Category: 1954

Born December 18,1932 in Jackson, Louisiana to Mary Lee and William Ozzie Nelson, Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Mary Nelson Dunlap and Martha Nelson Phifer and his nephew, Mark Alexander McNeill. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sue. He is also survived by his daughters, Zan Nelson Davis (John) of Clemmons, NC and Roxanne Nelson King (George) of Spartanburg, SC, his son William Lee Nelson, Jr. (Ginger) of Lewisville, NC and stepson, Jeff Smith (Todd Buckley) of Mocksville, NC. Bill is also survived by six grandchildren: John G. Davis, Jr, Elizabeth M. King, Kimberly R. Davis, Meredith L. Davis (Matt Jackson), William L. Nelson, III and Tanner M. Nelson. Bill is also survived by his nephew, Homer Craig Phifer, III (Lynne) and his niece, Shannon Francisco.

The son of a Presbyterian Minister, Bill was born in Jackson, LA, lived in Henderson, TX, New Orleans, LA, Ellisville, MS, and Robbins, NC. Bill entered Davidson College on a football scholarship, then graduated from Davidson College in 1954. Receiving commission through the ROTC program at Davidson, he served two years as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper team leader. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1959, after which he entered the FBI as a Special Agent. In 1962, he began practicing law in Siler City, NC. Bill next moved to Winston-Salem where he enjoyed practicing law for over 50 years. He was an energetic member of the Winston-Salem Jaycees, the Forsyth County Bar Association and NC Bar Association.

Bill was known to be “the life of the party!” He was an extraordinary Chili Chef known for really “hot” chili. In May 1991, Bill realized a lifetime highlight, a hole in one at Tanglewood East Course. Bill bled “Carolina Blue” and was a faithful Tarheel. He was quick-witted and interjected humor often, whether hosting his annual Office Christmas Party, or emceeing bus trips to Chapel Hill.

He was notorious for teasing his neighbors in Brookcliffe, who would remember and revere him for years to come. Bill was the original “Bad News Bears” coach of his son’s little league baseball team. He was his daughters’ biggest fan in their equestrian adventures.

In addition to his affinity for adventure, Bill was the first to welcome you into his home for a UNC game, a round of poker, or a “funny” orange juice. Known as the “Bard of Buena Vista”, one was considered fortunate not to become fodder for his saucy poetry. He also loved traveling with Sue and their friends, attending endless local performances, and entertaining the neighbors with his stories. He was loved and will be missed by all.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, the family is holding a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of choice.

Robert Sartin Sutton, 90, of Davidson, NC, passed away on December 5, 2022. He was born on July 31, 1932, and grew up in Lexington, NC.

Bob graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Science in history. After serving as a jet pilot in the United States Air Force, he completed postgraduate work in business and accounting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his CPA license. Bob joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, & Co (now KPMG) in Charlotte, NC and was soon promoted to managing partner and tapped to open the Norfolk, VA office which continues to thrive today.

Bob was active in the community, providing leadership and support to both industry and the arts. He served as chairman of the board of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, where he was instrumental in uniting five separate chamber organizations. He served as President of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. After retiring from Peat Marwick in 1986, he returned to Davidson College, his Alma Mater, and served as Vice President for Business and Finance. During this time, Bob was involved in developing The McConnell residential neighborhood. In addition, he served on the board of the senior residential community, The Pines, and was a member of the Davidson College Presbyterian Church.

Bob spent his leisure time sailing, traveling abroad, and reading. After he retired in 1995 from Davidson College, he enjoyed playing golf with his wife Alice on the Harbor Town Golf Course where they resided. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed getting together with college friends.

Robert Sutton was preceded in death by his parents Euel Sutton and Clarice Sartin Sutton, his former wife Sally Wagner Sutton-Tucker, his sister Jerrell Ann Gibson, and stepson Scott Smith. He is survived by his wife Alice (Burchett Smith) of 27 years, daughter Amy Peters (Steve), son Rob Sutton (Stephanie), stepdaughter Leigh Ann Lemons (Richard), and grandchildren Sam Peters (Katherine), Jessica Peters, Vivian Lemons, and Joshua Lemons.

Bob’s family gathered from multiple states to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 31, 2022, at River Run Country Club in Davidson, NC. Bob reminisced with his family, recounting experiences from his lifetime.

Dr. Robert Lewis Beamer, 89, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022. He was born on June 9, 1933, in Pulaski, Virginia, to Harold Lee Beamer, Sr. and Mary Overton Smith Beamer.

Dr. Beamer became an Eagle Scout at the age of 16 and graduated from Pulaski High School in 1950. He entered Davidson College in September of 1950, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. After two years, he transferred to the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy in 1955 and became a Licensed Registered Pharmacist. He then entered the Graduate School at the Medical College of Virginia and earned a Master’s Degree in 1957, majoring in Chemistry. He obtained his PhD there in 1959, majoring in Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry and minoring in Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry. His dissertation was on Asymmetric Hydrogenation Using Palladium Catalysts.

Dr. Beamer joined the faculty of the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina in 1959. He became a full professor in 1967. He officially retired in 1998 as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus, after publishing more than 30 papers and a book. He continued to teach and research until he fully retired in 2006.

He was a dedicated member of Washington Street United Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, church historian, chairman of the administrative board and church council. He was a member of several professional organizations including the American Chemical Society and the American Pharmaceutical Association. He was active in many social and civic organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Columbia Torch Club and the Columbia Capital Rotary Club.

Dr. Beamer was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Joan Fanning Beamer; his parents; sister, Elizabeth Beamer; and brother, Harold Beamer Jr. (Mary Frances). He is survived by his daughter, Janelle Elizabeth Beamer. He is also survived by nephews, Danny Fanning (Rhonda), Mark Beamer (Tracy), Hal Beamer (Kerri), Benjamin Beamer, and a host of loving cousins.

A graveside service for Dr. Beamer will be held at 11 o’clock on Saturday, December 3rd at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o’clock on Friday, December 2nd at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Memorials can be made to Washington Street United Methodist Church. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

David Hagen Pfaff, 90, of Winston-Salem, died Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Salemtowne Retirement Community. He was born on October 28, 1932 in Forsyth County to the late Fred Wilson and Elizabeth Hagen Pfaff.

David graduated from Reynolds High School and later Davidson College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve, where he earned the rank of full bird colonel. During his time in the service, David lived at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, but in 1958, he moved back to Winston-Salem and started working at Pfaffs Glass. In 1963 he started Pfaffs Auto Glass, where he worked for 57 years, until he retired in 2020. He loved golf and spending time at his Beech Mountain home. David played the trumpet in the Easter band for over 75 years, was a member of the Kiwanis and the Salem Band.

He is survived by his children: Douglas Bryon Pfaff and Deborah Pfaff Faircloth, both of Winston-Salem, and Fredrick Wilson Pfaff (Shannon) of Canyon Lake, TX; grandchildren, Mary Kathleen Lanier (Joshua), Laura Ann Pfaff, Alanna Frances Pfaff (Christopher Tolley), William Hagen Faircloth (Shannon), Marilyn Jeanette Bell (Philip), Ashley Pfaff Winters (Daulton) and David Hagen Pfaff; great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Braely, Lawson, Ella, Avery, and Emma. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Pfaff Dewees (John).

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Home Moravian Church with burial to follow in the Salem Moravian Graveyard. A reception will follow the burial in the Parlor at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Moravian Church, 529, S. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, the Moravian Music Foundation, 457 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Chapter, 4600 Park Rd., # 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. Condolences may be made online at www.salemfh.com.