This is from a column in the McDowell News. It looks like the town of Marion want to honor UNC Tar Heels Coach Roy Williams, who has won two national championships in Chapel Hill:
For some time, local folks have talked about Williams being a native of Marion. The UNC athletic program’s official Web site gives his hometown as Asheville and states he grew up in Biltmore. But his biography on Wikipedia states he was born in Marion.
City officials have looked at ways to honor their famous native son. City Manager Bob Boyette said if a marker were to be erected, it would be paid for with private funds and no taxpayer money would be used.
“There’s no talk of any city funds going towards that,” said Boyette.But first, they had to get permission from Williams.
In a letter on May 19, Williams wrote back to Clark saying that it’s OK with him.
“In your note, you asked about my permission to allow the city to place an historic marker at some spot coming into Marion,” wrote Williams. “This would be a great honor and I am very flattered, therefore I will give you my permission. My only statement would be I don’t know how this is going to help you and so therefore if you choose not to do that, it will not hurt my feelings.”
Williams also gave some personal remembrances of his hometown.
“Marion is where I was born in Western North Carolina and that area will always be my home,” he wrote. “From my cousins playing at North Cove to Dot’s Dario down towards Pleasant Gardens, that area always brings back fond memories. You can do as you wish, but please do not feel obligated to do anything. Marion will always be spoken of with great feelings by me. Thanks again.”
Williams signed his name in Carolina blue ink.
The proposed marker could be placed somewhere near the Marion City Hall, said Boyette. It is the place on Main Street closest to where Williams was born. He was born in 1950 in the old hospital on James Drive, which is now an apartment building.