It is with a heavy heart that I let you know about Dr. Richard L. Zubers passing, he was a former student at The Crossnore School....His OBITUARY is below. Richard L. Zuber, Professor Emeritus of History at Wake Forest University, died September 15, 2014. He was born April 4, 1932, to Thomas Millard Zuber and Violet Victoria Coffee (Zuber). He was first and foremost a North Carolinian who led a life dedicated to education and remained true to his Avery County heritage. His childhood home was Grandfather Mountain, Avery County, North Carolina. Richard was a graduate of the Crossnore School in Crossnore, NC. Here, he spent 12 years with Dr. Mary Martin Sloop, founder of Crossnore School and author of Miracle in the Hills. She encouraged him to pursue his education. He gained acceptance to Davidson College as well as an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. However, always true to his mountain upbringing and a desire to stay close to home, Richard chose to attend Appalachian State Teachers College in the fall of 1950 on a football scholarship. While attending ASU, Richard pursued academics rather than football. He became captain of the debate team, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and was Salutatorian of his class graduating in 1954 with a B.S. in mathematics. In 2002, he was inducted into the distinguished Appalachian State University Rhododendron Society recognized for his exemplary service. Richard served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, and was a member of the heralded Audie Murphy regiment.He returned to academic pursuits after his time in the US Army and was chosen as a Danforth Scholar graduating from EmoryUniversity in 1957 with a M.A. in History. He continued as a Danforth Scholar at Duke University to earn a Ph.D. in History in 1961. Dr. Zuber was a Military historian. Dr. Zuber began his teaching career in 1961 as an assistant professor of History at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. and was a member of the legendary South Carolina Unorganized Militia (SCUM). In 1962, he moved to Winston Salem, NC, to teach at Wake Forest University as an associate professor. During his time at Wake Forest, Dr. Zuber was a dedicated member of the WFU History Department becoming a full professor in 1966 and served as Chairman for two terms, 1975-1983. Dr. Zuber taught courses in Social and Intellectual History, Military History and Constitutional History. He was loved by his students who filled his classes to capacity. Dr. Zuber was an accomplished musician and masterful storyteller who often performed as part of his lectures. He published Jonathan Worth: Biography of a Southern Unionist (1965), and North Carolina During Reconstruction (1969), as well as a number of articles. Likewise, his extensive research and writing on Infantile Paralysis (Polio) in the North Carolina Highlands (2006), “Miracle in Hickory,” addressed not only the indomitable spirit of the brethren of North Carolina to join forces to heal polio patients, but also illuminated the important federal case of Catawba County vs. March of Dimes regarding the proper legal distribution, local vs. national, of resources collected. He retired in 2000 after 38 years at Wake Forest University. He had a deep love for music and could play numerous instruments including the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and violin. His range stretched from Bach to Bluegrass. However, it is was his distinctive and reassuring voice as a musician, friend, and instructor that touched so many and will continue to resonate. His rendition of “The White Dove” was unforgettable. He was generous and loyal to his friends and all those he encountered. Dr. Zuber was a avid supporter in WFU athletics, especially baseball. Even after retirement, he regularly attended football, baseball, and basketball games often with his grandsons. Throughout his life, Dr Zuber maintained a strong fondness, loyalty, and love for the mountains, the people of Avery County, the spirit of North Carolina, and his home on the Grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Earl Zuber, and his devoted Aunt Elva Andrews, whose love protected and championed him throughout his life. He is survived by his children, whom he adored, Jonathan H. Zuber and Elizabeth Pennington Zuber, and his former wife, Isabelle Eggers Zuber. In addition, Dr Zuber is survived by his beloved companion of many years, Mary Bartholomew, their cherished grandchildren, Robert Harry Capizzi and William Bartholomew Capizzi and Ms. Bartholomew’s daughter and son-in-law, Sallie and Robert Capizzi. He also leaves behind special friends John Mullen and Dr. Marcus Hester, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at WFU, Jeffry Owen of Asheville, NC, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews all of whom hailed from Avery County. Thank you to Hospice and special caregivers in his final days. Services and reception for Dr. Zuber will be held at St.Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston Salem on Monday, September 22 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Dr. Richard L. Zuber to Wake Forest University History Department, Reynolda Station Winston Salem, NC 27109, or The Crossnore School, 100 DAR Drive Crossnore, NC 28616, or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 520 Summit St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:47:26 +0000
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