Thirteen members of the Reidsville High School graduating class of 1962 gathered at VFW Post 7764 in Reidsville on August 17, 2024, to discuss the pros and cons of life in the 21th century and trade memories about the ‘Good Old Days.’ Eight of the surviving 20 members were unable to attend for various reasons. Nineteen members are deceased.
Ronnie McCall welcomed those attending to Post 7764, and Allen Lynn provided an opening prayer. Ronnie Thomas, younger brother to deceased class member JoAnn Thomas, had prepared a lengthy pictorial program including the elementary, junior high, and high school class photos and individual photos of class members from the 9th through 12th grades. The program was computerized to be displayed on the big screen television. Much to his chagrin, Ronnie T. had to attend a 6th District VFW meeting in Savannah, and he could not be present. Ronnie McCall was supposed to attend the VFW meeting, but Senior Vice Commander Bobby Kennedy and Junior Vice Commander Trace Simmons agreed to attend in his place. McCall’s granddaughter, Coa Corbitt, substituted for Ronnie T and ran the program, including ‘60s era music in the background. Ronnie T, who was previously voted in as an honorary class of ‘62 member due to his resemblance and sense of humor like his sister JoAnn, raced back from Savannah without getting a speeding ticket and visited with class members around 2 p.m.
Southern Flair provided a delicious low country boil for the noon meal, and upon completion of the meal, Sandra Smith lit a candle in honor of departed class members. Afterwards, Ron-nie Webb initiated a Memories Program whereby class members recalled humorous and sometimes serious moments in the lives of those departed that made being a member of the class of ‘62 so enjoyable.
Deceased members include, Thelma Westberry, Dr. Larry Smith, Donald Thigpen, JoAnn Thomas, James Hutcheson, Betty Tootle, Johnnie Mae Chavies, Wyndell Standard, Mac Southwell, Mary Sue Heritage Hart, Horace Waters, Laverne Scott Johnson, Cleon Mosley, Donald Walker, Paulette Scott, Senator Jack Hill, Northern Anderson, John Conley, and Sam Hart. 2020 was a very tough year for the class of 62 when Jack, Northern, John, and Sam died from April through August.
The class took time for an update on Mary Ann Carter, a beloved teacher who is recovering after a fall that resulted in a broken right elbow. Several stories about ‘Miss Carter’s classes were fondly recalled.
Class members present decided to plan a reunion annually due to the fact that nearly half of the 39 member graduating class are deceased. Allen Lynn and Roy Hightower, who live in Florida and probably live the longest distance from Reidsville, were strong supporters of the annual reunion. Wayne Lindsay, a standout offensive guard and defensive lineman on the 1961 RHS football team, said that he almost didn’t come due to health reasons, but his wife, Doris, talked him into attending. “I’m really glad I did,” he said. “It was great seeing everyone.”
Rebecca (Becky) Davis Beylotte agreed. Becky had shoulder replacement shoulder in May, and even though it went well, it is still difficult to drive. That was the general response of everyone, and the hope is that Melba Westbury Peal, Vonice Weitman Smith, Paul Gilbert, Vivian Adams, Andrea Boyd Stanley, Marlah Alexander Kimbrough, Judy Miles Davis, and Dale Elders Scott can attend next time.
