Editor:

Franklin and the surrounding areas have been fortunate for many years to have so many excellent people come in our midst to work for Camp Manufacturing Co./Union Camp/International Paper. There is no better example of this service to our area than Bill Scarboro.

Bill died on Sept. 27 at age 65. He was uniquely qualified as an engineer with Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from NC State University. The North Carolina native also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University.

He was married for 36 years to Becky, and they raised three outstanding boys. Bill’s passion for community service is evident by his membership in the choir of the Franklin Baptist Church as well as serving the church as a deacon. He was a longtime member of the Franklin School Board and served many years as its chairman. Bill and I had many conversations regarding school budgets, test scores, challenges and politics. He always did his “due diligence” and was extraordinarily knowledgeable of details often overlooked by others.

When Bill was appointed to the Franklin City Council on an interim basis, he did not just occupy a seat. He read and studied the material, asked questions and made suggestions.

Boy Scout Troop 17 in Franklin was a source of pride as he mentored scouts on attaining the highest rank of Eagle. Two of his sons attained that prestigious rank.

These words appeared in his obituary and describe Bill best: “…he will be remembered and memorialized by the collective memories of family and friends who acknowledge and remember his Christian, civic, and personal contributions to their lives.”

Rest in peace, my friend!

Robert N. Holt

Franklin