In Memoriam: Deacons We Lost in 2020

Richard Ames:

August 3, 2020: Born in New Kensington, and attended Kiski Prep, where he was captain of the swim team. Richard then graduated from Wake Forest University where he excelled as an NCAA Division I golfer, passing his knowledge and heart for the sport down to his sons. He then served in the National Guard military police prior to becoming a successful business broker for more than 20 years. Whether it was cooking, sports, reading or politics, Richard's passion was tangible to all that knew him.

Al Birmingham:

February 20, 2020: Al Birmingham ('55) was a member of the 1955 ACC golf championship team and a four-year letterman for the Demon Deacons. Birmingham had a lifelong love of golf, starting as a caddy at age nine, carrying through his time as a teammate of Arnold Palmer on the Wake Forest golf team and throughout his time as a sales rep for golf ball manufacturer Titleist for 34 years.

Percy Bloxam:

September 11, 2020. Percy Bloxam was born on Jan. 4, 1945 in Salisbury, N.C. before he attended Wake Forest University and was the Demon Deacon mascot his sophomore year. His parents are the late Edwin Leonard Percy Bloxam and Edith Murray Bloxam. He was employed by Genuine Parts Company most of his professional career and recognized as the 2004 National Sales Manager of the Year.

Todd Borton:

February 10, 2020: Born in Toledo, Ohio, Todd Borton ('85) was a member of the Wake Forest baseball team in 1982. Borton, an accounting major, earned his CPA after graduation. Borton got his career started by working with Arthur Anderson and Co., a Chicago-based accounting firm. He would go on to become co-owner of Southeastern Advisory Services. Todd is survived by Kathy, his wife, and his two children, Michael and Chandler.

Jim Boshart:

July 6, 2020: Jim Boshart, III, ('67) was a basketball letterman at Wake Forest from 1965-67, appearing in 77 games and averaging 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. His daughter, Courtney (Boshart) Westermann graduated from Wake Forest in 2000.

Jack Carter:

August 14, 2020. Jack Alton Carter was born in Stanly County on May 25, 1934, earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in political science from Wake Forest and played for the freshman football team. His parents are the late Herbert Ozias Carter and the late Ada Russell Carter. He was educated in Stanly County public schools and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years (1952-56), stationed mainly in Biloxi, Miss. where he taught electronics. After a brief period as an ATF agent in Florence, S.C., Jack returned to Stanly County and worked in personnel for Collins & Aikman Corporation and the director of personnel at Federal Pacific Electric Company for 10 years (1964-74).

Bill Cobb:

July 3, 2020: Born in Tampa, Fla., Bill Cobb ('67), played on the freshman basketball team at Wake Forest in 1963-64. Following his graduation, Cobb became an attorney with a law and consulting practice, specializing in working with trust departments. Cobb would go on to open his own firm. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane, his two children, Laura and Mason, and his four grandchildren.

Dom Colavita:

June 17, 2020: Born in Newark, N.J., Dom Colavita was a member of the 1948 football team that played in the inaugural Gator Bowl. Colavita served in the military and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. Following his graduation from Rider College, Colavita became an accountant. and would go on to work for Schering-Plough. Dom had a passion for helping people and for spending time with his nine grandchildren who survived him along with his wife of 69 years, Frances, his three children, his five great-grandchildren.

Brad Cooper:

June 5, 2020: Born in Long Beach, Calif., Brad Cooper ('66) was a member of the 1963 and 1964 football teams. Cooper served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, which included a tour in Vietnam. After retiring from the Army, he joined Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Ala. Cooper was an avid sports fan, outdoorsman, and loved flying. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Leonore, his sons Bradford and William, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Jean Day:

July 3, 2020: Born in Red Oak, N.C., Jean (Faulkner) Day ('58) was a cheerleader at Wake Forest in 1957-58. Along with her participation on the Cheerleading squad, Jean played on the women's club basketball team at Wake Forest. She is survived by her husband, Richard, her three children, and her four grandchildren.

Don Dawson:

July 1, 2020: Born in Tarboro, N.C., Don Dawson ('61) was a member of the Wake Forest Track & Field and Cross Country team. Following his graduation, Dawson spent 25 years serving the mental health community in a number of roles, including North Carolina's first Alcohol and Drug Coordinator and later as a Mental Health Director in various counties in North and South Carolina. He is survived by his two children, Donna and DeAnn, his four grandchildren, and his one great-grandchild.

Harry Fisher:

December 26, 2019: Born in Union County, New Jersey, Harry Fisher ('68) was a member of the baseball team in 1966. After his time concluded at Wake Forest, Fisher attended the University of Virginia Law School. Following his graduation, Fisher went on to serve Morehead City and Montgomery County for nearly 50 years practicing Law. Harry is survived by his wife, Janet Fisher.

Joe Fulghum:

May 23: Born in Wilson, N.C., Joe Fulghum ('50) was a member of Wake Forest's 1949 College World Series team, which finished second in the nation. Frequently serving as the Deacons' clean-up hitter, Fulghum led the Big Four in RBIs and was second in batting average (.390) in 1950. Following his high school graduation, Fulghum enlisted U.S. Naval Air Corps and served as a navigator in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. A member of the NCAA All-Tournament team in 1949, Fulghum taught mathematics and coached baseball at Newark, Delaware High from 1959 until he retired in 1987. A member of the Delaware Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Hall of Fame, the baseball field at Newark High School is named for Joe.

William "Don" Garrison:

August 20, 2020. Don was born on Nov. 30, 1932 and attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship where he played tackle for the Demon Deacons. After he earned his degree, Don remained at Wake Forest as a teacher and coach. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve making rank as Captain and was honorably discharged in 1965. Growing up on the family farm in Rockingham County, Don was the youngest son of Ed and Helen Garrison's eight children, which included his four sisters (Alma, Elsie, Ruth, Pearl) and three brothers (Claude, Whitt, Nash).

Chick George:

November 4, 2019: Chick George ('69) was an outside linebacker for the Demon Deacons from 1966-68. Following graduation, he served in the Army as a First Lieutenant. George came to Wake Forest after helping Brunswick, Ga. Glynn Academy won a state football championship in 1964. His former teammates served as honorary pallbearers. Chick is survived by his children Alex, Charles, Natalie, and Paula, and his 10 grandchildren.

Gary Gilroy:

July 21, 2020. Born on April 2, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio, Gary attended Wake Forest and was a member of the football team. After two years, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served our country until his honorable discharge in 1968. Gary then returned to Wake Forest to complete his bachelor's degree in political science and graduated in 1970. He is the only child of the late William Ignatius and Doris Marie (Carney) Gilroy. Prior to coming to Winston-Salem for college, Gary graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Cleveland in 1961.

Robert Grigg:

July 21, 2020. Born on Feb. 9, 1967 in Bethesda, Md. Robert attended Wake Forest University where he met his wife, Allison, and was a member of the Demon Deacons men's soccer team. In addition to being a student-athlete, Robot was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and he became a lifelong Deacon fan after his time in Winston-Salem. He graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in economics. His parents were Robert D. Grigg III and the late Margaret Dwyer Grigg. Graduated from Winston Churchill High School in Maryland where he was a competitive and exceptional athlete.

Harry Hull:

May 3, 2020. Born in Fayetteville, N.C., Harry was a member of the Wake Forest football team. In 1962 after the Demon Deacons men's basketball suffered many injuries, Harry joined the team and became the first ACC player to start in two major sports. In 1963 Wake Forest went to the Final Four and finished third in the country. Bill was involved in several campus activities including ROTC, Sigma Chi social fraternity, ODK Honorary fraternity and served as President of the Senior Class of 1962. Graduated from Wake Forest business school with honors.

John Franklin Grimes:

October 20, 2020: Born in Cooleemee, N.C., John Franklin Grimes ('65) played football at Wake Forest. He was the first person in Davie County history to achieve a full scholarship for a Division I football team. Following his graduation, Grimes joined the military and achieved the rank of Captain while serving in the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. Following his retirement, he would join his Father-in-Law working in the tire industry in Siler City for 49 years. Additionally, he ran for Mayor in Chatham County and won, serving four terms. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cecilia, his two sons, John Thomas and Stephen, and his eight grandchildren.

Ed Hoey:

February 25, 2020: Ed Hoey ('49) was a tight end on the 1947 and 1948 Wake Forest football team. In 1947, Hoey caught a critical touchdown pass from Tom Fetzer in a 14-13 win at Boston College. As a member of the 1948 team, Hoey helped the Demon Deacons reach the 1949 Dixie Bowl.

Charlie Harrison:

July 14, 2020: Born in Washington, D.C., Charlie Harrison ('96) was a member of the Wake Forest basketball team in the early 1990s under head coach Dave Odom. A transfer from Georgetown, Harrison started 26 games and averaged nearly nine points per game as a senior in 1993 as he helped the Deacs reach the Sweet 16. Following the conclusion of his basketball career, Harrison would settle down in Temple Hills, Md. working in Human Resources.

Toni Harrison:

May 15: Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Toni Harrison, a former assistant women's basketball coach at Wake Forest, passed away from a rare genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system. The disease also claimed her brother, Larry, Jr., who died in 2003 at age 45. Harrison started at Louisiana Tech as a three-time team MVP. Toni is survived by her daughter Lauren, her sister, and her mother.

Dr. Larry Hopkins:

November, 9: Born in Chester, S.C., Dr. Larry Hopkins is remembered for his role in the Deacons' 14-13 victory against North Carolina in which he scored the winning touchdown as the Deacs ran to their first-ever ACC football championship in 1970. A 1989 inductee into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame and Wake Forest's 2010 ACC Legend, Hopkins was not only a trailblazer on the field, but off the field as well. In 1972, he became the first African-American to graduate from Wake Forest with a degree in chemistry. After declining a contract from the New England Patriots, Hopkins enrolled in the Wake Forest School of Medicine where he earned his degree in 1977. Prior to beginning his obstetrics and gynecology practice in Winston-Salem in 1983, Dr. Hopkins completed his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University and served our country as an officer in the United States Air Force for two years. Dr. Hopkins delivered thousands of babies in Winston-Salem including Chris Paul who told Hopkins that he was one of the children Dr. Hopkins delivered during his 30-plus year career in medicine. Earlier this year, Dr. Hopkins was the recipient of Wake Forest's 2020 Medallion of Merit citation for his compassionate, expert care as a beloved physician, valued role model and teacher for hundreds of students in our Medical School. Larry is survived by his wife Beth and two children, Michelle, who is a mental rehab counselor, and David, who is a professional tennis player, and two grandchildren.

John Kotecki:

April 6, 2020: Born in Baldwinsville, N.Y., John Kotecki ('55) was a member of the Wake Forest basketball team from 1952-55 and part of Wake Forest's 1953 Southern Conference championship team. Kotecki enrolled at Wake Forest after serving in the U.S. Army and went on to work at Nationwide Insurance for 37 years. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann, his three children John, Jerome, and Joseph, his six grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren.

Laurie "Wesley" Ledford:

September 21, 2020. Born on July 5, 1932 in Raleigh, Wesley was a member of the football team at Wake Forest. He graduated in 1954 and was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Excelled in football and track at Broughton High School and that is also where he met his high school sweetheart, Daphne, who later became his wife of 63 years.

William "Douglas" Livengood:

August 17, 2020. Born on March 17, 1926, Douglas played football at Wake Forest before proudly serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He played on the Demon Deacons 1945 squad that earned a trip to the Gator Bowl. His parents were Frank and Sallie Livengood and Douglas graduated from Gray High School where he played football and baseball.

Richard Mathers:

February 10, 2020. During his time at Wake Forest Richard served as a Demon Deacons mascot. During his time at Toms River South High School in New Jersey before coming to Winston-Salem, Richard was a captain on an All-State Track & Field team. After graduating from Wake Forest, he went on to earn a law degree from Cal Western in San Diego and marry Cynthia Brown of Herndon, Va. Had three children, Kyle Robert, Ann and Connor.

J.R. Maynard:

April 19: Born in Clayton, N.C., James Rufus "J.R." Maynard ('52) was a member of the track and field team during his time at Wake Forest. Following his graduation, Maynard entered the Navy Flight Program and received his commission and wings in 1954. After his service, he became a public accountant and eventually the President of Telerent Leasing Corporation in Raleigh. He retired in 1986. Maynard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy, his six grandchildren, and his three great-grandchildren.

Daniel Meggs:

February 21, 2020: Born in Charlotte, N.C., Daniel Meggs was a member of the Wake Forest men's golf team from 2008-2010. After his career in Winston-Salem under head coach Jerry Haas, Meggs became a golf pro at TPC Piper Glen. In 2017, Daniel was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, just weeks before his wedding to his high school sweetheart Jordan. He gained support from the TPC family and the entire golf world, including chats with childhood golfing buddy Harold Varner, a video from Tiger Woods just days before his 2019 Masters victory, a phone call from Jack Nicklaus, and letter in the mail from childhood friend Rickie Fowler. Daniel is survived by Jordan, his wife, and his newborn son who was born just weeks after his death.

Dennis Milne:

February 3, 2020: Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Dennis Milne ('65) was a member of the Wake Forest Golf program. During his time as a Demon Deacon, Milne earned many honors for his success on the golf course, including the ACC Individual Championship in 1964 and helped the Deacs win the team title as well. Following his time in Winston-Salem, he served as the club professional at Trenton Country Club from 1973-2006. He ran an award-winning junior golf program at TCC and was recognized as one of the top 100 golf instructors in the United States. Milne is survived by his wife Bobbi, his daughter, Tracy, and his two grandchildren.

Norm Muller:

January 19, 2020: Born in Indianapolis, Colonel Norm Muller ('52) started at center on the 1948-49 freshman basketball team and played for the Deacons from 1948-51. Muller earned a degree in mathematics from Wake Forest in 1952. He later joined the Air Force, spending 28 years as an engineer both domestically and abroad, serving in the Vietnam War and living in nine different states. Muller was a scholar, earning two bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees, as well as teaching as a professor of aerospace studies at Notre Dame, where he retired in 1978. Norm is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary, his daughter, Karen, his 3 grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter.

Gene Nicholson:

December 30, 2019: Born in Mullins, S.C., Gene Nicholson played football at Wake Forest before transferring to Slippery Rock. After acquiring Nicholson, Slippery Rock went on to win the 1962 Pennsylvania State College Championship. After his graduation, Gene was hired to coach at New Wilmington, Pa. High School where he spent two years as an assistant coach under Joe Fusco. At the conclusion of those two years, Nicholson succeeded him as Head Coach going 15-2-1 in his next two seasons there. He earned the honor of 'Tri County Football League Coach of the Year' in his second season. Following that 9-0 season, Nicholson was hired as Defensive Coordinator at Westminster College where he spent the next 44 years. During his tenure with the Titans, Nicholson was a teacher, coach and mentor all while coaching track, wrestling, golf, swimming and football. Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara, two children Robert and Sabrina, and his four grandchildren.

Bill Parker:

October 25: Born in Bennettsville, S.C., William "Bill" Joseph Parker, Jr., ('68) played football at Wake Forest. Following his graduation, Parker joined the Army and served for 26 years in Germany, Korea, Iran, Australia, and a full tour in Vietnam. After retiring in 1994, Parker began teaching history and geography at Scotland High School in Scotland County. Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Terry, his three children who all followed in his footsteps by joining the military, and his ten grandchildren.

William Patterson:

December 10, 2019: William Patterson was a member of the Wake Forest tennis team in 1954 when he played No. 3 singles, and in 1955 when he played No. 1 singles. Following graduation, he served four years in the Army and resided in Albuquerque, N.M. for many years until retiring to Gray Court, S.C.

Thurman Pittman:

July 10, 2020. Born on Oct. 3, 1936, Thurman attended and played Football at Wake Forest after being a three-sport star at Beaufort High School in Merrimon, N.C. Married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Piner, prior to graduation at Wake Forest.

John Clayton Schroeder:

February 3, 2020. Born in Philadelphia and a graduate of Wake Forest University, John Schroeder was a member of the Baseball team and was the son of the late Clayton R. and Elizabeth Summy Schroeder. He was survived by his three sons.

Dan Smading:

June 26, 2020: Born in Sidney, Mt., Dan Smading ('78) was a three-year letterman on the Wake Forest football team. Smading was one of only six defensive backs in school history to collect three or more sacks in a season. As a senior in 1977, Smading had 60 tackles, three sacks and an interception. Overall for his career on the field, Smading totaled 104 tackles and three interceptions. Following graduation, he earned a law degree from Cumberland Law School in 1983. Smading held a number of positions throughout his career including serving as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in the field of commercial real estate, as well as serving as a senior advisor to former Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Larry Spencer:

January 8, 2020: Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Larry Spencer ('54) was a standout football and track athlete for the Demon Deacons. Prior to attending Wake Forest, Larry was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers but decided to pursue his football career with the Deacs. He was an outstanding kick returner, averaging a school record 42.2 yards per return in 1952 and 30.6 yards for his career. Spencer's success was not only on special teams, but in many other aspects of the game that led him to be a 12th round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1953. Following his time with the Lions, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Spencer had a long career with the YMCA and retired in 1996 after serving as the Executive Director of the South Toledo branch. Spencer is survived by his four sons, 10 grandchildren, and his eight great-grandchildren.

Jack Stuart:

June 2, 2020: Born in South Bend, Ind. but raised in Winston-Salem, Charles "Jack" Stuart ('64) was a member of the Wake Forest track and cross country teams. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea and Germany. Following the conclusion of his service he continued to reside in Germany before returning to North Carolina several years later. He retired from the Mecklenburg Planning Department in 2005.

Carl Tacy:

April 2, 2020: Born in Huttonsville, W.V., Carl Tacy was a Wake Forest basketball coach who guided the Demon Deacons for 13 seasons (1973-85). A member of the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, "Gentleman Carl," as Tacy became known during his career, compiled a record of 222-149 at Wake Forest, which is the third-most wins in school history. His 13 seasons ranks as the second-longest tenure of any Deacon coach, trailing only Murray Greason's 24 seasons. Tacy led the Deacons to three NCAA Tournaments, two NIT berths, and led the program to five 20-win seasons including four in his final five seasons.

Ben Tatum:

August 31, 2020. He was born in Marlboro County, S.C. and graduated from Wake Forest in 1955 where he was a member of the football and baseball team. Garnered All-ACC honors as a third baseman in 1954. Upon graduation he attended The Medical College of South Carolina where he married his wife, Doris, in 1958. Ben spent close to 30 years providing obstetric and gynecological care to women in Scotland County and neighboring counties as a partner in Laurinburg Surgical Clinic and at Scotland Memorial Hospital.

Mekia Valentine:

March 26, 2020: Born in Greensboro, N.C., Mekia Valentine was a member of the ACC All-Freshman women's basketball team in 2007. Ranked as the 23rd prospect in the 2006 class, Valentine was a top notch recruit for the Deacs. Valentine set the school record for blocked shots in a season by a freshman and had a team record nine blocked shots against Western Carolina. After two seasons as a Demon Deacon, she transferred to UC Santa Barbara following the 2007-08 season and was a third-round draft pick of the New York Liberty of the WNBA. Valentine is survived by her two loving parents, and her three sisters.

Mike Walker:

January 11, 2020: Born in New York City, Mike Walker ('64) played basketball at Wake Forest. Following his graduation from Wake Forest, Mike went on to earn a Master's Degree from North Carolina. He spent his 40-year career as an educator in Chesterfield County. Walker coached basketball at Monacan High and was an assistant coach at Virginia Union helping them win two national championships. He is survived by his wife, Juanita, his two sons, Michael and Kyle, and his four grandchildren.

Duke Weeks:

August 12, 2020. Born on Jan. 5, 1939 in Johnston County and attended Wake Forest University. Upon graduation from Wake Forest, Duke attended and earned his degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine and proudly served in the United States Army and did residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He served for over eleven years including a tour of duty in Korea.

James Whetstone:

March 7, 2020. Born on Nov. 27, 1935 in Columbia, S.C. and graduated from Wake Forest University in 1957 where he was a member of the baseball team, James was a minor league baseball player in the Cleveland Indians organization. He is survived by his two sons, James Dewitt Whetstone, Jr. and Dr. David Rodwell Whetstone and eight grandchildren.

Please notify Wake Forest Athletics (wfsports@wfu.edu) if our staff inadvertently left a beloved member of our community off this list.

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