Category: 1956

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John Lawrence Still ’56

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John Still, 92, on February 19, 2026, resident of Palm Harbor, FL and formerly Kings Mountain, NC. John Lawrence Still was born in Winston Salem, NC, son of the late Winnie Vera Mauney and Garland E. Still, brother of Christine and Garland.

A graduate of Davidson College, he received a Carnegie Fellowship for his M.A. degree from Peabody/Vanderbilt College and his Ph.D. from Florida State University. His powerful intellect, life-long curiosity, faith, and compassion informed a celebrated career in award-winning, innovative education, active civic involvement, and in raising a loving, creative family with his beloved wife, Pat who passed away in 2014.

He will be remembered for his beautiful mind, integrity, generosity, and loving kindness in all actions. His legacy continues through his four children: John, Christopher, Todd and Susan and six precious grandchildren: Hannah, Esther, Julian, Ryan, Isabelle, and Sloan.

Memorial service at 11 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church, 1601 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 with Father Peter Lane, officiating.

Donations in his name may be made to St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church Outreach Ministries 1601 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. www.stalfredschurch.com. Guest Register available at www.vinsonfuneralhome.net and the Church.

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Victor Lee Morris ’56

Victor Lee Morris, devoted husband, loyal son, engaged and proud father, faithful follower of Christ, left his earthly life for his eternal home on Tuesday, the 9th of December. Victor, a native Houstonian, was the son of Larry Walton Morris and Camille Girardey Morris and younger brother of Ned B. Morris III.

He attended Poe School, Kinkaid, and Lamar and was active as a Lamar class representative and later in planning fun things for class reunions. He was a school representative to Boys’ State in Austin. Summer led Vic to numerous camps throughout the south, both as camper and counselor. He was voted “Best Camper”.
Following high school, Vic attended Davidson College and the University of Texas. He returned to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law, of which his grandfather, Ned B. Morris, was a founder.

Vic married Alyce Lou Smith at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. His church was central to his life, and he served in many roles, including usher for over 50 years, the Board of Stewards, and assistant scoutmaster. Vic and Alyce Lou were honored to receive the St. Luke’s Distinguished Life Award. Vic worked beside sons Larry and Victor as they ultimately obtained the rank of Eagle Scout at St. Luke’s. When St. Luke’s established a marriage mentor’s program, Alyce Lou and Vic opened their home for fellowship and counseling with engaged couples.

Well known for his sense of humor and turning of a phrase, he could make people laugh and fill them with joy, making him a delight to be around.

Music was in Victor’s DNA. He could play anything on the piano, even if heard only once. Entertaining himself and others was a great joy and gift. He loved teaching others the chords to make it possible for them to play.

Victor was blessed with a happy disposition, with a special interest in other people. A 6th generation lawyer, Vic worked for the City of Houston legal department for 42 years and originated the department motto “Service Through Law”. He served and protected countless thousands.

Surviving Victor are his wife of 68 years, Alyce Lou, his son Larry and wife Wendy Sheesley Morris, and son Victor Jackson Morris, all of Houston. Also among his survivors are cousins Morris Gary, and wife P.J., of Tyler; Andy Gary and wife Dana of Houston, Lou Womack of San Antonio, and Carol and husband Mark Little of Prosper, Texas.

Heartfelt thanks to his loyal caregivers, Peter Charles Mouton, Sheridan Peterson, Ethyl Carter, Bernadette Flowers, Guinn Brackens, Cameron Page, Francisca Kamundi, Tashundra Deadner, Gloria Hughes, Amie Mbogba, Ann Garcia and her team, and many others who lovingly watched over Victor. Dr. Erik Maus and Nurse Joan Loughlin, you are the best.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 17th of January, in the Sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, where Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor is to officiate. For those unable to attend, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Victor’s online memorial at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service section. While there you may share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon or virtual attendance at https://memorials.stlukes methodist.org/vic-morris/

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Luke’s Caring Ministries, 3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027; 100 Club, 6919 Portwest Dr Ste 150, Houston, TX 77024; or The Star of Hope, 2575 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051.
Well done, good and faithful servant!

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Warner D. Mendenhall, Jr. ’56

Dr. Warner D. Mendenhall, Jr, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Kent Ridge Senior Living. He was born in Savannah, GA in the depression, on February 13, 1934. He grew up in Orlando, FL. President Roosevelt’s fireside chats were an early and important influence, as well as his lifetime inspiration, Gahandi.

A graduate of Orlando Senior High School, Warner’s interests were the National Forensic League and Thespians, receiving the State of Florida Extemporaneous Speaking Championship. Warner chose Davidson College in Davidson, NC for undergraduate work, for a Bachelor of Science degree. To enable his education, Warner built homes and worked various campus jobs, such as photographer. Upon graduation, he attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. He engaged in several entrepreneurial projects, including a beach recreational property, before being drafted to teach High School Science, which led to a Principal position.

In 1957-1958, he completed his military obligation in the United States Army at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. He then attended Duke University for a master’s in political science. There he met Carol Carson, the mother of his four children.

Upon graduation, Warner accepted a position at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He was Dean of Men when he explored further higher education at Kent State University, eventually moving to Canton, OH and becoming Director of Academic Affairs for the Stark County Regional Campus of Kent State. During this time the May 4th event occurred which changed his course again. He was instrumental in the expansion of the University of Akron to a rural setting in Wayne County. While there he completed his Political Science PhD and began his pursuit toward a Psychology PhD with a specific interest in Addictive Disease. Wayne County judges requested that Warner create a treatment/intervention program for people arrested for DUI, which was one of the earliest models of intervention in Ohio which brought healthier ways of thinking to many families. At this same time, he began teaching in the Rutgers Summer School of Alcohol Studies and published a book called “Co-dependency: Issues in Treatment”, used by many universities in alcohol study programs.

In addition to teaching Political Science and Psychology courses for 26 years at Wayne College, he established a clinical practice, specializing in Addictive Disease and Co-dependency for over 30 years as a quiet soldier in the quest for better quality of life for everyone he was privileged to work with. He maintained 40 years of grateful sobriety.

Warner met his wife Judy (Lepley), whom he married in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1994. Upon retiring from the University of Akron as Emeritus Professor in 1998, Warner and Judy traveled to world locations, sometimes staying in one place for three months at a time, and continued to love world travel for many years. Warner was approached by a neighbor who asked him to run for Mayor of Silver Lake, where they resided. He and Judy retired to Kent in 2006. He joined the Kent United Church of Christ, eventually becoming a Moderator.

Warner enjoyed sailing/racing, skiing, scuba diving, working out, supporting political candidates and causes that were important to him, his family and long walks with Judy. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan and an animal lover.

Warner is survived by his loving wife Judy Mendenhall aka “Precious”; four children, Warner III (Kelly), David, Blair (Lisa) and Mary (Oliver); two stepchildren, Kim Manning and Beth Manning; grandchildren, Britney (Tony), Taj (Cassie), Alex, Thomas, David, Katie, Lilly, Benjamin and Gabriella; great grandchildren, Sloan, Leo, Sophia and Baby Boy.

The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice for their professional and loving care and the excellent staff at Kent Ridge as well as friends and neighbors who helped so much during his final chapter.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10:00AM at Kent United Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240, with Pastor Amy Gopp officiating.

Memorial donations may be made, in his name, to Kent United Church of Christ.

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Lawrence Huitt “Larry” Parrott ’56

Dr. Lawrence Huitt “Larry” Parrott, 89, of Camden, passed away Friday, October 24. 2025.

Born in New York City, NY on November 9, 1935, he grew up in Charlotte, NC. He attended Davidson College, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1956.  He attended Duke University Medical School, graduating in 1960 and completing his internship at Vanderbilt University Hospital the same year.

Larry served his country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1963.  Following his military service, he completed his residency in Pathology at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami, FL, from 1963-1967. From there, he served as Associate Pathologist at Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, NC, from 1967-1973 before relocating to Camden to serve as Pathologist for Kershaw County Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1995.

Certified as an anatomical and clinical pathologist by the American Board of Pathologists, he was a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the College of American Pathologists as well as a member of the American Medical Association, SC Medical Association, SC and NC Societies of Pathology, Columbia Area Pathologists, and Piedmont Pathology Club.

After retirement, Larry stayed active in the medical community, serving as a volunteer physician with Community Medical Clinic, and as an instructor with the Medical University of Columbia and Medical University of Charleston.

Active in his local community, Larry was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club, and Kershaw County Medical Society.

A long-time, much beloved and respected member of Camden Country Club, he was a skilled and avid golfer and was fortunate enough to play a number of the world’s most famous golf courses, including The Old Course St. Andrews, Augusta National, and Pebble Beach. He was also an avid horseback rider, participating in the Camden Hunt for a number of years.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Joy B. Parrott; three children, Stephen Parrott (Julie) of Blythewood, Holly J. Tatum (James) of Tryon, NC, and Amy P. Harrigan (Mike) of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Bethany Siebert (Jason, MD) of St. Louis, MO, David Parrott of Murfreesboro, TN, Mabry Parrott of Swansea, Christian Harrigan, Sutton Harrigan and May Harrigan, all of Raleigh, NC. He was predeceased by a son, David Parrott.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 502 E. DeKalb Street, Camden, SC 29020.  Memorials may be made to the David Parrott Scholarship, c/o Bethesda Presbyterian Church, or the charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank Retire EASE Senior Services, Dr. Carl Kearse, the staff of Kershaw Health MUSC, and Aaron Munn.

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Moffatt Alexander Ware Jr. ’56

Moffatt Alexander Ware Jr. a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at Pruitt Healthcare in Harrisburg, NC, on April 18th, 2025, Good Friday, making the end of a remarkable journey that began on January 2nd, 1934 in Charlotte, NC.

Raised in Kings Mountain, NC. Moffatt cherished his roots and built a life filled with love and community. He proudly spent the majority of his life in the home he and his sons constructed together in 1971, a testament to his dedication to family and craftsmanship. A graduate of Davidson College, Moffatt embarked on a successful career in construction leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity.

Moffatt’s love for family was palpable, a quality that defined his personality and approach to life. He and his beloved wife Ann enjoyed a beautiful marriage that lasted an incredible 72 years, one that began in the innocence of first grade. This enduring partnership was foundation for the family that grew around them, including their five children, four of whom are living. Moffatt took immense pride in his family, which includes sons Carl and Clark, son Todd, and daughter Sabrina.

He was a loving father, admired by his children for his unwavering support and affection. Carl and his wife Cindy, residing in Hollywood, SC, share cherished memories with Moffatt. Sabrina Ware White from Monroe, NC and Clark along with his wife Gina from Concord, NC, have also been touched by his presence. Todd and his wife Pam from China Grove, NC, carry forward the values instilled in them by their father.

Moffatt’s pride extended to his grandchildren: Christina Herndon from Marshville, NC; Haley Ware from Taiwan; Carly Yoho and her husband Garrett from Concord, NC; Ashley Mahoney and her husband Sam from Charlotte, NC; Elizabeth Ware from Pooler, GA; and Luke Ware and his wife Allison from China Grove, NC. His grandchildren brought so much joy to his life, alongside his two great-grand daughters, Haverly Jane Ware and Isla Grace Ware who made him smile with their laughter and love.

Beyond family, Moffatt had a passion for life that shone through in his hobbies and interests. Several cherished memories were crafted as he spent many times at the beach with his loved ones, relishing the ocean, playing horseshoes, eating good seafood and watching war and western movies. These moments enriched his life and fostered bonds with his family.

Moffatt is preceded in death by his father, Moffatt Alexander Ware Sr., his mother, Johnsie Pettus Ware, his late son, Moffatt Alexander Ware III, known as Trip and his sister, Jean Ware LeGrand.

As we remember Moffatt Alexander Ware Jr. we celebrate a life well lived, defined by love, family, and devotion. He now rests in eternal peace with his heavenly father, reunited with those he cherished most. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through his family for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Gilwood Presbyterian Church2993 Odell School Road, Concord, NC 28025.