TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Rev. Dr. William Raymond Worsley, a hidden figure of Charlotte, N.C. civil rights.
picture of Dr. Worsley in front of the waving American flag went viral and the story was picked up by USA Today and other media outlets. Throughout his career, Worsley was awarded numerous humanitarian, merit and service accolades, including the key to the City of Charlotte by former Mayor John M. Belk and Teacher of the Year at Johnson C. Smith University twice. From receiving plaques for meri- torious honorary service to recognition for a myriad of civic organizations for both his local and national leadership. In addition, he was awarded an honor- ary Doctor of Divinity degree from the
He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Magnolia (née Arrington Worsley), and brother Randolph (Bet- tye, deceased) Worsley (Alpha Epsi- lon 1953). He is survived by brother Rudolph (Jean) Worsley; children, Marie Worsley Matthews and William Raymond Worsley, III; grandchildren Dazzell, Sophia (Chris Partlow), and Christopher (Shauntay) Matthews, Takobian and Torien Worsley; and great-grandchildren Jonah, Jalen, Jade, Patricia Cloud, and Amari; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
ITC and Johnson C. Smith Theologi- cal Seminary, along with several other degrees from various universities and colleges. Dr. Worsley and the Mont- ford Point Marines were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at the U.S. Capitol under President Barack Obama. Dr. Worsley was Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi ® and affiliated with the Charlotte (NC) Alumni Chapter. He was also a member of the NAACP, Presbyterian Ministers’ Association, and many other honor societies, leadership caucuses, civic, and worldwide humani- tarian organizations.
Whether it was marching on the square in uptown Charlotte, sit-ins at Woolworth’s, helping bring forth Swann v. Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education, a landmark Supreme Court case, or his role as a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Dr. Worsley dedicated his life to fairness and equality.
By Aaron Williams
THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2020 | 133
Publishing achievement for more than 105 years
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