Franklin Sportsman’s Association honors Moses Wyche, Littleton Parker III
Published 1:05 pm Saturday, November 30, 2013
FRANKLIN—The Franklin Sportsman’s Association recognized two of its own members, Moses Wyche and Littleton Parker III, at the annual Hayden Reunion Breakfast on Friday.
Littleton Parker III, left, and Moses Wyche, right, with John Hollaway, president of the Franklin Sportsman’s Association. For their contributions to community, education and students, the organization recognized Parker and Wyche on Friday morning during the annual Hayden Reunion Breakfast. — STEPHEN H. COWLES | TIDEWATER NEWS
Herman Charity, assistant treasurer, said he and other fellow members “feel they are more than worthy. Some of us just exist to be served. And others, it’s almost like they were born to serve others. Moses Wyche is seemingly of the latter kind.”
“His legacy will be of serving others,” continued Charity. “What he’s done for mankind is out of passion. He loves his family, Southampton County and, most of all, he loves God. Moses is a man among men”
Wyche kept his remarks brief, saying that such occasions cause tears of joy. He added that receiving his 50-year Masonic pin was another reason. Wyche also reaffirmed his commitment to the Sportsman’s Association.
“I plan to be here till Gabriel blows his trumpet,” he said. “I’m delighted to be one of the honorees.”
Roy Hunter, financial secretary, then presented a plaque of recognition to Wyche.
For the other honoree, Charity said, “I never knew Littleton Parker to be any more than he was. We’re so proud of what you have done.” Charity added that for Parker, it’s never about him, but about the students he’s either taught or coached, and getting them to put their best foot forward.
After acknowledging his family for their decades of support, Parker recalled the day we went from being a teacher to a coach at Southampton High School.
He was called away from a class, informed of a change in the football coaching staff and offered the position to fill in for the next two games. The short version of the rest of the story is that he was named head coach for the following school year and the rest is history.
“I don’t take credit,” Parker said. “It was a job. I enjoyed doing it and it was fun. If not, I couldn’t have done it as long as I could.”
He continued to say how he repeatedly told his athletes and students that if they obey their parents and teachers, “good things will happen to you,” and added, “I had good people to mentor me.”
“I’m very proud of what my former students have achieved,” Parker said.
John Hollaway, president, gave the other plaque to him.
During the program, the following deceased Sportsmen were remembered: Elevan Everette, John R. Rose Sr., Emmete Nichols, Thomas Ruffin, Ruffus Riddick, Robert Sandrige, Robert Hill Sr., Bobby Vaughan, William Lawrence, Kent Pope, Louis Clayton and Roy Murphy.
“They were great to this organization and great to us…they were great people,” said Charlie Adams, chaplain, who recited the names.
