Community to laud Parker, Wyche
Published 12:50 pm Monday, November 18, 2013
FRANKLIN—Two pillars of the Southampton County community will be honored by the Franklin Sportsman’s Association in its annual Hayden Reunion Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 29, at 9 a.m.
Littleton Parker, who has been with the Southampton County school system for more than 30 years, and Moses Wyche, who has served the community for more than 50 years, will be the two honorees.
“These guys have put in the time,” said association president Larry Rose. “These are two men who have touched a lot of people’s lives, and they have been a tremendous asset for the community.
“It is time to honor these two men, who have done so much for our children and the community overall.”
The breakfast is an event that the Sportsman’s Association has had for more than 30 years, since Hayden High School closed during integration.
“The idea of the whole thing was to bring back students, especially from Hayden to the area, on an annual basis, to celebrate someone in the community — from Franklin, Southampton County or Isle of Wight County,” said Herman A. Charity. “We celebrate people who we thought have done something worthwhile.”
The Sportsman’s Association building, 1421 South Street, will also be the site of a dance that night at 10 o’clock.
Littleton Parker
The organization had attempted to honor Parker several years ago, but he declined because he was still working.
“Upon his retirement, we decided, it is time,” said Charity. “He has done such a good job. He’s been such a good mentor of young people over the years. So many children have gone through him, through the classroom, through sports, or through his leadership in administration.”
Parker is the 20th winningest football coach all time in the Virginia High School League’s history.
“Mr. Parker has been a very successful football coach,” said Rose. “He’s also done a lot in the community to support athletics, and God knows, he’s sent so many children off to college that it’s not funny. He should have been honored a long time ago.”
Charity said he taught Parker, and that he has been impressed with him since he was a young man.
“He’s left a legacy that’s of morality and ethics that is non-reproachable,” said Charity. “He was an outstanding young man, and as an adult, he’s been outstanding in all of his professional endeavors.”
Moses Wyche
Charity said Wyche has been giving back to the community since he was a youngster.
“He was born and reared there, and he’s long established himself as a person who has a community first, himself second mindset,” he said. “If someone in the community needs help, Moses will rally for people to help, along with himself, whether it is an organization, a person or a group of individuals.”
Wyche served on the Southampton County Board of Supervisors, he’s been a part of the NAACP, the Ruritans, school committees, the Democratic Party and he has been a president of the Masonic Lodge.
“Mr. Wyche is a tremendous volunteer,” said Rose. “He’s been active in so many endeavors, especially in politics. And while in politics, he did a tremendous job in supporting people.”
Rose said that one thing about Wyche is that he’s a man of his word.
“If he says he is going to do something, I guarantee he is going to do it,” said Rose. “He’s just a great man, a great motivator of people. And he’s done so many positive things for children and adults alike.”
Tickets cost $10 and can be bought at the door or from any member of the Sportsman’s Association. Call 562-5571 for more details.