W. Casper Holroyd Jr.

Casper was born on September 16, 1927 in Rock Hill, SC to W. Casper and Lucile Ann Dacus Holroyd. He moved north to attend Duke University, where he was head manager of the football team and, as highlighted on his license plate, became the DUKE1FAN.

Casper graduated from Duke University in 1948. His beloved Duke was where he met his first wife, Betty Ann Williams (deceased 1973). They were married in 1948.

In 1951, they settled in Raleigh where he began his life-long, successful career in insurance first with The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and then founding his own Holroyd Agency. In 1965, he was elected to the Raleigh City School Board. Four years later, he began a nine-year term as Board Chair during a period that proved to be one of the most challenging for the city’s schools, as the board worked through desegregation. Holroyd led the historic merger of the school system in 1976. Following his tenure on the school board, Holroyd served four terms in the N.C. House of Representatives, where he introduced a seat belt bill that became state law. In 1981, Casper married Dr. Mary Mayesky, who joined him in his passion for all things Duke, fitness, and running. During their marriage, they completed 19 marathons.

The most meaningful work in Casper’s life, for 50+ years, was with Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and in particular the JOY Class, where he taught and mentored thousands of youth. In his memory, the JOY Class will celebrate the 45th Annual Beach Retreat in April 2014. Past, present and future JOY Class members will carry on his example of compassion and JOY – Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. In Casper’s world and through the legacy of the JOY class, there never is a stranger, all were friends; teens and adults, homeless and home-bound elderly. Everyone.

Casper put his heart and soul into all his activities. He was a charter member of the Iron Dukes, as well as a member of the Carolina Country Club, the NC State Adult Fitness Group, the Certified Life Underwriters, the Raleigh Host Lions Club, the Raleigh Sports Club, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and the Raleigh Good Old Boys Club.

In addition to his induction into the Raleigh Hall of Fame in 2008, Casper was recognized for his many contributions over the years, both in business and civic organizations too numerous to mention.

Casper really knew how to enjoy life and generously shared this love with neighbors and friends. His and Mary’s annual Halloween celebration opened their home to hundreds of families for over 20 years. Children of all ages remember summertimes spent in his backyard pool. All who have met him smile when they come across the pictures that Casper took with the camera that was always in his pocket.

Casper is survived by his family, the loves of his life: his wife, Mary, his four daughters, Ann Bowers (Dan) and Jane Holding (John), both of Raleigh, Kaye Mulkeen (Bill) of Atlanta, and Claire Holroyd of San Diego, his five grandchildren, Drew Youngblood, Scott Youngblood (Vanda), John Holding (Jennifer), Betty Ann Holding, and Lucy Mulkeen, all of whom adored their fun-loving “D,” and his two precious great-grandchildren, Hermione and Jacob.

A celebration of Casper’s life will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church at 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608 on Thursday, December 26 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. The service will be webcast at HBUMC.org, Live Service.

There will be additional or satellite parking available with shuttle services at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, and White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Casper’s honor be made to the Family Life Building Fund care of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church (2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608). The completion of this project was a dream of Casper's and his final request.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh.