Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1500481
Page 6 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, June 1-June 7, 2023 A few weeks ago one of Rutherford County's greatest champions of those who need help with housing repairs, roofs, food, a listening ear, encouragement and a positive light passed away. At Rev. Billy Honeycutt's funeral on May 21, Billy and Terry's son John read verses from Matthew's gospel where Jesus reminds us all when we feed the least of "these my brethren" we are actually ministering to Christ. For as long as I've known Billy that's been his life. He never promoted that or talked a lot about it, he just lived it out in his ministries across Rutherford County and beyond. I met Billy when I was a young reporter at the Rutherford County News and he was a young preacher at Mountain Creek Baptist Church and later Director of the Green River Baptist Association. He'd come by the newspaper offi ce when he had an announcement about this or that and wanted us to put it in the paper. He was always so kind and grateful. A quiet kind of guy who in his own way left me feeling good about the day. It was one of my joys to get to know him better over the years, writing stories about the ministries he was involved, hoping to gain other volunteers to join the Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP)and the Women Roofers, the Welcome Table and Habitat for Humanity teams and others. I also had the great honor to serve beside him on the RHP board and to be on the ground crew with the Women Roofers. Telling Billy I was afraid of heights, but I wanted to be a roofer, he suggested the ground work. Billy was about fi nding places for everyone to serve. He encouraged all of us. A man of integrity with a Jesus heart for his family, friends and the communities where he worked and served, Billy will be missed. Rev. Joe Yelton asked the congregation at First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton at the w o r s h i p / c e l e b r a t i o n service on May 21, "What are we going to do now?" That's a good question. Yelton reminded us we'd carry on as Billy did. We'd volunteer, we'd roof, repair homes, hearts and minds and serve. We'll do our best to serve the least of these using our own God given desires to help as we've been taught. So many words have been said about Billy since his passing about all his ministries. Joe Yelton said Billy wouldn't want all this attention, so to honor him we'll remind ourselves of what Billy knew, "the list of needs just gets longer." So in my community and yours, there are numerous places to volunteer- food pantries, church houses where children, youth and seniors need volunteers; civic groups, community clubs, housing programs and so many others. The need for volunteers is great. Here at Rutherford Weekly, we're joining in a Back 2 School event where there is a need for school supplies for students across Rutherford County. Don't take it for granted that every child and young person has the supplies needed to begin the school year again. There's a need for pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, ruled paper, glue, tape, erasers, safety scissors and on and on these supplies are needed. In addition to supplying these school needs, more importantly we're showing these students they are loved. There is also a need for hygiene supplies, snacks for the kids at the event and so much more. We can all help. Rutherford Weekly has a collection box at the offi ce, 157 West Main Street, Forest City. Come by Monday-Thursday to drop off your supplies for students. The offi ce is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday; closes at 3:30 on Wednesday and 2:30 on Thursday. Kisha McDowell and Lindy Abrams are leading the special Back to School Bash and Kids Health Fair on August 5 at POPS in Forest City where these school supplies will be distributed. Call Kisha at 262-989-8982 or Lindy at 828-289-6108 if you want to help in other ways at the event. There is so much to do in our county to help those in need and if we all do just a little bit, what a difference it will make. I'm glad to have known Billy for a long time and when I think of him, I'll remember his passion to help the least of these our brethren. I'll remember his wisdom, kindness, love and his interest in those around him. I'm also so grateful to have walked part of the journey with him. Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com HELPING THE "LEAST OF THE BRETHREN" WAS A LIFE LIVED BY BILLY HONEYCUTT By: Jean Gordon 345 S. Broadway, Forest City 828-245-8067 NO CREDIT, POOR CREDIT ©Community First Media Community First Media LET US DECIDE! LET US DECIDE! WE FINANCE WE FINANCE w w w . w w w . M o o r e s A u t o s I n c M o o r e s A u t o s I n c . c o m . c o m Local Advertising for Local Businesses When it comes to marketing your business to local consumers, nobody does it better than Rutherford Weekly! • Print Ads • • Digital Advertising • • Special Sections • • Websites • 157 West Main St., Forest City 157 West Main St., Forest City 828-248-1408 828-248-1408 rutherfordweekly.com rutherfordweekly.com WEEKLY RUTHERFORD We Help Your Business Thrive The Town of Spindale and Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) are hosting the Spintennial Bike Fest and 100k Challenge on Saturday, June 17 from 8am until 5pm at the ROC headquarters at 115 North Oak Street in Spindale in celebration of the town's centennial anniversary. Presented by the RHI Legacy Foundation, attendees can choose between riding for their personal best or entering the 100k Challenge. Spintennial Bike Fest registration is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 18 and is available on SpindaleNC.net or onsite the day of the event. A pickleball tournament is also being held at the Spindale House for those who would rather swing than cycle. The Spintennial Bike Fest has a rolling start and cyclists can begin riding anytime during the event; however, riders looking to complete the 100k challenge are encouraged to begin at 8am. The starting line is on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail across from the ROC offi ce at 115 North Oak Street in Spindale. All Spintennial Bike Fest registrants will receive an event t-shirt and rider snap band, and fi nishers of the 100k Challenge will earn a commemorative centennial medal. Registrants are also eligible for additional prizes at the end of the day. This family-friendly festival is open to the public and will also feature yard games, vendors, food trucks, and drinks. The event is rain or shine. The Spintennial Pickleball Tournament is presented by Spindale Parks and Recreation and will be held on the Spindale House Tennis Courts. Two-person teams will compete for fi rst, second and third place awards, as well as prizes. Registration for the pickleball tournament is $20 per team. To register, call the Spindale House at 828-286-3716. For more information on either event, visit www. SpindaleNC.net or contact Zach Parker 828-286-3466 or zparker@spindalenc.net. About the Town of Spindale: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Town of Spindale. Born out of the textile industry in 1923, the Town of Spindale is woven from the fabric of small-town charm, passionate resilience and appreciation for community. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills, Spindale's welcoming community spirit is accented by the scenic beauty that surrounds the town. Selected by the North Carolina Department of Commerce as a participant of the 2019 Downtown Strong Initiative, Spindale is pushing forward to an exciting future, including the 13.5-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail that runs through the heart of downtown. Originally the textile railroad line, the trail is now a symbol of the town's past and the healthy physical future of the community. Learn more at www.spindalenc.net and on Facebook or Instagram at @SpindaleNC. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon Spintennial Bike Fest is June 17