In Memoriam - Dr. Charles Robert Wetzel

 Dr. Charles Robert Wetzel passed away on August 15, 2024.  "As a dedicated servant-leader and influential figure at Milligan and Emmanuel, his impact on our community was profound.

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Wetzel's life will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, at 11 a.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel. All members of the campus community, alumni, and friends are invited to attend. For those who cannot be there in person, the service will be streamed at milligan.edu/streaming.

Dr. Wetzel’s tremendous impact on Emmanuel and Milligan spans more than 60 years. He served as the president of Emmanuel from 1994 to 2009 and was also a member of the faculty, dean, director of the D.Min program, and chancellor for the seminary. He was instrumental in the start of Milligan’s beloved humanities program and also served as a member of Milligan’s faculty as well as academic dean. He was a strong advocate and supporter of our mission. All who were blessed to know him enjoyed his engaging lectures, incredible knowledge, and his humble and sweet spirit.

In addition to his work here, he was a recognized lecturer and educator throughout central and eastern Europe for more than 30 years and was an ordained minister, serving in congregations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Carolina.

Dr. Wetzel leaves a tremendous impact on this community and on the Kingdom. His legacy will continue for generations."

Refn:  Milligan University Instagram

In Memorium - James Edward Briddell

 James Edward Briddell, 84, died Monday, January 8, 2024 after a brief illness. James was born April 12, 1939 in Roanoke, VA, the son of the late William Creston Briddell and Nellie Irma Brooks Briddell. James graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and the University of Virginia, where he earned his BS degree in Chemical Engineering. He married Rebecca Shelor in 1967 in Lynchburg, VA and moved to Kingsport where he spent his entire career as a research chemical engineer for Tennessee Eastman. James served as Director of the Netherland Inn/Exchange Place board for 3 years. He was a member Emeritus of the National Sons of the American Revolution since 1961. James held various offices in the local Kings Mountain chapter and in the Tennessee state organization. James was a model railroad enthusiast with a keen interest in historical English trains. He and Rebecca were longtime members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport. James served on the vestry and was president of the Men’s Club. He was a frequent usher and he cooked pancakes on Ash Wednesday and hamburgers at Pentecost. He always lent a helping hand with special church services, community outreach, and Habitat for Humanity work projects.

James is survived by his wife, Rebecca; brother, John (Esther); nephews, Andrew (Beth) and Matthew (Tim); great nieces, Nora and Catherine; and great nephew Jacob.

Patriot Grave Marking in Leicester, NC

L-R: Robert Crum, David Carr, Ben Stonecypher Jr., Don Hill
and Stephen B. Kirby.

Saturday, April 27, saw the Kings Mountain Color Guard split into three units for different events. I along with Stephen B. Kirby, Ben Stonecypher Jr. and State of Franklin President Don Hills crossed the Blue Ridge to join our North Carolina brothers at a 5 Patriot Grave Marking in Leicester, NC.

Patriot Grave Marking for Col. George Maxwell

Chapter President Alan Bell paying respect to Col. George Maxwell

The State of Franklin Chapter TNSAR hosted a Patriot Grave Marking for Col. George Maxwell, Tennessee Militia and for Compatriot William Horatio Brown IV. The following were members of the Color Guard & their Chapter: Joel Davenport, State President and Stephen Holston Chapter, Greg Banther, State Chaplin and Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, James Stone, Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, Rob Richmond, State Registrar and Kings Mountain Chapter, Alan Bell, President of Kings Mountain Chapter, David Carr, past State President and Kings Mountain Chapter, Stephen Kirby, Kings Mountain Chapter, James Morgan, Benjamin Cleveland Chapter and Robert Vaughn, State of Franklin Chapter. Master of Ceremony, Don Hills, President of State of Franklin Chapter and Dr. Robert Purvis, Chaplain and Registrar, State of Franklin Chapter. Members of several DAR Chapters were present, too, including the new Mary Amis Rogers Chapter! Descendants present were Jessie Brown, Bill Brown and George Conner Lyons Brown. This was held on April 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

In Memoriam - John Olive III

Dr. J. Fred Olive, III passed from this life on February 1, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, John Olive, II and Fay Olive, Fred is survived by several cousins and many close friends. Fred was born on Oct. 6, 1955 and spent all of his professional life in education and genealogical research. He was Head of Educational Technology Services for over 25 years at the University of Alabama Birmingham before retiring as Interim Director of Library Services for the University. Fred became a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in 1976 and found his passion in life. He held numerous offices at the local, state, and national levels and was active in many committees within SAR. Most recently he served as Librarian General for the National SAR. Fred was community-service minded and held several different positions relating to genealogical and historical research. He loved his church, was active in many roles, and served as a greeter to ensure you knew you were welcome and loved. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 19th at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until time for the service at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL.