Category: 1956

Grant McGuffin Sharp, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and minister to all in the community, died June 7, 2026, at home after a period of declining health. He was 91 years old. Born in Detroit, MI to proud Canadian parents, Mildred McGuffin Sharp and George Grant Sharp, on October 11, 1934, he moved with them at age 5 to Deland, FL. After graduation from Deland High School in 1952, he attended both Davidson College and Union Theological Seminary, graduating in 1956 and 1959 respectively. 

Beginning his pastoral career at Allison Creek Presbyterian Church in York, SC in 1959, he then went on to subsequent pastorates at Highland Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurinburg, NC, First Presbyterian Church in Dunn, NC, and First Presbyterian Church in Statesville, NC. After retiring in 1996, Grant continued in service to pastorates at the International Protestant Church in Brussels, Belgium, Tabor Presbyterian Church in Olin, NC, and Cameron Presbyterian Church in Statesville, NC. He retired finally in 2021 and was once quoted saying, “I have felt called to this life of service and abundantly blessed in the calling.” 

Grant was a gifted worship leader. His very physical presence in the pulpit – his erect posture, his lustrous red robe, his resounding voice, his judicious use of the pregnant pause – inspired reverence. During hymns, his strong voice amplified the passion of all the other voices in the sanctuary. He truly loved music and always made it entirely vital to each service. Never did he let the congregation forget the centrality of the Word and the Sacraments. His sermons reflected a strong belief in his own words about his faith in Jesus Christ, his life and the gift of resurrection. And thusly inspired reassurance to all. 

Worship and pastoral care were Grant’s greatest strengths in his ministry. People will always remember his friendship and compassionate interest in people – no matter the circumstances. He was warm and comfortable to be with, even in the most challenging personal situations. Able to ease with a smile and a quirky comment, he inspired a rare trust and confidence. He spent countless hours visiting and listening – in the hospital, in homes, in offices. Grant taught the gift of presence. 

His congregation will always remember his benediction, “Go now remembering what we have done here. Go now remembering what God has done …You are God’s loved, chosen, forgiven and empowered people.” It was a potent reminder that God was in the place of worship. The members of all of his congregations will remember what Grant Sharp has done in their presence, reminding us to live accepting these God-given gifts. 

Grant is survived by his loving and beloved wife of 66 years, Carolyn Herman Sharp originally from LaGrange, GA; his children Emily Sharp Robinson of Charlotte, NC, Daniel Carey Sharp and wife Susan of Statesville, NC; his grandchildren Alexander Reid Sharp and wife Erika of Fayetteville, GA, Carolyn Bailey Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Miller Peterson Robinson, Jr. of Columbus, GA, John Murray Sharp and wife Molly of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Thomas Grant Robinson of San Francisco, CA; great-grandchildren Davis Reid Sharp, Austin James Sharp, and Cooper Ryan Sharp all of Fayetteville, GA. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC. You may access the livestream on the church website, fpcstatesville.org. The family will visit with friends following the service at the church. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The McGuffin Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church (address above), or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Hugh Waddell Stephens was born March 13,1934 in Asheville, NC to George Myers and Eleanor Waddell Stephens. He passed away May 29, 2026, in Asheville, NC with his wife at his side.

Hugh grew up in Asheville, where he attended Asheville Country Day School, Christ School and The George School. He attended Davidson College and received a BA from Washington & Lee. After undergraduate studies Hugh Joined the U.S. Marine Corps and attended officer training school. He was stationed in Okinawa Japan in 1957-58, followed by reserve service for several years. After active duty, he attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his MA in Political Science (1959). He then attended Yale University where he earned his PhD in Political Science (1965).

Hugh and Clare had three children Jan (1957), Mark (1959), and Andrew (1964). Hugh’s career took the family to Chapel Hill, New Haven CT, and Silver Spring MD. His first teaching position was at Texas Tech University in Lubbock in 1963. He took a position at the University of Houston two years later, where he taught for 38 years. He was Associate Dean when he retired. Hugh developed a specialty in Emergency Management and was often interviewed on the local news when there was a disaster. He wrote a scholarly analysis of the Texas City Disaster of 1947, which is still used in Emergency Management training today. At retirement, Hugh and Clare moved back to Asheville in 2001, building their house on the property he grew up on.

Hugh was a strong Christian and lifelong Episcopalian. After returning to Asheville, he and Clare joined Trinity Episcopal. Hugh loved a variety of music, choral, classical, folk music, bagpipes, and he was a member of the church choir for many years. Hugh’s priority was his family, whom he loved dearly. He attended countless school events, swim meets, soccer games, award ceremonies and loved to be engaged with his kids. He was determined that family had agreed on names to refer to each other. He wanted his “grandparent name” to be Hugh Dad, and Victoria quickly turned that into HooDad, which was adopted by the family for life. He loved the Blue Ridge mountains and took his family back “home” to North Carolina every summer. He enjoyed traveling, including almost every state in the US, many countries, and especially liked the Caribbean. He was dedicated to community service including volunteering regularly at the polls and serving as election judge. He was an avid student of the Civil War, U.S. history and international relations. He loved watching UH football, the Washington Redskins and the Boston Red Socks. In retirement he was a member and served as President of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a third-generation member of The Pen and Plate Club for many years, and he enjoyed working out at the downtown YMCA. Hugh’s loving demeanor and developed intellect were complimented by a healthy sense of humor, expressed often in conversation, and by his laughing out loud watching The Muppet Show and The Benny Hill Show.

Hugh is survived by his wife Clare of over 70 years, children Jan (Craig) and Drew. His sister Eleanor Johnson, daughter-in-law Hannah Stephens. Grandchildren Victoria (Lincoln), Katherine, and Hugh (Stephanie). He had many nieces and nephews who he adored. He is preceded in death by George and Elenor Stephens, Janice Trotti Lyon, Frank Lyon and Clarence Trotti, brother George and wife Karin, David Johnson, John and Joan Trotti and son Mark W. Stephens.

Hugh was a warm, friendly person who found joy in his family and the many friends he made throughout his life. He was an intellectual and a lifelong learner, who loved a friendly debate. He touched many lives through family, teaching and his many activities. A reflection of Hugh is how he often ended a prayer “…and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others, Amen”.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St Asheville, NC 28803 on June 13, 2026, at 2:00PM EDT. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person via these links: https://www.trinityasheville.org/livestream-links OR Trinity Episcopal YouTube Page. A Reception in Trinity’s Tuton Hall will follow the service.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be made to organizations he held close; Trinity Episcopal Church Asheville, Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Southern Poverty Law Center, or the American Diabetes Association.

Harold Perrin Anderson died at home on Monday, May 11, 2026, from a heart attack following a period of declining health.

Perrin was born on June 20, 1934, the son of Colonel Vernon T. Anderson and Kathleen Palmer Anderson.  In his early years the family lived in Lyman, SC, Fort Bragg, NC and New Haven, CT among other army bases.  In 1946, upon returning from Army life, the family happily settled in Union, SC.

Perrin graduated from Union High School in 1952.  He served as President of the Student Body and was a three-year starter on its basketball team.

He attended Davidson College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude in 1956.  He served as President of the Student Body and, in later years, served on the school’s Board of Trustees.  After graduation, he moved to Charlotte where he lived for the rest of his life.  He loved Charlotte and often wondered, “Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?”

Perrin’s life was woven into the business, educational, civic, social, and religious fabric of the community.  He was the founder and President of Anderson & Anderson, Inc.  He was a founding member of the Bank of Mecklenburg, now PNC.  He served on the bank’s Board of Directors including a stint as the Chairman of the Board.

In 1974 Governor Jim Holshouser appointed Perrin to the NC Board of Transportation as a Highway Commissioner.  For his services, Governor Holshouser awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, NC’s highest citizen honor.  As Perrin appreciated Charlotte’s tree lined streets, he was instrumental in preserving many of the oak trees that line Wendover Road.  In recognition of his various community service roles, Mayor John Belk proclaimed June 20, 1974, “Perrin Anderson Day.”

Perrin served as Chairman of the Board of Charlotte Latin School.  He was on the Board of Trustees of Presbyterian Hospital for twenty-two years and served as its Chairman for four of those years.  He served the Hospital on its Foundation Board and also served as President of the Charlotte City Club.  He was a long-time member of the Charlotte Country Club where he served on its Board of Governors as Treasurer of the Club.

He served on a number of other local boards, among them the Greater Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, Planned Parenthood and Friends of Brookgreen Gardens near Pawley’s Island, SC.  He was a member of several other organizations, among these were the RODS Golf Group, Independence Investment Club, the Piedmont Club, the Ace of Clubs and the Thursday Club.

When he was in his mid-sixties, he started trading options securities which became his avocation for the rest of his life.  He loved the challenge and was still trading into his nineties.  He valued financial literacy, teaching his children and grandchildren about stocks, dividends and investing.

He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church since 1958 where he served as an elder and held a number of positions of leadership.  On this past Mother’s Day, he was able to attend church and visit with all of his four children, a final blessing for him and his family. 

Most of all he loved his family, his beloved wife Betty, three sons, a daughter and their spouses along with his eight grandchildren.  He also loved his house on the ocean at Pawley’s Island, SC, where he spent many, many, weeks over the years at his favorite place on this earth.  There, he regaled his grandchildren with card tricks, ghost stories, jokes, and bingo games which never ended until everyone had a chance to win.  He loved mealtimes when the conversation would turn to trivia or questions he posed until his attention turned to whatever sporting event was on TV, saying, “Okay, this was fun, but I’ve got to go watch the game!”  Being a true patriot and proud South Carolina native, Perrin loved the Pawley’s Island annual 4^th of July Parade regardless of the heat and humidity.

He loved hosting family trips, taking the family to The Greenbrier, The Homestead, The Greystone Inn, Sea Island and The Red Rocks Ranch in Wyoming among other places.  He and Betty also enjoyed taking each grandchild to Washington, DC on patriotic tours of our nation’s capital.

His glass was always half full.  He never complained even when he successfully battled four different types of cancer and Parkinson’s disease in his later years.  His family admired his discipline and determination. He was enthusiastic about exercise long before exercise “was popular.”  A lifetime achiever, he wasted little time looking for the next opportunity after reaching his latest goal.

Perrin’s lifelong enthusiasm for participating in and enjoying sports was contagious, from the Union High School Yellowjackets, the Davidson Wildcats, the Atlanta Braves, to the excitement of supporting the Hornets and the Panthers.

Perrin was predeceased by his dear brother and business partner, Vernon T. Anderson, Jr, with whom he enjoyed a special, particularly close bond.  He is survived by his wife Betty, whom he met at a Queen’s College-Davidson College Orientation Dance in 1954.  After 69 years of marriage, Perrin often noted that marrying her was “the best decision he ever made.”  He is survived by his four children, Andy (Patti), Kelvin (Tammy), John (Pam) and Fiz (David) and eight terrific grandchildren that he loved dearly: Kyle, Ian (Akeem), Grayce, Elly, Mac, Perrin, Mary Oliver and JT. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Gloria Anderson, along with three nieces and two nephews.

So many doctors, nurses and caregivers helped Perrin optimistically navigate various health challenges over the years.  The family will always be grateful for the good care from Dr. Lillian Teigland, Dr. Hayes Woollen, Dr. Jim Boyd, Dr. Justin Fevaro, Dr. Sanjay Iyer and especially Dr. Rosanna Silva, along with each nurse at Novant Hallmark and the Novant Infusion Center.  His recent caregivers, Jim Lawton and Lee Whittaker, became beloved and loyal members of the Anderson family and deserve our most humble thanks.

A service of celebration will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.  The family will receive friends following the service in the Carson Fellowship Hall. The service will be livestreamed through the church website at www.trinitypreschurch.org. Look under Watch Worship for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Perrin’s memory may be made to Davidson College, 405 N. Main St., Davidson, NC 28035; The Novant Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation, 220 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, NC 28204; Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277; or Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211.

Howard Jackson “Jack” Bivins, Jr., 91, of Haddock, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery.

Son of the late Howard Jackson Bivins, Sr. and Katherine Armstrong Bivins, Jack was born in Macon, Georgia on July 10, 1934. He graduated from Lanier High School and Davidson College. After college, he proudly served his country in the Un​​⁠‍ited States Navy.

Jack spent his professional career in the banking industry, where he served as a trust officer. In his free time, he enjoyed camping and had a passion for automobile racing.

Jack is survived by his wife of 41years, Deanna Bivins of Haddock, Georgia; daughters, Melissa Bivins (Tina Whittier) of Richmond Hill, Georgia and Marsha Dennard (Ted) of Haddock, Georgia; grandchildren, Grant Barrett and Ruby B. Horne; brother, Guy A. Bivins; and sister, Charlotte Bivins Knight.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Ben L. Bivins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Milledgevile, 210 S Wayne St, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.