Category: 1954

Alexander J. McKelway died on December 9, 2024. He was born in Durham, NC on December 8, 1932, the son of Alexander and Alice Gibbon McKelway.

He attended public schools in Pinehurst, Davidson, and Charlotte, NC, and in Washington, DC. He graduated from Davidson College in 1954 and received Bachelor of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1957. That same year he was ordained by the Presbyter of Hanover in Richmond, VA and began studies under the direction of Karl Barth at the University of Basel, where he received the degree of Doctor of Theology in 1963. During his time in Basel he took two years leave to serve as the first pastor of the Vienna Community Church, an English-speaking congregation of Protestants in that city. While there he strengthened the ties between the Community Church and the Austrian Reformed Church, negotiated his church’s status with the Austrian government and established forms of governance and mission which continue to define the life and role of that congregation. While in Vienna he also served as a member of the US Fulbright Commission for Austria. It was in Vienna that he met Adelaide Bullard of San Francisco. After their marriage in 1960 they returned together to Basel, where he finished his degree in 1963. Upon their return to the United States, he taught for two years in the Great Issues Program at Dartmouth College and prepared his dissertation on the theology of Paul Tillich for publication.

In 1965 he joined the Religion Department of Davidson College . There he taught a variety of courses in systematic and historic theology, chaired many of the faculty’s committees, served as Faculty Vice Chairman Pro-Tem, and retired in 1998 as Paul B. Freeland Professor of Religion. During his time at Davidson, he became a member of Mecklenburg Presbytery, often with responsibility for the preparation of candidates for the ministry and the interpretation of General Assembly actions. He served on Assembly committees dealing with the restructuring of its Boards and Agencies, the production of annual tests for ministerial candidates and other matters of theological significance to the Church. In his career as a college professor, he published several books and a number of chapters in others and contributed many articles and reviews in theological journals. He gave a number of named lectures, including the Warfield lectures at Princeton Seminary, later published as The Freedom of God and Human Liberation. He was a member of the American Academy of Religion, the John Calvin Studies Society and an invited member of the American and Duodecim Theological Societies, serving for many years the executive secretary of the latter. He was from time to time a visiting professor of theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School. He was a Fellow of the Center for Theological Inquiry in Princeton and after retirement continued to serve as a theological consultant in its national Pastor-Theologian Program.

Upon his retirement from Davidson College , he and Adelaide (Babs) moved to Carters Creek off the Rappahannock River, where they had summered with their family for many years. There he had more time for sailing, golf, and woodworking but continued to travel for the Center, preach occasionally, participate in seminars with fellow clergy, and write on topics both theological and political, including The Present Crisis blog along with his college roommate, Philip Lee.

He is survived by his wife Adelaide Bullard; sons Alexander of Falls Church, VA, Daniel of Cleveland OH, and Matthew of New York, NY; daughter-in-law Lembi Veskimets (Daniel) and grandchildren Rein, Kaja, and Kiili, and son-in-law Toru Hayashi (Matthew); sister Margaret Van Riper of Pinehurst, NC; sisters-in-law Margaret Garland of Honolulu, and Jackie Baker of Medford, OR.

A memorial service will be held later, likely closer to the time when sails are being pulled out of storage and boats readied for a new season on the water.

Dr. Paul Jan Pinckney died on August 29, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee surrounded by his loving family. A husband, father, grandfather, professor, student advisor, traveler, avid reader and theater goer, party giver and, once upon a time, enthusiastic golfer and poker player, Paul was born on September 12, 1932 in Jacksonville, Texas to the late Lou Myrtis Vining and Clinton Pinckney. He grew up in Texas, Louisiana and Florida (somehow not having any sort of Southern accent at all) and was very close to his maternal grandmother Nonie (Alice Martin Vining). Paul’s brother Ben was born 14 months after he was with cerebral palsy. His stepfather, Dexter Phillips, was a caring father figure to both boys and his son, Bill, Paul and Ben formed a special bond. Their mother, a writer, wrote a story for Ladies’ Home Journal about the family’s ongoing efforts to help Ben fulfill his potential—they were successful as Ben graduated with honors and fifth in his class of 284 from Plant High School in Tampa, Florida.

After graduating from Plant High School, Paul received his bachelor’s degree in history with Honors from Davidson College in 1954, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. After serving two years as an infantry lieutenant in the United States Army, Paul went on to Vanderbilt University to earn a master’s degree in 1959 and a Ph.D. in 1962. His dissertation topic was “The Cromwellian Parliament of 1656.” Paul spent 1959-1960 in Manchester, England on a Fulbright Scholarship where he made lifelong friends who visited each other across the pond many times over the years.

He and Margaret Hume Callis met at Vanderbilt, were married in September 1961, and then moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for Paul’s first teaching position at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where two of their three children were born. Dr. Pinckney was a popular history professor at UNC, winning an Outstanding Teacher Award in 1967 and enjoying many Phi Delta Theta faculty teas. While living in Chapel Hill, Paul and Margaret began an annual weekly trip to Holden Beach, North Carolina, a family tradition that continued for almost 50 years. In 1969, Paul and Margaret moved for the last time to Knoxville to accept a position at the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Pinckney became a fixture in the history department at U.T. and one of the most beloved professors to walk its hills. It was rare for one of his children to introduce themselves anywhere in Knoxville and not hear “Oh, you’re Dr. Pinckney’s son/daughter!” Dr. Pinckney regularly taught and worked with College Scholars and University Honors students in his 35+ years at the University. Winning the Hessler Award for excellence in teaching and service to students in 2005 came as no surprise to the countless students he advised and assisted over the years, in part by spending countless hours writing detailed and thoughtful letters of recommendation for them. Prior to that award, Dr. Pinckney was awarded Outstanding Teaching Awards in 1977 and 1989, an Outstanding Advisor Award in 1995 and a Chancellor’s Citation for Extraordinary Service to the University in 1997. A rare breed of professor who cared more about the success of his students than publishing his own works (though he did that, too), Dr. Pinckney truly changed many lives.

Paul sang tenor in the choir at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral for more than 40 years, making many dear friends and bringing joy to others with his renditions of O Holy Night and We Three Kings of Orient Are. Paul, with Margaret, hosted many dinner parties, Easter egg hunts and, most famously (or infamously, as the case may be), the annual student party. At such parties and dinners, one may have been lucky enough to catch him singing Danny Boy with his own special lyrics because he found the original ones too sad. Paul enjoyed attending theater events of all kinds, and he and Margaret went to many plays and musicals in Knoxville and London, instilling a love of the same in their children. Though not originally a UT sports fan, Paul and Margaret learned to love the Vols and attended many football and basketball games over the years. Paul likely helped save the academic careers of many football players by warning them in time to drop his class before the deadline!

Given his dissertation topic and teaching focus, Paul had a love of all things British, shared by Margaret, and they traveled together many times to the United Kingdom and Europe, often in connection with Paul’s teaching and researching. For instance, he started a summer school course titled “History of London” where he took groups of students to London for miles of walking and lots of history and life lessons (and introduced multiple couples who remain married today, including his oldest daughter and son-in-law). He also pioneered the UT Semester in Wales at the University of Swansea, leading it four times between 1988 and 1995, with his youngest daughter taking advantage of the program in the fall of 1991. His children very much appreciate the travel opportunities they were given due to this shared love by their parents. Paul enjoyed cats and had many of them over the years, none as much loved as the original Adam Smith, Adam Smith V and Lady Jane.

Paul’s family would like to thank the many caregivers he has had the past five years: the staff at Atria Weston Place, particularly Jeff; the staff at Shannondale, particularly Cede, Virginia and Adam; and the nurses with Gentiva Hospice.

Paul is preceded in death by his beloved Lady Margaret, wife of 58 years, his brother and stepbrother, and most of his immediate relatives born before or shortly after him. Paul is survived by son David (Susan Roberts), daughters Mary (Brian Wahl) and Alice (Gary Adams) and seven grandchildren, Bennett, Calli (Chris Smith), Maggie (Grant Rucker), Lauren, Hudson, Rush and Emma, as well as friend and cousin Mark Bennett Murray.

In honor of Paul, donations may be made to The University of Tennessee’s Paul J. Pinckney Scholarship Fund or the Young Williams animal shelter.

A private burial service at the East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery will be held on September 16 and a celebration of Paul’s life will be held at St. John’s Cathedral at a later date to be announced by the family.

Charles Ransom Hasty of Edisto Beach, South Carolina, after 92 glorious years, died peacefully with his family at his side at his oldest daughter’s home on August 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. Charley was born at his parent’s home and raised in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, the son of Lewis Ransom and Virginia Barnes Hasty. He graduated from Davidson College (’54 -BA, English). While studying for his master of divinity at Union Theological Seminary (Richmond), he met Lois Anne Dryden, a Master of Arts student in Christian Education. They married after their graduations in 1957 and they spent a year in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Charley continued his studies in theology.

At Davidson College, Charley enrolled in ROTC and graduated as a second lieutenant. After school in Edinburgh, he served two years at Redstone Arsenal as a first lieutenant chaplain. He then served as pastor of Ernest Myatt Presbyterian in Raleigh from 1960-64 while also serving as Christian life campus minister at NC State University. In 1964, Charley accepted a call as the founding pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon, Georgia. Exciting years of building and growing the church resulted in many lasting friendships. In 1973, Charley was called to be the senior pastor of The First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Georgia. He enjoyed serving this congregation for over 20 years and quite naturally became a faithful member of the Bulldog Nation. The Hasty family enjoyed many years in this college town at their Sun Valley Road residence, where they enjoyed trail riding their horses and gardening. In 1978, he received the Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Dr. Hasty then embarked on a new career in his retirement as an interim pastor in Tampa, FL, Mt Pleasant, SC, Savannah, GA, Williamsport, PA, Monticello, GA, Summerville, SC and Edisto Island, SC. Many have described Hasty as a ‘master pulpiteer.’ Throughout all of his pastorates, he remained active in the National Guard (Colonel) , Rotary and traveled widely through his work on the Global Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Charley was an avid golfer and sailor. In addition to his Sunfish, he captained a small fleet of many kinds of watercraft. He treasured his friends from all walks of life. His most precious times, however, were traveling the world and taking long walks on the beach with his “Jogey”(Lois Anne), children, grandchildren, and great grands who affectionately called him “Ace”. Charley was an amazing story teller and loved to pound on the dinner table with a great laugh after sharing a funny story.

Charley is preceded in death by his soulmate, Lois Anne, to whom he was married for 61 years, and also his siblings, Bailey, Helen and Jean. He is survived by his children, Dr. Lisa Hasty (Dr. Andrew Smith), Rev. Charles R. Hasty, Jr. (Jeanne), and Heather Wagner (Rev. Dr. Ollie Wagner); his grandchildren, Heather Burch (Marty), Dr. Graham Smith, Prentiss Yarborough ( Sam), Abigail Hasty, Ruth Anne Hasty, Dr. Jacob Wagner (Dr. Rachel Fahey), Neal Wagner, and Zoey Wagner; and his great granddaughters, Prentiss, Dryden, and Greer Burch. The family would like to thank his caregivers: Rhonda Mills at Edisto and Ilayali Perdomo who cared for him when he lived at his daughter’s home. They would also like to thank Personal Care, Inc and Capstone Hospice for all of their wonderful care and support.

Funeral services will take place at The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, SC on Saturday, August 17 at 11 am. Worshipers are welcome to gather in the fellowship hall after the service. In lieu of flowers. Memorial gifts may be made to The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, SC, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438 (www.pcedisto.org).

Dr. William (Bill) Webb Johnston, 90, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 under the care of Duke Hospice at the Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Johnston was born in Statesville, North Carolina, in 1933 to J. Clyde Johnston and Pauline Massey Johnson. Bill lost his lifelong partner of more than 62 years, Charles Raymond (Chuck) West, just 18 days before his own death. Both gentlemen had been ill for several months, and until the last two days of Bill’s life, they had remained at their home under the care of Home Watch Health Caregivers, and recently Duke Home Hospice.

Bill received his BS degree from Davidson College and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University in 1959. He completed his residency at Duke Hospital in the Department of Pathology and was then appointed to a position within the department. While at Duke, Bill travelled to Johns Hopkins University, where he was introduced to the field of Cytopathology. Cytology is the examination of a single cell type and is mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. Upon returning to Duke, Bill started the Division of Cytology within the Department of Pathology. He was promoted to Professor of Pathology in 1972 and served as chief of Cytopathology for 25 years, until his retirement in 1996.

During his career in the Department of Pathology, Bill undertook research in the study of pulmonary cytology, infectious diseases, and immunocytochemistry. He co-authored five books and numerous papers on Cytopathology and was recognized by his peers outside Duke when he was elected President of the American Society of Cytopathology (1981-1982). He received numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award of the Commission of Continuing Education of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Bill and Chuck loved international travel, antiques, classical music, and a host of good friends. Their country flower garden and lovely trees were the envy of many who came to visit them in rural Hillsborough. Bill was an accomplished organist and loved classical sacred music. One of his avocations was serving as organist for many churches in the Triangle area.

Together their Duke service lasted more than 50 years, Bill in medicine, and Chuck as Director of Corporate Payroll Services for the Duke system. Their legacy will live on through their ongoing estate gifts to Duke. Together they have established The Johnston West Professorship in the Department of Pathology and several fellowships for students in the field.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 22, at 2 in the afternoon at Union Memorial Gardens in Union, South Carolina, conducted by Bill and Chuck’s close friend, The Reverend Doctor Gene Jester. Bill will be buried next to Chuck who was buried recently next to his parents. Both gentlemen have been especially grateful for the tender care given to them by their special neighbors and friends, Ed and Cat Causey, Chuck’s brother Jack and his wife, Diana “Dee” Calabrese; Bill’s longtime trainer, Brian Kennedy, special friends Tracie Legg, David Jester, and Shelby Hall at Baird Private Wealth Management, and Rhodes Craver and his associates at Kennon Craver Law Firm. Bill and Chuck were very thankful for the caregivers from Home Watch directed by Mandy Summerson, who enabled them to spend this last chapter of their earthly lives together at home, and also for the caring folks of Duke Hospice who provided them palliative care in their last weeks of life.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Clements Funeral Home of Durham, North Carolina, and S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home of Union, South Carolina

Dr. Paul W. Sanders III, a dedicated physician and beloved member of the Charleston community, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and professionalism that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on August 21, 1932 in Charleston, SC, Dr. Sanders was the son of Dr. Paul W. Sanders, Jr. and Florence Weaver Sanders.

He attended Charleston High School before pursuing higher education at The Citadel and Davidson College. Dr. Sanders then went on to the Medical College of SC in 1957, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Fraternity.

During his time at the Medical College of SC, he met the love of his life, Iona Waters Edwards, whom he was happily married to for 67 years. Dr. Sanders continued his medical training with internships and residencies at various prestigious institutions before returning to Charleston to establish a successful urology practice alongside his father. A Diplomat of both the American College of Surgery and American Board of Urology, Dr. Sanders was highly respected within his field. He was active in numerous medical societies and held leadership positions at Roper Hospital while maintaining a strong connection to his faith as a lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Sanders had a passion for photography and was known for his exceptional skill as an amateur photographer.

Dr. Paul W. Sanders III is survived by his devoted wife, Iona Sanders; loving daughters Brenda Sanders (Mario Portela), Diane Davis (Tim), and Lorraine Stockman (Chip); grandchildren Miranda Manack (John), Winston Davis, Amelia Stockman, Chandler Davis (Mari), and Jacob Stockman; great-grandson Knox Manack; sister Neltie Sanders Linker; nieces; nephews; and his loyal canine companion Foxie, who remained faithfully by his side until the end. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Akeia Anderson, Dorthea Asbury, Ann Shaw, Deloris Dodier, and the Crescent Hospice care team for their exceptional care.

A visitation at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Bethel United Methodist Church 57 Pitt St., Charleston, SC. Interment will take place privately at Magnolia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bethel United Methodist Endowment Fund in honor of Dr. Paul W. Sanders III. Dr. Paul W. Sanders III will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to healthcare, his artistic talent behind the lens, and most importantly, his profound impact on those around him as a caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Rest in peace, Dr. Paul W. Sanders III – your kindness and expertise will forever be treasured in our hearts. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com.