Class Notes

Charles Charles Bennett Alsmeyer, 62, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016. He was a graduate of Texas A & M University and worked in the computer programming field. Charles is survived by wife Sharon, son Dylan, step-daughter Alexandra Magnus; brother David (wife Jan) in England; sister Ann Kellett (husband Michael) in Bryan/College Station, TX; aunt Doris Sills in Florence, SC; Uncle Ray Alsmeyer (wife Jean) in Houston, TX; nieces, nephews and cousins; and numerous in-laws. A casual open house celebration of his life was held at the residence 460 Cambria Lane SW, Lilburn, GA, on Saturday, March 12. The family wishes expressions of sympathy to be made as contributions to Heartland Hospice Fund.

Rev. William Robert Anderson was born on August 5, 1927 and passed away on February 25, 2017. Reverend William Robert Anderson of Lakeport, Retired Presbyterian Minister, passed away peacefully from natural causes after a fall. He leaves behind his companion of 19 years, June Benkelman; three children, Bruce Anderson, Robert Anderson and Celest Boer; friends, Robert and Nancy Benkelman, Ronald and Ruth Benkelman and families. Bill was a graduate of Vanderbilt University, M.A. Divinity, and served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps, having the privilege of being an “attache” to and walking with President Truman on the White House Grounds. He was a Christian who studied extensively the Hawaiian “Huna”, namely the “mana”, the energy and power used by kahunas and Hawaiian Chiefs to perform “healings”. Bill was an advocate of Human Rights and donated significant amounts of money to the education of Black Americans. Bill believed in Jesus, was an ethical man, impeccable with his word and loved by all. His final words: “Blessings upon you” are meaningful to everyone. There will be no services per his wishes. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to United Christian Parish or Lakeport Senior Center. Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary 707-263-0357, or 994-5611, or online visit chapelofthelakes.com. Please share your memories by signing the guestbook at www.legacy.com.

Stephen M. Ayers passed away on January 4, 2022.  He was a faculty member and director at Western Carolina University for 22 years until his retirement in 2008.

A prolific director, he mounted nearly 100 theatrical productions on campus stages during his tenure, taking several shows on the road to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Southeastern Theatre Conference and New York International Fringe Festival.

He also acted in numerous motion pictures and television programs, with roles in films including “Days of Thunder,” “Mr. Brooks” and “The List” and TV shows ranging from “Matlock” and “In The Heat of the Night” to “Dawson’s Creek” and “Savannah.”

Stephen earned his bachelor’s degree in drama from Maryville College, master’s degree in drama from the University of Houston and his doctoral degree in theater history from the University of Colorado.  Arts education was his life’s work.

Mark C Baxis passed away on March 20, 2019

Wendy Kay Cruikshank 01.08.1965 – 20.4.2020 Kylie, Rhianna and Lynette invited extended family and friends to celebrate the life of our beautiful soul, Wendy, who left this world during Covid lockdown. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 31, Lake Hãwea Community Centre at 2:00pm where live stream was available. https://youtu.be/Dm23-ltiAhA They enjoyed sharing memories of our much loved Mum, daughter, sister, aunty and friend.

Earned a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychological Development in June 2019

Steven Kitchen Devoted family man, loved his log cabin, ‘one of the good guys’ Steve Kitchen was born in Asbury, NJ on October 9th to Pat & Don Kitchen. Sadly, Steve passed away on August 23rd. Always to be remembered as one of the “good guys”, he will be missed by so very many after a hard fought battle that ended too soon. Steve was our “Warrior Turtle” being a two-time cancer survivor. Steve graduated from Del Val High School, excelling in the wrestling program and continuing his skills to Maryville College, TN also earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Steve always spoke of his love of Tennessee and the friendships he began there and continue to this day, (you all know who you are). Steve looked forward to NCAA Wrestling and an avid TN Vols and Yankees fan. Semi-retired, he worked for Belzona/B.I.G.:Banks Industrial Group and always said they were family and the best company he ever worked for. After retirement – Steve, Barb and Boris, (their dog), enjoyed RVing and day trips on the WTH pontoon boat. Steve’s happiest times was moving to their log cabin, “Dancing Bears” in Narrowsburg and just “kicking back” with a cup of coffee or cold beer and taking in the pristine scenery. A Devoted Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin & Friend, Steve leaves behind his caring father, Don and Step-Mom, Corky. Loving wife & Best Friend, Barbara. Children Eddie and wife Darlene, Amy and husband Dave and the “Prince” Justin with wife, Anna. Grandchildren Emily Rose, Madison, Ellie “Chatterbox” Paige, Makayla May and Tyler “the filthy animal” James. Two sisters who he loved dearly and he was always known amongst the three of them to refer to himself as “Mom’s Favorite”….Colleen Devita & husband, Mike. Kelly Haring & husband, Willis. So many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and COUNTLESS Friends! Lastly, Steve is survived by his “sidekick” Boris the thief, (aka “Funny Boy), who gave him endless joy and laughter! Boris is lost without him. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 10:00am to 1:30pm at the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, 3412 SR97, Barryville, NY 12719. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Gary Sinise Foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365; St. Francis Xavier Church – Food Pantry 151 Bridge Street, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. Arrangements are under the care of the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home. 845-557-8010[ph1] Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home 3412 SR 97 Barryville NY 12719 (845) 557-8010

The board of trustees of Wake Technical Community College is pleased to welcome Geoff Lang, appointed by Governor Pat McCrory. Lang was sworn in on Tuesday, October 20, as the newest trustee on the 12-member board. Lang is Vice President and General Manager of Global Technology and Operations for MetLife. The company is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management for approximately 100 million customers in nearly 50 countries. Lang is responsible for overall site management at the MetLife Cary campus, community and university relations, talent recruiting, new hire onboarding, and employee support. Prior to MetLife, he worked at IBM for 22 years and at RBC Bank in Raleigh. Lang serves on the boards of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and the Cary Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Transportation Alliance, and Wake County Habitat for Humanity. He holds a BA in Psychology from Maryville College in Tennessee and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. “Wake Tech is indeed fortunate to have someone with Geoff’s expertise join our board,” says Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen C. Scott. “His broad management experience will be an asset to the college as we continue to expand services and student enrollment.” Lang replaces Gary Salamido, who was recognized at the board’s October 20 meeting for his years of service. Wake Tech is served by 12 trustees, appointed by the governor, the Wake County Board of Commissioners, and the Wake County Board of Education. A Wake Tech student also serves on the board ex-officio. The board of trustees establishes policy, approves the annual budget, and advocates for the college and its programs. Trustees also select the college president.

Dr. Melinda A. Lucas, MS, MD, FAAP, was born June 27, 1953, at Blount Memorial Hospital and passed away after a brief illness at Blount Memorial Hospital June 1, 2021. Dr. Lucas is survived by Sister Gretchen Lucas Vondran, Maternal Uncle Leon Shields and Paternal Aunt Marilyn Jane Lucas and several favorite cousins. She was predeceased in death by her parents Arthur Lucas and Dorothy Shields Lucas. She was a direct descendent of John Oliver of Cades Cove. Melinda would like to especially thank in addition to her sister Gretchen, those who have provided spiritual and emotional support in addition to friendship over the past six years: Mary Frances Skeen, David & Betty Jo Pesterfield, Rev. Dennis & Mrs. Ann VanCuren, Randall and Sarah Wetherington, Judy Headrick, Penny Powers of Johnson City, TN and Dr. & Mrs. Michael DeVoe, Nashville TN. She would also like to thank her Physicians in Nashville, TN, with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Dr. Douglas B. Johnson and Dr. Mary Hooks. Also, thank you for the care she was provided by the staff of Blount Memorial Hospital 5East. With the transition of Pediatrics from UT Knoxville to East Tennessee Childrens Hospital, Melinda transitioned to East Tennessee State University where she practiced Pediatric Critical Care as the first Board Certified Specialists in their PICU, developing the sedation team, teaching pediatrics to 3rd and 4th year medical students and Pediatric Residents. There she received the Servant’s Heart Award for Medical Staff and the Healthcare Heroes Award. She also completed the Physician Leadership Academy at Mountain States Health Alliance. Melinda retired as a Professor of Pediatrics from the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in 2019. Melinda accomplished her childhood dream of becoming a Physician and wants to be remembered as a caring compassionate physician who tried to make the world a safer place for children. She never forgot her family, friends, colleagues and neighbors who helped her achieve her goals. A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Grandview Cemetery with the Reverend Dennis VanCuren officiating. Covid 19 Precautions will be followed. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Dr. Melinda A. Lucas Scholarship Fund at Maryville College, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804-9984 or on line at www.maryvillecollege.edu/giving/make-your-gift-today/.

Edward Charles “Ed” McFadden Jr. 69, a long-time and well-known Tampa attorney, died Dec. 2, 2022, at his home following a long illness. Ed passed away at home surrounded by his family, while the song “Dixie” played softly in the background. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Charles and Esther Jamieson McFadden; a sister, Patricia Henderson; a son, Charles Francis “Charlie” McFadden IV; and two nieces, Allyson Bryant Wright, and Christine Eichner. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; a son, Edward Charles “Eddie” McFadden III; a daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth “Katie” McFadden; a brother, Charles Francis “Charlie” McFadden III; a sister, Noreen “Chook” Seeley; a grandson, Charles Francis Peterson; a nephew, Joie Chitwood III (Susan); two nieces, Catherine Carney and Erin Gamiel; grand-nephews, Louis Bryant, Alex Wright, Joel McFadden Chitwood; and a grand-niece, Madison Wright. Ed was born in Coral Gables, FL, but moved to Tampa when he was young. He attended Wilson Middle School and, in 1971, graduated from Plant High School where he starred in football and was known as the “Mean Man” of the Panthers. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee on a football scholarship, and later attended the University of Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1975 where he was the recipient of the Law Day Award. He attended the Stetson University College of Law where he graduated in 1978, third in his class. Ed began his Law Practice in 1984 at the Hutchinson House, Tampa, FL. Ed was a larger than life presence in Tampa, known for driving his Teal Mercedes, wearing seersucker suits in the summer, and holding court on the porch of his antebellum South Tampa home on West San Jose Street, which was under continual renovation. He had numerous friends from all walks of life, always dropping by for impromptu visits. Ed embodied the definition of a true Southern gentleman, who played hard and fought even harder. “All I want in this creation,” Ed once said, “is an itty-bitty wife and a big plantation.” Ed stayed active in Tampa Bay athletics, playing rugby for the St. Petersburg Pelican Rugby Club, winning a state championship in 1986. He was a Tennessee Squire, and a member of the Plant High School Letterman’s Club. Ed also coached his children’s youth sports teams and was a fixture at Hector’s Gym in West Tampa. Ed was a long-time supporter and member of the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA, where he and Suzanne attended their annual balls and functions.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John Skellie Morris of Leesburg, Florida, who passed away on August 13, 2023, at the age of 69, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.

He was predeceased by his parents, R. J. Morris and Georgiana Morris of Leesburg. He is survived by : his siblings, Bob Morris (Debbie) of Winter Park, FL, Danny Morris (Nancy) of Yalaha, FL and Carol Ann Smith (Pen) of Pittman, FL. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews.

Frank Edward Sabo, of Mt. Laurel, died Saturday, April 19, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lynne Sabo. They loved to travel and were passionate Los Angeles Dodger fans. Frank’s love of baseball was clear to all who knew him and was one of his great joys in life. He was also a former wrestling coach at Cinnaminson High School. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Luster); step children, John Callan (Stefani), Mary Anne McStravick (Patrick), Rick Callan (Amy); his siblings, Michael, Peter and Kathy. He was preceded in death by his father, Milton Sabo; sister, Krystal; and step son, Robert Callan. He also is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, and to attend his memorial service 11 a.m. at the Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad St., Riverton, NJ 08077. Burial will be held privately in Colestown Cemetery.

was promoted to Director and Research Support at the University of Miami School of Medicine after being employed for 40 years.

Paul Viggiano February 20, 1953 – December 7, 2020 Richland, WA – Paul Douglas Viggiano, age 67, passed away from COVID-19 on Dec 7, 2020 in Richland, WA. He was born February 20, 1953 to Joseph Viggiano and Margaret Ille in Port Jefferson, New York but grew up in Selden, Long Island. He graduated from Selden High school in 1971. Thanks to a local pharmacist, he decided to attend Maryville College in Tennessee where in 1975 he received his B.S. in Chemistry. He continued his education by attending Purdue University for three years in his quest for his Masters. While attending Maryville College, he was honored by the Who’s Who in American Colleges for his senior year 1974-75. At Maryville he played the position of goalie in soccer but his true love was baseball. He missed the opportunity to play professional baseball by sliding into home one game and blowing out his ankle. But his love for baseball continued with his favorite team, the New York Yankees. Sports continued to play a role in his life from playing on many softball teams to golfing often with his wife. Paul met the love of his life, Amelia (Amy) Johnson, in 1981 while working in Oak Ridge, TN. One year and a day from their first date they married. He immediately moved her to Tampa, Fl. But that wasn’t the last move. Over the next 38 years, they moved to Mooresville, NC; Marshall, VA; Richland, WA; Washougal, WA; back to Richland; Lansdale, PA; and back to Richland to stay. Along the way, they had two beautiful children, a daughter and a son, to fill their lives with love and joy. Paul worked for Duke Engineering for 18 years before finding his true home with Henkels & McCoy, Inc. Paul retired in February, 2019 and immediately went back to work consulting for H&M. His love for mentoring new project managers filled him with purpose. Paul enjoyed giving back to the community and in 1999 was named Distinguished Volunteer of the Year by United Way. He loved gardening, photography, working on his sci-fi novel and traveling with family and friends. Paul is survived by his wife, Amy Viggiano; daughter, Joanna Viggiano (husband, John Presler) of Richland; son, Dominic Viggiano (wife, Cassie) of West Richland; and grandsons Giovanni and Lucca Viggiano; brother James Viggiano (wife, Susan) of Palm Bay, Fl; brother-in-law, Randy Johnson of Oak Ridge, TN; brother-in-law, Donald Johnson (wife, Jeanne) of Powell, TN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation https://www.alzinfo.org Or your local Alzheimer’s Charity. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Ruth Mary Weston was born on October 17, 1953, to John and Ruth Weston in Maryville, Tennessee, and died in her home surrounded by loved ones in Greensboro, N.C. on October 24, 2017. She graduated from Maryville High School and Maryville College with a degree in music. She started to follow in her mother’s footsteps by teaching (high school music and band), but soon decided she would rather follow in her father’s footsteps in the construction business. Over the years Ruth Mary built and remodeled many homes, and she developed a following of loyal customers who appreciated the quality she put in her craft. She loved fishing. She was a trusted and caring friend. She was brilliant and generous with her time and attention. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed; we are glad we had her with us. Ruth Mary is survived by her partner of 24 years, Elizabeth Chartrand of the home; her mother, Ruth Henry Weston, her brothers Johnny (Carol) and Tom-Bill (Denise) of Maryville, and her sisters Gretchen (Steve) Williams of Dallas, Georgia; and nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews whom she loved dearly. She also leaves many devoted long-time friends. Ruth Mary’s family would like to thank her doctors and Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate and unstinting care, allowing her to spend her last months peacefully at home. Any donations would be welcome to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, N.C., or to New Providence Welcome Table in Maryville, or to a charity of your choice. Memorial services will be held in Maryville on Nov. 4 at New Providence Presbyterian Church. The service will be at 1 p.m., reception to follow in the atrium. Other services will be held at a later date in Greensboro, N.C.

Schenectady – Steven J. Yuhasz, 70, of Schenectady, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, after a brief illness.  He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, raised in Carteret, New Jersey and was the son of the late Zolton J. and Florence Slesarik Yuhasz.  He attended Trinity University in Dallas, Texas and he received a Bachelor’s degree at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee.  Steven was the Youth Programs Director, School of the Performing Arts at Proctors, Schenectady, and Executive Director for the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra. He was in  Broadway cast of Zorba 1983 Revival and Peter Pan, 1979 Revival.  He directed and produced on and off Broadway in numerous productions.  He is survived by his sister, Karen (Fred) Hahn of Ponte Vedra, Florida and cousins, Barbara (Jim) Puzan of Raleigh, NC, Donna (Pete) Kotsatos of Wellington, FL, Ken (Cheryl) Mayti of Manville, NJ and Sandra Lewis of Spotswood, NJ.