Waynesborough trails dedicated in Kemp's honor
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on December 14, 2008 2:00 AM
About 60 of the late Bill Kemp's friends and family members attended a ceremony Saturday to dedicate the hiking and nature trails he championed at the Waynesborough Village in his honor.
The Old Waynesborough Commission held the ceremony during the annual Christmas in the Village celebration at the reconstructed 19th century village.
Waynesborough was once a thriving little town and the original Wayne County seat. But when the railroad came through the county, the population followed the railroad into what was to become Goldsboro.
But the historic town came to life again, thanks to many dedicated volunteers -- like Bill Kemp.
And many hours of planning and much hard work went into developing and marking the nature trails so they can be easily followed, Waynesborough Commission President Arnold Leder said.
"The sign we are about to unveil gives a visual presentation of where all the trails go," he told the crowd gathered around the entrance to the trails.
Kemp's wife, Betty, and Waynesborough Commission Treasurer Tommy Jarrett unveiled the bright color-coded sign during the ceremony as well as a marble marker dedicating the trails in honor of Bill Kemp, a dedicated volunteer and lover of nature.
New Wayne County commissioner Dr. Sandra McCul-len was on hand for the event.
"This is a tremendous day for the history of Wayne County," she said.
Wayne County commissioner Andy Anderson said when he first became involved in helping preserve the village, he would see Kemp out on the grounds doing something with a flower, a bush or a tree.
"Bill was always pulling weeds or planting something," he said. "He wanted to leave something for the next generation and the generations after."
Goldsboro Mayor Al King, a long time friend, said Kemp was always very passionate when he got involved in anything.
"Betty and Bill, between them both, contributed so much to Goldsboro and Wayne County, and we are indebted to them," he said. "Remember the man. Remember the person this is dedicated to."