, in 1949 she met and married Ray Cannada, a farmer from Edwards, MS. Peggy and Ray lived and farmed just outside of Edwards until his death in 1999.
Peggy and Ray raised five active children. She was the family chauffeur, logistics manager, and head cheerleader for their many school, sports, 4-H, and other activities. During these years, she was a faithful and active member of Edwards Presbyterian Church, where she taught the Ladies Sunday School Class for many years. She was also a school board member, an active Edwards Garden Club member, a substitute high school math teacher, and a long-time leader of Jackson area Christian Women’s Clubs. Shortly after Ray’s death in 1999, Peggy moved to Jackson where she made many new friends and joined First Presbyterian Church. She moved to St. Catherine’s Village in 2013. During these years, she enjoyed being part of bridge and luncheon clubs and church activities, and following her many sports teams.
Peggy’s greatest pride and joy came from being the matriarch of, and maintaining constant contact with, her very large family. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Russell Cannada, her parents, Don Robinson Baker and Camille McGee Baker, and her brother, Don Otho Baker and his wife Sally. She is survived by her five children: Peggy Ann Cannada McKey (Keith), Don Baker Cannada (Joy), Dudley McGee Cannada (Russell), Ray Russell Cannada, Jr. (Jacqueline), and Charles Thomas Cannada (Tara); her thirteen grandchildren: Carol McKey Matheny (Greg), Candace McKey Strong (Brad), Nancy McKey Hale (Cliff), Lynn McKey Thomason (Davis), Luke McKey, Lauren Cannada Lomax (Christopher), Baker Cannada (Cathy), Baxter Cannada, Camille Cannada, Scott Cannada (Lesley), Stephanie Cannada, Warner Cannada (Jessica), and Adair Cannada Harrison (Kane); 27 great grandchildren; and numerous much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. The family would like to thank St. Catherine’s Village for its excellent care of Peggy during her time there. The family also thanks Nikki Lewis and her team of devoted sitters (with special thanks to long-time caretakers Willie Jean Howard, Tina Moore, Gwen Porter, and Teshay Jacobs.
Dorothy J. Kugler ’51
Dorothy Jean Kugler died on October 28, 2024, in Norman, OK. She was born in Memphis on November 16, 1929, to Grace and Harold Arnold. She grew up in Memphis, St. Louis, MO, and Little Rock, AR. She attended high school in Little Rock and attended Southwestern, graduating in 1951 with a BA with Distinction in Spanish. Language enriched her life and, in addition to Spanish, she studied French and Italian. She was a Chi Omega at Southwestern. After graduation, Jean was employed as a Flight Attendant with Chicago and Southern Airlines (now Delta Airlines) flying the Caribbean Route to Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. In 1953, she was introduced by her brother to his Navy wingman, Ken Kugler. Ken and Jean were married in June 1954. They have two daughters, Tracy and Kathy born in 1958 and 1959. The family lived in such diverse locations as Champaign-Urbana, IL, St. Louis, MO, Pensacola, FL, Sanford, FL, Newport, RI, Ewa Beach, HI, Coronado, CA, Bremerton, WA, Kingsville, TX, and Washington, DC. In 1975, Ken retired from the Navy as Commanding Officer of the OU NROTC unit and the family decided to remain in Norman, OK
Jean worked for Fred Shellabarger in his architectural office as a secretary and later served as administrative assistant for many years with the Pioneer Library System. She was active in a number of organizations including Assistance League, OU Opera Guild, OU Friends of Music, and Trails Ladies Golf. She served as Treasurer for each of these organizations. She was also a member of BP chapter of PEO. She loved to travel overseas with her Flamingo friends. Jean enjoyed regular get-togethers for Bridge, Mahjong, and birthdays. Friends and neighbors were very important to her. Jean was a member of First Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years. She sang in the Chancel Choir for many years and served as a Deacon, and Elder and on the Board of Trustees. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Harold Arnold, her daughter Tracy Kugler Sharpe and Dick Arnold, Jean’s brother and his wife, Jane. She is survived by her husband Ken, her daughter, Kathy Kugler of Norman, and son-in-law Rev. Jon Sharpe of Levelland, TX and her beloved grandchildren, Paul Sharpe, his wife Camille and their son Bryant, Karin Elle Sharpe and Surafel Sharpe, her brother, William Arnold and his wife, Maxine, of Memphis, and sister-in-law Collette Niermann and her husband Dennis, of Nashville, IL.
Barbara Howell Hamilton ’51, GP’02
Barbara Howell Hamilton, 94, passed away December 21st, 2024. She was born on March 6, 1930, to Alta Hammond and Frederick Howell in New Orleans, LA. She attended college at Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, VA and graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and spent many years doing volunteer work and making charitable financial contributions to the church and various universities and organizations within the community. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Ralph S. Hamilton, to whom she was married for over 65 years. She is survived by her three children, Dr. Ralph F. Hamilton (Jennifer), Dr. Warren H. Hamilton (Pam), and Helen H. Laurenzi, seven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Funeral and burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to a charity of the donor’ss choice. The services have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Mary Jack was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, where she served on every committee possible including Past President of the Board of Trustees. She served as Vice President of Guaranty Loan and Real Estate Company in West Memphis, which her father founded in 1938. She was proud that the company is the oldest privately owned company in West Memphis. She was a member of several garden clubs in Memphis including past president of the Memphis chapter of Ikebana International, the Brooks Museum of Art, the TNT investment club, the Memphis Arts League, the Dixon Gardens and Gallery, and the Memphis Country Club.
She is survived by her son, Duke Bowers Clement, Jr., her grandson, Duke Bowers Clement, III., and his wife, Brooke O'Neill Clement, and two great grandchildren, Mary Reagan Clement and Palmer Clement.
Walter S. Lazenby ’51
Walter Sylvester Lazenby, Jr. died at his home in Waynesboro, VA, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1:15 a.m., after more than fifteen months of home care provided by Hospice of the Shenandoah. He was 94 years old. Walter was born on October 8, 1930, to Ruby Inez (Coleman) and Walter Sylvester Lazenby, Sr. in Del Rio, TX, a west Texas city on the Rio Grande River, where his family lived in a small adobe cottage for his first fourteen years. When his father's career necessitated relocation, Walter, his parents, and his two-year-old twin sisters left Del Rio, first to Memphis, Tennessee, and then to Owensboro, Kentucky. Walter graduated from high school in Whitehaven on the outskirts of Memphis, then got his bachelor's degree in English from Southwestern at Memphis. He then went to Yale University for a master's degree. After getting his master's degree, Walter joined the Navy and served on Adak Island, AK, in the Aleutian chain. After returning to civilian life, he taught English at The Kinkaid School, a private high school in Houston, Texas, then at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, before moving to Denton, TX, to teach at North Texas State College, now University of North Texas.
While teaching at North Texas State, Walter met and married Sharon Pearson, with whom he had three children. In this time, he also earned his Ph.D. in Speech and Theatre, with a focus on dramatic literature, from Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana. The young family also spent a year in Damascus, Syria, when Walter was on exchange, teaching American literature at Damascus University. In the late 1960s, the family moved to Charleston, IL, where Walter and Sharon both taught in the English department of Eastern Illinois University. Walter was awarded a second Fullbright exchange professorship to teach American literature at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Walter later returned to Greece in his professorial role, taking a study group of undergraduate students from Eastern Illinois University on a study tour focused on the contributions of ancient Greece to Western civilization. He considered himself very lucky to have the academic career he did. Through his years in college and as a professor, Walter acted and directed in educational, community, and summer stock theatre productions. He was a founding member of the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, KY, and for a time shared in the management of the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois, so it could remain open when its founder stepped away from daily management. His air of sophistication lent itself well to a gig in television commercials for a Rolls Royce dealer.
In addition to being a professor, he bought and managed residential properties in downstate Illinois and Dallas, which he rented mostly to students. He also managed to build an active social life with new and old friends all around the country and around the world.
In Charleston, several years after his divorce, Walter met Paul Oakley at an ACLU meeting, and they joined their lives together soon thereafter. They had been together 38 years at the time of Walter's death. After their start together, they lived in Romania during the last year of the Ceauşescu regime, while Walter held a third Fullbright exchange professorship, teaching at Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. They lived in New Jersey and southern Illinois, before moving to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. And through their years together Walter traveled extensively with Paul in Europe, the Middle East, and Japan, as well as throughout the United States and Canada. They spent a summer in Jordan as volunteers on an archaeological dig organized by a consortium of Seventh Day Adventist colleges. During their years in New Jersey, it was a special joy of their shared lives to host a week-long Thanksgiving celebration for extended family.
Walter spent much time caring for his aging mother. After she died, he became more interested in his family history and genealogy, spending many vacations in Texas, going to high schools, courthouses, neighborhoods, and graveyards to uncover new information, as well as visiting with his remaining relatives there. Walter never learned to use a computer, but he was glad that Paul could use internet resources to find new information about the family. Until hearing issues and the mobility and cognitive issues of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's significantly interrupted Walter's enjoyment, Walter and Paul frequently enjoyed performances of the stage arts of theatre, opera, and dance together, as well as exhibitions of the visual arts. As long as health allowed, Walter enjoyed working long hours tending his extensive flower beds. Walter was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Brenda Lazenby, his ex-wife Sharon (Pearson) Bartling, his brother-in-law Gene Stephenson, and his great-niece Morgan Green.
Frances Allen Terry ’51
Frances Allen Terry, 94, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Born April 9, 1930, Frances spent her lifetime in Louisville and is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Paul "Champ" Terry. Also preceded in death by parents Dr. and Mrs. William Hogue Allen of Louisville; older sister and best friend Elisabeth "Betty" Allen Young and elder brother William "Bill" Allen. Frances is survived by daughter Elisabeth "Owen" Terry Hartmann (husband Chris) of Bluffton, SC and son Paul "Beau" Terry (wife Susan) of Lakewood Ranch FL; two grandsons, Rob and Allen Hartmann; two granddaughters, Kristin and Ashley Terry; and one great granddaughter, Hadley Hartmann. Frances also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jane McSpadden Twist ’52
Jane McSpadden Genette Twist passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Jane was born in Memphis on June 22, 1930, and was a life-long Memphian. Jane also spent her summers on the South Carolina coast where her parents, Lawrence and Carolyn McSpadden, owned a beach front hotel, The Myrtle Shores, in Myrtle Beach. Jane learned many skills while working at the hotel during the summer months. She was the ultimate hostess, cooking, greeting, and entertaining guests, and helping manage the hotel and restaurant and inviting friends to join her for sun and fun in the sand. Jane attended the Memphis "Training School' as a child and graduated from Miss Hutchison School. She attended Holton Arms in Washington, DC, and graduated from Southwestern College here in Memphis. After college, Jane married her first love, Sidney Wilson Genette, Jr. at Calvary Episcopal Church. They first moved to Boston where she worked at the Harvard library while Sidney earned his MBA at Harvard. Upon graduation they moved back to Memphis and proceeded to start a family and became very active in church and their community. Community commitments were many including the Junior League of Memphis, The LeBonheur Club and The Tuesday Study Club. Jane was also very active in supporting Sidney in his business and political endeavors, relocating the family to Washington, DC while Sidney managed congressman George Grider's office. Tragically, Sidney died in 1987 in a glider plane accident. They were married for 34 years.
A renaissance woman, in the early ’60s she discovered yoga, meditation, vegetarian cooking, and running with her Labrador Retriever, which she continued throughout her life. When she was 80 years old, she proceeded to take a course at the University of Memphis on Italian Art and Architecture and headed back to Italy one last time! At Calvary Episcopal Church, Jane served as President of the Episcopal Church Women, was a member of the Altar Guild, and taught Sunday School. She cooked soup for Soup Sundays which her husband Sidney helped start. Her favorite time of year was the Lenten season where she spent many hours at the Waffle Shop serving as hostess, waitress, and waffle maker. Jane was a gourmet cook honing her skills by cooking with renowned chefs Giuliano Bugialli in Italy, Patricia Wells in France, Julia Child in Memphis, and attended the Memphis Culinary Institute when she was 66! Her passion for people and cooking, combined with her entrepreneurial skills, led her with three other partners to open Diane's restaurant in 1975 at the top of the Union Planters Bank building at 100 N. Main. It became a very popular downtown lunch spot. After 20 years in business, Jane closed Diane's with a final party to celebrate her engagement to her second love, John Twist. Jane and John were married in Val Fex Switzerland and for 18 years spent their married life celebrating with their children and grandchildren and traveling the world. John passed away in 2010.
After John's passing, Jane continued an active life at Trezevant Manor, becoming the unofficial Social Chairman. She made a point of welcoming new arrivals with a cocktail party at her apartment. She was an active participant in everything offered at Trezevant. Jane is survived by her four children: Sidney Genette (Jayne), Jane Slatery (Charles), Lucy McDougall (Mac), and Madeline Genette. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Julian Genette, Lawrence Genette, Amy Brown, Beth Lawrence, Kyle Slatery, Wil Slatery, and Jack Slatery and seven great grandchildren. She also leaves her stepdaughters Jenny Twist Smith (Graham) and Nancy Twist Sienknecht, plus step-granddaughters, Madeline Lanigan and Jillian Smith, plus nephew Randy Smith and his sons Will and Jack. Jane was predeceased by her brother Larry McSpadden of Gastonia, NC and leaves his four children Malcolm, Laura, Doug, and Marion. We are grateful for her loving caregivers Tomeika Levy, Tonya Jenkins, Erika Levy, Leona Hayes, Debra Walls and Dee Thomas.
Bety A. Bliss ’54
Betty Bliss passed away peacefully in her home on December 3rd, 2024, just 10 days before her 93rd birthday. She was born Betty Alice Basom on December 13th, 1931, in Thermopolis, WY to John Emerson Basom and Susanne Floryne Basom. She had two siblings, her brother Dhane and her sister Wyoma. Betty is preceded in death by her parents John Basom and Susanne Basom, her brother Dhane Basom ’53, her sister Wyoma Snyder, ex-husband and friend Larry Bliss, her oldest and very good friend Mish, and many many four-legged friends. Betty is survived by me, Sarah Finley, her only child; her son-in-law Bill Finley; granddaughters Nicole and Jasmine Finley; grandsons Gavin Finley and Forrest Borzini; brother-in-law Scott Bliss, who never forgot to call her every day; sister-in-law Claire Piccinelli.
The Basom family lived in Thermopolis, WY until they moved to Amarillo, TX when Betty was around five years old. All three of the Basom children were very musically talented. She started playing music at a very young age. Her life’s passion was the violin. She studied music at Southwestern at Memphis and UC Berkeley where she met Lawrence Hugh Bliss. They married in 1958. They moved from the Bay Area to Southern Humboldt as part of the back to the land movement in July of 1969 where they ran the Briceland Store (a little hippie convenience store and gathering place) until 1973. Betty’s musical career was long and varied. She was a music teacher to many children and adults. In addition to private lessons, she taught music at Skyfish School, Briceland High, and College of the Redwoods SoHum branch, where she taught and conducted the choir, and taught music history.
She played in and was concert master of the Eureka Symphony Orchestra, was first chair violin of the Meadowood String Quartet, played in the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra, played at the Mendocino Music Festival, Played in the Lake County Orchestra, and so many other music groups.
One of her greatest joys was attending the Humboldt State Music Workshop. She said it was like a music camp for adults. In 2018, she was honored by the Chamber Players of the Redwoods with the Floyd A. Glende award for her outstanding achievements and contributions to music on the north coast.
Martha Ann Holcombe Turbeville ’54
Martha Ann (Holcombe) Turbeville, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Jackson, TN. Born in Memphis on July 10, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Raymond and Mildred Tyer Holcombe. She was a 1950 graduate of Memphis Central High School; she graduated from Rhodes College (then known as Southwestern of Memphis) in 1954, after attending Randolph-Macon of Lynchburg for her first two years. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and continued to be active as an alum for many years after her college graduation.
Martha was a longtime active member of Speedway Terrace Baptist Church of Memphis, where she taught children’s Sunday school. In later years, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Millington and First Baptist Church of Jackson. Martha, always a friendly face, loved getting to know people; she became a cheerful influence and support in the lives of everyone she encountered. Many appreciated her quick wit. She was an avid reader and loved crocheting and playing the piano. As an elementary school secretary at Evangelical Christian School North for 24 years, she was well-loved by staff, students, and parents alike. Even after retirement, she kept in touch with, and often spoke of, many of “her” children and their families. She served as pianist at Speedway Terrace Baptist Church from 1969 until it disbanded in 2006. She also taught piano privately to many students throughout the 70s.
She is the widow of Harmon Palmer Rowe, Paul Stephen Mott Sr., and Webster V. Turbeville. She leaves behind two children, Lisa Lawson (husband Dave) of Chambersburg, PA, and Steve Mott (wife Tracey) of Jackson, TN; ten grandchildren, Edward Lawson, Michael Lawson, Laura Kistler, Ashley Thomas, Daniel Lawson, Paul Mott, Lydia Seifarth, Hannah Platt, Samuel Mott, and David Mott; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Anne Hebert Smith ’55
Anne Hebert Smith died on November 11, 2024, passing peacefully at the age of 91. Born in 1933 in New Orleans, LA, Anne was the eldest of three children of Catherine Fraser Hebert and John Ambroise Hebert. She attended Rhodes College in Memphis before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina. Anne's work in the field of improvisational dance spanned over fifty years. She found her work extremely rewarding, allowing people to dance together led by the rhythms of the music and spontaneous interactions with one another. Anne's numerous visits as a guest movement teacher at her children's schools gave her the reputation as one of the school's "most fun" moms. She never went anywhere without her boom box and purple tie-dyed parachute enabling her to bring improvisational play to any situation at a moment's notice. Her work took on various forms throughout her career. She broke convention in the early 60's, performing liturgical dance in the Presbyterian church of Chapel Hill, NC where her first husband, the late Harry E. Smit, was the campus minister. For many years she taught improvisational dance, and no two classes were ever the same.
In 1979 she received a master’s degree in dance therapy from Goddard College in VT. She worked for 10 years in hospital psychiatric units leading groups and individual dance therapy sessions and later as a psychotherapist in private practice in New Haven, CT. At the age of 65, Anne's love of storytelling translated into a new form of self-expression as she took up creative writing. In 2005 her family and close friends received copies of a self-published collection of her writings entitled Anne's Voice. Those close to her delighted in her reflections and her personal experience of well-documented family events. Anne's guiding inner voice led her to courageous choices throughout her life. In the late fifties when general anesthesia was still the most common choice in childbirth, Anne trained with a hypnotherapist in order to deliver all three of her children without the use of sedation or anesthesia. During the Civil Rights Movement, she led a successful door-to-door campaign in Chapel Hill, NC, leading to the election of Howard Lee, the first African American to be elected mayor of any majority-white city in the South. In the 1980s, when misconceptions about AIDS created a shortage of therapists willing to work with AIDS patients, Anne volunteered as a therapist for the Aids Project in New Haven, CT. She also volunteered for many years with Montgomery Hospice, visiting patients in their last stage of life. Anne is survived by her sister Catherine Hebert Wells, and her three adult children from her first marriage: Leslie F. Smith (Steve Estrada) of Silver Spring Maryland, Malcolm S Smith of Kapaa, Kauai, and Laurie MacGillivray (Janet McCraw) of Memphis. She is also survived by her three stepdaughters: Nancy Dittes, Carolyn Dittes and Joanne Dittes Yepsen. Anne was devoted to her grandchildren: Carmen and Annie Smith-Estrada, Emma, Laura, and Cole Yepsen, Jake and Ian Dittes, and Kyle and Devin McNamara.
Samuel Casey Highsmith ’67
Samuel Casey Highsmith was born on March 30th, 1945 in Richland, WA, to M. Fuller Highsmith and Kathleen Casey Highsmith. Shortly after, the family returned to Batesville, AR, where Sam was raised. He started his education in the Batesville public school system and transferred to McCallie Boarding School where he graduated high school in 1963. Sam then attended Southwestern College in Memphis, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1967.
He continued his education at Emory Law School in Atlanta, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1971. Sam returned to Batesville and began practicing law at the Highsmith, Greg, Hart, and Farris law firm. At the same time, he served as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Stone County, AR. From practicing law, he moved on to working with Batesville Truck Line. After his time with BTL, he began working in the development field for Lyon College, West Ark Community College (now University of Arkansas, Fort Smith), the Boys and Girls Ranches of Arkansas, Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Homes, and the American Cancer Society.
Dedicated to a life of service, Sam served as a District Governor of Rotary, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary. He was President of the State Chamber of Commerce of Arkansas and the Arkansas Trucking Association. Born and raised Presbyterian, Sam served as a session member at First Presbyterian Church, Batesville, and First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith. He served multiple terms as the Stated Clerk of Session at Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock. Along with his dedication and service to individual congregations, Sam also served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of Arkansas as well as on the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Sun.
His loving wife of 30 years, Marian Beth Highsmith, and his children Cameron Highsmith (girlfriend Lauren), Kathleen Lee (husband John Robert), and Sheena Richmond (husband Tyler) are left to celebrate his life and legacy with the world. Along with his children, he had seven grandchildren, Matti, Nano, Chloe, Samuel, Maisie, Beckett, and Elizabeth. Beth’s children, Sylvia Betts, Suzanne Bennett, and David Clark, along with their children and grandchildren, join the family in love and care for Sam.
Walter J. “Mike” Michael Cody ’58
Memphis lawyer Mike Cody, 88, died September 15 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Mike graduated from East High School in 1954, Southwestern in 1958, and the University of Virginia Law School in 1961. When he completed his law degree, he was recruited by a prestigious Philadelphia firm, but Lucius Burch, of the venerable Memphis firm Burch, Porter & Johnson, convinced him to return to his hometown, a city where he could make a significant difference. Mike made that difference in a vital six-decade career in law, government, and politics. He joined Burch, Porter & Johnson in 1961 and was part of a legal team that represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights leader’s fateful final hours supporting striking Memphis sanitation workers. Soon after King’s assassination, Mike and Lucius Burch started Memphis Area Legal Services to give assistance to people unable to afford a lawyer.
Mike was elected to the Memphis City Council in 1975 and served on the council two years before President Jimmy Carter appointed him U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, a post he held until 1981. He was Attorney General of Tennessee from 1984 to 1988, arguing four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court during those years. The dedicated public servant and civil rights champion was equally well-known in his city by his passion for running. He began running in high school, long before it was popular. While running with others, he often talked about history, philosophy, and the many books he had read. He logged more than 80,000 miles, running well into his 80s, and while he competed in numerous races and marathons, a love of nature drew him to running paths and other outdoor pursuits. As an avid surfer, he took numerous trips to Hawaii. On diving trips to Yucatan, Mexico, he and Lucius Burch discovered sunken treasure. He rowed on the Mississippi River in his racing shell and hiked in the Colorado mountains over many summers with family and friends.
He expressed the joy he felt in nature in a 2018 poem he wrote about a morning run in Overton Park: “This morning was the most beautiful of the year in the Old Forest. The fog did not come in ‘on little cat’s feet’ but dramatically as the Grey Owl that lives in those woods.” It closes: “Without your fine camera I took a photo with my old eyes, sent it to my brain and it is now secured in my heart. In 17 years, I will be almost 100, and it is mornings like this that make life so joyous.” W. J. Michael Cody was predeceased by his parents, Walter James Cody Jr. and Bess Hill Cody. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Suzanna Marten Cody ‘75; his daughters Jane Cody (Scott Simpson) of Corrales, New Mexico, and Mia Cody of Memphis; a son, Michael Cody (Nicole) of Germantown; three grandchildren, Catherine Simpson (Dylan Davis), Walker Simpson and William Simpson; and two great grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Susan Cody (Jay Corsetti) of Vail, Colorado. The family is grateful to Mike’s caregivers, Angelica Holmes, Alyscia Jackson, and Jonas Parker.
Dr. Malcolm D. McAulty ’59
Dr. Malcolm Deaton McAuley Junior went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo at the age of 85, one month shy of his 86th birthday. He was born October 18, 1938, in Memphis to the late Malcolm Deaton McAuley and Grace Towery McAuley of Byhalia. He grew up in Byhalia, MS where he graduated high school and then attended Southwestern College, now known as Rhodes College. He did attend summer school at Ole Miss during his pre-med curriculum. While in college in Memphis, he met his wife of 57 years, the late Beth Rieves McAuley of Marion, AR.
He attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center and graduated in 1963 and did his internship at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He spent two years in the Air Force and was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base. This was followed by an Ear Nose and Throat residency at the University of Alabama - Birmingham, followed by private practice at Norwood Clinic and Caraway Medical Center in Birmingham for ten years before deciding to get closer to his family and home in Mississippi. He relocated to Tupelo in 1977 and joined Tupelo Ear Nose and Throat Clinic where he practiced until his retirement at the age of 75 in 2014. After the passing of his first wife, he was married to Cindy Sanders McAuley for 10 years until his death.
Dr. McAuley will be remembered for the exceptional care and love that he provided to the patients throughout North Mississippi. He loved his family and children. He was especially fond of Christmas and the pleasure that he had in surprising all the children and grandchildren with wonderful gifts throughout the years. He always enjoyed a house full of family around the holidays.
He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder as well as on the finance committee. He loved Ole Miss Football and traveling, especially in his later years. He and Cindy enjoyed traveling the world these past ten years with multiple trips to Europe and even to the Holy Land as well as all over the United States. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Deaton McAuley, and his first wife, Beth Rieves McAuley.
He is survived by his four children: Mac McAuley (Dawn), Jim McAuley (Kim), Robert McAuley (Michelle), and Marybeth Ross (Alex); 12 grandchildren; and his wife, Cindy Sanders McAuley; along with four great-grandchildren.
Robert “Bobby” Livingston Weaver ’59
Robert "Bobby" Livingston Weaver, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024. He was born in Memphis as the third child of Virginia and John C. Weaver. He attended Pentecost-Garrison School, and he graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. At St. Paul's he developed a passion for ice hockey, and the southern boy performed a hat trick at Madison Square Garden. Bobby attended Southwestern, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. At Southwestern he met the love of his life, Lele Humphreys. They married in 1957. Upon graduation, Bobby joined the family cotton business, John C. Weaver and Sons. He was a member of the Memphis Cotton Exchange. As a successful cotton merchant, he found his calling and continued in the business for the rest of his life. Bobby was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved sharing his passions with his family and friends. His true heart was the Memphis Country Club Golf Course. Bobby was a lifelong golfer and viewed himself as a teacher and a pro. He spent many hours on the golf course and in the card room. The friendships he made there lasted a lifetime. The most important thing to Bobby was his family. He was predeceased by his wife Lele Humphreys Weaver. He is survived by his children, Wilda Hudson (Tim), Robert Weaver Jr., and Lese Marshall (Derek), and his grandchildren, Bobby Hudson, John Hudson, Robert Weaver III, Lele Wright, and Meg Wright.
Thomas N. Moody ’60
Thomas N. Moody, affectionately known as Tom, had a profound impact on those around him throughout his life on this earth. With a career as an English teacher and an organist for 58 years, his dedication to education touched the lives of many. Born in Franklin, KY, in 1938, Thomas's passion for knowledge led him to pursue a master’s degree in his field. He shared his love for learning with countless students during his tenure as an English teacher, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those he taught. Additionally, his talent and commitment as an organist brought joy and inspiration to congregations for nearly six decades.
Described as someone who loved engaging in conversations and savoring delicious food, Thomas had a warm and inviting personality that drew others to him. His strong religious faith was evident in all aspects of his life, guiding his actions and relationships. As we mourn the loss of Thomas N. Moody, we also celebrate the richness of his life and the positive influence he had on so many.
Rev. John W. Butt ’60
John was born in Nashville, TN to Christine and Jesse Butt on February 14, 1938. He was raised in Franklin, KY. John received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern at Memphis, and graduate degrees from Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University. He was a member of the Franklin Presbyterian Church where he became interested in a career in ministry as a young boy. After receiving his first degree at Harvard Divinity School, he was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA. His first assignment was to serve as a Fraternal coworker in Chiang Mai, Thailand for three years. He taught at both the Prince Royal’s College and the McGilvary Theological School (now McGilvary College of Divinity at Payap University). While teaching in Chiang Mai, he met Martha Grodzins, who was also teaching at The Prince Royal’s College. They married in The Prince Royal’s College Chapel on February 6, 1965. John became very interested in Buddhism and other religions during these three years. That interest took him back to Harvard for doctoral study in the comparative study of religion at the Center for the Study of World Religions connected to Harvard Divinity School. John’s focus of study was on Buddhism and Christianity but included courses on all religions. After completing his studies, John accepted a teaching position in the Religious Studies Department at Macalester College in St Paul, MN in 1973. After seven years at Macalester, John was invited to return to Chiang Mai as a Coworker in Mission under the Presbyterian Church USA. After a year in language school in Bangkok, his first assignment was to serve as a Church District Worker for the CCT in Chiang Mai. From 1985 to 1990s, John served at two local congregations: a full-time pastor at Baa Muad Church (renamed as Saitharnpraporn Church) in San Sai District, and a minister at Srichaiporn Church in Doi Lo District.
After a few years, most of John’s time was spent as a faculty member of the McGilvary College of Divinity at Payap University, teaching courses related to the comparative study of religion. In 1996 he established, and served as the first director, of the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture (now the Lab for Religion, Culture, and Peace, Payap University). After his retirement in 2008, John continued, as he was able, to assist Payap University as an advisor to the Institute. He believed strongly that every religion has much to teach us about what it means to be fully human. One needs to be open and respectful of people with different beliefs from their own. We can all learn from one another and become better people and stewards of our own faith. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, John died peacefully at 3:20pm at McKean Senior Hospital after being there for only 24 hours. John is survived by his wife, Martha, his son, Paul Butt, daughter-in-law, Julie Lin, and four grandsons, Jesse, Casey, Nathan and Justin, as well as Nathan and Justin’s father, John Charles. He is preceded in death by his daughter Chanya Butt Charles, who died in 2012.
Dr. Robert E. Fulghum ’61
Robert Eugene Fulghum, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Retired Captain of the US Navy, was born in Memphis on August 20, 1939, to Mr. Bernard Eugene Fulghum and Mrs. Agnes Warbritton Fulghum. Bob died suddenly on September 3, 2024, from heart complications, while with his beloved wife of 58 years, Mrs. Leona Garth Fulghum, in their sunny-yellow historic Concord, NC home of 50 years. We trust Bob now joins the heavenly communion of saints, in that place where pain ends and eternal peace reigns. In his 85 years, Bob led an accomplished life defined by love and service. Raised on a small farm in Memphis, Bob developed a love for animals and the peace found in nature. Athletic, intelligent, and popular as a student at Central High School, he was named Mr. Memphis and the first King of Dixie Dairy Land. He briefly attended Southwestern on a Leadership Scholarship, joined the Kappa Alpha Order, and was the starting fullback on the football team. When a congressional appointment opened at the US Naval Academy, Bob moved to Annapolis, where he was on the Swimming & Diving and Football teams, playing with Roger Staubach. With the Class of 1962, he had the honor of marching in President John F. Kennedy's inauguration parade. After graduation, Bob was stationed in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and met the love of his life, Leona, a Juilliard voice student, outside of the elevator in their apartment complex. They were soon married on December 29, 1965, in Florence, AL. As an officer in the Navy Supply Corps, Bob was deployed for two tours in the Vietnam War, and while stateside, he was stationed in San Diego and Detroit. Shortly after the birth of his first two children, Bob left active duty and enrolled in veterinary school at Auburn University.
An opportunity to be a practicing veterinarian brought Bob and his young family to Concord, NC, where he opened a solo large and small animal veterinary practice, the Animal Care Clinic. In 1984, he was hired as the Assistant State Veterinarian of the NC Department of Agriculture (NCDA). Missing his work with animals, he soon transitioned to a long career as a Veterinary Medical Officer in the NCDA, overseeing animal welfare for 20 years with an outstanding team in numerous counties in NC. Throughout this period, Bob remained in the US Navy Reserve, retiring as a Captain, after 26 years of service.
Notwithstanding all his many professional accomplishments, Bob continually set aside personal ambition to dedicate himself to loving service to his family and community. A big supporter of the public school system, he was President of the Coltrane-Webb PTA, helping rebuild the playground. He served on the Cabarrus County School Board during a critical period post-integration. Bob was a Boy Scout leader, coach, and announcer at Concord Swim Club, and ran concessions at Boys & Girls Club football games as President of the Noon Optimist Club. A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Concord, he taught and was the Superintendent of the Sunday School and served as Chair of the Deacons. A loving and steadfast father to four children, Bob spread joy, humor, and fun wherever he went. A lover of all sports, he was always the loudest voice cheering on his children's teams and was well known for his "first down" chant at the Panther's Bank of America stadium. He enjoyed playing guitar with his sons, riding horses with his girls, snow skiing, braving roller coasters and waterslides, annually hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail, canoeing, sailing, growing tomatoes, and camping with the family.
Afer a tragic car accident killed his first son Shawn and left his other son John with a severe traumatic brain injury, Bob and Leona both retired and lovingly cared for John in their home for 24 years. All who knew Bob were inspired by his selfless dedication to his family and how he met toil and grief with joy, faith, and hope in the Triune God. The family is grateful for the long and loving life they shared with Bob and rejoice that his spirit rests eternally in the presence of God, surrounded by the cloud of witnesses of family that have gone before, especially Mr. & Mrs. B.E. Fulghum; his sister Ms. Anita Fulghum Knapp; and his sons Mr. Robert Shawn Fulghum and Mr. John Hunter Fulghum. Bob is survived by: his wife, Leona; his daughter Mrs. Heather Timbs Fulghum & her wife Mrs. Deborah Harris; his daughter Rev. Margaret Fulghum Davis & her husband Prof. R. Benjamin Davis; his granddaughter Miss Reven Harris Fulghum; his grandsons Masters Robert "Robby" Hale Davis & Peter Collins Davis, his brother Mr. Gene Fulghum (Carann), his brother-in-law Mr. Jim Garth (Brenda) and sisters-in-law Ms. Margaret Johnson & Ms. Angie Chiquette, and all his family, including many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a large community of supportive friends, coworkers, caregivers, neighbors, and church members, whom he loved as family.
Suellyn Scott Ruffin ’61
Suellyn Scott Ruffin passed away on October 27, 2024. A child of God saved by grace. She was married to Stan Ruffin for over 64 years. They were the parents of Allen Ruffin and Jeff Ruffin (Karin) and grandparents of Drew, Parker, Caroline and Carter Ruffin. She was preceded in death by her brother, Buddy Scott. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Southwestern, she received her M.Ed. Degree in counseling from the University of Memphis. Having Taught English, Latin, and study skills in earlier years, she later taught upper school Bible at Presbyterian Day School for thirteen years and served as the school counselor there. Her great love for PDS gave her the desire to write the school history PDS The First Half Century which was published in 1999 marking the fifty-year anniversary of PDS.
As a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church, she served as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, Circle moderator, Women of the Church council member, Tuesday Bible facilitator, and PDS Board of Trustees member. Community activities included LeBonheur Club, LeBonheur Garden Club, the Woman’s Exchange, and volunteer work for Berclair School and The Neighborhood School. Among the honors she received were Distinguished Teacher at PDS, Honorary Alumna of PDS, Tri Delta Woman of the Year, and the Woman of Church Christian Service Award at Second Presbyterian. Her main interests involved her Lord, her family, and her friends. Other personal interests included reading, writing and painting.
Margaret "Peggy" Byrd Barnes ’61
Margaret "Peggy" Byrd Barnes, 85, died peacefully with family at her side in New Orleans, LA on Thursday, January 2, 2025, after a short illness. She was born on June 11, 1939, in Memphis to William and Charlotte Byrd. She grew up in Memphis, was a long time Houstonian, and spent her last years with her family in New Orleans. Peggy attended East High School in Memphis and graduated from St. Mary's Sewanee in 1957. She continued her education at Southwestern at Memphis, Memphis State University, and later the University of Houston. She continued to reunite with her best friends from East High School for many years. In Houston, she was a longtime professional bridal consultant in the bridal salons of Sakowitz and Neiman Marcus, before opening her own business, Brides by Peggy Barnes in the Galleria area. She was a communicant of The Church of St. John The Divine. She had a wide circle of friends in Houston, was a proud Democrat, and worked the polls for a number of years during her retirement. She also enjoyed gardening, playing dominoes with her friends, and caring for her two cats. She was an early adopter of computer technology which she used in her bridal business and later enjoyed connecting with family and friends through social media. She had a passion for family history and experienced great joy in retelling family stories. Upon moving to a retirement community in New Orleans three years ago, she made a point of meeting all of the other residents and welcoming each new resident who entered their community. She quickly made friends and was surrounded by many who loved her.
Peggy was loving and stood up for others that she felt had been wronged. She held strong opinions and could be outspoken. She was also creative and enjoyed sewing and crafting. Peggy was very independent, and had a resourceful, fearless, and optimistic spirit. Her family recalls an incident that was typical of Peggy. When she was about 60, she was trying to figure out a way to pay for her expensive medications. She decided to drive alone to a Mexican border town, crossed over on foot, and hired a horse-drawn carriage to carry her from pharmacy to pharmacy. Her adventure included verbally fending off an unsavory man who was following her around trying to sell her something. In the end she was successful and loved telling the story. Her sister-in-law, Lee Byrd, recently described her as "a class act, just an extraordinary woman. Like her mother she battled her way along with that great laugh of hers, that wonderful dry wit and irony about all the strange ways of people in the world”. She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Patty Sumner, Bill Byrd, Bobby Byrd and by her son John Anthony "Tony" Barnes. She is survived by her daughter Lyle (Mike) Montgomery of New Orleans, daughter Elise Barnes of Mobile, Alabama, and son Roy Barnes of Memphis, grandchildren Michael (Amy) Montgomery, Jr. of Houston Texas, Kate Montgomery (Matt) Demers of Lexington, Kentucky, Samuel Barnes of Memphis, and six great grandchildren, Sadie, Grace, George and Frances Montgomery, and Claire and Eliza Demers.
Malcolm E. Gillis ’61
Malcolm E. Gillis III, 79, passed away on Jan. 6, 2018. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Peggy Greene Gillis, children Kim, Keith, Chris, and Curtis Gillis, and four grandchildren.
Joycelene Lemmons Brills ’62
Joycelene (Joyce) Lemmons Brill, 84, passed away Friday, November 8, 2024, in Atlanta. Joyce was born in Memphis on May 13, 1940. She was raised in a modest and loving home in Eads, TN. Joyce graduated from M.C. Williams (Germantown) High School in May 1958. During her school years, she served on the Footprints Yearbook Staff, was Exchange Editor for The Pitchfork school newspaper, sang in Chorus, was a member of Future Homemakers of America, Science Club, AKT Language Club, and Co-Captain of the Cheerleaders.
After high school, Joyce enrolled in college at Southwestern and Memphis State University. In June 1961, Joyce graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. While in college, Joyce served as President of her Senior Class and Secretary of the Student Organization. She earned the Brockman Award for outstanding Senior Nurse. In college, she met her future husband, Morris Brill Jr., who attended medical school in Memphis. Joyce married Morris on September 7, 1963, at Macon Christian Church in Memphis and the newlyweds moved to Lakeland, FL where Joyce worked in Labor and Delivery at Lakeland General Hospital. The couple welcomed their first child, Morris Lee III, in September 1965 in Lakeland. They relocated to Tampa, FL where their second child, Lori Lynne, was born in March 1968. Joyce and Morris lived in Tampa for more than 30 years during which Joyce raised her two children, worked as a Registered Nurse, volunteered at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, the Parent Teacher Association, and Tampa United Methodist Centers.
After Morris retired, they moved to Dallas, TX where she was active in Hurst United Methodist, and worked part-time for Tuesday Morning. Subscribe to our free email newsletter Get the latest news sent to your inbox In 1998, they fulfilled their dream of living in the East TN mountains and moved to Roan Mountain where they lived for 26 years. Joyce was active in Magill Memorial Presbyterian and volunteered for their homeowner s association and the local Citizen s Club. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, co-worker, and friend. In retirement, she enjoyed reading, gardening, hiking, traveling, volunteering and most especially taking care of her four grandchildren. She was patient, kind, loyal and dependable. She never knew a stranger and would always support those she loved. A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2025 at the Old Bethany Cemetery in Eads, TN. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Brill of Atlanta; her parents, Robert and Marie Lemmons of Collierville, TN; and her brothers, Danny Lemmons of Cleveland, TN and Ronnie Lemmons of Ramer, TN. She is survived by her son, Lee Brill of Tampa, FL; her daughter, Lori (David) Morley of Atlanta; her grandchildren, Grace of New York City, Lillian of Jacksonville, FL and Mathewson and Lance of Atlanta; and her sister and brother-in-law, Charlie and Judy Bridges of Nashville, TN as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Faye Brigance Sutton '63, P’85, GP’19
Faye Brigance Sutton, 83, of Germantown, TN passed away on January 30, 2025. Faye was born on May 25, 1941 in Memphis to the late Maynard and Edna Brigance. She is a 1959 graduate of Tunica County High School. She obtained a Bachelor's of Music in piano from Southwestern at Memphis. After her undergraduate studies, she went on to receive her Master's of Education in music from Delta State University, where she also worked as a piano professor. Faye was a child prodigy and began to play piano at the age of 3 and was a church organist at 5 years old. She spent her life as a church organist for various churches. The two churches that were closest to her heart were St. James Anglican in Memphis and St. Andrew's Episcopal in Collierville.
One of Faye's proudest accomplishments was being a choir master at St. Andrew's and she was especially proud of her work with the children's choirs. In her free time, she was an avid reader and a fierce Bridge player. She also adored her cats and dogs. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her two daughters and "Gigi" to her grandchildren. Along with her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Johnston (Dennis "Sonny" Johnston). She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Carroll Sutton; daughter, Jamey Kaplan ‘85 (Todd); daughter, Jennifer McConnell P’19 (Tom); grandchildren: Joshua Kaplan (Kristie), Rachel Kaplan, Ian McConnell ’19, and Meagan McConnell; and her brother, Mickey Brigance ’69 (Patty.
Charles A. Scott ’66
Charles A. “Scotty” Scott III, 80, of Signal Mountain, TN, passed away on February 18, 2025, at his home. He was born on September 15, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Dr. Charles A. Scott Jr. and Mae Johnson Glenn Scott.
After graduating from Baylor School in the class of 1962 he
After graduating from Baylor School, he attended Southwestern at Memphis before serving in the U. S. Navy as a Corpsman. In 1969, he graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Scotty began his career at Dupont, Cutter Laboratories and later served several roles at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. When he retired from UTC (twice), he had served a long tenure as the purchasing director. A founding member of Grace Works church in Chattanooga, Scotty also served as past superintendent at Union Chapel, The Little Brown Church, where he remained active in recent years managing the sound at each service. A devoted family man, Scotty was a steady and reliable presence, always ready to lend a hand. His kindness, humor, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones were an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a remarkable ability to fix anything and was always there to offer support and guidance. His daughters cherish the time he spent at home with them after the closure of Cutter Labs. It was through the incredible man he was and his love for them that his daughters learned of God s perfect fatherly love for His children, a gift they will forever cherish.
Scotty was a terrific person with a heart of gold, always calm in any situation. His contagious smile will be fondly remembered by all. Scotty enjoyed woodworking and crafting detailed wooden Christmas ornaments that he gifted to his loved ones each year. He loved riding his bike, birdwatching, working out at his daughter s gym, assembling model cars with his grandchildren, and treating his entire family to an annual beach trip to Seagrove, Florida. His family held a special bond, and visits from the broader family were filled with joy and the warmth of their deep affection for one another. Scotty was truly the light of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lynda Gilreath Scott; daughters Mandy (Jason) Scott Lane and Carrie (Eddie) Tate; grandchildren Jamie Myers (Kerstyn), Preston Tate, Bella Tucker, and Jade Standridge (Josh); sisters Saundra Scott-Adams and Susan (Nick) Nicholson; brother-in-law Bobby (Bonnie) Gilreath; and many nieces and nephews.
Mauria Jackson Aspell ’68
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mauria Klugh Jackson Aspell, a cherished soul who graced this world with her kindness, strength, boundless love, glorious smile and contagious laughter. Mauria departed this life on January 10, 2025, in her home, surrounded by the warmth of her family and the enduring love she so generously gave. Born on May 25, 1946, in Hot Springs, AR, Mauria lived a magnificent life full of purpose, dedication, and passion. She was the beloved daughter of Dr. Haynes G. Jackson, Sr. and Eleanor Klugh Jackson, stepdaughter of Jamie Jackson and the devoted sister of Dr. Haynes G. Jackson, Jr. (Susan), Walter N. Jackson (Sharon) and stepsister of Brian Shaw. Her early years were marked by a defiant spirit, fierce determination, and strong advocacy for human/animal rights and social justice which remained a constant throughout her remarkable life. Family was the cornerstone of Mauria's life. She was the loving wife and true soulmate of Dr. Robert W. Aspell and the proud mother of a "Brady Bunch" family that came together intentionally and with love. Her children include William G. (Don) Porr, Sr. (Susannah), Eleanor Porr Young (Homer Jon), Valerie Aspell Hoit (Craig), Megan Aspell Lane (Jeremy) and Brenda Edgar Ramsey (deceased). In addition to her husband and living children, she is survived by nine grandchildren: Liam Porr, Ella Porr, Thea Porr, Jackson Young, Gray Young, Baeven Hoit, Ani Hoit, Zack Lane, and Jessica Little Hays. Important to note, she also cherished her fur babies through life who included Abigail, Mackey, Beau, Lucy and, most recently, her precious JoJo. Mauria was a woman of many talents, many of which involved musical instruments as she had perfect pitch and could play by ear. When learning to play the piano as a child, she chose to learn “Rhapsody in Blue” as one of her first songs and nailed it.
She could play both 6-string and 12-string acoustic guitars beautifully, as well as the harmonica, and loved pulling those out during a party or gathering with friends. Mauria welcomed adventures and challenges. Notable are a courageous month-long hike along the Colorado Trail with a Llama at age 50 and skydiving at age 60. She had a passion for travel and enjoyed countless trips with her family and best friends. Mauria's favorite moments were those spent surrounded by her loved ones, sharing stories, dancing, singing, laughing, and creating cherished memories. Above all, no talent was more important than that of a family and marriage therapist. She attended Southwestern at Memphis), majoring in Anthropology and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She later attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earning a Master’s in Social Work. She began her career as a therapist for cancer survivors and eventually gravitated towards family therapy where she enjoyed a long career in private practice. She leaves a legacy of support and love for countless individuals who sought her guidance and leadership. Her profound dedication to her clients was a testament to her compassionate spirit and unwavering belief in making the world a better place by helping others. Beyond her accomplishments and roles, Mauria will be remembered for her gentle heart, infectious smile, quick wit, personal strength, empathy, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her family and friends will forever remember her as a beacon of light a source of constant support, laughter, sass, love and comfort. Rest in peace Mom/Mama/Nonny. You are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Carol Snowden Morris ’68, P’95
Carol Snowden Morris, 78, of Memphis, died peacefully at Trezevant Manor on February 19, 2025. She was born in Southampton, NY on December 11, 1946, to Brinkley Snowden and Margaret Borland Snowden and raised on a family farm in Collierville, where she became an accomplished equestrian. She graduated from Hutchison School, followed by Bennett College, Rhodes College, and University of Arkansas; she then went on to earn advanced degrees from University of Central Arkansas and University of Memphis. Over her decades-long career, Mrs. Morris was an award-winning teacher at Hollywood Elementary, Springdale Elementary, and Sea Isle Elementary. In her family life, she raised two sons from her first marriage to Jackson Baker, served as guardian for her brother, and shared a blended family with her second husband, including stepchildren and step-grandchildren. Later she became a proud grandmother to two granddaughters. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, where she enjoyed volunteering in the book shop.
Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marshall Morris, her siblings Margaret Snowden Gill, James Snowden, and Brinkley Snowden, Jr., and her niece Anderton Snowden. She is survived by her sons Marcus Baker of Memphis and Justin Baker (Ellen), granddaughters Eva Baker and Laura Baker of Atlanta, GA, stepchildren David Morris (Angela) of Birmingham, AL, Susan Morris Gustafson of Memphis, and Marsha Morris (Marty) of Douglasville, GA, nieces Margaret Sobel (Richard) of Setauket, NY, and Elizabeth Erickson (Tate) of Williamsville, VT, nephew Alton Gill (Ann) of Harvard, MA, her devoted caretaker and lifelong friend, Diane Henderson of Memphis, and her beloved cat, Precious Mary.
Walker L. McGinnis ’69
Walker McGinnis, 77, of Huntsville, AL, died peacefully Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Hospice Care Center at Redstone Village. A beloved educator, coach, and community leader, Walker dedicated over 40 years of his life to serving the students and families of Huntsville City Schools. Throughout his career, he held various roles including Principal of Chapman Middle School, Assistant Principal at Whitesburg Middle School and Grissom High School, and a coach who inspired countless young athletes. His unwavering commitment to education and leadership left an indelible mark on the community. A proud alumnus of Huntsville City Schools, Walker went on to graduate from Rhodes College, He was known for his kindness, integrity, and dedication to his students, who held him in the highest regard. In 2014, Walker was elected to the Huntsville School Board and served 7 years representing District 4. He was also a national speaker on Special Education and regulations, and in 1998, he compiled the Huntsville City Schools Section 504 Resource Guide. Walker was honored as the 2006 Outstanding Administrator by the Alabama Association of Foreign Language Teachers.
Walker had a deep love for his country and cherished his time in the U.S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Major. Walker was preceded in death by his father, Colonel Eugene McGinnis, and his mother, Lillian Hood McGinnis. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeaneen Brown McGinnis; his son, Walker (Jay) McGinnis, and daughter-in-law, Mikelyn McGinnis; his daughter, Donessa Gattis, and son-in-law, Clayton Gattis; his sister, Elizabeth Deckert; and nephew, Kevin Deckert. He was also deeply cherished by his four grandchildren who brought him immense joy, Rivers McGinnis (12), Walker J. (Mac) McGinnis (8), Laurel Gattis (8), and Monroe Gattis (4).
James C. Murphy, Sr. ’69
Mr. James Clarke Murphy, Sr. James (Jim) C. Murphy, Sr. of Durham, N.C. passed away on November 7, 2024, after a difficult battle with lymphoma. Jim was born in Oxford, MS and grew up in Memphis. During his high school and college years he excelled in basketball and track and field. After college he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He later earned advanced degrees in biology and Information Science and worked in various IT capacities, retiring in 2015 after working as an Information Security Specialist for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved walking in the woods, following UNC basketball, reading, and playing with his grandchildren. Jim was a man of faith who sought to follow Christ in everything that he did. Jim is survived by his wife, Janine and his five children: James Murphy, Jr., John Murphy, Elizabeth Schauer (and husband, Justin), Joseph Murphy (and wife, Alex) and Julie Kommer (and husband, Scott). In addition, he is survived by four grandchildren, Christian Schauer, William Schauer, Madeleine Kommer, and Eleanor Kommer. He is also survived by his brother Charles M. Murphy (Judy) and his sisters, Roselyn Stanley (Jack) and Sarah Natale (Tony) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Ruth C. Duck ’69
Ruth Carolyn Duck died peacefully from pneumonia on December 26 with loved ones near her. Born in Washington D.C. on November 21, 1947, to Jesse Thomas Duck and Louise Farmer Duck, Ruth grew up in Washington and in Annapolis, MD. At the age of sixteen she and her family moved to Memphis where she learned of the ministry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and soon became clear about the injustice of racism. She received her BA from Southwestern at Memphis in 1969, a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in 1973, a Master of Arts from the university of Notre Dame in 1987, and a Doctor of Theology from Boston University School of Theology in 1989. Her academic work focused on liturgy, worship, and the Trinitarian baptismal formula. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), pastor at several UCC churches in earlier years in the Midwest, a liturgical theologian and professor of worship who taught for twenty-seven years at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, Ruth was best known as the writer of some two hundred published hymn texts and psalm paraphrases. Her hymns appear in numerous hymnals and supplements; she is often among those who have contributed the largest number of hymns in a given hymnal. She was a pioneer in the use of inclusive language that embraces everyone and enlarges our images of God in both hymn texts and other elements of Christian worship. All of her hymns are deeply scriptural, arising from Ruth’s deep biblical knowledge. In addition, Ruth’s sense of multiculturalism enabled issues of justice, equality, and care for God’s creation to shape her creative crafting of hymns and worship resources.
Ruth was a life member of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, which named her a Fellow in 2013, in recognition of her pioneering work in inclusive language for worship and her preeminence as a hymn poet and teacher. She was a member and former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy; in 2018, she received its highest honor, the prestigious Berakah Award, that recognized her long-term contributions to liturgical scholarship and practice. Ruth enjoyed her travels to many countries worldwide, lecturing, leading worship, and offering mentoring workshops on worship and hymn writing. She has written and edited numerous books, articles, and worship resources about and for Christian worship. In the last seven years of her life, Ruth was a resident of Pilgrim Place, an intentional continuing care retirement community in Claremont, CA. Preceded in death by members of her small family, Ruth will be missed by cousins Elene and Larry Cooper, many loving friends, and numerous students, all of whom benefited from the gift of her hymns, her worship leadership, her teaching, and her inspiring life.
William H. Dale, Jr. ’70, P’03
William House Dale, Jr., 76, lifelong resident of Columbia and local attorney, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center. Born March 18, 1948, in Columbia, TN, he was the son of the late William House Dale, Sr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Walker Dale. He graduated from Southwestern at Memphis in 1970 and University of Tennessee Law School in 1973. For fifty years he was married to Nancy Chadick ’72, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2022. Will practiced law in Maury County for approximately forty years and served as the County Attorney for over twenty years. He was a lifelong member of Columbia First Presbyterian Church and a longtime Kiwanis Club member.
Will loved Columbia and was a direct descendant of the first settlers in Columbia and Maury County. He had a lively and engaging personality. He greatly enjoyed visiting with friends around the courthouse square and at local restaurants as well as traveling near and far. His hobbies included golfing, casino gambling /day trading, and in his younger years, boating on the Duck River and Lake Normandy.
He is survived by his daughter, Caroline Dale ’03 (Christopher) Simpson of Bethesda, MD; grandsons, Tyler Dale Simpson and James Dale Simpson of Bethesda, MD; siblings, Lillias (William) Johnston of Nashville, TN; Rev. James “Jamie” (Anne) Dale of Black Mountain, NC; Dr. Andrew “Mac” Dale of Winston-Salem, NC; Frank (Gloria) Dale of Columbia, TN; former sister- and brother-in-law Susan Chadick and Gerald (Jerry) Miller of Arlington, VA; many dear nieces and nephews, as well as close friend Raydena Hoppe.
George H. Taylor ’71
George H. Taylor, 75, died October 28, 2024, in Carson City, NV.
Dr. Stephen P. Busby ’71
Dr. Stephen Paul Busby, 75, passed away peacefully at home on November 16th, 2024, in Springtown, TX in the arms of his loving wife. Stephen was born on August 30th, 1949, in Memphis to Richard and Geraldine Busby. Stephen was an only child. Stephen graduated from Christian Brothers High School on May 27, 1967, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree at Rhodes College on May 31, 1971, and then graduated from medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis on December 8, 1974. He started his career as a neurologist and went on to practice medicine for the next 50 years. He began his practice in the Fort Worth area and retired from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. Stephen married Laura Kelley on June 15, 1974, and had three beautiful children. He later became a single father and spent his time encouraging his children's educations and successes and is very proud of their accomplishments.
After they graduated, he felt that he had been given a second chance at love and married Renea Washburn on June 24, 2010. Stephen had many hobbies from playing classical piano, snow skiing, flying airplanes and even helicopters, sailing sailboats, riding motorcycles, going on cruises, and taking RV trips around the United States. He loved traveling and took many trips with his family members throughout his life. Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Renea Busby of Springtown, TX; his son, Ryan Busby and spouse, Hillari of Hurst, TX; his daughters, Kelley Gori and spouse, Donald of Fort Worth, TX, and Beth Foster and spouse, Clif of Fort Worth, TX; stepchildren Haley Wiley and spouse, Stuart of River Oaks, TX, Shawn Spiker and spouse, Tatiana of McKinney, TX, Victoria Vesper and spouse, Aaron of North Richland Hills, TX; a total of six beautiful granddaughters, Codi Foster, Landon Foster, Nicole Yowell, Lillian Wiley, Clara Wiley, Zoe Vesper; and one great grandson, Armani Peralta. In addition, he had a cousin, Pete Moss of Memphis. Stephen was preceded in death by his mother and father Geraldine and Richard Busby, and his grandparents Lawrence Paul and Mary Busby.
Fredna Ann Dowell ’75
Fredna Ann Dowell passed away on November 5th, 2024, at her home in Salisbury, NC. Born June 26th, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was the beloved daughter of Dr. James Willard Dowell and Fredna Hamilton Dowell. Louisiana held a special place in her heart. Throughout her life she would happily recount childhood memories of waterskiing along False River, packing into a station wagon with her cousins in 1964 to witness the Beatles perform in New Orleans, and sitting down with her family to enjoy Sunday gumbo suppers.
After graduating from Rhodes, Ann moved to Salisbury, NC. Professionally, Ann had a passion for the development and nurturement of special needs children. Both as a swim instructor at the J.F. Hurley YMCA and as an educator with Rowan-Salisbury Schools, her warmth and compassion touched the lives of countless students. But the greatest joy in Ann’s life was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Allison Wieland, and her husband, Danny, her son, Julian Scarborough, and his wife, Kate, as well as her brother, Jimmy Dowell. Her three grandchildren―Walker Wieland, Webb Wieland, and Ellie Scarborough―were the light of her life, whom she adored and loved with all her being.
Ludwick J. “Joey” Knecht ’76
Ludwick Joseph "Joey" Knecht, 70, passed away at Methodist Hospital Olive Branch November 11, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Olive Branch, Joey was a proud graduate of Olive Branch High School, Class of 1972. He went on to earn his degree in History from Rhodes College in 1976, where he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. During his time at Rhodes, Joey played football and participated in an international study program at the University of Oxford. After college, Joey cofounded Serigraphics, a successful screen-printing business he ran until his retirement. Over the years, Joey developed many interests, particularly a love for British sports cars, a passion sparked during his time in Oxford. He joined the British Car Club of Memphis and owned several classic MGs. Joey was also a lifelong fan of Memphis football, often tailgating with family and friends before games. Joey had a special connection to the Gulf Coast, where he enjoyed cruising the coast, cooking Cajun dishes, and snorkeling. Before his passing, he and his wife, Beverly, had just completed building their dream vacation home on Mobile Bay. Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Rosalie and Ludwick Knecht Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Knecht, and their daughter, Anna Knecht, of Rogers, AR.
Jonathan D. Andrews ’76
Jonathan Douglass Andrews was born on February 9, 1954, and passed away on February 18, 2025.
Anita Weyland Gorzalski ’80
Anita Marie Gorzalski, born December 5th, 1957 to George and Lois Weyland, entered the arms of her Lord and Savior on July 29th, 2024, in Little Rock, AR. A true lady of the South, Anita exuded grace, hospitality and kindness. She was the oldest of three girls, and her parents called her "precious angel." Her love for Jesus was unwavering and she was known for putting others first, just like Him. Her strong faith through illness and continuous giving of her time, resources, and encouragement was a powerful witness that strengthened the faith of others. Anita's devotion to her Lord was evident by the way she lived her life. She was a member of Fellowship Bible Church, where she and her husband Tom were members of a Discipleship Group that became a second family to them. She was a true friend, offering wise counsel to others and giving her time simply to listen. Scripture was an important part of Anita's life, and she posted it in every room of her home. Anita and her husband Tom were dedicated to trusting in the Lord to direct them as they raised their family, and they received His many blessings with grateful hearts. Anita loved her family with all her heart and her son, Samuel, was the delight of her life. To see him happy in his career and marrying his precious wife was the best gift she could ask for.
Anita dedicated forty years of service to providing exceptional care for countless children through her role as a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Lab at Children's Hospital in Little Rock. A multi-talented woman, Anita received her BS in Biology and Medical Technology from Arkansas College and was a member of the esteemed Madrigal Troupe, a ballet dancer, and a skilled actor-as evidenced by her receipt of the Most Valuable Thespian award in high school. Above all, Anita was a selfless and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed thirty-four years of Christ-centered and joyful marriage with her husband Tom, and she cherished her role as mother to her son Samuel. Anita is survived by her husband Tom Gorzalski, son Samuel Gorzalski, daughter-in-law Katie Gorzalski, granddaughter Grace, sisters Sarah (Bill) Sutter and Karen Wilson, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. They will miss her warm hugs, contagious laughter, and radiant smile.
Denise Roach ’81
Denise Roach, age 65, of Sparkman, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at CHI St. Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs. She was born July 10, 1959, in Ft. Smith, AR, the daughter of Joe and Donna Osburn Roach. Denise was a 1977 graduate of Lakeside High School and a 1981 graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis. She worked for Euronet as a software engineer for a number of years. Denise enjoyed hog and rabbit hunting, taking care of her dogs, yardwork, traveling, camping, sitting on the back porch watching her martin house and wildlife and most of all her family. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Roach. Survivors are her mother, Donna Roach of Hot Springs, her husband, Douglas Ernest of Sparkman, one brother, John Roach (Vincenza) of Chapin, SC, her Aunt, Sherry Mooney, cousins, Luke Daniels (Lauren) and Neil Mooney, niece, Andrea Malleo and Nephew, Adam Malleo.
John A. Bock ’83
Dr. John Bock, beloved professor, researcher, and activist, passed away on July 1, 2024, at his home in Fullerton, CA. Dr. Bock was instrumental in creating the Evolutionary Anthropology Program at CSUF, as well as co-founding the CSUF Center for Sustainability and the CSUF Campus Garden. He mentored both undergraduate and graduate students, most from historically underrepresented student populations, as part of the Urban Agriculture Community Research Experience (U-ACRE), founded by his wife, Dr. Sara Johnson, in 2011.
Since the early 1990s, he worked with community members and colleagues in Botswana, studying the impacts of cultural and environmental factors on disease transmission in the Okavango Delta. His early research on children's play and skill acquisition, also in collaboration with Dr. Johnson, set the standard in Human Behavioral Ecological approaches to questions surrounding the evolution of human childhood. He was named CSUF Outstanding Professor in 2012 and has mentored innumerable students in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. Dr. Bock was a passionate advocate and tireless fighter for social justice, equity, and accessibility for all people, and a devoted and cherished husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the CSUF Division of Anthropology.
Page S. Tuminello ’84
November 15, 1961- October 24, 2024.
Dr. Paul D. Randolph ’84
Paul Douglas Randolph Jr., M.D., affectionately known as Doug. He was a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, farmer and friend. Doug was a source of strength, love and humor to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on July 9,1962, in Thomasville, GA, Doug was the son of Bernice Fitzgerald Randolph and Paul Douglas Randolph, M.D. He was one of four children, growing up in a family filled with love, laughter, and support. From a young age, Doug demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and a natural ability to care for those around him. His dedication to family, work and community was unwavering. Doug’s life was marked by his hard work and commitment to farming, where he poured his heart and soul into everything he did. His strong work ethic, sense of humor, and generosity were qualities that touched the lives of many. Whether he was helping a neighbor, spending time with his family, or simply sharing a laugh, Doug had a unique way of making everyone feel important and loved. He was born into a family dedicated to service and medicine, and he followed in their footsteps with a lifelong commitment to both. Doug graduated from Rhodes College in 1984, pursued his post-baccalaureate studies at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1985. His passion for medicine led him to the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1990.
It was during this time in Toledo that he met his beloved Donna Randolph, M.D., with whom he would share a life full of love, adventure and professional achievement. After completing their post-graduate studies in New York, Doug and Donna returned to Memphis where Doug’s medical career flourished. Together, they raised two sons, Paul Randolph, Esq. and Ronald Randolph, Engineer, both of whom carry forward Doug and Donna’s legacy of hard work, integrity and compassion. Doug’s legacy also lives on through his siblings; his two sisters, Paula Randolph Greenfield, M.D. and Pamela Randolph Jackson, M.D. (Darron Jackson) and his brother Patrick Fitzgerald Randolph, M.D. (Bonnie Randolph, M.D.). Doug was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his impact on the lives of those who knew him will not be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and is survived by his wife, children, and extended family who will miss him dearly. Doug treasured his membership in his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity founded in 1906 and Sigma Pi Phi also known as The Boule founded in 1904. Doug will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Rev. Christine Elizabeth Bates ’86
Rev. Christine (Christie) Elizabeth Bates transitioned from this life on February 23, 2025, at 11:11 a.m., in Nashville, TN, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 23, 1964, in Birmingham, AL to Sue Dickerson Bates and Robert Lewis Bates, Sr. Christie attended Banks High School in Birmingham, as well as BC Raines High School in Mobile, AL, before graduating from Banks in 1982. She graduated in 1986 from Rhodes. Christie was married to Mike McKaskle from 1987 to 2009 and they had two beautiful daughters, Erin Rae and Carol Jane. Christie served at Cumberland Heights Foundation, an addiction treatment center in Nashville, TN, first as Family Counselor and Clinical Coordinator of the Youth Treatment Program, and then as Clinical Coordinator of the Women’s Program from 2010-2013. She then built a contemplative program at The Ranch Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Center in Nashville, while also serving in 2016 as Director of the Men’s Program, and in 2017 as Director of the Women’s Program. In 2017 she started Passati Counseling and Direction. Christie once said “My job is not only to provide you with safety, but to teach you how to treat yourself so that you feel safe inside &; see clearly how you want to participate in life. Once you feel more connected to yourself, it becomes easier to identify how you want to be part of the solution to the suffering in the world. “Christie undertook the Dharma Teacher Training Program at Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order from 2014-2016 and became ordained to teach the Dharma under teachers: Ven. Pannavati and Ven. Pannadipa. Christie founded the Deep South Dharma meditation and discussion group in 2016. She is the author of two books, Accepting Your Resurrection and The Beautiful Human. Throughout her life, Christie had a love for writing and reading.
She was an incredible mom and Bubbie and mothered so many others throughout her life. She was kind, patient, safe, and wildly brilliant with a contagious laugh and radiant smile. She loved to learn and was constantly growing. She was an incredible friend and sought beautiful, hearty connections with those she loved. She helped her family, friends, and clients to free their hearts from pain and allow deep connection within their lives. She taught so many to find and use their voice by practicing the same. She fought fiercely to protect her loved ones from any harm, even harm they could cause themselves. She treasured music and had a beautiful voice. She shared her love of these things and more with so many people throughout her life. She loved to pick Finley Grace up from school and get Dippin’ Dots together.
Christie is survived by her beloved daughters, Erin Rae McKaskle and Carol Jane McKaskle (Nick Hayes), her cherished granddaughter, Finley Grace—all of Nashville, brother Bobby Bates (Megan Husby) and nephews Benjamin Bates and Evan Bates, from Denver, CO, and sister Jill Bates, niece Ryan Finney, and great-niece Fiona King from Birmingham, AL.
Dennis Pannozza ’90
Dennis was a native of New Milford, CT. Shortly after graduating from Rhodes, He started his career with GE Capital, participating in compliance and operational change projects that took him to Nevada, Europe, and South America. While working for GE, Dennis caught the travel bug. With his aptitude for languages (he spoke five fluently) and making fast friends, he would spend the rest of his life away from the US. After attaining his MBA from INSEAD in 2001, Dennis moved to the UK to work for Lloyds Bank leading on several business development projects. Whilst living in Europe, he obtained Italian citizenship and changed his surname to his ancestors' spelling of Pannozzo. Dennis lived in London and SE England since 2000. He spent the last 15 years working as a consultant, focusing on the financial sector, developing strategic ventures. Dennis moved to Whitstable, Kent in 2005, where he lived with his dear partner, Mark Brennan, and their 3 rescue cats (Domino, Ingrid & Kasper).
He travelled often around Europe for work and to seek a better pizza. Despite the distance, Dennis remained in contact with Rhodes friends through technology—and occasional Lynx visits to the UK— until July of this year when a short and abrupt illness left him hospitalized. He was moved to an extraordinary care facility in Whitstable, where to no surprise, he earned the deep affection of the care team. His last days were spent in the company of his partner Mark and long-time friends.
Elizabeth “Libba” Cloar Burle ’92
Elizabeth Cloar Burle (Libba) of Memphis passed away on Jan. 3, 2025, in Memphis of undetermined causes. She was born on June 11, 1968, to Bette Stephens Green and Frank Thomas Cloar in Laurel. She was educated at The Lausanne Collegiate School, Central High School, and Rhodes College, all located in Memphis. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the fine arts. At Rhodes, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and hosted her own art show in the Clough Gallery for her senior project. Above all else, Libba was an art teacher and spent the majority of her life educating others. She taught art at the Lausanne Summer Program in Memphis; French and art at the University of Jackson Middle School in Jackson, Tenn.; art at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art Summer Program in Ocean Springs; pottery at the Indianola Community College in Indianola; curated an Art Solo Exhibition by Carroll Cloar at the Weatherby House; and was an art teacher at the Washington School in Greenville.
She was also an active member in the Mississippi Art Education Association. Libba enjoyed cooking, gardening and drawing sketches of her children. She was known to paint pet portraits and volunteered her time at the Greenville Animal Shelter. She was preceded in death by her father Frank Thomas Cloar ’62. She is survived by her sons William Louis Burle and John Ethan Burle; her mother Bette Stephens Green ’63; stepfather William Green; brother Frank Thomas Cloar Jr. ’85 (Julie); her niece Grace Kathryn Cloar ’19; and her nephews Frank Joseph Cloar, Nicholas Thomas Cloar, and Jack Livingston Cloar.
Dr. John S. Rose ’96
With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of John Shannon Rose on November 12, 2024, at the age of 50. He was a beloved husband, father, Godfather, son, brother, uncle and friend who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he met. John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Heather ’96, and their two children, John Daniel and Sarah. He is also survived by his siblings, Judy Ann Leasure (Tim), Winnie Easterling (Rick), and Lenny Rose (Darylene), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Judy Rose, and his grandparents John and Winnie Crowson and Tony and Marie Rose. John was born in Birmingham, AL on September 22, 1974. He was raised in Birmingham, AL, where his life was rooted in his faith and community. He attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and Church and graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School. John pursued higher education at Rhodes College in Memphis, earning a B.S. in Biology. Rhodes College is where John and Heather began their fairy-tale love story. John later obtained his Master of Public Health in epidemiology at UAB and graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2003 as a Doctor of Dental Medicine. A dedicated professional, John excelled in his career as a dentist, leading practices such as The Tooth Zone II and Vital Smiles throughout Alabama. In 2022, he achieved his dream of owning his own practice in Tallassee, AL, where he continued to find joy in improving his patients' smiles and confidence. John's colleagues admired his leadership and dedication, and his patients valued his warmth and compassion.
When John wasn't working, he loved spending time with his family by the pool or at the beach or lake, finding peace and happiness in nature's beauty with those he loved. He was the life of every gathering, always making others laugh, ensuring everyone had a good time and was well-fed. He lived by his favorite phrase, "Carpe Diem", embracing each day with enthusiasm and purpose. His smile and laugh were infectious and genuine. Faith and family were John's guiding lights. A devoted husband and father, John was deeply committed to his family, always prioritizing their happiness and well-being. His love for them was evident in everything he did. He adored the family he and Heather built and considered it to be his most precious blessing. He was a dedicated member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, where he and Heather made a lasting impact through their work in youth ministry. Together, they helped establish the middle school youth group and volunteered regularly with Sunday night programs. John's energy and charisma brought joy to the youth, whether he was leading games of basketball or broom ball or simply sharing his unwavering faith.
Blake S. Rhea ’98
Blake Sale Rhea died unexpectedly as a result of a violent criminal act on November 6, 2024. While this tragic event shocked his large community, it's the least important part of Blake's story and life that so many were fortunate to share with him for 48 years. Born to Dr. Hal S. and Sarah (Sally) Harrison Rhea of Memphis, Blake attended Christ Methodist Day School and was a graduate of Memphis University School, where he was a fierce competitor on the varsity basketball team, and Rhodes College. Blake's competitive nature was evident early on to his family and friends, and he was always game for a challenge throughout his life —on the golf course at Overton Park, basketball court, or vacations when he and others, often his brother Wade, were engaged in no-holds-barred contests to see who could achieve the superior tan while in Pensacola Beach or anywhere he found himself with sun and time. After a few cocktails, Blake and Wade would often ask any passing stranger who had the best tan. He loved an impromptu wrestling match and various feats of strength. Few days went by without some sort of competition—trivia at Slider Inn, darts, Golden Tee, and his own game called "jar ball." All competition aside, you could feel the energy shift when Blake Rhea walked into a room. There was a lightness to the way he approached everything in life, never taking himself too seriously, at ease with the world and people around him, confident and comfortable in his being, and quick to flash his infectious grin. He was not burdened by material possessions or the conventional metrics of success. Blake never lost the sense of play and wonder that fades from so many as they age. He traveled light and was endlessly creative and resourceful. Blake had access to a secret happiness and was able to cast that feeling to his friends in any moment, room, or situation. It was instantaneous, like well-practiced magic or his own Jedi trick he'd mastered as a nod to his love of all things Star Wars.
He was a best friend to his friends' young children, quick to play and draw laughter and smiles from anyone in his presence. He was a teacher, always eager to show others what he had learned or mastered, and to help them improve. Within his circle of friends, Blake was often the one to coin and embed or spread a new phrase in the group's own language. Huss hard - his mantra shared with the inner circle. His nicknames - Sonny Boi, Big Strings - were many, as one would expect for the most loyal and favored of friends at the center of a wide network. Blake chooses wisely to make his passion a profession, and he centered his life and work around music. He first picked up the bass at lifelong friend Dave King's house in the 8th grade and never looked back. Blake mastered the instrument quickly and was held in the highest esteem by his fellow musicians and bassists in Memphis and far beyond. Blake's many bands and contributions included CYC, Gamble Brothers Band, American Fiction, Rabid Villain, Lord T & Eloise, Billy Gibson and the RVs, John Nemeth and the Blue Dreamers, and Grammy-nominated Southern Avenue. Years ago, Blake traveled to play the rarest of tour stops at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. As a member of Southern Avenue, Blake joined Willie Nelson's Outlaw Tour in 2024 which included Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp, and he also played as part of the Farm Aid 2024 concert lineup. He toured and shared his music across the U.S. and Europe during his 30-plus years of contributions on stage, in the studio, and on records. For many years Blake generously shared his prodigious music talent with hundreds of children he taught at School of Rock. Some of his students became teachers themselves, compounding the influence that his musicianship and personal philosophy will continue to have on the collective sound of Memphis and its younger generations.
Larry D. Cunningham ’10
Larry Dean Cunningham Jr. passed away on March 17, 2025, in Memphis. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, whose warmth and adventurous spirit touched the lives of many.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MI, Larry spent his childhood playing sports and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. At seventeen, he moved to Memphis to attend Rhodes College, where he played basketball, joined the SAE fraternity, and grew to love the city that would become his home. After graduating, Larry remained in Memphis, building a successful career as a product manager with International Paper, Packtiv Evergreen, and CFS Carlisle Foodservice. It was in Memphis that Larry met and fell in love with his wife, Michelle Grabowski. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. A devoted father, Larry, made it his mission to ensure that every weekend was spent making memories with his children, Claire and Larry III, whether at the zoo, the Children's Museum, or simply at the playground. His outgoing personality and ability to connect with anyone made him a friend to all who knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Marie Cunningham, and his grandparents, Cecil & Helen Cunningham and George & Mary Geers. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Ann Cunningham (Grabowski); his cherished children, Claire Jennifer Cunningham and Larry Dean Cunningham III; his parents, Larry & Martha Cunningham; and his sister, Mary Catherine Price (Cunningham) and her husband, Justin Price. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Pat & Linda McMillan, George & Anna Geers, and Dan & Christine DeBold; as well as his cousins, Michael McMillan, Scott McMillan, Danny DeBold, Rachel DeBold, Andrew DeBold, and Emily McElhaney.
Faculty/Staff
Anna Gallaher Farris
Anna Gallaher Farris died peacefully on November 4, 2024. She was a retired academic Dean, and later in life a highly active participant in the Democratic Party. She worked in President Clinton’s Administration during his two terms, overseeing correspondence, among other duties, in the East Wing. Anna was born in Lockesburg, AR on October 26, 1929. She was the eldest of three children of Mabel Elkins and Raymond Park Gallaher. Anna entered Ouachita University in 1947 and met her husband, Jack D. Farris, recently returned from serving in the Navy during WWII. The two married in 1948, and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Anna began her early career as librarian, while Jack received his master’s degree and ultimately became a professor of English, and an author. With their two sons, Steven Bernard and Thomas ‘Chad’ Farris, they lived in Vermont, and New Mexico, before returning to the South in 1961 when they moved to Memphis. There Anna was first librarian, later assuming the position of Registrar, at the Memphis Academy of Art while Jack began teaching at Southwestern at Memphis. Their daughter, Carrie Ann Farris, was born in Memphis when her brothers were young teens. Anna left the Art Academy to become Administrator of the Dean of Students office at Rhodes College. She served in this role for several years. A lifelong lover of books, she was also a keen-eyed editor and served as first reader for all her husband Jack’s manuscripts, as well as providing important research for his historical novels. For a time, she worked with a mobile library unit for RIF (Reading is Fundamental), delivering books to underprivileged children who in some cases were unable to attend school.
In the early 1980’s, Anna began working for the British Studies at Oxford program, which allowed undergrads from American colleges and Universities to study at St John’s College, Oxford University, England. Ultimately attaining the position of Associate Dean, Anna loved her time in England and remained in this role until the late 1980s. Anna established many lasting friendships with distinguished Oxford scholars, as well as the staff at St. John’s College and the American faculty who led seminars on the program. She was as comfortable visiting with staff and college scouts as she was in the homes of the English scholars and aristocrats who befriended her. Upon her retirement from academia, she dedicated her career to the Democratic Party. Her husband Jack died in Silver Spring, MD shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary. She remained in Washington, DC working in the Clinton Administration until 2000, then returned to Memphis, and eventually her home state of Arkansas, where she is especially well known and lauded for her work over many years with the DNC, receiving numerous awards and accolades. She was named Arkansas Democratic Woman of the Year in 2007. She served as an Arkansas State Delegate for John Kerry in 2004, and for President Obama in 2008 and 2012. Anna remained incredibly active into her nineties, enjoying a great deal of travel, including attending a granddaughter’s wedding in Italy at age 92. Besides her husband Jack, Anna was predeceased by her brother ‘Sonny’, and both of her sons. She is survived by a daughter, Carrie Ann Farris, of New York; a sister, Peggy Briggs of Arkadelphia, AR; many nieces and nephews; two daughters-in-law, Patti Farris Cook of Camden AR, and Anne Farris Rosen of Washington DC; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Marshall E. “Mark” McMahon
Marshall (Mark) Emet McMahon died on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home in Memphis. Mark was born August 12, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX to Robert and Frieda McMahon. He met Betty Hunt Armstrong in the fall of his freshman year of college. They married in Memphis in 1965 and moved to Sewanee while Mark completed his BA in Economics, graduating from The University of the South in 1966. Mark and Betty then moved to Nashville where Betty earned her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Tennessee School of Social Work while Mark completed his doctorate. He was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, an Earhart Foundation Fellowship, and a National Science Foundation Fellowship and received his PhD in Economics from Vanderbilt University in 1972. Professor McMahon taught economics at Gettysburg College from 1970 to 1972 before joining the faculty at Southwestern at Memphis, where he taught for 36 years. During his tenure at Rhodes, he served as Professor of Economics, Department Chair, and Dean of Academic Affairs. He was the recipient of the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching in 1982 and was honored with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1991 for community members of noble character who put service above self. He spent several summers teaching at the British Studies at Oxford Programme, Harvard University, and the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Much to his surprise, he was approached by Garland Publishing in 1993 to publish his 1972 dissertation Federal Reserve Behavior, 1923-1931. It is still in print today.
Professor McMahon is remembered by his colleagues and students for his animated humor, deep convictions, fairness and transparency as a leader, and kindness as a friend. He expected excellence from his students and from himself. As a professor, his high standards in the classroom were matched by his constant encouragement and advocacy for his students. He retired from teaching in 2008, but his spirit persists in the generations of students he taught to be “hard-headed, soft-hearted economists.” Mark’s most precious legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Armstrong McMahon; daughters, Elizabeth Griffith (Lewis) and Mary Ferguson (Glenn); and three grandchildren, Isabel Griffith, Liam Ferguson, and Gemma Ferguson. He is also survived by his sister, Frieda Thomas (Wyndell) of Fort Worth, TX. Mark is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Markham (David) and his parents.
Bernice Werner Dicks
Bernice Werner Dicks died on Tuesday November 26, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. Bernice was born on November 20, 1935, to Joseph and Anna Werner of Queens, New York. In a sign of academic tidings to come, in 1953 she graduated from Richmond Hill High School Summa Cum Laude. Bernice received her BA from Queens College and was invited to join the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1956, she married Robert Williams; their son, David, was born in 1957. This marriage ended in 1972. Bernice received her Master's (1964) and PhD in English from the City University of New York (1969). While her first choice of graduate study was George Eliot, Bernice was persuaded to study George Meredith, as he was perceived to be more respectable; besides, not much had been written about his self-education as a poet. Like Bernice, George Meredith also lived a very interesting life.
Bernice joined the faculty at Southwestern at Memphis College in 1966 (as Lecturer; then Assistant Professor in 1969; later, Associate Professor) and resigned in 1984. During her tenure, she served as Chair of the Department of English, Director of the Freshman Program, and Director of the Writing Laboratory. She was a formidable, devoted, most encouraging teacher who inspired her students to achieve their best. It was at Rhodes that one of her undergrads, Sharon Dicks, introduced Bernice to her father, George Dicks, Ph.D., who was visiting on Parents' Weekend, from Plattsburgh, NY. Bernice and George married in 1983. Across the world, they shared a life of adventure.
Bernice spent two years in a combined faculty and recruiting staff position at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh. In 1987 Bernice and George moved to Asia, joining the faculty of the University of Maryland Asian Division. First in Korea, and then for three more years in Kadena, Okinawa, Bernice taught everything from the dreaded Freshman Composition to Victorian fiction and poetry. The course she most enjoyed creating and teaching overseas was Technical Writing, so she could help young military men and women further their careers in computing, manufacturing, and engineering fields. She took enormous delight in the spare beauty of clarity, the nimble precision of thought well expressed. Bernice had a wit as sharp as her ever-present blue pencil. Affectionately, friends at the Okinawa Writers' Guild nicknamed her the Godmother of Grammarians.
In 1991, the couple returned to the U.S., settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bernice embarked on a new career as a tax preparer for H&R Block; the dizzying complexities of corporate tax law challenged and intrigued her. She passed three increasingly difficult levels of expertise in business tax specialization, became certified in those fields, and was enrolled to practice before the IRS in 2002. A long-time member of St. Chad's Episcopal Church, Bernice served as a lector, an acolyte, on the Vestry, taught Sunday school, and wholeheartedly belonged to the Order of the Daughters of the King.
Bernice loved cats, Shakespeare, bad puns, Gilbert and Sullivan, the Kingston Trio, difficult crossword puzzles, and good scotch, but not necessarily in that order. She was a fierce Scrabble player, but timid at playing bridge; she cooked a worthy Yorkshire pudding in honor of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. She also studied theology, as her husband George did. She had a vast knowledge of mystery novels and stories. Bernice absorbed everything from true crime as written by Truman Capote, to all of Dorothy Sayers, including Lord Peter Wimsey, the intricate translations of Dante and Old French, and every word Tony Hillerman set down on the page. At her core, she was always a New Yorker, open, kind, and blunt.
Bernice leaves a son, David Williams and wife Joan, three stepdaughters, Rebecca Bauerschmidt and husband Gary, Sharon Updike, and Ivy Jones and husband Tam; 3 grandsons, Matthew Bauerschmidt and wife, Jesse Camp, Benjamin Updike, and Isaac Updike and a great-grandson, Milo Bauerschmidt. She is also survived by a brother, Charles T. Werner. Bernice is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 31 years, George W. Dicks.
Dr. Douglas W. Hatfield, FACF
Douglas W. Hatfield (Doug) was born on May 22nd, 1939, in Baton Rouge, LA, and grew up in Houston and Midland Texas. He enjoyed and participated in numerous sports, most notably tennis, which he would continue to play for decades. He and his immediate family loved to sing, and he was a member of both school and church choirs. Doug excelled scholastically, attending Baylor University in Waco, TX on a presidential scholarship, and he completed his undergraduate degree in three years. He continued to root for his beloved Baylor Bears, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals, for the rest of his life.
After graduation, Doug pursued a Ph.D. in History at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, and he taught briefly at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and at his alma mater, Baylor University, before accepting a tenure-track position at Southwestern at Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. This was a position he would hold for the next forty-plus years, providing thousands of students’ insight on the rise and repercussions of Hitler and the Third Reich. The class he created continues at Rhodes as his legacy. While at Rhodes, he also served for several years as Chair of the History department and later as Director of Rhodes’ interdisciplinary humanities program.
Not long after moving to Memphis, Doug met his wife and partner in life, Marion Anita Ellis. They were introduced in October 1965, became engaged in April 1966, and married on August 20, 1966. Doug and Marion were married for 42 years, until Marion’s death in 2007. Fellow teachers and fellow followers of Christ, they were united in purpose and were both among the founding members of Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and teacher, Doug was above all a good and faithful servant to his Lord. He used his gift of teaching in several Sunday School classes over the years, most notably the “Over-70” group at Trinity, who looked forward to his in-depth lessons each week, and he was a member of the choir until he was no longer able to read the music well. Doug was also an ordained deacon for many years, serving his God and church in numerous capacities.
In addition to his wife, Marion, Doug was preceded in death by his parents, O.W. and Margaret Hatfield, and his sister, Eloise Hatfield. He is survived by his daughter, Sylvia Nisar (Robert Nesbit), his granddaughter, Khadija Nisar (Ben Riggle), many former students and dear friends.
Friends
Rev. Dr. William T. “Bill” Bryant
Rev. Dr. William "Bill" T. Bryant of Nashville, TN, died on October 16, 2024, from sudden heart failure, at the age of 86. Dr. Bryant was raised in Aliceville, AL, and attended college at the University of Alabama and received his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. He later received his Doctorate of Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary. He served as Senior Pastor at Govans Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Columbia Presbyterian Church of Decatur, GA, First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, Mississippi, and First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He also served as Executive Director of the Outreach Foundation until his recent retirement. He served on the Board of Directors at Columbia Theological Seminary, King College, Tusculum College, and Rhodes College. He had numerous honorary doctorates, including one from Rhodes College.
He served as Moderator at St. Andrew Presbytery of Mississippi, as well as Middle Tennessee Presbytery. Upon retirement, Dr. Bryant served as Interim Senior Pastor at numerous churches across Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Over the years, in service to our Lord, Dr. Bryant touched countless lives through his dynamic preaching, inspirational Bible teaching, and his willingness and ability to pastor those in need. The number of sermons, baptisms, weddings, and funerals he performed over his 60-year career is known only to God himself. Dr. Bryant's work through the Outreach Foundation improved the lives of people all over the world. In Africa, Dr. Bryant set up schools to train future pastors. There are child crisis centers and hospitals there that bear the names of Bill Bryant and his wife of 64 years, Bette.
Dr. Bryant is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth "Bette" Speed; a son, Billy (Debbie) Bryant of Greenwood, MS; a son, Steve (Betsy) Bryant of Canton, MS; a daughter, Lissa (Steve) Shearer of Nashville, TN; 14 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
William Reid Sanders TRSF
William Reid Sanders, Sr. passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 75. A lifelong Memphian, Reid attended Presbyterian Day School, Memphis University School, Central High School, and the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a pillar of the community and improved the lives of countless people, lucky enough to call him friend. Moreover, Reid had a meaningful impact on the broader community through his wide-ranging philanthropy. Reid's palpable zest for life was readily apparent to all who met him. A common theme among the many tributes that have poured in since his passing is how much enjoyment he experienced in seeing others happy and successful. This was most evident in his cherished role of "camp counselor" for the many fishing
trips, ski trips, and other excursions he organized for friends and family. He also had a deep love of animals, particularly his Golden Retrievers, Max and Gus, whom he was often seen taking long walks in his neighborhood.
Reid possessed a keen business acumen and, despite achieving remarkable success throughout his life, always remained humble. In addition to serving as a founder and Executive Vice President of Southeastern Asset Management and President of Longleaf Partners Funds, he was frequently asked to share his advice and counsel as a board member for public and private companies across the country. After his retirement from Southeastern, he engaged in numerous ventures, including the founding of Sanders Properties, which actively managed a number of real estate investments across the Southeast. Because of his talent, integrity, and big heart, he was sought after as a Director, Trustee, and benefactor of numerous nonprofit institutions, and he dutifully and gladly answered those calls. Just a few of those were the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia, Rhodes College, the Hugo Dixon Foundation, The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and the Campbell Clinic Foundation.
As one example of his influence, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hutchison School (the alma mater of his wife and daughter) at a pivotal and transformative time in the school's history. His extraordinary leadership prompted the Memphis girls' school to bestow upon him the title of "Honorary Alumna," a distinction which brought him great pride. Beyond his professional achievements and public service, Reid possessed a deep generosity of spirit and contagious optimism. He was ever ready to help those around him in matters big or small and always saw the best in others. This was especially true when it came to his family, which was his greatest joy. He adored his wife and best friend Chris, and he was bursting with pride in his children, Aubrey and Reid, whose accomplishments he couldn't wait to share.
He was a member of the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club; The Memphis Country Club, where he served as President; and Yeamans Hall Club in Charleston, SC. Some of his favorite pastimes included attending Memphis Tigers basketball games, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, dining at River Oaks Grill and Houston's, and visiting his home away from home in Charleston, SC, where his children and beloved grandpup also reside. Reid is predeceased by his father, Edward Harvey Sanders, Sr., mother, Mimi Reid Sanders Smith, stepfather, Dr. Hugh Smith, brother George Clarke Sanders, half-brother Edward Harvey Sanders, Jr., half-sister Normi Sanders Geske (Tim), and stepsisters Mimi Smith Mallory (Albert) and Nancy Smith Johnston (David). He is survived by his wife of 40 years Christeve Robinson Sanders, daughter Christeve Aubrey Sanders (Jack Davis); son William Reid Sanders, Jr. (Lydia); half-sister Jean Sanders Kirkpatrick (Bob); and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.