North Carolina Democratic Party

DEMOCRATIC MILESTONES

NOVEMBER 15, 2012

 "IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, CAST VOTES FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA"

Betty Lou Rose Ellis of Pittsboro, formerly of Beaufort, who had successful careers as a teacher and a public relations executive while being active in community service, died on October 18th at age 83.

A memorial service was held in Pittsboro on November 3rd.

Her newspaper obituary received widespread publicity across the entire state because it stated: "Because Mrs. Ellis died before Election Day, the family requests in lieu of flowers that votes be cast in her honor for President Barack Obama."

 MARK BIBBS - WILSON COUNTY

PASSING OF HIS FATHER

BIRTH OF A DAUGHTER

Mark Bibbs of Wilson County experienced two highly emotional events during his strong 2012 campaign for the state legislature.

On October 10th his father, William James Bryson III, died from lung cancer. The funeral service was held on October 17th in Gastonia.

On October 12th his wife, Jennifer, gave birth to their second daughter named Lily Francis Bibbs. She was welcomed by her seven year old sister, Caroline Bibbs.  You may write to Mark Bibbs at TheMarkBibbsCommittee@gmail.com.

WANDA DOBBINS - FAYETTEVILLE

An enthusiastic Democrat, Mrs. Wanda Dobbins of Fayetteville, passed away on September 29th in the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield at age 83.

She was the mother of State Executive Committee Member Debbie Liebers of Fayetteville, Jill Henderickson of Zebulon, and Pamela Aleshunas of St. Charles, Missouri.  You may write to Debbie Liebers at Debbieddl@aol.com

She is survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  She is also survived by two sisters, Ambassador Jeanette Hyde of Raleigh and June Smith of Claremont, Florida.

PAUL HAGLE - CHARLOTTE

Paul Hagle of Charlotte died on October 31st.  He was the beloved father of Paula Harvey, Democratic candidate for Mecklenburg County Commissioner in District Five.

Paul and Claudette Hagle had only recently moved from Denton, Texas to live next door to Paula and her family.

 WILLIAM C. FRIDAY

July 13, 1920 - October 12, 2012

William C. Friday, President of the University of North Carolina system from 1956 to 1986, died in his sleep on October 12th at the age of 92.

He earned a Bachelor's Degree in textile manufacturing from North Carolina State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After retirement Friday remained an highly influential voice in North Carolina and hosted the public television talk show, "North Carolina People."

Several educational institutions are named for him including: William C. Friday Middle School in Gaston County, The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University, and The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Chris Fitzsimon wrote this heartfelt tribute to Dr. Friday:

"Our love and respect for Bill Friday is not based on the fact that he was the President of the University or rubbed shoulders with presidents and kings.  Our love for him is based on the fact that he was a man of the people and was always working for North Carolina, for all of us, not just the ones the buildings on the campuses are named after.  Our state will never see another like him."

DR. WALLACE HYDE

CONTINUES HIS HEROIC FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON'S DISEASE

North Carolina's legendary Democrat, Dr. Wallace Hyde of Raleigh, is continuing his 20 year battle against Parkinson's Disease.  Let's continue to remember him in our hearts and in our prayers.

Dr. Hyde grew up in Graham County in the North Carolina mountains. He earned a BS Degree and a Master's Degree from Western Carolina University.  He received an Exxon Fellowship Scholarship to attend New York University where he earned a Doctorate Degree in Highway Safety. He was instrumental in establishing the state's drivers education program.

He was active in Terry Sanford's 1960 campaign for Governor and served as the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles for a short time.  He then moved to Asheville and was in the insurance business for over 35 years.

He headed Gov. Bob Scott's statewide committee to restructure the NC higher education system from which the 16-campus University of North Carolina system evolved in 1971. He served on the first UNC Board of Governors.

Gov. Jim Hunt appointed him to the NC Bank Board.  For 15 years he served on the Board of Western Carolina University and endowed a Professorship there in honor of his wife.

Dr. Hyde was an early and avid supporter of Jimmy Carter for President and served as his fundraising chair for the southeastern United States.   In 1976 he and his wife, Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, held an elegant fundraising dinner for Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter on the front lawn of the Biltmore Estate.

Dr. Hyde has been married to Jeanette Wallace Hyde for 28 years. He lived at the US Embassy in Barbados for seven years when President Clinton appointed his wife to be the US Ambassador to seven nations in the eastern Caribbean.

He has two children, Barbara White and Charles Hyde, who live in Asheville.  You may write to Dr. and Mrs. Hyde at Hydejw@aol.com.

Your Democratic Friend,

Melvin Williams

Send Your " DEMOCRATIC MILESTONES" And "GOOD NEWS" To Me At: melvin535@dishmail.net