My dad could teach almost any business class at Winthrop, yet he can’t because believe it or not he does not have a college degree. It’s something he’s thought about his whole life. I remember he didn’t really give David and I another choice, we were going to college and he did all that he could to help us achieve that goal. I am so glad that he did and proud of him for pushing us the way that he did. From what I 
know on stories he has told me he went to college briefly to avoid being drafted in the war. He attended UNC Charlotte for a year or so, fell in love with my mom and was around her a lot. They were engaged her junior year and married a year later, I might have those facts a little off. Anyway, he worked through those years and enjoyed them. After they were 
married he started a Putt-Putt Golf course in Rock Hill after managing one for many years in Charlotte with help from several men that believed in him including my grandfather Caldwell, and the man that gave us the recipe for Don’s spaghetti. The owner of the local Burger Kings gave him inspiration, Blanton was his last name. The hours were long and money wasn’t quite enough, especially once David
was born. He took on another job at a local collection agency as a sales rep and that led to opening Williams & Fudge in 1986, I was 5 years old and David was 9. When was there time to go back to college?
So now, 25 years after he started Williams & Fudge he is awarded a 
Doctorate of Humane Letters by Winthrop University. What a huge honor!!!! I couldn’t be more proud of him. He earns this not only for the business knowledge he has, but what he does for the community including the Boy Scouts, the school district, Winthrop University, and MANY more!
We had a 1/2 day celebration at the Winthrop Coliseum today. His brother, 
Wes, along with his wife and youngest son came to celebrate with us. He understands the honor that this is too and wanted to be there for him. My dad is an inspiration to many and I’m so proud of him and honored to be his daughter. I hope to be able to carry on many of the things that his does to better York County which makes a big impact on so many lives, especially of children.
Kids, as you read this one day, I want you to remember your Granddad and all he has done, is doing and will do. Appreciate him and remember all that he has taught you, there are many things that he’ll tell you, teach you, and show you. He is a wonderful and inspiring man, write the things down that he teaches you so you can pass them on to your children. I love him deeply and am so proud of him!!!!
We went to the Children's Attention Home fundraiser this morning. The kids rode much of the way, but finished on foot crossing home plate in the Charlotte Knight's Stadium. Much fun!
