In Memorium

Deceased > Tuesday, 5/1/2012
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Mr. Henry Edmunds White, loving and devoted husband and father, married 67 years to Carol (Meade) White passed away quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. He was born in Suchowfu China, to Emma White and Locke White, missionaries in China. He graduated from Darlington Preparatory School, in Rome, Georgia and entered Davidson College in 1942. During a summer vacation he met Carol Meade who was singing in the choir of the Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Kentucky where his father served as minister. They married in 1945 and Ed left his new bride and his studies to serve two years in the United States Air Corps. He returned to Davidson and graduated in 1947 and then attended UNC Chapel Hill and the University of South Carolina for graduate school. Throughout his life Ed loved sports and was a highly successful athlete. At Davidson he was captain of the Davidson College basketball team and participated in football, tennis, track, and baseball. In 1947, after graduating, he taught and coached at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. He also became an assistant principal of newly opened Eau Claire High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He later became the Assistant Dean of Students at Davidson College. In 1955 Ed became Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the college and served in that position for 25 years. While he was dean, he served on the Committee on Guidance for College, the College Entrance Examination Board of New York, and the Board of College Admissions Center of Evanston, Illinois. He served on the North Carolina Governor's Scholarship Board and was also on the Board of National Merit. In 1979 he decided to pursue his passion for sports and left his beloved Davidson to serve as Athletic Director at Southwestern College for 5 years. He then returned to Davidson for his retirement. Ed devoted much of his time to helping others who were less fortunate, through his work at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church and at Habitat for Humanity, an organization which he helped start in the Davidson area. He taught Sunday School over the years at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, where he was a Deacon and Elder. Over the years he excelled in tennis, traveling around the Southeast, participating in and winning numerous tournaments. Ed won the N.C. State Doubles Championship the week before suffering a stroke. In 2007, Ed was inducted into the Davidson College Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic prowess at Davidson College. Past employees, friends, and family honored him with a scholarship established in his name to provide financial aid to Davidson College students. Memorial Services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 5, 2012 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church with Rev. Lib McGregor-Simmons officiating. He is survived by his wife Carol, and his three children, Henry Edmunds Jr., Susan, and Locke, and his grandchildren Hope, Katherine, and Jordan. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Locke Jr. and Richard and his sister Louise Walker. The family is very grateful for the loving care given to Ed by the nurses and staff at The Pines at Davidson.

Deceased > Monday, 4/2/2012
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The Alumni Office has just learned that Jesse Marion "Dick" Coburn '49, of Whiteville, North Carolina died Monday, April 2, 2012. 

Deceased > Monday, 4/2/2012
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Max Leo Rosenberg ('53), 76, former Captain, U.S. Army Reserves, died Monday evening, April 2, 2012, at Druid City Hospital Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, of complications from a long-term, service-related disability incurred in Vietnam. 

Born Emery Fiedler on December 1, 1935, at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was the son of Phoebe Weeks Fiedler (1907-1997) and grandson of Col. Charles Warren Weeks (1876-1952), who commanded The Infantry School at Fort Benning (1932-36), succeeding George C. Marshall.

Born out of wedlock, Emery was placed in the care of the Children’s Service Society of Georgia, from the time he was four days old until June 22, 1936, when he was adopted by Leo Kaufman Rosenberg (1899-1948) and Katherine Ford Rosenberg (1910-1984), who changed Emery’s name to “Max L. Rosenberg,” in honor of Leo’s father, Max Rosenberg (1856-1925), a prominent merchant in Columbus, Georgia.

Max attended Wynnton Elementary School of Columbus  through the 6th grade (1941-47) and Columbus High School for 7th through 9th grades (1947-50), before enrolling in The Darlington School for Boys in Rome, Georgia, from which he graduated in June 1953. During this same time he was involved in the Boy Scouts of America, reaching the rank of Eagle and becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow.

In September 1953, Max enrolled in the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University), where he was active in Alpha Phi Omega and Sigma Pi fraternities, the Baptist Student Union, and for three years a member of the Varsity Wrestling team under the legendary coach Arnold William “Swede” Umbach.  During all four years at Auburn, he was also a cadet in the ROTC program.

On June 4, 1957, Max received a BA in Sociology from Auburn University and was commissioned a 2^nd lieutenant, US Army Reserves, Armor.  He spent the next two years on active duty at the Armor Officer Basic Course, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and in the 69^th Armor, Fort Riley, Kansas, before reverting to reserve status.

Between 1959 and 1962, Max attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earning both a Master’s (1961) and a Graduate Specialist (1962) degree in Religious Education.

Returning to active duty in January 1963, Max spent more than a year as a company commander in the Training Center at Fort Knox, before being ordered in June 1964 to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, N.C. Promoted to Captain on August 14, 1964, Max served as a Psychological Warfare advisor in the Republic of South Vietnam, US Military Assistance Command (1964-65). Assignments in  the 68^th Armor in West Germany and as Assistant Professor of Military Science at Central Michigan University (1966-69) followed.

Ordered to South Vietnam a second time, he arrived “in country” on October 9, 1969. Ten days later he became a casualty of that war. Evacuated back to the States, first to a hospital at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and later, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he received an honorable discharge and was retired from the U.S. Army on May 22, 1970.

Among the awards and decorations Max received during his more than 12-year-long military career  were the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device 60, Armed Forces Honor Medal – 1^st Class, and Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Campaign Stars.

The transition to civilian life was not easy for Max, especially compounded by his war wounds and periodic bouts with PTSD which over time rendered him 100% disabled. Managing to secure only part-time, piecemeal work, he spent most of the remainder of his life in various Veterans Administration medical facilities, including the VAMC at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was a patient off and on for more than thirty years.

When he was not hospitalized, he earned additional graduate credit in business administration courses at Samford University and The University of Alabama. In 1978, he relocated to San Diego, California, where he remained for over a decade, attending meetings of the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars,  contributing to political action committees, pursuing his life-long passion of stamp collecting, and penning his memoirs entitled: “Survivor!: Loyal Soldier, Loyal Servant.”  Max dedicated his autobiography to the memory of his adopted mother, Katherine, whom he had affectionately called “Sugar” since World War II.

Max also authored Overflow (1975), published by Carlton Press, now out of print, which consisted largely of sermons he preached to various Vietnamese Baptist congregations in Saigon during his first tour of duty in 1964-65.

Max was married to Sylvia Gail Williams on February 3, 1956, in Meridian, Mississippi, a relationship that unfortunately ended in divorce some 18 years later. He is survived by 2 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 step-grandchildren, with whom he delighted spending time whenever possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Altar 84, a non-profit ministry for orphans, like himself, or to the American Legion or the VFW.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Good Friday, April 6, at the National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama, with full military honors.

Deceased > Sunday, 4/1/2012
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Mr. Arthur William Ford, age 96, passed away on April 1, 2012 in a local hospital.

A native Roman, Mr. Ford was born on July 10, 1915 in Rome, GA, son of the late Arthur N. Ford and Sara Emma Bryan Ford. 
Mr. Ford sustained a serious injury from a fall at his home in November of 2010 that lead to failing health and change of residence to the Riverwood Residential Retirement Center. He was the oldest surviving member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. Mr. Ford was known by his friends, family, and business associates as "A.W." a well known owner of Ford's Market located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Turner McCall Blvd. He was successful in his business endeavor and had a well known reputation for selling high quality meats. Mr. Ford began his meat market career in the late 1930s with his brothers, Roy, Howard and Raymond who were local grocers. World War II intercepted his career where he was stationed in Wiesboden, Germany serving in the Army of Occupation from 1945 through 1946. Upon completing his military service, Mr. Ford returned to his business he started in 1938. After closing his business in 1968, he continued to work as butcher at the Piggly Wiggly store located on Shorter Avenue until his retirement in the early 1990s. He was preceded in death by his wife, Will Nell Stewart Ford, to whom he was married for 60 years; three brothers, Raymond Bryan Ford, James Howard Ford and Roy Edmond Ford; and a sister, Gladys Ford.

This very special daddy, granddaddy, great-granddaddy, uncle and friend will be greatly missed by the following surviving family members and friends: daughter, Sara Ford Astin and Fred Astin of Walhalla, SC; son, George and Carole Ford of Davidson, NC; Daughter-in-law, Judy Ford (wife of deceased son Stewart Ford) of Dawsonville, GA; seven grandchildren, Mark and Christy Astin of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Susan and Sam Arnold of Summerville, SC, Karen and Jason Wilson of Deltona, FL, Stewart Jr. and Amy Ford of Savannah, GA, John and Tracy Ford of Durango, CO, Petty Ofc. 1st Class, Rob Ford and wife, Ruth of San Rafael, CA, Sara and Luke Beck of Lansing, NC; 14 great-grandchildren, Cam and Cody Arnold, Brittnay and Nathan Astin, Allie, Ethan, Anna, Eli, and Abby Wilson, Ranier and Autumn Ford, Etta and Sunny Beck, and Naomi Ford; nephews, Ed Ford, Tommy Ford and Jimmy Ford; niece, Marion Downey; friends: Betty Lynn Boston, Jim and Betsy Shouse, Faye and Bill McElmore, Vera Morris, Jesse Tolbert, Paul Haley, Debra Glanton, Hubert Perry and a host of special friends from Fifth Ave. Baptist Church. A special thanks to all of Riverwood Resdential Retirement Center residents and staff who helped our daddy make another "home" away from "home." 

Deceased > Saturday, 3/31/2012
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Roy Adams Dorsey, 89, died after a long illness at his residence on March 31, 2012. He was born in Atlanta May 17, 1922, the son of the late Cam D. and Minnie Adams Dorsey. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Janet Appleby Dorsey, and his brothers Rufus Dorsey, Sam Adams Dorsey, and Cam D. Dorsey, Jr. He is survived by Laleah S. Furniss and several nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to Walter Gates, Michael Hill, Bernestine Hodges, Shirlene Jones, and Betty Smith, who provided loving care for many years. Dorsey attended The Darlington School, Episcopal High School, the University of Virginia, and the University of Georgia. He served in World War II as a Military Intelligence Officer. He was founder and president of Dorsey-Alston Company (realtors) and worked there for his entire business career. He was an active participant in Atlanta civic endeavors including serving as president of Goodwill Industries and a trustee of the Piedmont Hospital Foundation. He and his wife maintained a continued and supportive interest in Episcopal High School where scholarships are awarded in their name each year. He was a member of Peachtree Golf Club, Capital City Club, and a past president of the Piedmont Driving Club. No services are planned. A memorial reception will be held at Peachtree Golf Club in the coming weeks. Those interested in making a donation may give to Episcopal High School for the Roy and Janet Dorsey Scholarship Fund, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302; Sixty Plus at Piedmont Hospital, 1968 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 or the charity of your choice. 

Deceased > Friday, 3/16/2012
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Christopher Shayne McDonald, age 26, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Friday, March 16, 2012. Christopher was born November 19, 1985 in Rome Georgia. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; Charles and Doshie McDonald. Christopher proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Iraq and was a member of Mike Battery in Chattanooga TN. Christopher graduated from North Georgia College with a bachelor's degree in Education. 
He is survived by parents, Jeffrey and Paige Smith McDonald; sisters, Morgan and Brooke McDonald of the residence; Maternal grandparents Carl and Linda Smith of Lindale, GA; Aunt and Uncles, Pam and Jesse Wilson of Rome GA, Patricia and Joe Lackey of Kingston GA; cousins, Lucas Lackey of Kingston GA and Aaron and Tyler Wilson of Rome GA.  

Deceased > Friday, 3/16/2012
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The Alumni Office just learned that Parker Whedon '43 passed away on March 16, 2012. He was born June 3, 1925 in Buffalo, NY to the late Colonel Spencer Whedon and Helen Parker Whedon of Charlotte. Parker's family moved to Charlotte in 1929 where he resided at his family home, the historical Charles Parker House on Central Avenue. Parker attended Central High School in Charlotte, and later graduated from Darlington School, Rome, GA. in 1942. Parker entered UNC Chapel Hill in January, 1943, but was called to duty his sophomore year in 1944, where he served his country as naval gunner aboard the USS Wisconsin. After two years of service, Parker was honorably discharged in 1946, receiving commendation and award for sighting the first enemy plane to attack the Pacific fleet. Parker immediately returned to UNC, where he majored in philosophy. 
Skipping his senior year altogether, Parker entered UNC's School of Law in 1948 with the second highest mark on the entrance examination and later making Law Review. Upon graduation, Parker was admitted to the bar in Aug 13, 1951, where he began his law practice in Charlotte. Like most young lawyers, Parker leased an office in the original Law Building adjacent to the old court house which he maintained for over 30 years until it was demolished. His practice initially was general in nature, but over time was narrowed to focus upon real estate and family estate law. Parker practiced law for over 50 years, retiring Oct 13, 2004. 
Parker was passionately engaged in turkey hunting since 1950, hunting in over 10 different states. He was considered the best turkey hunter in the Southeast. In 1984, Parker founded 'Old Masters Publishers' for the purpose of republishing three of the old master turkey hunting books that greatly propagated his hunting practice on a national level. Parker was also a great turkey call maker, founding 'Old Master Custom Call Makers' in 1990. Parker was rated by an eminent authority as the 'best of the best' wingbone call maker, his specialty being vintage callers which he perfected over the years.
Parker also had a passion and lifelong love of rivers and the great outdoors, which lead to many valued friendships across the United States. Parker was a longtime environmentalist, river advocate and activist for the Catawba River Basin. He instigated a movement for a wild turkey restoration program in North Carolina in 1959 and was featured and pictured in many newspaper articles, books and magazines over his lifetime. In addition to turkey hunting & call making, Parker enjoyed fishing, canoeing, excavating Indian artifacts, listening to classical music, playing bridge and just being in the woods. Parker was also a church lay-reader and devoted father, attending all sporting events of his children and ensuring all were exposed to the outdoors by owning their own hunting & fishing gear, boats and even kayaks to explore the whitewater rivers. 
In addition to being a member of all Bar Associations, Parker was a member of the NC Trial Lawyers Association, Charlotte Civitan Club, American Wild Turkey Hunting Dog Association, and served on the Board of the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Commission for many years. Parker was also President of several organizations including the Mecklenburg County Young Democrats, North Carolina Symphony Society, the Real Running River Protection Society and North Carolina Turkey Hunters Association. 
Parker is survived by his wife, Virginia Simpson Whedon; and five children, Dorothy Stapleton of Moorseville, IN, Parker Whedon of Georgetown, SC, Arthur Whedon and wife, Laura of Charlotte, NC, Missy Hall and husband, Neal of Charlotte, NC and Bill Whedon and wife, Betsy of Corning, NY. He is also survived by eight grandchildren. 

Deceased > Monday, 3/5/2012
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The Alumni Office has just learned that Ralph Emerson McCaskill, Jr., died at his home in Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, FL, on March 5, 2012. He was born to the Reverend Ralph E. McCaskill, Sr. and Mary Chandler McCaskill on December 20, 1933 in Chester, SC. He graduated from Presbyterian College with a BA in English and Columbia with a Masters of Divinity. Ralph served Presbyterian churches in Hampton, SC, Donalsonville, GA, Gulf Breeze, FL, Bishopville, SC, Quincy, FL, Moultrie, GA, Beaufort, SC and Indiantown, SC.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Ann McComb McCaskill, a son, Rick McCaskill and wife Janet, two daughters: Chandler (Candy) Touchton and husband Lee, and Jodi Harbin and husband Greg. Ralph was especially proud of his grandchildren: Millie McCaskill, Ralph McCaskill IV and wife Kate, Anna Blair and husband Jason, Emily Schenfisch and husband Tanner, Sam Peters and Alison Peters,

Ralph became very involved in each of the communities and Presbyteries in which he was called. He served in leadership positions and in hands on projects. He led by example. His leadership enabled the organization of the Covenant Counseling Center and Dialysis Center in Moultrie and the development of a Hospice unit in Kingstree, SC. He was a vital part of the Rescue Squad in Bishopville, SC. Ralph led groups of youth hiking the Appalachian Trail and canoeing down the Ochlockonee River. He felt that active programs were vital to the success of a congregation's growth and to have active programs the church had to have adequate facilities so building programs were a part of his call.

Ralph was an outstanding preacher with sermons that had thought provoking subjects and eye catching titles. He endeared his members with his compassion and his wit. During his ministry he married over 300 couples and baptized many of their babies.

Ralph was a man who took his responsibilities very seriously, but did not take himself too seriously. He will be missed, but we are all better because he was in our lives.