As we prepare for our phased reopening, decisions about which events to host are always made with great thoughtfulness. We will continue the tradition of adding members into the Hall of Fame through a nomination process in the spring and induction ceremony in the fall of 2025. The committee felt it was important to continue honoring those remarkable individuals who have made such a positive impact on the YMCA movement throughout the region, especially as we are so appreciative to our YMCA community in our recovery efforts. The cost of the event will be underwritten and provide fundraising support for YMCA Blue Ridge.
The YMCAs of the Southeast Hall of Fame at YMCA Blue Ridge provides a forum to recognize YMCA professionals and volunteers from the Southeastern United States who exemplify a lifetime of commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA in their respective community. It honors individuals – YMCA professionals and volunteers alike – who have devoted their lives to strengthening their local community through their devotion and dedication to serving others, thereby making a positive impact on individuals, on their community, and the YMCA movement throughout the Southeast.
Since its founding in 1906,YMCA Blue Ridge has partnered with the Y movement by establishing itself as a place where Y staff can come together to discuss, and sometimes debate, issues of social concern and determine how the Y should respond. Now for over 100 years, YMCA Blue Ridge has provided a platform where men and women of all races, colors, and creeds could gather. In a safe environment, people have the opportunity to learn the importance of intellectual responsibility in their faith and internalize their life values. It is fitting for the YMCAs of the Southeast Hall of Fame to be a program of YMCA Blue Ridge and for the Assembly to provide staff support to the committed volunteers serving on the Southeast Hall of Fame Committee.
The Southeast Hall of Fame is housed in the historic Eureka Hall overlooking the beautiful Craggy and Black Mountain ranges. Pictures and accomplishments of the inductees are displayed to not only honor the inductees but to inspire young people to become YMCA volunteers or staff in the future helping to ensure the success of the YMCA movement over time.
Inductions into the YMCAs of the Southeast Hall of Fame will take place annually in conjunction with the fall meeting of the YMCA Blue Ridge Board of Directors at the Assembly. For information on the induction process, download an application, or contact Melissa Bailey Logan at mblogan@yblueridge.org.
The 2025 nomination process is now open and will close on June 6, 2025. View the nomination form below.
Watch the speeches from the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony below!
Omega Autry
Bob Gilbertson, Jr.
Jerry Haralson
Dorothy Holman
Ralph Brunson
William Huffman
Fred Ashford
Andy Calhoun
Charles Cleveland
Susan Landergan
Jim Woods
Colquitt Clark
Reid Ashe
Chuck Harris
Suzanne Mabie
George Rehnquist
Phil Wortman
Claude Whitehead
Earle Whittington
Willie Proctor
George Shinhoster
Ridley Wills II
Betty Carr
Wyatt and Lillian Taylor
Tom and Pat Thrailkill
Clark Baker
C. Allen Favrot
Norman Joyner
Joseph Bransby
William Chandler
Don Kyzer
Norman Urquhart
Kent Rea
Willis Bradford
Catherine Helms
Fulton Johnson
George Creswell
Jim Leiby
Barbara Roper
Herb Wilkinson
H.G. Hill Sr.
Tracey Sullivan
Frank M. “Scotty” Washburn
Ron Kinnamon
William M. Barnhardt
Quentin R. Mease
Anthony Bowen
Luther D. Wishard
Harry H. Brace
Richard W. MacMorran
Julius Jones
Adrian B. Moody
William V. Phillips
Thomas B. Hargrave
Bev R. Laws
Jesse Moorland
Paul M. Grist
Earl P. Armstrong
Willis D. Weatherford
William A. Hunton
Paul M. Limbert
© 2021,YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. All Rights Reserved.
Last Updated January 2025
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly will partially reopen in June. We are working to fix our roads and bridges and repair Blue Ridge Center and Weatherford Hall, allowing us to open at 40% capacity. We still have a lot to do before we are fully restored but will be delighted to finally say “Welcome Home.”