GREENSBORO, N.C. – Sixteen people representing 13 organizations were recently recognized with N.C. Baptist Heritage Awards for their longtime service and support of statewide Baptist causes. 

The awards recognize individuals and couples who represent exemplary service and giving to organizations in N.C. Baptist life. Award recipients were recognized during the 21st annual awards ceremony held Tuesday, April 4, at the Koury Convention Center, where honorees were presented with a plaque. 

The awards are co-sponsored by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the N.C. Baptist Foundation. 

Following is a list of honorees, listed alphabetically by their presenting organization.

• Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – George D. Renfro
• Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina – Monica S. Vaughan
• Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation – W. Linville Roach
• Baptist State Convention of North Carolina – Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
• Biblical Recorder – K. Allan Blume
• Campbell University – David J. Hailey
• Chowan University – Addison Duke Askew
• Gardner-Webb University – David & Marilyn Withrow
• Mars Hill University – Michael V. Groce
• N.C. Baptist Foundation – Thomas J. Dimmock
• N.C. Baptists on Mission – Lee Phillips
• Wingate University –  Rick & Carolyn Matthews
• Woman’s Missionary Union of North Carolina – Delores & Richard Thomas

Following is biographical information on each honoree.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – George D. Renfro

George D. Renfro was born in Burnsville, NC, and lived on a farm in the Higgins community with his parents and brother. He attended Mars Hill College. It was there that George met the love of his life, Donna Hollars. After graduating in May 1975, George married Donna in June. They welcomed son, Nathan, in October 1977, and daughter, Holly, in September 1979. Nathan and his wife, Erin, have blessed George and Donna with four grandchildren.

George earned a degree in accounting from Mars Hill College. He worked his way up to partner at a local CPA firm; then joined one of his clients, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Affiliated, Inc. as CFO, eventually becoming COO and co-owner. Philanthropy became a bigger part of George’s life and over the years he has served on the boards of United Way, Mars Hill College, Carolina Day School, the Community Foundation, Pack Place, Boy Scouts, ABCCM, and UNCA Foundation.

Following a kidney transplant in 1992, George became more aware, and more involved in the healthcare needs of his community. He and Donna co-chaired the North Carolina Kidney Foundation for many years. George served several years on the boards of the Medical Foundation of North Carolina, Mission Health System and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

While working with the FaithHealth division of Wake Forest Baptist, George learned the true meaning of the social determinants of health. “While working in conjunction with local churches, we found that assisting individuals with transportation, housing and financial issues could improve their health.” George currently serves on the Dogwood Health Trust Board and tries to use those same tactics to improve the health of individuals in the 18 western counties and the Qualla Boundary.

George accepted Jesus as his Savior as a young boy, but was never baptized. In 1995, George was baptized along with children, Nathan and Holly, at Biltmore Baptist Church. George and Donna are very involved in their church, and have served in numerous capacities over the past 30 years, including trips to Greece to assist church missionaries with teaching and witnessing.

Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina – Monica Vaughan

Monica Vaughan is an Ambassador of Hope!

Monica, a life-long North Carolina Baptist, has a servant’s heart, going back to her Greensboro childhood days at Rankin Baptist Church where she grew up and was baptized. She is a natural-born leader, filled with passion, vision, and a commitment to follow Jesus. She is an inspiration to those who know her, whether fellow church members at First Baptist, Greensboro, her volunteer and civic colleagues or just as a dependable Friend.

As BCH’s Ambassador of Hope, Monica Vaughan was – and continues to be – the spark plug for Hope in Style – an annual Fundraiser and Entertainment Event for Mills Home in Thomasville. Hope in Style brings hundreds of people together every year to support, encourage, and bless children who need an infusion of Faith and Love. And, as the name suggests, Hope is Never out of Style.

This year’s Hope in Style event will be August 26 at the High Point Country Club. Fair warning: Monica has some tickets with her and will be glad for you to purchase several. Fair warning.

Through her Vanguard Foundation, Monica Vaughan also supports many worthy causes. But, children – children who sometimes live with a deficit of hope and love – have a special place in the Sanctuary of her Heart.

Mother of Stephanie and grandmother of Meredith, Monica Vaughan – Ambassador of Hope – is the recipient of the 2023 Baptist Heritage Award from the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. God bless you, Madam Ambassador.

Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation – W. Linville Roach

W. Linville Roach spent more than 20 years on the Board of Trustees of Baptist Retirement Homes, and was instrumental in founding the Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation. During his tenure, Linville served as Chairman of the Board for both the Homes, which grew to include four facilities around North Carolina while under his leadership, and as Chairman of the Board for the Foundation itself. The Baptist Retirement Foundation manages a significant endowment to fund benevolent care for residents in the homes who otherwise would not be able to afford it. Linville’s vision and forethought shaped the Foundation into being, and has afforded care to hundreds of individuals. We are forever grateful for his generous donations of time, treasure and talents, and cannot imagine a better example of true Christian spirit.

Linville is a proud Demon Deacon – a double Deac, in fact. Together with his wife of nearly 70 years, Mary Jon Roach, they have a family of Demon Deacons, with\ both of their children and all four of their grandchildren following in his legacy there. Linville has a proud 65+ year career as a successful attorney with the Smith Anderson firm, where he helped lead the insurance regulatory practice. He is the son of a Baptist minister, and his mother was a long time Brookridge resident. Linville and Mary Jon are members of First Baptist Church in Raleigh and previously of First Baptist Church of Greensboro.

He has served as a Deacon and long-time Sunday School teacher and both Linville and Mary Jon have led by example in service to church and community.

Baptist State Convention of North Carolina – Milton A. Hollifield Jr. 

Growing up in western North Carolina, Milton A. Hollifield Jr. learned the truth of the gospel, the importance of prayer and the need for evangelism from his parents at an early age.

“They sought very diligently to provide a Christian home,” Hollifield says.

His parents’ commitment to Christ and the church cultivated a heart of service in Hollifield that eventually led to him answering a call to ministry – just like his father, who also served as a Baptist minister.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill University and a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and pastoring churches in Texas and North Carolina, Hollifield served as an influential and respected leader with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for nearly three decades.

Beginning in 1993, Hollifield began serving as the state convention’s evangelism director before being called to serve as executive director-treasurer in 2006. Overall, Hollifield served North Carolina Baptists for nearly 28 years before his retirement in 2021.

Hollifield’s emphasis on prayer, evangelism, church planting, discipleship and missions left a lasting influence on North Carolina Baptist churches and beyond. Under his leadership, North Carolina became one of the most generous states in missions giving through the Cooperative Program and other special missions offerings.

Throughout his years of ministry, Milton found significant support from his wife, Gloria.

“My wife has been an integral part of the ministry God called us to fulfill,” Hollifield says. “God continues to use her in great ways.”

Today, Milton and Gloria live in Asheville near their family. Although he has retired from his work at the state convention, Hollifield has not retired from ministry with churches and pastors. He also serves as a special assistant with the North American Mission Board.

Biblical Recorder – K. Allan Blume

In his home state of North Carolina and beyond, Allan Blume has been a respected leader in Baptist life for more than 50 years as a pastor, journalist and statesman.

As a young boy, Blume and his family came to faith in Christ after receiving a Bible through the ministry of Gideons International. That faith was nurtured by a local Baptist church near Blume’s home in Charlotte, NC. At 16, Blume sensed a call to ministry. After high school, he turned down a scholarship and career in the emerging field of computers to follow the Lord’s leading.

Blume’s ministry training took him to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, where he earned his master of divinity degree. Blume pastored churches in Texas and Oklahoma before returning to North Carolina in 1977, where he served three different churches. Each of his pastoral tenures were marked by a fervent devotion to the gospel, support of missions, and the love and admiration of the congregation.

Throughout his ministry, Blume served in numerous leadership roles at every level of Baptist life. Those include three terms as president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s board of directors, president of the North Carolina Pastors’ Conference, as well as service on multiple committees and trustee boards of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In 2011, Blume became editor/president of the Biblical Recorder, the news journal for North Carolina Baptists. During his tenure, he led the Recorder to have an unwavering commitment to the Bible, the Great Commission and God’s glory, earning numerous awards and accolades before retiring in 2019. In retirement, Blume continues to serve churches by training transitional interim pastors through the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Blume and his wife, Pam, have one adult son who lives in Nashville, TN.

Campbell University – Dr. David J. Hailey 

Though Dr. David J. Hailey is a native midwesterner (Chillicothe, IL), he’s long made his spiritual impact in the southeast, serving churches in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina – and receiving his theological education in Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina (Doctor of Divinity – Campbell University, 2003).

Dr. Hailey’s leadership and devotion to spreading The Word is what most stands out from his decades of service to local communities. The pastor of Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC since 1996, Hailey’s commitment to his congregation is matched only by his commitment to leadership at Campbell University, where he has served five terms on the University’s Board of Trustees. He’s one of the longest serving Baptist ministers on the board in school history. He also served on the Presidential Search Committee in 2014-15 that ultimately brought current president Dr. J. Bradley Creed to Campbell.

Hailey has directed numerous prospective students to Campbell who ultimately enrolled as undergraduate and graduate/professional students and he’s directed numerous prospective benefactors to Campbell who ultimately supported the University through service, leadership, and gifts.

Prior to moving to North Carolina, Hailey held pastorates at Highland Hills Baptist Church in Macon, GA, and the First Baptist Church in Pelham, GA. While he was in Pelham, Hailey led the community to establish a Personal Care Home for men with mild to moderate mental retardation.

Married to the former Susan Johnson, they have three children. Dr. and Mrs. Hailey met while attending Union University, a Baptist school in Jackson, TN, from which he graduated at the top of his class in 1980.

Active in Baptist life beyond the local church, he has served terms on the executive committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention, served as director of the Christian Index, and as moderator of the Macon Baptist Association.

Chowan University – Addison Duke Askew

Addison Duke Askew grew up on a tobacco farm in Powellsville, NC and was raised in the fellowship of Powellsville Baptist Church. He graduated from Mars Hill High School in 1956 and attended Kee Business School, a business college in Norfolk, VA. Together, Duke and his late wife, Rose Jernigan Harrington Askew, have three children and three grandchildren. Rose and his son, Jason, are graduates of Chowan University (then Chowan College).

A faithful supporter of Chowan University and the scholarship program, Duke has honored the memory of his parents Jesse and Margaret Askew and Rose with scholarships in the Psychology Department. These scholarships address critical issues affecting today’s world: the root causes of America’s rising violence and moral decay. Likewise, he has remembered them by generously supporting the Chapel Campaign.

Duke was employed with Barnes & Sawyer Grocery Wholesales in Ahoskie, NC until he was drafted by the US Army in 1961. Following signal school at Ft. Gordon, GA, he was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He developed a love of Europe and Germany in particular traveling there later in life.

Professionally, Duke was employed with Sherwin Williams for 20 years and developed his own business, Askew’s Decorating Center, specializing in sales of paint, wallcoverings, carpet and tile. In retirement, he maintains a keen interest in real estate and the stock market, especially Sherwin–Williams Stock.

Active participation in church and the community has remained constant throughout his life serving as a 50 year Mason at 216 Sandston Masonic Lodge. He is a member of Sandston Baptist Church, Sandston, VA and also attended Corinth Methodist Church with Rose. A lifetime churchman, Duke ministers to bereaved families at a nearby funeral home in Henrico County.

Mr. Askew indeed has faith in the future of Chowan University.

Gardner-Webb University – David & Marilyn Withrow

Marilyn and David Withrow are about as rock-steady Baptists as they come. Lifelong and devoted members of Pritchard Memorial in Charlotte, NC, they met at the church and became junior high sweethearts. They continued through high school together and on to Gardner-Webb College (now University). Marilyn graduated in 1971, and David followed soon afterward in 1972.

Together they built a very successful business, encompassing real estate development, home building, and Piedmont Plumbing Supply, a Charlotte landmark. They raised daughters Alison and Meredith, and have been blessed with five grandchildren: Landon, Sierra, Caden, Riley, and Reagan. They also planned and served on numerous church, Association, and State projects, including mission teams across the state, country, and world. They have surely set the record for work in the kitchen each summer at Camp Ridgecrest, with a total of  consecutive 37 years.

In 2000, David and Marilyn invested some of their assets in a non-profit Foundation, which they’ve used to support education, science, and children’s activities. Marilyn became a trustee of Gardner-Webb University, working hands-on with the college they love so much. David and Marilyn were married more than 49 years before David passed away unexpectedly in June 2020 while hiking through South Mountain State Park.

David was a lifetime Gardner-Webb Bulldog Club member and did much to support student athletes. His family built the Gardner-Webb Withrow Science building. After David’s passing, Marilyn gave $50,000 to endow a scholarship for student athletes, and then gave a huge gift for science equipment for the Withrow Science Building. Together, they are the epitome of servants for Christ, family, church, friends, and community.

It is with great pleasure that Gardner-Webb University puts forth Marilyn and David Withrow for the Heritage Award.

Mars Hill University – Michael V. Groce 

It could be argued that the highlight of Mike Groce’s experience at Mars Hill University (then College) occurred while he was a student. For it was at homecoming in the mid-1960’s he had his first date with Brenda Withers, a young lady who would eventually become Brenda Groce.

Using that life-changing encounter as a beginning point, Mike Groce ’68, has continued to literally pour his heart and soul into his alma mater. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for three decades and his reassuring, steady leadership style has contributed mightily to the University’s growth. Mike has supplied direction to virtually every MHU committee, including Academic Affairs, Building & Grounds, Investment Committee (current Chair), Student Life, and Trusteeship. Additionally, he was the Chair of the Board of Trustees (2011-2012) and a member of the University’s National Planning Commission and Business Club Alumni Association.

Back home in Newton, NC, Mike has drawn from sales and management positions with Carolina Mills and his current involvement with Jenkins Funeral Home to become a visible and active Catawba County community member. His engagement includes involvement on the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry board of directors and long-standing membership at East Maiden Baptist Church, where, like at Mars Hill, he has served in virtually every leadership capacity.

When Mike and Brenda’s granddaughter, Kari Gibson, graduated from Mars Hill in 2021, the Groce’s impact on the life of the University had come full circle. And as Kari marched in the Mars Hill band on game days, it was a symbolic reminder that Mike Groce, in his own winsome and gentlemanly manner, had, since his graduation, been drumming the beat for Mars Hill University.

NC Baptist Foundation – Thomas J. Dimmock

Tom Dimmock truly had a servant’s heart. While making his living practicing law, he made a life of serving others in Jesus name. He was tireless in his work in his church, Trinity Baptist in Raleigh, teaching the Dimmock Sunday School class for 40 years, singing in the Sanctuary Choir for 41 years, as well as serving as Deacon, Trustee chair and Endowment Committee chair. He served on the Baptist State Convention Board of Directors, and was convention parliamentarian for 10 years. He was legal counsel for the North Carolina Baptist Foundation for 15 years, and then served on the Foundation Board of Directors. He served Kiwanis International as district Lt. Governor, Governor and as International Trustee. Tom was an avid Wolfpacker who is known as the creator of the crowd noise meter that for years hung from the rafters of Reynolds Coliseum. He was a graduate of North Carolina State University and received his law degree from UNC School of Law.

Of course, Tom was proudest of his wife Boyd, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage, and his daughters, Julie Anna and Laurie, as well as his grandchildren who now number six.

At the Foundation we are most grateful for Tom providing Christian estate planning services to countless North Carolina Baptists, even providing estate documents at little or no costs. He devoted his life to helping “the least of these” in Jesus’ name. He was on the board of Haven House, a shelter for homeless teenagers, and was the founding board chair of North Raleigh Ministries.

Tom will always be missed for his contagious smile, his infectious laugh and his eternal optimism.

NC Baptists on Mission –  Lee Phillips

Lee Phillips grew up in the Antioch Community in Goldston, NC where he attended and graduated Chatham Central High School in 1961. Right out of high school Lee began driving an 18 wheeler and eventually started a trucking company with his brother, which he retired from in 2000. Lee is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He is active in his church where he has served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, worked with Builders for Christ, Brotherhood, served on the Family Life Center committee and participated in various mission trips.

Lee began his volunteer work with North Carolina Baptists on Mission in the early 1980’s with lay renewal. He has been a vital part of both the Dental and Health Screening Ministries, serving as a driver for both units for many years. He has seen the medical-dental ministries grow from the single Blue Bird bus to the still growing fleet which will encompass a total of five mobile units over the next year. Lee is faithful in getting the units to and from their locations and is extremely knowledgeable in maintenance on the units. It is commonly said that if Lee can’t fix it it’s “broke broke.” Lee’s pleasant demeanor and friendly personality are contagious. He shares Jesus not only with his  words but with his actions.

Lee and his wife Phyllis have two sons and three grandchildren, and are members of Tysons Creek Baptist in Bear Creek.

Wingate University – Rick & Carolyn Matthews

Rick and Carolyn Matthews reside in Winston Salem where they moved when Rick joined the physics department at Wake Forest University. They soon joined College Park Baptist Church where they have been members for over 40 years. Both Rick and Carolyn have served as Deacon Chair and in many other capacities at College Park. Rick also served on the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Coordinating Council. Carolyn grew up in Peachland where she was baptized into the Baptist church. She earned an Associate’s degree from Wingate Junior College, her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro, and her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill. When their daughter was at Wingate, Rick and Carolyn’s love and passion for Wingate was reignited as they served on the Parents’ Council. Rick subsequently served on the Board of Trustees, and Carolyn served on the Board of Visitors. Currently, Carolyn is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Rick’s early life was spent in South Carolina. His family moved to Wadesboro during his high school years. He earned his bachelor and doctorate degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. Rick went to work at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. He came to Wake Forest in 1979 where he held several academic and leadership roles. Rick served in the physics department as a teacher-scholar where he received outstanding teaching awards. He later was Department Chair. Wake Forest chose Rick to serve as Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer where he led the University Information Technology Department. Rick retired from Wake Forest in 2020 after an exemplary career never failing to appreciate its Baptist heritage and reminding others of it. Carolyn’s career has been in the field of public education. Her early work was as a social studies teacher, but she soon found her passion as a school counselor in public schools in North Carolina and Maryland. She held leadership and professional positions throughout her career. Upon retiring from public school service, Carolyn worked as a counselor and mentor for students in the Crosby Scholars Program which seeks to prepare students for life beyond high school focusing primarily on college readiness. She has strived to leave a legacy of giving students hope and helping them to aspire to their calling.

Rick and Carolyn have two children, Mark and Kelly. Mark and his family live in Fuquay-Varina. Kelly Silliman and her family reside in Mills River. Each of them has two children. Rick and Carolyn feel very blessed to be a part of their lives and cherish family time.

Woman’s Missionary Union of North Carolina – Delores & Richard Thomas

Delores Austin Thomas (Dee) grew up in Peachland, NC. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree in business and religion at Wingate University, working 36 years on the administrative staff there. Richard grew up in Union County and, after Army service, worked 34 years with Lance Foods. Married for 59 years, they have a son, Dr. Joshua Thomas (Amber) and four grandchildren in Natick, MA.

Their pastor described them as “pillars” of Deep Springs Baptist Church where they’ve faithfully served in all areas. WMU NC is blessed to be the recipient of their ministry focus as they have been Acts 1:8 witnesses locally, in our state, nationally, and internationally.

They’ve volunteered countless hours at Camp Mundo Vista – cleaning, landscaping, and preparing the area for the zip line, and as representatives on the NC Baptist Business Services Committee. Delores served as church and Anson Association WMU Director and missions education leader for every age. Before being elected vice president of the National WMU Board and President of WMU NC Executive Board, she served for decades in other offices and capacities.

Generations of youth have witnessed their missions lifestyle: Home repairs for local senior adults; disaster relief trips across North Carolina; missions partnerships throughout the US, Africa, Armenia, and Lebanon; prayer walking, encouraging/training leaders, and sharing the gospel; coordinating Missions Carolina for five years. No matter the ministry location, they demonstrated a humble spirit, loving their neighbors as themselves.

The Thomases have supported WMU NC in prayer and service, as well as financially. They’ve challenged individuals, churches, and groups to give to the Heck-Jones Offering and invest through the foundation for lasting impact. Richard and Delores exemplify our mission statement to “challenge, prepare and equip Christian believers to be radically involved in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Information from the N.C. Baptist Foundation contributed to this report.)