THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 www.WIFMRadio.com February 2021

PTC Buys Cooke Trucking delicately blending five consistencies of flour from a 100-year-old supplier in Atlanta. Dom’s has a rich Brother Jim York called at 4 p.m. Dec. 31 to tradition of techniques developed by David, a Mas- announce his family and company, Petroleum Trans- ter Baker. He says a bakery is a fun happening and port Co., had finalized the purchase of Cooke Truck- it starts with a spotless environment. ing Co. PTC, founded by H.L. and Sam Hennis in the Dom Bakeries features specialty pizza in 16- early 1950s, was purchased by Tom and Jim York in and 18-inch sizes and available by the slice. We 1984. With the astute contributions of wife Tammy, brought an assortment of 18-inch pies to Elkin last PTC is a formidable regional petroleum carrier op- week and the buzz was lively about the heavenly erating 150 tractor-trailers in North Carolina, South crust and delicious fresh toppings. Upstairs at Dom Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Flori- is a spacious, all-purpose room, 30 by 40 feet, for da. Its basic operation is serving regional c-store parties, meetings and accommodation for 60. Dom and travel center customers. Its tractors are Mack, also features the skills of cake designer Elana. Freightliner and Kenworth and tractors are Heil. Becoming a Dom regular will enhance life and Cooke Trucking was started in the mid-1950s family values. For unmatched creativity and quality, in Mount Airy by Freddy Cooke. It has 65 Peterbilt give us a call at 336-990-9243. tractors and 150 utility trailers with ThermoKing cooling units. Its revenues are primarily from pro- Tanner Phillips duce loaded in California and Arizona and delivered to food markets on the East Coast. Its long haul to Tanner Phillips is an accomplished gunsmith the West Coast is furniture and other dry goods. who practices at Ace Music and Pawn Shop, 117 Cooke’s drivers are mostly two-person teams who W. Main St. in Elkin. He started to follow his trade turn the 5,000-mile roundtrip in 85 hours including in his teens and pursued his vocation at Wilkes loading and unloading. Cooke’s unique feature is a Community College. An instructor there, Charles warehouse in Mount Airy that assembles less than Joines, in the words of Tanner “took a liking to me full truck loads of products and converts them to and we became close. Mr. Joines is the best teacher full loads to be delivered to the West Coast. Cooke’s I’ve known and I’m where I am today because I’ve also maintains full-service garages that provide trip- worked at mastering the trade as he has.” by-trip tractor warranty and maintenance services. Mr. Joines said, “Tanner is an advanced student, We share the excitement, hope and euphoria of so eager to learn, from a teacher’s perspective the acquisition and divestiture. ideal student in that he wants to know how, when and where, and retains everything he learns. As you Dom Bakeries know, the great students usually credit the teacher with most of their success. He checks on me often Owned by the Barricklow family, Dom Bakeries and calls a lot when he’s stumped. I own virtually originated near Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1970. David all the equipment one would ever need. Maybe I and Bronwyn built a chain of eight stores before can pass my years and workshop to Tanner. He’s divesting. As their four children migrated to North knowledgeable enough to carry our trade to the Carolina and with grandchildren being 1,200 miles next level.” away, the couple moved to North Wilkesboro in I spoke to Mr. Joines after one of those heavy 2012 and bought an Anytime Fitness Center. Da- rains and as I asked about his large Angus herd he vid, with years of baking to go, opened the Dom said, “We had water out of banks that have never Bakeries in December 2019. With the help of Bron- flooded. We are working on restoring the washout wyn and daughter Elizabeth, the thriving business because our stream feeds directly into the New at 908 D St. in North Wilkesboro is becoming a River and we are conscious of and responsible for social and nourishment mecca open from 7 a.m. keeping the river one of America’s cleanest.” to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with kitchen, Mr. Joines does everything extremely well. drive-through and takeout. Freshness is assured by Thanks to Tanner for sharing his hero and teacher. The Shepherd’s House late Herschel Bunker who grew up in Surry County. Rudy’s lifelong fascination is in all aspects of Mike Bowman, retired Renfro Corp. executive, the automobile business. Since his youth, years called in early December to share information about buying, selling, rehabilitating and financing vehi- the capital fundraising campaign for The Shepherd’s cles has been his moment-by-moment vocation. House’s $2-million expansion in Mount Airy. The His company, Southeastern Cars and Parts, owns shelter, for people who are homeless, opened in a fleet of conventional and rollback wreckers. In 2003 and is growing from housing 18 to 48. Mike August 2010, Rudy sent a wrecker to Statesville to reported he’ll stay on board with the fundraising assist the Roanoke College Basketball Team led by campaign until his team raises another $300,000 to Coach Page Moir. Rudy’s help arrived in 31 minutes finish the project. He also complimented the out- and provided transportation to return the team to standing efforts of Director Mary Boyles, her staff Salem, Virginia, before dark. and the 24-member Board of Directors. Several days before Christmas, traveling north Tonda Phillips was the 2020 Board Chair and on U.S. Highway 601 at the Yadkin River, our Chrys- Traci George is the 2021 Board Chair. Traci says ler developed an engine failure at 6:05. I called Campaign Manager Mike Bowman’s influence is the Rudy to share my helplessness. His one and only key to The Shepherd’s House’s monumental fund- statement was, “Where are you?” In 25 minutes, raising success. She said he always spreads cheer Southeastern Car and Parts’ Adam and his trusted and fellowship, has the special ability to commu- rollback was loading my vehicle. The next day, A1 nicate in positive ways that inspire, and makes a Automotive astutely had me back on the road. A1’s difference by giving, cheering and loving in the right owners, Lou Fracassi and Rudy, have been together direction. Mike credits follow-up phone calls for en- for 35 years. couraging givers to give. Willing helpers simply say, “Where are you?” The Shepherd’s House has broken ground on Immediately respond. its expansion project at Spring Street just west of the City of Mount Airy’s government complex. J.G. Coram Construction Co. Inc. is the project’s general Ronnie Swaim contractor. “We’ll raise the $300,000,” Traci vowed. “Ev- We are grateful for this opportunity to honor eryone on board believes in our mission. Go to pharmacist Ronnie Swaim for his dedication to his our website, ShepherdsHouseMA.org, and see our high calling and his astute professionalism. video. Our family is amazing. Call Mary Boyles at Growing up in northeast Yadkin County and 336-786-1420. We help people and never judge.” graduating from West Yadkin High School in 1964, Traci credits the influence of Workforce Unlimit- Mr. Swaim continued his education by graduating ed founder and CEO Teresa Lewis for recruiting her from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in to serve the regional personnel staffing giant. Traci 1969. In his formative years he was inspired by now is Director of Client Development. She joined Tom Burgiss at Bridge Street Pharmacy to become a the company in 1995 and has loved every minute of pharmacist. Ronnie joined D-Rex Pharmacy in 1988. her 25 years. We met at D-Rex in 2008 and I was impressed She stated, “Teresa is the most community- and by the ways he honors his profession, the ways he charity-minded owner in our parts. In our corporate counsels customers, his immaculate attire and more footprint we support countless projects and worthy importantly his servant’s heart and his willingness causes. Our company officers, CEO Mike Brannock to give time and attention. One of my keepsake and Kendra Claybo, live to help others.” photographs is Ronnie proudly sporting his ev- er-present white monogrammed jacket, standing in front of D-Rex’s counter. What They Do Best Ronnie Swaim always personifies the expecta- tions of trust and confidence we place in our phar- Rudy Holbrook, a living legend in Wilkes Coun- macist. Properly filling a prescription can be life- ty, and I met in 2002, being introduced by Elkin saving. A pharmacist enjoys one of society’s most High School Superintendent Dr. Stephen Laws. Dr. respected and trusted reputations. That period of Laws was in the process of taking the Wilkes Coun- time between leaving a doctor’s office and ingesting ty Schools’ leadership and Rudy was to become its a medication is a critical period. school board chairman. Ronnie Swaim always stands ready to share his Rudy, a graduate of East Wilkes High School, experience and hope with patients. Knowing Ronnie during his senior year was a member of its Future is filling a prescription exudes diligence, training, Farmers of America state championship soil judging trustworthiness and confidence in his trade. We team that competed in the national finals in Oklaho- salute and honor Ronnie Swaim, D-Rex’s Mr. Profes- ma City, Okla., in 1973. The team’s advisor was the sional Community Servant. 2 Oakwoods Grocery Several eye-opening facts surfaced lately. I learned Food Lion stores are known for clean Robert Rizoti bought the Oakwoods Grocery stores, quick checkout, great produce, improved Store on Brushy Mountain Road at Wilkesboro in frozen offerings and delivery service. Lidl stores 1981 shortly after graduation from Appalachian from Germany are known for their bakeries. Aldi’s State University. His family had migrated to Sparta delivers and enjoys a great reputation for packaged in the mid-1930s to build the bridges on the Blue produce. Sam’s features bulk products and we buy Ridge Parkway. They came from Italy to escape the their products included in our P-Nut Butter D-Lite. pending World War II. Amazon owns Whole Foods where organic is unique. Robert stated, “I knew absolutely nothing about Trader Joe’s is cost-conscious and highlights house the grocery store business, but did have a good brands. Dollar General has the best-priced cleaning work ethic, a willingness to learn and a genuine supplies. concern for people and the community. Meeting and marrying Sue in 1988 was the key to making it; our Phillip & Jean Lyles partnership is the driving force. We took advantage of the opportunity to serve, closed for vacations to Over the years, timeless rewards come our way. the SOS week at Myrtle Beach, never opened on The Lyles family opened the Yadkin Valley General Sunday, hired several honest young men, made Store in 2005 and it became a long-running WIFM fresh sandwiches at lunch, made hundreds of fresh customer for 18 years. When we see folks weekly, gift baskets at Christmas and bimonthly joined with relationships become closer than family. The YVGS community volunteers to prepare and sell $3 lunch- was an excellent retailer and community advocate. es that netted $2,000 to benefit a worthy cause. Decisions we make become keepsakes. People hung out at Oakwoods and it was the place Phillip Lyles was a masterful nurturer of chil- to be. Folks stopped for spiritual lifts and to be dren. His legacy gift was gummy chicken feet that around others who were doing good for others.” were always stored behind the checkout counter. Robert shared also that a meaningful gesture When a knowing child would arrive, usually with by the late Tom Doughton of 1st Citizens Bank was a grandparent, Phillip would don his plastic gloves also essential to getting started. Robert added, and bring out the gummies. There was a constant “We worked to provide meaningful service, help flow of youngsters looking for their favorite treat. the striving and practice the Golden Rule. Having a Around 2014, Phillip suggested a blessed WIFM local store is about giving service customers don’t ritual. He said, “Do you know Dr. Bill Blackley who get anywhere else. Oakwoods was a vehicle to give, leads the Elkin Trails?” I said, “Sort of.” He said, share and care. Thirty-eight years gave us the op- “The trails need some publicity and Dr. Jim Walter, portunity to matter and move on to the next stages our oral surgeon, is a likely sponsor of the weekly of life. We are blessed!” report of trail activities.” The trails and Salem Oral Surgery is an outstanding program featured every Daily Bread Thursday at 2:05 p.m. and narrated by Dr. Blackley. Phillip’s son Allen is a fantastic Air Force ROTC Most of us depend on groceries from successful instructor at Wilkes Central High School. I invited local stores for our daily nourishment. Shopping be- him and star Cadet Megan Royall to be our guests ing a way of life, more or less a weekly necessity, I on television’s “People Doing Good For Others” at personally am at best a novice shopper, unaware of Wilkes Communications. Allen Lyles’ interview is much frugality and thrift. I mostly consume what’s a professional segment of our 200-plus guests. I placed before me and pleased with the flavor and called to ask him to follow a certain protocol and taste. Never in my life have I been the person re- he answered, “I’ve already taken care of that, Mr. sponsible for procuring the necessary groceries. I’m York.” Was I wowed! aware of the location of these stores and when and where to enter and leave markets. Recently learned Donna Fargo that more men than women handle the weekly shopping chores. Donna Fargo, country music star from the I can remember when many families frequently 1970s, was featured on two sessions of sharing on stopped by a community store and purchases were WIFM Radio and impressed me with several mean- put “on the tab” or “on credit.” Now 99% of food ingful truths. This powerful adage sticks with me: and household goods are bought by cash, check or We must accept responsibility for the circumstances credit cards. Families earned the right to pay later in our lives. Life seems to be easier for those who to a trusting local merchant. Most of us remember believe in the values of hard work and developing those unscrupulous thieves who preyed on neigh- a constant and conscious contact with God gives us borhood store owners. the strength to meet the challenges of our days. 3 John Wesley Mexico, Lupe’s key mentors were teachers Enrique Garcia and Lorenzo Rangel who instilled the values Dear friend Jimmy Thomas of Pilot Mountain of knowledge. During his formative years, Lupe al- is a devoted member of the Mount Airy Wesleyan ways joined his school’s volleyball, soccer and bas- Church on Business Highway 52 in Bannertown, ketball teams. All sports were played on clay courts N.C. Jim is a mainstay at our Armfield Recreation and grass. In 1999, while managing a 20-man team Center in Pilot Mountain, a graduate of Surry at Dewey Bakery in Winston-Salem, his supervisor, Central High School and Guilford College, and a Big Mike, took Lupe aside, complimented his leader- full-time teacher substitute for the Surry County ship and encouraged him to start his own business. Schools. He enjoys hanging out with son Chad who When his tax refund arrived, Lupe started a small lives in Greensboro and daughter Emily, her hus- subcontracting company and 20 years later Chavez band William Dallas, and grandchildren Mason and Interiors employs more than 70. Luke who live in Roxboro. Lupe earned his U.S. citizenship and in Septem- His weekly responsibility at Mount Airy Wes- ber of 2013 was sworn in with 65 other immigrants leyan is to inspect and replenish the materials in at the Homeland Security Building in Charlotte. shelf racks on the back of sanctuary pews including visitation referral cards and offering envelopes. Jim- Knowledge For All my says, “Children enjoy playing with the inserted materials. However, I have an important job. The • James Jessup, the top student at North Surry materials encourage tithing and our invitation cards High School, is an applicant at Harvard University may connect the church to bringing a visitor or where only 4% of all seeking acceptance will be member to God and Mount Airy Wesleyan Church.” accepted. It opened on Sept. 8, 1636, and is Ameri- On Sunday, Jan. 3, guest speaker B.J. Johnson ca’s oldest university and our top-rated college. delivered a performance on the life and teachings of • From time to time we send photos of David church founder John Wesley. Born in 1703, he did Beal’s accomplishments since 1990 and in two days more to promote holiness than any other figure in will receive a handwritten thank-you. A native of British history. He rode 250,000 miles on horseback Lenoir, he is a Wake Forest University grad, had to bring spiritual renewal to the English-speaking served the State Bureau of Investigation, has been world. He exhorts us to live a more disciplined life our Surry County Clerk of Court and a Mount Airy on earth, and says that nothing is as important as City Commissioner, led efforts to establish Mount prayer. John Wesley said: Airy’s Sports Hall of Fame, and gave 47 years to Do all the good we can Mount Airy football activities. By all the means we can • Floyd Rees and wife Marjorie came to Mount In all the places we can Airy in 1946 and opened F Rees Clothing at the cor- At all the times we can ner of North Main Street and Moore Avenue. Housed To all the people we can in the former Kroger Store, it gained immediate As long as ever we can! success and enjoyed a regional reputation. I shall treasure his frequent adage: “Beautiful garments Lupe Chavez hang off the wearer.” It was an F Rees trademark. He also joined the town’s most successful civic clubs Lupe Chavez, born in 1971, migrated to the and was a charter Board of Directors member for United States near Laredo, Texas, in 1986. For Workman’s Federal Savings & Loan. He gifted every the next 14 years he followed agricultural seasons member of our 1960 state boys’ basketball champi- from Virginia to Texas to Florida and Alabama. Lupe onship team with a beautiful blue blazer. He stated, shared that his motive to come to the U.S. was to “When we look good we play good.” We were 25-0. continue education which ends in the ninth grade in • Legendary traditional musician Doc Watson, Mexico. Meeting his devoted wife Yadira in Dobson blind at birth and self taught, was said to have nev- is vital to his lifelong achievements. The Chavezes er played a bad note. Charlotte and I saw him and are the proud parents of nine children. son Merle at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mount When our close-knit adult group meets most Airy in 2004. David Holt, also a premier picker, said mornings at our coveted Armfield Civic and Recre- Doc’s magic was a combination of tone, timing and ation Center in Pilot Mountain, Jim Thomas, Gary touch. Doc help found the Merlefest in 1989 and York and Mike Felts look for Lupe in that he brings passed in 2012. unlimited optimism and hope. Lupe speaks of the • Retired Wake Forest University Athletic Direc- impact that the late Fred Snow’s life had for him. tor and Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Odom He spent several seasons harvesting Christmas had a college career record of 406-278. Mr. Hooks trees in Sparta. said at a Deacon Club meeting, “David Odom is the During his school years in Tancoyol, Queretaro, best all-around coach to ever serve this university.” 4 Sister Anne sense of appreciation for his partners and recogni- tion of family and community heirs. Diana, a most Tom and Marian York’s middle child, Anne, was gifted matriarch, instills the values of selfless ded- born in Aiken, South Carolina, on Nov. 15, 1953. ication to family, friends, and heritage. Jeffrey is a She graduated from North Surry High School and natural-born caregiver and the constant recognition was No. 1 in her class. She continued her education of the goodness in all and enjoys sharing our home. at Wake Forest University, majoring in math and • Father Ken Noland and daughter Katlynn are music. consummate complements. He the 20-year town Anne married Tom Fehring in 1979. He became manager in Wilkesboro, N.C., she a sophomore an orthopedic surgeon with education stops at scholar at Appalachian State University, they feed Wake Forest University, University of Texas, Van- off each other’s gifts. Ken enjoys being in the midst derbilt University, the Mayo Clinic and Boston’s of creative and innovative town enhancements. New England Baptist Hospital. His entire career has His relationship to his 65 reports is always “us” been with OrthoCarolina in Charlotte. He has been and never “I.” Katlynn, No. 1 in her class at Wilkes president of the Knee Society and American Associ- Central High School in 2018, aspires to helping the ation of Hip and Knee Surgeons, a member of The underserved develop skills and rise above expecta- Hip Society, published countless articles in medical tions. journals and consults with Johnson & Johnson. He • Dr. Skip and Diane Whitman gave 21 remark- gives to his professions by being involved in Ortho- able years to the Yadkin Valley. He said, “She gives Carolina’s nationally renowned fellowship program me steadfast direction and decision-making that is and everyday mentorships. always the right thing to do.” Dr. Tom and Anne’s marriage reflects an unusual • Chuck and the late Janet Holcomb were role reversal. He’s dedicated his life to his profes- inseparable. They together gave 76 years of sion and she manages family day-to-day responsi- volunteering to the Elkin Rescue Squad. They often bilities. I recently shared that our Chrysler van had stated that “the Squad is our opportunity to serve experienced engine failure. Anne quipped, “That side-by-side.” sounds like a broken timing chain.” She added, “My • Grama Charlotte York and granddaughter 40 years of maintaining our cars and those of our Savannah Bohr enjoy each other’s time together. three children means I’ve experienced most needs In a recent conversation, Grama shared her con- and repairs. Just imagine the experiences I had cern about how she will spend her twilight years, with cars over those years. I understand HVAC, to which Savannah said, “Never worry. Leave me in roofs, plumbing, remodeling, lawn service, insur- charge and I’ll assure your welfare.” ance, painting, etc. I have a toolbox, too. I’ve also • Father Andy Hull and daughter Cassidy Hull, found time to pursue my love for playing the piano North Surry High School junior swimming star, are at our church and playing golf and tennis.” often seen at meaningful socials. I’ve seen them at four Surry Communications annual meetings ear- Gifted Partners ly on Saturday mornings. When they recorded a fundraising session at WIFM Radio, Dad realized the There is a certain synergistic yield that follows strength of Cassidy’s leadership skills, confidence two working together to be one. Accomplishments and courage. Daughter Claire is a talented swimmer always reflect how partners enjoy complimenting starring in the butterfly and breast stroke. one another. It’s by choice and involves the willing- ness to share the credit and elevate one’s partner to stardom. When we surmise the awesome ac- Sharron Huffman complishments which permeate society, behind the scenes are those who also serve and contribute. Noted community advocate, career educator Several of these are to be mentioned: and 10-year veteran Wilkes County Schools Board • David Morrison of Morehead City and Su- of Education member Sharron Huffman shared that san Johnson of Elkin met while he was in Phar- when called to interview for her coveted first full- macy School and she was a nursing student at time teaching position at North Wilkes High School, UNC-Chapel Hill. After graduation they sojourned to she had no idea where or how to get to the school. the Yadkin Valley and founded D-Rex Pharmacy at On Sunday afternoon before the Monday 8 a.m. 450 Winston Road in Jonesville. The D-Rex brand is appointment, she and her husband Ronald rode to an undeniable force for trust, service, charity, value North Wilkes to become familiar with the school’s and hope. location so as to not be late on Monday. These skills • Ron, Diana and Jeffrey Ellis of Ellis Acres of will always keep us in good company. Renowned Mount Airy play a key role in the blessings that teacher Ettalee Idol influenced Sharron to become evolve when family parts join to accentuate the an educator and Principal Peggy Martin convinced unique values of each contributor. Ron brings a her to add teaching chemistry to her skills set. 5 Jimmy Vipperman parents; his love for Rick, Lynn, Lauren and Mad- ison, and Dr. Gilbert; and gratitude for his Surry Jimmy Vipperman is a kind, caring soul whose County family. His ever-present smile, kindness and presence fills the room with a genuine interest and concern for others inspires us to seek and find ways concern for who’s there. His soft voice and smile to serve God and worthy causes. With his presence encourages us to be open, give our hearts and build we believed in the goodness of relationships, hope on our limited confidence. We immediately recog- eternal and how we are to find, love, provide and nize his enormous, amazing talent and skills and forgive. All is well, Gene! are endeared by his humility, wit and teaching pas- sion. His reputation is built around countless years of making music; playing gigs; teaching aspiring Dr. Jim Harrell Sr. wannabee legends; buying, trading and repairing The late Dr. James Harrell Sr. was Elkin’s most instruments; and owning Vip’s Violin Shop in Mount significant benefactor, a native son, Eagle Scout and Airy. He exudes contentment beyond description. Scoutmaster, prolific contributor to the University of For years he has given lessons to youngsters and North Carolina Dental School, 60-year active dental adults on string instruments. I’ve been in his shop practitioner, lifelong member of Elkin United Meth- when he’s helping five individuals at different stages odist Church, Elkin Friend of Scouting, UNC Distin- of learning, buying, trading, stringing and repairing. guished Alumnus, former Hugh Chatham Memorial We first met when he played “Amazing Grace” Hospital Foundation President, town commissioner, on the fiddle at Moody’s for a fallen community Elkin Rescue Squad annual pledger and the greatest hero. The next day I called to book a guitar lesson charity fundraiser in our town’s history. I’ll cherish on a recently acquired J50 Gibson made in the late the time we shared in 2015-17 prior to his death 1960s. Our best moment came in the late-1980s on March 6, 2017. We spent hours in his den, Jim when he surmised my dejection and asked, “What’s teaching me the intricate skills of community bene- wrong, Gary?” I answered, “You’ve insisted that I’m fit fundraising. Several gifts he bestowed: to practice every day and this last week I missed 1. There is no challenging time to have a fund- most days.” He quickly exclaimed, “Gary, you will raiser when the cause is worthy. never be Chet Atkins. Practice when you can, bring 2. Community leaders, the influencers, must be me your $12 when you come and enjoy the expe- on board and committed to being involved. rience.” I was saddened and disappointed, but he 3. Have a specific start and finish. gave me a life-changing lecture. I wanted to be a 4. Make sure the workers know who are the good musician without paying the price and working capable and willing givers. hard. I’ve not played since — no more anxiety. 5. When a campaigner calls a meeting, be the first to arrive and greet each participant. Gene Garland 6. Saying “thanks” is a must; do it repeatedly. 7. Everyone is a candidate to be asked. We deeply regret the passing of Alfred Eugene The renowned English writer, C.S. Lewis (1898- “Gene” Garland, the husband of the late Lydia 1963), was an atheist when he found Christianity and father of Cathy and Rich and wife Lynn and in 1930. His most popular nonfiction book is “Mere granddaughters Madison and Lauren. He graciously Christianity” published in 1952. Jim Harrell first in- served Mount Airy’s First Baptist Church as deacon, troduced me to Mr. Lewis when he said, “C.S. Lew- fourth-grade girls’ Sunday School teacher for 28 is’s most profound saying is, ‘The only people who years and minister to pastors of the church. see miracles are the people who look for miracles.’” Moment by moment, he and Lydia served First We recently purchased “Mere Christianity” on five Baptist with their time, talents and treasures. At his CDs. Some of C.S. Lewis’s quotes are: passing, Gene and former pastor Dr. Roger Gilbert 1. True humility is not thinking less of yourself. spoke daily. A most-trusted friend was his Bible and It is thinking of yourself less. his daily study of its Word. Gene and Lydia’s devo- 2. We are what we believe we are. tion to the church is legendary and exemplary. 3. Education without values seems rather to We met in 1970 and were blessed with a friend- make man a more clever devil. ship that inspired our being. I admired his cross- 4. When we lose one blessing, another is often word puzzle acumen, respect for his parents of most unexpectedly given one in its place. Avery County, service to the Renfro Masonic Lodge, 5. We are never too old to set another goal or to UNC-Chapel Hill sports, his admirable career in dream a new dream. the automobile field and catching up with friends. 6. Since it is so likely children will meet cruel Ninety percent of our chats focused on friends enemies, let them have heard of brave knights and who had passed and how we would enjoy sharing heroic courage. once again. During the last years, he daily spoke 7. The task of the educator is not to cut down of Lydia’s declining health; Cathy’s devotion to her jungles, but to irrigate deserts. 6 Dr. Baldwin Smith Brown. Interest in four Ivy League universities is awesome. • A favorite photo features Willard Swift and Shortly before entering drug rehabilitation on Eddie Settle. Willard Swift attended Mountain Park May 8, 1986, I spent several days in the Baptist and Appalachian State University and was a star in Hospital suffering from a bout of encephalitis (swell- baseball and basketball. He’s served the Surry-Yad- ing of the brain). The urologist assigned to my care kin Electrical Co-op for 16 years. Eddie Settle at- was Dr. Baldwin Smith. Lo and behold, he called tended East Wilkes High School and is a three-term WIFM Radio on Monday, Jan. 8, after reading a copy Wilkes County Commissioner and its current Board of The Communicator. Chairman. He avidly supports our Elkin Rescue He said he ran across our monthly publication, Squad Charity Golf Tournament. Both men have had remembered the Yorks and called WIFM. He re- extensive careers raising purebred Angus cattle. membered sharing with my family in 1986 that he They are known to have quality herds. felt strongly I was under the influence of something and was going down the wrong road. He stated, “Your family was in complete denial, as most are.” Alex Sink With antibiotics I improved enough to be discharged in a few days. Mrs. Adelaide Alexander “Alex” Sink McBride Dr. Smith is retired from practicing medicine; grew up in Surry County south of Highway 601 however, he spends his waking hours giving his in the original home of Chang Bunker who, along time to a free medical clinic in Kernersville. He also with his conjoined twin brother Eng, came to Surry owned several hundred acres near Lowgap that was County in 1854. Her parents were Kester Sink, 97, sold to the Piedmont Land Conservancy. and the late Adelaide Bunker Sink. Kester, a North I’m keeping his phone number and plan to fol- Carolina State University graduate, was a most suc- low up soon. Just imagine, after 35 years we recon- cessful farmer, savings & loan investor and director, nect after he read our Communicator. and community servant. Adelaide was a Meredith Doctors are challenged daily how best to help College graduate, music director and teacher who people. My Dad faced congestive heart failure for passed in 1968. several trying years. After heavy doses of Lasix Alex attended Mount Airy’s First Baptist Church he could get his breath and home we would go. and graduated in 1966 with honors from Mount Airy Dr. Tamas Balogh said in the Intensive Care Unit, High School where she received outstanding tute- toward the end, “Your dad’s dying. It’s a matter of lage from Caroline Sydnor, Maxine Hamilton, Lor- time.” His courage opened our hearts to the reality raine McKinney, Lavinia Mackie and Valeria Shuford. of Dad’s pending demise. Thanks, Dr. Balogh. Alex graduated from Wake Forest University with a major in math. She joined NationsBank (now Bank Personal Goodness of America Corp.) in the late-1970s and rose to be- come its President of Florida Operations overseeing • Shawn Gallimore, who’s the best P-Nut Butter 10,000 employees and 900 branches. D-Lite maker in Neighbors’ 40 years, received a life- An avid Democrat, she attended several Dem- time hunting and fishing license at birth. He loves ocratic National Conventions, was elected as Chief to camp and fish for bass. Financial Officer of Florida and served in 2007-11. • Rusty York, shop manager for Cooke Truck- She founded Ruth’s List, a nonprofit that prepares ing, says the No. 1 recruiting tool for his company ladies to hold public office. She’s a Life Trustee at is Cooke’s fleet of Peterbilt tractors that pull reefer Wake Forest University where she has served for 27 trailers with dry goods to the West Coast and dedi- years. Her leadership in nonprofits and volunteer- cated produce to the East Coast. ism are most exemplary. • Ralph Harding grew up in Pilot Mountain, the She shared, “I was taught to work hard, help son of Henry and Helen, brother of Emily Antonec- the underserved, tell the truth, have good charac- chia and an Eagle Scout in Troop 545. During a ter and Christian values, foster racial diversity and counseling session recently, he said, “Gary, don’t to do a good deed for someone every day. My dad think everything to death. Make a decision and go said, ‘We never give away anything — all of our on with it. Make sure you don’t second-guess your- deeds come back to us.’” Alex concluded, “I’m driv- self also!” en to connect people to opportunities and give good • James Jessup is the top student at North Surry advice. BoA CEO Hugh McColl was my mentor and High School and will graduate in June with his high Dad my role model. I’m a good listener.” school diploma, two Associate Degrees from Sur- Alex and her late husband, Bill McBride, have ry Community College and no student debt. His two children: son Bert and daughter Lexi. Alex schools of choice are Harvard, Yale, Columbia and lives in the Tampa Bay area. 7 The Communicator PRESORTED STANDARD A Publication of: US POSTAGE PAID 100.9 WIFM GREENSBORO, NC Post Office Box 1038 PERMIT #338 Elkin, NC 28621

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Gene Garland

His presence filled our lives with love, humility and genuine concern for others. He gave his life to God, family, friends and honorable endeavors. He taught us to forgive, encourage, inspire and pray. He passed on November 28, 2020.