O. William "Bill" Sapp

O. William "Bill" Sapp, 76, died Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at his home in Lumberton, N.C. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lumberton with Dr. Kevin Head and the Reverend Joe Bounds officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith. Visitation will be held on Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. atFloyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton, NC.
Mr. Sapp was born in Augusta, Kansas on June 5, 1925 to Ralph and Vera Sapp. He served his country during World War II and the Korean War. He attended Duke University in the Navy V-12 program from 1943-45, and while there he played basketball for the Blue Devils. After the war he attended Kansas University from 1946-1949, and was graduated with a BS degree and a MS degree in Education and Recreation. He also played basketball at Kansas under Coach ""Phog'' Allen.
Mr. Sapp started a recreation program in Anne Arundel County in Maryland in 1953-1955. He came to Lumberton in August, 1955, as Director of Recreation. He served in this capacity until his retirement in September, 1989. Inhonor of his 25 year anniversary the Armory Building was renamed the Bill Sapp Recreation Center. He was a member of the NC State Recreation Society, and he served as President as well as in other capacities. He was awarded The Fellow Award, which is highest award given by the NC State Recreation Society. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He served his community in many years. He was instrumental in restoration of the Carolina Civic Center, a charter member of the Robeson Civic Chorale, and was currently working with Friends of Parks and Recreation Foundation in order to establish a sports complex for the city of Lumberton.
He is survived by wifeAnne Timberlake Sapp of the home; daughters, Janice and Elizabeth Sapp of Greensboro, NC; daughter-in-law, Gail Michaels Sapp; grandsons, Kevin and Ethan of Kenansville, NC. He was preceded in death by his son David William Sapp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 398, Lumberton, NC 28359 or to the Friends of Parks and Recreation Foundation, c/o Lumberton Recreation Department, PO Box 758, Lumberton, NC 28359.