Memorial Resolutions

​

Carrie Astrid Powell

November 5, 2023

Carrie Astrid Powell, a dedicated individual whose passion for serving extended beyond her professional career, passed away at her home on November 5, 2023. She will be fondly remembered for her immense contributions to the field of athletic training and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her. She was a true giver and had an unwavering love for the Lord.  God gained an angel.

Born in Bibb County, Georgia, Carrie's early years were marked by an innate curiosity and a heartfelt desire to help others. Her Father Matthew was an Emergency Medical Doctor and her Mother Virginia was an RN. Carrie spent a lot of time with her Father at the hospital.  Seeing their dedication to helping people with their health, paved the way for Carrie's remarkable journey that touched countless lives and leaves an indelible impact on her community.

Carrie's academic journey began at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, where she graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training. During her time at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Carrie's exemplary dedication and hard work earned her numerous accolades including being recognized in Who's Who Among American University and College Students. Her passion for sports medicine shone through as she received the Athletic Training Education Program Award and the Moretz Student Athletic Trainer Award.
 

Driven by an unwavering thirst for knowledge and an enduring desire to expand her expertise, Carrie furthered her education at Western Carolina University. In 2006, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care with a Health Management concentration. Throughout her studies, Carrie demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication which earned her prestigious awards such as the Jackson-Swain Counties Medical Society Scholarship, the Flynn Education Scholarship recipient, and the Clinical Accommodation Award.

Professionally, Carrie's talents as an athletic trainer were unrivaled. She was an athletic trainer for 20 years at Swain County High School. She loved life, she loved her job, and she loved her Swain community. Swain was her Family. With grace and compassion, she dedicated herself to helping her athletes and students. She cared for them so much that she referred to them as "My Kids".  Her extensive knowledge and calm demeanor made a profound impact on those she worked with and cared for. Whether it was administering first-aid techniques or providing encouragement to athletes and their families, Carrie's presence brought solace and hope to countless individuals.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carrie had a vibrant personality and diverse interests. In her free time, she found solace in various hobbies such as cooking, hiking, biking, drawing, painting, and engaging in crafts. Her creative spirit allowed her to find joy in bringing beauty into the world through her artistic endeavors.
Carrie's proudest accomplishment came in 2021 when she was bestowed the prestigious NCHSAA Elton Hawley Athletic Trainer of the Year award. This recognition highlighted not only her exceptional skills but also underscored the profound impact she made on the athletic community. Her dedication to maintaining the health and wellbeing of athletes was unparalleled, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletic trainers.

Perhaps Carrie's greatest accomplishment of all was being her younger sister Kristi's best friend and closest companion, as well as being a devoted and adored aunt to Kristi's three children, whom she cared for and loved as if they were her own. Not having any children of her own, Carrie showered them with love and affection that was unmatched by any except their own mother. Abigail, Matthew and Henry returned that love and affection whole heartedly, and will forever carry the memories of their beloved Aunt Carrie.

Carrie Astrid Powell's sudden departure leaves an immense void in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to caring for others, her thirst for knowledge, and her ability to uplift those around her with a warm smile and compassionate heart. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace as we cherish the memories she has left behind.  She will be dearly missed, but she would want us to “Carrie On” .  
 

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents Matthew and Virginia Powell, her sister Kelley Ann Quinn Powell, and her brothers Brian Powell and John Powell. She is survived by her siblings, Matthew L. Powell, Susanne M. B. Powell, Shayne Powell Flemming, Bonnie Powell Carver, Kathleen Patricia Douglas, William Powell, Kristi Powell; special niece Abigail Powell, nephews Matthew Powell, Henry Powell; along with many other nieces and nephews.

​

 

 

Julian “Tracey” James

May 15,1941 - December 10, 2023

Julian “Tracey” James, 82, of New Haven Senior Living, Little River, SC passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023.  He is survived by his wife, Phyllis G. James, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; his daughter, Tshya James Mahon (Eddie) of Shallotte; stepchildren, Becky Gore, Elisabeth G. Bingenheimer, Matthew Gore and Emily Gore; a brother Allen James (Ann); and two grandchildren, Isabelle James and Jakob Mahon.

​

Tracey was born in Rocky Point, NC to Linwood and Frances Tracey James on May 15, 1941.  He was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University (BS) and Indiana University (MS) and spent most of his life as an athletic trainer and educator. His chosen profession as an athletic trainer gave him the opportunity to travel the country, and he took advantage of that opportunity.  During his career, he worked with the Carolina Cougars, an ABA professional basketball team; Baptist College (Charleston Southern) in Charleston, SC; Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO; University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Summerville High School in Summerville, SC; and West Brunswick High School, Shallotte, NC.  At both West Brunswick and Summerville, Tracey taught many young students in health and physical education as well as agriculture.  He also positively influenced many student-athletes as softball coach, athletic trainer and athletic director.

​

During the course of his career, Tracey received many accolades for his service including a lifetime achievement award given by the South Carolina Coaches Association for service to the North-South All-Star Game, and he was selected by Eunice Shriver to serve as an athletic trainer for the National Special Olympics.

​

Tracey was a member of Village Point Methodist Church in Shallotte, NC.  He grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was a former elder at Shallotte Presbyterian Church, USA.

​

A memorial service for Tracey will be held on Saturday, December 16 at Village Point Methodist Church at 2pm with Rev. Kevin Gore and Rev. Shannon Ross officiating.  Family will receive friends one hour before the service at Village Point Methodist Church, 1392 Village Point Rd., Shallotte, NC 28470. At all other times, the family will receive friends at 1457 Cassidy Ct., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tracey’s name to Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home, 400 Flemington Dr, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.

​

 

Heather Yvonne Slivka

May 19, 1974 – February 18, 2023

Denver, NC, Heather Yvonne Slivka, 48, lost her battle with metastatic melanoma cancer. She was the daughter of William and Marsha Slivka of Toms River, NJ. Heather graduated from Toms River High School North in 1992, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University in 1996, and a Master of Education degree from Virginia Tech University in 1998. She remained at Virginia Tech University through 2001 as a certified athletic trainer. Next, she worked at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA as an educator and head athletic trainer for 17 years. Most recently, she was employed by Marpai, formally Maestro Health, as a care coordinator and certified health coach from 2018 to present. Heather is survived by her husband Brandon Partee, stepchildren Julia and Braden Partee, mother-in-law Paulette Summers, parents William and Marsha Slivka, sister and brother-in-law Jennifer and William R. Cawthorne, nephews William F. ad Mathew Cawthorne, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family state that “Heather was the light of our lives, our very own Wonder Women!”

 

 

John N. Lally

August 24, 1943 – February 28, 2022

 Fort Worth, TX, John Neal Lally, 78, passed away in his sleep on February 28, 2022. He was born in Fort Worth, TX, and was the son of Elizabeth L. Creamer (Lally) and the late John G. Lally.

​

John grew up in Fort Worth, TX, and graduated from Laneri High School, and attended Texas Christian University. His athletic training career was spent in professional sports. He had a very impressive and long-standing career in Minor League Baseball, the ABA, and the NBA. He was the Athletic Trainer for the Dallas Fort Worth Spurs, San Antonio Mission, Dallas Chaparrals, Memphis Sounds, and the Baltimore Claws between 1965-1975. He was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Washington Bullets for 1976-1994 and was a proud member of the 1978 NBA World Championship team. John served as the Chairman for the National Basketball Trainers Association from 1991-1993 and was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Toronto Raptors from 1995-1996 and worked in the front office for Washington Sports & Entertainment from 1996-1999. Following his retirement he returned to his hometown of Fort Worth, TX.

​

John is survived by his mother Elizabeth Creamer (Lally), his sister Lauren Miller (Lally), son-in law Andrew Miller, grandchildren Drew Miller, Patrick Miller, Bella Mishoe and Hanna Mishoe, sister Ann Andrews (Lally), brother-in law Mike Andrews, sister Sally Wellington (Lally), nieces Ellen, Elizabeth and Emma Andrews and Kelly Dodson.

​

Dennis William Porter

September 14, 1950 – June 14, 2022

Buckhannon, WV, Dennis William Porter, 71, passed away on June 14, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Wendell and Helen Gilleland Porter.

​

Dennis graduated from Mars Area Senior High School (PA) in 1968. He proudly served in the United States Army as a surveyor in the HHQ Battery 1/94 Field Artillery Unit in Firth, Germany from 1972-1974. After his time in the service, he returned home to receive a bachelor’s degree in physical education and athletic training from West Virginia University in 1978, and later a master’s degree in education from James Madison University in 1984. He continued his professional education and training obtaining a postgraduate physical therapy assistant degree from Kent State University in 2011.

​

Professionally, Dennis worked as an athletic trainer in athletic and clinical capacities at Fairmount State University, Harrisonburg Virginia Public Schools, and Cincinnati Sports Medicine. His career spanned all competitive levels including work with the Junior Under-19 National Soccer Team, United States Olympic Diving Team, and the Bluefield (WV) Orioles, a minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles (MLB). At the time of his retirement in 2016, Dennis had served as the first clinical director at the Buckhannon MPTA/Healthworks facility beginning in 1990.

​

As a teen, he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and received the God and Country award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Buckhannon Rotary Club, National Athletic Trainer’s Association, Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainer’s Association, West Virginia Athletic Trainer’s Association where he served a term as president, and the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Buckhannon. Throughout the years, Dennis was an avid fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Pittsburg Steelers and Pirates.

​

He is survived by his wife Nancy Baker Porter, daughters Kristen Porter, Lara Trushel, Heather Porter, two granddaughters, Avalyn and Amalia Trushel; and one grandson, Andrew Porter.  Dennis enjoyed raising his three daughters alongside his wife and spending time with family and friends.

​

Thomas “Tom” Kuster III

February 3, 1973 -May 17, 2022

McGaheysville, VA, Thomas “Tom” J. Kuster III, 49, passed away on May 17, 2022, at his home after a nearly two-year battle with colon carcer. Tom was born in New York, and was the son of Thomas Kuster, Jr., and Kathleen Kuster.

​

Tom was a graduate of James Madison and West Virginia Universities. After graduation he returned in 1999 to James Madison University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer.  Then in 2006, he was promoted to Director of Sports Medicine, and in 2016 he was again promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Integrated Health and Sports Performance. Within James Madison University Athletics he provided leadership to the areas of Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, and Sports Psychology while overseeing a staff of nearly twenty-five sports medicine and sports performance professionals.

​

Jeff Bourne, Director of Athletics at JMU in his press release about Tom’s passing said, “I haven’t met many people more kind-hearted and good natured than Tom Kuster. He was a progressive thinker and innovator, who kept JMU on the forefront of sports medicine and performance enhancement. He possessed a special ability to identify with all people and ways to work together, regardless of the topic, to find common ground and agreeable outcomes on difficult issues. He was a synthesizer, who could communicate and tie folks together. He had an unmatched knowledge of the institution, the industry of sports medicine and the culture of our athletics program. That combination made him an incredible asset to us at JMU, but for all of his professional strengths, he was an even better person. He touched so many lives and will be sorely missed.”

​

Among his many personal accomplishments he was inducted into the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in July of 2021

He is survived by his wife Bethany Kuster, and sons Benjamin and Samuel Kuster, his sisters Kristin Kuster and Elizabeth Oberschneider, and uncles William and Gerard Kuster.

​

William C. Fry, Jr.  

March 14, 1929 – August 8, 2021

Ocean Pines, MD. William “Spider” Fry, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2021. Spider was born in Norristown, PA but spent his early childhood living in Elkton, MD.

​

Following high school, he served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1951, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and a member of University of Maryland “M” Club for varsity lettering in soccer in 1947.

​

Spider enjoyed a long and wonderful career working in the world of college athletics and was a member of the athletic staff at both Dartmouth College and the University of Maryland and was the head athletic trainer at both schools. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Golf at the University of Maryland. In 2016 Spider was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition his more than 50 years of contributions to the University’s Athletics Programs.

​

Spider and Sandy, his wife of 56 years, were the proud parents of their daughter Elizabeth Bodell, and the grandparents of Ava Bodell. They are also members of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City where he served as a past trustee. In addition, to his church affiliation, he enjoyed memberships in many organizations, such as The National Athletic Trainers’ Association, District III/MAATA, American Legion, and Ocean Pines Golf Club to name a few.

​

However, his favorite role in life was that of a husband, father, grandfather and friend! Spider’s family held a very special place in his heart where his love will live on forever. His remarkable life was filled with many special memories with countless good friends, loving family and good times!

 

Nathan Andrew Graham  

December 15, 1970 – May 21, 2021

Greensboro, NC. Nathan Andrew Graham, 50, passed away after an extended illness on May 21, 2021. The son of William C. and Mary Lou Graham in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

​

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Samford University, and a Master if Health Administration from Strayer University. He was the Program Director of Athletic Training and Director of Sports Medicine at Greensboro College, and was also employed by Southeastern Orthopedic Specialists and Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital.

​

Nathan was a Deacon and active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church where a Celebration of Life was held in Greensboro. While his work was in athletic training, teaching, and allied healthcare, God’s call on his life was to be a husband and a dad. Nathan is survived by his wife Lynn (Reavis) Graham, daughter Carrie Elizabeth, and son William Garrett. In addition, he is survived by his parents William C. and Mary Lou Graham; and his sister Kathy Lee (Tom)

​

“Death may have claimed his body, but it will never stop his heart and spirit, because he left his handprint on the hearts of those that he touched.”

​

Jesse Allan Proctor   

August 7, 1936 – February 19, 2021

Raleigh, NC. Jesse Allan “Al” Proctor, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on February 19, 2021 after several years of declining health. The son of Lois Mae and Jessie McDuffie Proctor, he was born and raised in Shelby, NC. 

​

In 1956 he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Gardner Webb College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958 from Wake Forest University. He would later earn his Master’s in Education and a Doctor of Education while at Wake. However, it was at Wake Forest that he became interested as a student in the profession of athletic training. Following graduation, he took the job of teacher/trainer at Greensboro Senior High where he became the state’s first nationally certified athletic trainer! During his long career, Al was an assistant athletic trainer with the New York Yankees and then as an assistant athletic director and athletic trainer for North Carolina State University.

Al served as the Director of Athletics and Sports Medicine for the NC Department of Public Instruction for seventeen years during which time he helped implement high school sports medicine programs across the state and developed an adult-teacher certification program. Furthermore, he established the nation’s first student trainer clinic which ran for more than 30 years. “As the Founder and Director of the state’s first sports medicine program, he worked to make sure every high school in the state was staffed by a skilled athletic trainer.” For his efforts he was known in high school athletic circles as “The Father of Sports Medicine!” One of the highlights of his career in athletics and sports medicine was his induction into the NC Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

​

Al is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ann Lindley Proctor; his sons Cameron A. Proctor and his wife, Kasey and Thomas M. Proctor; his beloved grandchildren Peyton and Hunter. He loved his family and friends and adored his “grand-dogs”, Ally and Geri. Al is said “to never have met a stranger.” He possessed a special gift of making everyone he met feel welcome with his warm and infectious smile. Al loved the Lord and lived his life as a Christian sharing his light with all he came into contact.

​

 

Tracy Claire Yoshikawa D’Errico  

January 11, 1988 – May 6, 2020 

Raleigh, NC. Tracy Claire Yoshikawa D’Errico, 32, passed away on May 6, 2020 after a yearlong battle with liposarcoma. She was the daughter of David and Ruth Yoshikawa. Tracy was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan before moving to North Carolina. She was a lover of sports and of all things outdoors including both the beach and the mountains. Tracy especially loved soccer.

​

She attended Albion College in Albion, Michigan where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with an Athletic Training major. Tracy obtained her Masters in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Sports Management from East Carolina University (ECU). Upon graduation, she joined the ECU staff as the full-time women’s soccer athletic trainer. Following her time at ECU Tracy joined the North Carolina State athletic training staff in the spring of 2016 where she worked with the women’s soccer team. All who knew her described her as a determined individual, and someone who persevered through difficult times. She was a fighter who never gave up! They also said that she had a beautiful smile, was loyal, very exuberant, determined, a bright light, selfless, and had a heart of gold. Tracy was loved by so many and will be missed by all.

​

Tracy’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband, Chris; her beloved dogs, Genki and Clyde; her parents Ruth and David Yoshikawa; brother, Toray, and a host of other family, friends, and colleagues.

 

Scott R. Ward  

July 15, 1980 – June 10, 2020

Raleigh, NC. Scott R. Ward, 39, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The athletic trainer for Fike High School in Wilson, NC, he received degrees from ECU and NCCU. An amazing athletic trainer, who thrived in that environment where he saved many lives, but his real passion was wrestling. The sport of wrestling fed his soul and his passion for the sport was beyond compare.  Scott was incredibly well known and influential in the wrestling community of Raleigh where he coached for numerous organizations for more than 17 years. He was a huge presence in so many lives.

​

He is survived by his adoring longtime partner and love of this life, Catherine Cooper, his mom Carol Newell, stepfather Bill Newell, stepsister Jasmine Newell, Aunt Gerrie Blackwelder and uncle Darrell “Butch” Blackwelder, his dog Coleson, and countless friends across the country through wrestling and his work as an athletic trainer.

​

 

​John Irvin Barnes

February 11, 1944 – December 7, 2019

​Clayton, NC.  John Irvin Barnes III, 75, passed on Saturday, December 7, 2019, lost his battle with cancer after many years. The son of the late John Irving, Jr. and Elizabeth Scher Barnes “he was a fixture at NCATA events and volunteered at athletic events across the Wake County region, as well as, the state wrestling tournament. John was a positive person who always had a smile on his face and helping hand to anyone he met. “He touched many lives throughout his career and helped shape many his positive attitude and personality according to his colleagues.” A memorial service was held on December 10, 2019 at Horne Memorial UMC with the family receiving friends immediately following the service. He is survived by his wife, Jane D. Barnes; son, Jonathan W. Barnes, his wife Paula; grandchildren, Jackson, Collin, Ryan and Owen Fitzhugh; brother Billy Barnes and sister, Susan Barnes.

 

Bernard B. James 

July 19, 1946 – September 27, 2019

Maryland – Bernard Burzon James, 73, of Baltimore died on the afternoon of Friday, September 27, 2019 at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Huston, Texas surrounded by family.

​

A product of the Baltimore City Public School System he always displayed a passion for sports. Excelling in all sports, he especially loved wrestling and football. Upon graduation from high school he earned a full scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1969. His first athletic training job was as the full-time athletic trainer for Baltimore Junior College where he worked for twelve years. During his time there, he continued his education by attending Indiana University during the summer earning his Masters’ Degree of Science in Health and Safety in the summer of 1974.

​

Looking toward continuing to advance his career he accepted the position of Head Athletic Trainer at Howard University in Washington, DC. It was here as the first full-time athletic trainer for the Howard University Bison intercollegiate athletic program that he served in that role for more than 30 years until his retirement.

​

A quiet and soft-spoken man by all accounts, he would become vocal in instances where the health and safety of the athletes was at risk.  Bernard took his job as an athletic trainer very seriously. He performed his duties and responsibilities with a passion for the well-being of the athlete and others under his care being his priority.

​

His athletic training career afforded him numerous and wonderful opportunities outside of his employment duties most notably: 1987 Pan American Games, 1986 United States Olympic Sports Festival, 1986 United States Olympic Training Center and interning with the NFL’s Baltimore Colts Football Club. In 1998, commemorating 25 years of NATA membership he received his pin and certificate. His wife Pam stated that “this was one of his proudest moments.”

 

Bryan F. Read

May 14, 1983 - August 27, 2019

Towson, Maryland - Bryan F. Read, 36 of Parkville, MD died Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at the Gilchrist Center in Towson after a courageous battle with cancer.  The longtime Dulaney High School athletic trainer since 2007, was known and respected by coaches and athletic directors throughout Maryland. Richard “Rich” Reed, athletic director at Dulaney, worked very closely with Mr. Read. “This is a tough one because Bryan was beloved,” Mr. Reed said. “There isn’t a coach or student that hasn’t been affected by this loss. He was the utmost professional every day and was the most diligent person I’ve ever known in my life. We have a huge void to fill right now.”

​

Bryan graduated in 2002 from St. Paul’s School in Brooklandville, MD. where he was an outstanding athlete, playing basketball, football and lacrosse. He continued playing lacrosse at Hofstra University, where he studied athletic training as a Provost’s Scholar. When he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2006, he was named Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer and was the recipient of the NCAA Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s Award. While earning his master’s degree in athletic training from the University of Virginia, he served as graduate assistant athletic trainer at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia in 2007, he accepted a job with Towson Sports Medicine and was assigned to Dulaney, where he remained working until his death.

​

In addition to his duties at Dulaney, he was concurrently an athletic trainer for the old Crystal Palace football club at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Elite Tournaments, Breakers Club Lacrosse, Cal Ripken Senior Baseball League and Caringi Soccer Camps during the summer. At Dulaney, Bryan provided athletic training services and medical coverage yearly for a 45-team program with approximately 700 athletes. He also regularly taught care and prevention of athletic injuries and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for Baltimore County coaches’ certification. “Bryan was a veteran when it came to athletic training throughout the county and state. So many relied upon his opinions and teaching,” said Mr. Reed. “He was a major part of the athletic program in Baltimore County. Hundreds of coaches have come through his training. It’s a testament to his teaching and work.” Furthermore, “He was a teacher and a front-line coach, and the kids always felt they were in good hands when Bryan was around.”

 

“Bryan spent so much time with his teams and was always the last one off the field and the guy who closed the gym,” his mother said.

His Towson Sports Medicine supervisor described Bryan as a “quiet and private person who had a wonderful dry sense of humor.”

​

After being diagnosed in February 2018 with the cancer that eventually claimed his life, “he returned to work despite the pain and treatment,” said his uncle, Alfred W. Barry III. A scholarship for a graduating senior athlete at Dulaney was established in Mr. Read’s name in 2018, and the first award was presented this year. “We started a scholarship in his honor last year, and he was very proud of that,” Mr. Reed said. “We will continue to honor Bryan that way.”

​

​

Kenneth Bryant Rose

January 1, 2961 - January 14, 2019

​Kenneth Bryant Rose, 58, of Spartanburg, SC, died Monday, January 14, 2019, at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born January 1, 1961, in Morganton, NC, he was the son of Kenneth Allen Rose of Morganton, NC and the late Kay Allman Rose.

​

A U. S. Coast Guard veteran, Mr. Rose was a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received his undergraduate and Master's Degree in Exercise Science & Sports Management. He was the Head Athletic Trainer at Spartanburg High School for the last 25 years, serving every athletic team and discipline offered by the school. He was also a member of First Baptist Church Spartanburg, the SC Athletic Trainers Association, SC High School League, and Yosef Club at Appalachian State University. In addition to his father, survivors include his wife, Meredith Eaddy Rose and sons, Bryson Eaddy Rose and Chase Bradham Rose of the home; brother, Kyle Rose of Morganton, NC; two nieces; and two nephews.

 

​

Clarence Bernard “Bernie” Capps, Jr.
June 1, 1945 - February 10, 2019
ROCKY MOUNT – Clarence Bernard “Bernie” Capps, Jr., 73, of Rocky Mount died peacefully Sunday, February 10, 2019 at UNC Medical Center. Born in Nash County, NC on June 1, 1945, he was the son of the late Clarence B. Capps, Sr. and Annie Powell Capps. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Capps Jackson.

A longtime athletic trainer for Rocky Mount High School, Capps was an advocate for all things Gryphon. Affectionately known as “Bumble Bee,” Bernie was a 1963 graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High who began honing his craft as a student manager for the late Coach Dudley Whitley at R.M. Wilson Junior High in 1958. He received a B.S. from Atlantic Christian in 1968 and began his teaching career in elementary physical education in Key West, Fl. However, Rocky Mount was always home and he returned in 1972 as an athletic trainer for Rocky Mount City Schools where he also taught driver’s education and physical education.

Capps held his position as trainer at Rocky Mount High for 42 years, retiring at the age of 66, in 2011, and spent time afterwards helping in various capacities at Rocky Mount Academy. In his time care-taking for RMHS athletics, he played a role in 11 state championships. A charter member of the N.C. Athletic Trainers Association, who was inducted into the NCATA Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also honored by the association with a 25 year service award and lifetime membership. In 2006 he received the Dedicated Service Award at the SEAM Night of Champions. Other honors include induction into the George Whitfield Baseball Clinic Hall of Fame and the Unsung Hero Award from the N.C. Athletic Association for Region 3 in 1998.

Certainly a fixture at all games and practices, Capps was far more than an athletic trainer and instructor — he was a consummate networker for those privileged to be one of his friends, students, or colleagues. Arranging doctor’s appointments, connecting people, and calling in scores — sometimes the seemingly impossible just needed a little help from Bernie. For years, his unassuming home was a gathering place for coaches, former coaches, players, and lovers of Rocky Mount athletics. The playing field was leveled and true lovers of the game came together to discuss the finer points, watch highlights, solve world problems, and become lifelong friends. It was here at Bernie’s that coaches, players, teachers, and lovers of the game gathered for decades to become not just acquaintances, but family. With his Sun Drops and Blow Pops, Bernie was truly a friend to all.

Mary S. McAllister

December 28, 1973 - October 17, 2018

Mary Suzanne McAllister, 44, of Columbia, S.C., was born on December 28, 1973 in Augusta, Georgia and passed away on October 17, 2018. She was the youngest child of the late Catherine Harter McAllister and John Andrew McAllister of Mt. Carmel, South Carolina.

Mary graduated from Cambridge Academy in Greenwood, S.C., received her B. S. Degree in Sports Management from Erskine College in 1996, and was on the varsity tennis teams in both high school and college. Mary earned her M. A. degree in Teaching Health Education from the University of South Carolina in 2001.

From 1999-2014, Mary was the Head of the Physical Education Department and Athletic Trainer for the Middle School of Hammond School in Columbia. While at Hammond, she created the Concussion Management Team.

In 2014, Mary became an Athletic Trainer with Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas with Greenville Health System in Greenville, S.C. Most recently, she was an Athletic Training Supervisor with Palmetto Health USC Orthopedic Center in Columbia, S.C., assigned to Spring Valley High School. She was devoted to all her students, and was beloved by them, by parents, and by fellow faculty members. Mary had a passion for helping young people share her love of all sports.

Mary was devoted to her family, and even as a very young woman was a compassionate caregiver to elderly family members. She adored her nieces and nephews and loved all animals, especially her cat, Max. She enjoyed traveling with both her students and her family.