#class of 1957

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"Princeton did a nearly failing job of giving me and my male, almost entirely white classmates any direct sense of the richness and problems of our diverse society. There were at least a few faculty who spoke of racism and sexism (not called that then), but the mores conspired with educational liabilities for minorities to give us what seems now a very strange view of the society, its problems and opportunities. This spilled over into the way history, literature and just about every subject was taught."

--Frederick Borsch, Princeton University Class of 1957, in a call for Princeton to diversify its faculty, as printed in the Daily Princetonian, June 5, 1986

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Stuart Watson Epperson, Sr. or "Big Stu" has fought the good fight, finished his race and is now in the Presence of Jesus, the One he loved, served and told everyone about.

Stuart Epperson was Chairman and co-founder of Salem Media Group, a Christian broadcasting company with over 100 radio stations including 67 stations in all of the top 25 markets. Salem also  operates SRN News which has over 2,700 Affiliates. Salem became a publicly traded company in 1999 and is listed on NASDAQ. Stuart served as Chairman since founding the company in the 1980's with brother-in-law, Edward Atsinger. He has been involved in broadcasting since he was 7 years old when his late brother Ralph Epperson built a radio station in the home farm house in Ararat, VA, in 1943. He loved hearing testimonies of hundreds of listeners whose lives have been changed by the Power of the Gospel heard over the air.

Stuart worked in all areas of broadcasting, even as a disc jockey. He built his first radio station in 1961 in Roanoke, VA, and soon after, he built WKBX, Winston-Salem, and WRBX. Chapel Hill. He was inducted into the North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015.

In 2005, Stu was named by Time Magazine one of The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America. In 2004, Stu was honored as the American Free Enterprise Medalist, by Palm Beach Atlantic University.

He was the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress 1984 and 1986 for the North Carolina 5th District.

Stuart was deeply involved in helping at-risk kids and the homeless in Winston-Salem, NC, Jacksonville, FL and other cities. He was one of the founders of the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission. He was the founder of Salem Pregnancy Support Center, One Kid At A Time - a mentoring program and the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring, a national effort to find mentors for at-risk kids. He also started Kidz Xtreme, an inter-city Christian Youth Program focusing on Section 8 Housing, as well as the Promise Farm in Ararat, VA., a wonderful ministry to our wounded warriors and active duty families.

He just celebrated 60 years of marriage to Nancy Atsinger Epperson, the love of his life. Stu was born and grew up on a small tobacco farm in Patrick County, Virginia. Nancy was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in Southern California after her family was evacuated following the attack on Pearl Harbor. They met at Bob Jones University. 

Stu graduated from Bob Jones University in 1957 [added by WutBJU].

Stu is survived by his wife Nancy A. Epperson, his 4 children; Kristine Pringle (Doug). Stuart Epperson, Jr. (Julie), Karen DeNeui (Todd), Kathryn Fonville (John), 24  grandchildren and 1 great grandchild (plus 2 on the way). Stuart is also survived by his sister Mary  Lee King. 

His favorite verse is Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Celebration of his life will be Friday, July 21 at 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church on Peace haven Road in Winston-Salem, NC. The family would be honored to receive guests at 1:00 PM. There will also be a viewing and graveside celebration  on Saturday, July 22nd at 10:30 AM  at Unity Presbyterian Church in Ararat, VA. 

In lieu of Flowers, gifts may be made to Delmarva Educational Association, a non-profit outreach started by Big Stu to continue supporting his many ministry passions. The mailing address is: 7235 Bentley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online: www.thepromisefarm.com

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On Feb. 14, 1926, Carlton Wardell Ridley was born to proud parents Charles Albert and Rosetta Schofield Ridley in Mt. Morris, MI. Older sister Jean and brother Bob welcomed him to their home on Temperance Ave. In the next 10 years, two sisters, Margaret Kathleen (Kay) and Beth, arrived. Even as a young boy he was a rascal. When he was 17 he had a life-threatening accident. During his recovery a pastor had come to visit and Carl received Jesus Christ as his personal savior. The family was very musical and played together as an orchestra. 

After graduating from Mt. Morris High School in 1945, he attended Bethel College in Minnesota. During a short return home he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. There he was selected to be a part of the US 440th Army Band where he served playing the trumpet. After his tour of duty, he attended and received his bachelor’s degree in 1957 and his master's degree in Christian Education from Bob Jones University in 1959.

Carl returned to Michigan and served as Christian Education Director at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park. In 1966 Carl accepted the call to serve as Christian Education/Director of Music at Calvary Baptist Church in Pontiac, MI. In 1971 he accepted a position with David C Cook publishing Company as Area Representative in Grand Rapids, MI. Carl married Elizabeth (Beth) on May 26, 1973. Beth was in the medical field and they lived in the Grand Rapids suburbs until moving to Texas in 1977 when Carl accepted a position of area representative for Association of Christian Schools International. They resided in the Dallas area until retirement in 1991. 

After retirement they enjoyed traveling and moving to areas close to their families in Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee and California. They settled in Tennessee in July 2013 after Beth had been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. Beth stepped into Glory on Jan. 21, 2014, and Carl remained in Tennessee. He called Cumberland Ridge Assisted Living home for the last four years. Carl stepped into Glory and joined the Heavenly Choir on June 25, 2020.

He is survived by his daughter/son-in-law, Brian and Beth McDonald; his sons, David Wrobbel, Rick Wrobbel and (like a son) Bob Berthold; his grandsons, Mark McDonald and Wesley and Blake Wrobbel; and granddaughters, Meghan and Rebecka McDonald.

He is also survived by his two precious dear sisters, Kay Evans and Beth DeLaat, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.

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It is with great sorrow we announce the death of David C. Wilcox, Jr., Attorney Emeritus on Aug. 2, 2020 in Bullhead City, Arizona at the age of 82. David was born on Oct. 18, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Rev. David C. Wilcox Sr. and Vera Smith Wilcox.

After high school David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. and then transferred to Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and received his Juris Doctorate in 1962 in Real Estate Law.

After nearly 30 years as a Supervisor in Housing and Development for the County of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Government, David traveled to his new home in 1990 in Kingman, Arizona, with his companion, Christine.

David enjoyed reading, swimming at Del Web and exploring Kingman and the surrounding cities. He especially enjoyed his “spiritual” walking and his favorite biblical phrase, John 3:16-17 and song, The Old Rugged Cross.

David is survived by his sons Scott (Marybeth) and Mark (Sandi). Also by his beloved grandchildren, Sierra Paige Wilcox and Blake Hayden Wilcox. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Hope and Marlene.

Angels On Your Pillow Sweet Man, Love Chris.

Arrangements were handled by Mohave Memorial Funeral Home.

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Marian Elizabeth ""Beth"" Hamel age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away late Monday morning, April 8, 2019, in her room at Freighter View Assisted Living. Beth was surrounded by her family as they sang her into the presence of her Savior.

Beth was born on July 24, 1936, in Rosedale, Michigan to the late Roy and Marion (Atkins) Mitchell. She graduated from Sault High School with the class of 1954. She then attended Soo Tech (LSSU) for two years, then finished her education at Bob Jones University, in South Carolina, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She attended Young Adults, at First Baptist Church in the Soo, during her Soo Tech days where she met Chester ""Kent"" Hamel of Cedarville. They were married on August 22, 1959, at the First Baptist Church of Sault Ste. Marie. Beth worked as an elementary school teacher her entire career. She taught in Pickford her first year, then moved to Cedarville where she taught 3rd and 4th grade until she retired in the early '90s.

Beth became a Christian early in her life when she realized that she was a sinner and needed a Savior. She lived her Christian faith in many ways throughout her life. She enjoyed hosting international students from Cedar Campus during the holidays, singing in the choir of First Union Church in Cedarville as well as singing in many weddings, being active in various roles within Child Evangelism Fellowship for over 40 years (hosting and recruiting hostess for 5-Day Cubs, being on the local committee and State Board, teaching the missionary story at Release Time in Pickford), and serving the Lord in many ways at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hessel (Marion Norlin Missionary Society, teaching Sunday School, special music, etc.). She was an avid reader her whole life, especially enjoying the authors Grace Livingston Hill, Martha Finley, Gene Stratton Porter, and Jamie Langston Turner.

Beth is survived by her: two sons: David (Deborah) Hamel of Forest, VA, and Daniel (Ruth) Hamel of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; five grandchildren: Courtney Hamel, Chad Hamel, Jesse (Beth) Hamel, Jordan (Miranda) Hamel, and Rachel (Mark) Wigginton; and four great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Brenden, and Logan Hamel, and Hudson Hamel. She is also survived by her sister, Marjean (Luke) Lucas of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and several dear cousins.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles, and her husband.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home with Pastor Floyd Lamoreaux and Pastor Larry Witte officiating. Friends may gather at the funeral home before the time of the service. Time details will be in the memorial announcement in May. Burial will be at Donaldson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Child Evangelism Fellowship of the EUP, P.O. Box 2004, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Condolences may be left online at www.csmulder.com

Published in Sault Ste. Marie Evening News on Apr. 13, 2019.

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Chugiak, Alaska, resident Rev. James "Jim" McCoy, 86, died on Sept. 9, 2019, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

He was born on April 11, 1933, in Manchester, S.D., to William Franklin and Nora Cecile McCoy and was the ninth of 10 children. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., and Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill. He received his master's degree from the University of Michigan. He married Betty Pohl on Aug. 3, 1957, in Moline, Ill. They had four sons. Before his retirement, He was in public education for 15 years, in Michigan and Indiana. Then for 30 years he was a Lutheran minister, first in DeMotte, Ind., at Faith Lutheran Church, then at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fenton, Mich., and finally at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ortonville, Mich. He has been a resident of Alaska since February 2009.

Jim is survived by his wife, Betty McCoy; his four sons, William McCoy (Connie), Robert McCoy (Wendi), Richard McCoy and Jim McCoy; and his sister, Kay Schulz. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nora McCoy; and by his sisters, Evelyn Stevens, Leona Pretlove, Arlene Harm Cross and Margie Abbott; and his brothers, Delbert McCoy, Ray McCoy, Reid McCoy and Elwon McCoy.

His family wrote: "He was a giving, gentle, and most important of all, a patient man. He loved to sing hymns, recite poetry from memory, and tell a funny story or make a joke. Along with being around family, those were his favorite things to do. He was always quick to make friends and touched the lives of many a stranger. He had an incredible respect for all life. We will never be able to repay him for the sacrifices he made gladly, or for the wonderful memories we have by being part of his life. He will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever."

A Celebration of Life will be held at the River of Life Lutheran Church, 21301 Voyles Boulevard in Chugiak, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. at 1 p.m.

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SHINNSTON — Karl DeWayne Wright, 88, of Mount Clare, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at the WV Veterans Nursing Facility. He was born September 20, 1931 in Wallace a son of the late, Carl William Wright and Ruth Malson Wright Flemming. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Gale Flemming.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leona Marie Shuman Manear Wright of Mount Clare.

Also surviving are his children, Bill Wright and his companion Mary Richards of Racoon Township, PA; Margie Hoffman and her husband John of Castle Shannon, PA; stepchildren, Bill Ludwig and his wife Terri of PA; Becky Rittenhouse and her husband Mike of Mount Clare; Larry Manear and his wife Sharon of Folsom; and Danny Manear and his wife Debbie also of Folsom; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Vera Swiger; his stepson, Benny Manear; and his granddaughter, Tia Wright.

DeWayne graduated from Wallace High School in 1949. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and went on to graduate from Bob Jones University in 1957. He was a writer and film producer of mine safety films for the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. DeWayne enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. He and Marie loved to listen to music and watch movies together. The two attended Folsom Pentecostal Church and in later years attended Horizons Church. DeWayne was an avid photographer. He was also a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered by his kind nature and warm heart.

The family will receive friends at Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St. Shinnston, on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment will follow at the Ten Mile Cemetery in Wallace. Online condolences can be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com

The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wright family.

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Karl DeWayne Wright, 88, of Mount Clare passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at the WV Veterans Nursing Facility. He was born September 20, 1931 in Wallace a son of the late, Carl William Wright and Ruth Malson Wright Flemming. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Gale Flemming. He is survived by his loving wife, Leona Marie Shuman Manear Wright of Mount Clare.

Also surviving are his children, Bill Wright and his companion Mary Richards of Racoon Township, PA; Margie Hoffman and her husband John of Castle Shannon, PA; step-children, Bill Ludwig and his wife Terri of PA; Becky Rittenhouse and her husband Mike of Mount Clare; Larry Manear and his wife Sharon of Folsom; and Danny Manear and his wife Debbie also of Folsom; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Vera Swiger; his stepson, Benny Manear; and his granddaughter, Tia Wright.

DeWayne graduated from Wallace High School in 1949. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and went on to graduate from Bob Jones University in 1957. He was a writer and film producer of mine safety films for the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. DeWayne enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. He and Marie loved to listen to music and watch movies together. The two attended Folsom Pentecostal Church and in later years attended Horizons Church. DeWayne was an avid photographer. He was also a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered by his kind nature and warm heart.

The family will receive friends at Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St. Shinnston, on Monday from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 pm. Interment will follow at the Ten Mile Cemetery in Wallace. Online condolences can be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com