Monthly Archives: November 2015

Campus Gazebo Dedicated in Memory of Engineer

Participants in the ribbon-cutting ceremony included (from left) Laura Crotts Paschall of Hickory, and her parents Marcus and Margo Crotts of Winston-Salem.

A major gift from the Rye Foundation brought great news to the campus of Nazareth Children’s Home in Rowan County. Recently, the Home held a ceremony to dedicate the Van Jackson Crotts Memorial Gazebo.

The naming opportunity was made possible by a donor-advised charitable gift from Marcus B. Crotts and his wife, Margo Jackson Crotts, of Winston-Salem. Their philanthropy is a memorial to their son Van, who died of cancer on January 25, 2015 at the age of 56.

Respected throughout Forsyth County, Van Jackson Crotts was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of N. C. State University. He also earned an M. B. A. from Wake Forest University, and served as President of Crotts and Saunders Engineering.

Vernon Walters, the President of Nazareth Children’s Home, spoke at the dedication and said, “The children of Nazareth will use the gazebo as a place of hope and healing. We are extremely grateful to the Crotts family and the Rye Foundation for this special investment in the lives of children.”

Yadkinville Dentist Remembered for His Generosity

Technically speaking, Dr. Frank H. Walker did not have any children.  In reality, his philanthropic gifts helped and nurtured thousands of boys and girls across North Carolina.

Born in Elkin, he spend his career as a dentist in Yadkinville and lived his final years at the Brookridge Baptist Retirement Community in Winston-Salem.  He died on February 25, 2015 at the age of 91.  Louise Walker, his beloved wife of 69 years, passed away in 2013.

Dr. Frank H. Walker

Warren Steen, the president of the Rye Foundation, recalled Dr. Walker’s genuine interest in providing support for individual children.  “Over the last five years of his life, Dr. Walker was one of the most generous donors to our foundation,” he said.

Even in his 90’s, Dr. Walker closely followed current events. He was concerned about violence in America, and believed in the Rye Foundation’s mission of making a life-changing impact on North Carolina children.

Although Dr. Walker did not have children of his own, his generosity aided thousands through the Rye Foundation’s opportunities in music, scholarships, sports activities and summer camps.

A charter member of the Deacon Club at Wake Forest University, he followed his team closely, and always appreciated receiving a schedule of upcoming games.

At his funeral service — held at the Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkin County — many reflected on the kindness and generosity of this humble man.  And they came to the conclusion that he indeed had many children who counted on him for support and encouragement.

Dr. Frank Walker left a legacy of caring, serving and giving.  What kind of legacy do you plan to leave?