DISTINGUISHED PERSONS OF THE YEAR

1970-1979

D. Holman Sigmon, 1979 Distinguished Person of the Year

1979

D. Holman Sigmon

No information available at this time.


Richard E. Gordon, 1978 Distinguished Person of the Year

1978

Richard E. Gordon

No information available at this time.


Jack Kirksey, 1977 Distinguished Person of the Year

1977

Jack Kirksey

No information available at this time.


Dr. C. Miller Sigmon, 1976 Distinguished Person of the Year

1976

Dr. C. Miller Sigmon

No information available at this time.


W.F. McIntosh, Jr., 1975 Distinguished Person of the Year

1975

W.F. McIntoash, Jr.

No information available at this time.


Paul S. Cash, 1974 Distinguished Person of the Year

1974

Paul S. Cash

Paul Spencer Cash Sr. was born on November 8, 1923, he was the son of Pauline McDaniel and Frank Boggan Cash.

In addition to devotion and love of his family, Paul’s life was enriched by his vast interest and participation in multiple civic organizations and community causes. He was a member of the Morganton Chamber of Commerce, The United Way and The Morganton Rotary Club. His devout respect and participation in The Rotary Club contributed to and was a foundation for the way he lived his life. He upheld and lived the Rotarian Creed every day. He thrived on his association with the club and its members.

Paul began his career at Mimosa Insurance Agency in 1947. He continued to work there for the next 65 years until his passing.

Although he excelled in business, civic and numerous other professional groups, he was unpretentious and modest in mentioning his achievements. Paul’s accomplishments were personal in nature to him. Awards and other accolades bestowed upon him were a result of his sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives he touched and for causes in which he believed.

As a surviving decorated veteran of WWII, his perspective and attitude towards life were beyond admirable. At the age of 20, he stared death in the face on more than one occasion. Despite his horrific wartime experiences, he continued to pursue flying. It was his passion of leisure. He was married to Mildred Garrison Cash for 65 years. Mr. Cash has three children, Paul Spencer Cash Jr. and wife Donna, Susan Andrea and husband George, and Elizabeth “Libby” Cash; his grandson, MSgt James “Duke” Farquharson (USAF Ret.).


Dr. Fletcher Nelson, 1973 Distinguished Person of the Year

1973

Dr. Fletcher Nelson

Dr. Fletcher Nelson was a prominent Methodist clergyman and educator. He served as president of Lees-McRae for eight years. He had served as pastor in Greensboro, Rutherfordton, Forest City, Morganton and Charlotte, and had also served as superintendent of the Marion Methodist District. He left the presidency of Lees-McRae in 1957 to assume directorship of a three-year, $3 million fund-raising campaign for Methodist colleges in North Carolina.


J.D. Fitz, 1972 Distinguished Person of the Year

1972

J.D. Fitz

Information not available at this time.


Burand L. McGinnis, 1971 Distinguished Person of the Year

1971

Burand L. McGinnis

Information not available at this time.


John D. Smith, 1970 Distinguished Person of the Year

1970

John D. Smith

Information not available at this time.