Legacy Giving Spotlight | For my brother

My brother Larry had always been very intelligent and in the honor society at Wadesboro High School. He initially started his college studies at three different schools, but finally found his home at Campbell University.

He was ready to buckle down and finish his education. He ended up graduating from Campbell in 1970 after studying economics and the social sciences. I was three years younger, so I did not visit him while he was on campus (but I attended the commencement ceremony with my parents). We were all so proud to be a part of his college graduation.

After graduation, Larry told my dad he wanted to travel and see more of the country. He was not a follower and was very much a minimalist before that became the lifestyle it is today. He always appreciated people and experiences much more than possessions, and money didn’t impress him. He was very content and maintained so many friendships. People were drawn to him because he was so friendly — he loved life, he loved people, and he loved having a good time. He was more reserved but had a quiet confidence about him.

When it came time to travel, he packed everything he owned in his car, and ended up in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, which he loved. Hiking, snow skiing and cookouts with friends are what he enjoyed most. In fact, my mother was so upset one Thanksgiving that he was just having hot dogs with his friends — he didn’t need a traditional dinner. He worked as many as three jobs in Aspen and was thoroughly enjoying his life.

Sadly, his life ended there before he started a career. He was only 26 years old.

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My parents were Lawrence P. “Zach” and Pat. Mother was originally from Shelby, North Carolina, and dad was from Taylorsville. They met in Raleigh when dad was in his final year of college at NC State, and mom was working as secretary of prisons.

Dad was in ROTC at State and was called to serve during World War II. Within six days, they were married at First Baptist Church in Raleigh, and shortly after their marriage, he was sent to the Far East for two and a half years. Upon his return, they settled in Wadesboro, where Larry and I were born. They were married for 71 years!

The secrets to my parents’ long marriage were commitment, communication and compromise. We grew as a family in the church, and we always depended on faith, family and friends. While in Wadesboro, mom worked in the church nursery for 21 years, and dad taught juniors and seniors in Sunday school. After working in several businesses, dad had the opportunity to move to Raleigh, where he eventually became city manager. Once he retired, they stayed six months of the year in Raleigh, and six months in Boone.

They always loved the mountains and eventually bought a home in the Boone area with good friends Hartwell and Verda Campbell (Leslie Campbell’s son and daughter-in-law).

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My parents established the Lawrence Fetzer Zachary Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in memory of my brother, Larry.

I wanted to honor my parents’ wishes to have a scholarship in memory of Larry. He didn’t have a chance to support Campbell after he graduated; however, I’ve had a long time to give financial aid to the schools and churches I’ve attended during my lifetime, as well as other organizations.

I believe in Campbell and all it stands for. Plus, I love my family very much and am delighted to fulfill their dreams of educational opportunities for others at Campbell University in Larry’s memory.

As a side note, I have always been an avid sports fan and recall going to the Raleigh Sports Club every Wednesday for lunch with mom and dad. The former men’s basketball coach at Campbell, Robbie Lang, brought his whole staff to the luncheon one day, including Brian Burg, who was the assistant coach at that time. Through his invitation to attend basketball games at Campbell (I was living in Willow Spring), I was able to reconnect with Campbell, as well as watch some exciting basketball.

I now live in the mountains of North Carolina, but enjoy attending Campbell basketball games whenever I’m in the area.

Planned Giving at Campbell University

Live the best life you can now while providing for your loved ones and favorite charities. In an effort to assist our loyal constituents and friends, Campbell has established a new planned giving website at legacy.campbell.edu. Perhaps your goals may also include health care if you become disabled, increasing your retirement income, reducing estate taxes, creating a charitable legacy or planning for a business. The key is to develop a plan now that coincides with your goals and to live with the security now that your wishes will be met.

Planned Giving Director Peter Donlon is available for a complimentary discussion to help you get started. Contact him at pdonlon@campbell.edu, or (910) 893-1847.