Memoriam
Jerry “Dennis” Lord passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 19, 2023. He was born January 17, 1943 to Mack and Lois Lord. He grew up in Commence, Ga. and graduated from Brewton Parker Jr. College and the University of Georgia, to receive his masters and PHD in Geography.
Dennis enjoyed playing golf. He was a remarkable individual who lived a life of integrity, kindness, and devotion. He was a pillar of strength for loved ones and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Professionally, Dennis was a dedicated Professor of Geography at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, retiring in 2005 after 35 years of teaching. Dennis’ commitment to excellence and his ability to mentor and inspire others left an undeniable mark on the lives of those with which he worked with, and the students he mentored through the years.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Elaine S. Lord and their children, Brian and John Lord of Charlotte, NC; his siblings, Bennie Lord, Emily Lord and Kenneth Lord of Commence,GA; Four grandchildren and Three step grandchildren of Charlotte, NC; One great grandson; along with several nieces and nephews in GA and TX.
In lieu of flowers please consider making contributions to the following:
Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church
1600 W. Mallard Creek Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Levine & Dickson hospice house
At Southminister
8919 Park Rd. Suite 1000.
Charlotte, NC 28210
Dr. Ganesh Prasad Mohanty, 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Our beloved Bapa, Ganesh, Bhai, Mausa, Jeju, Gana, Dada, and friend, Dr. Mohanty was a man of humility and love. He dedicated his life to uplifting others. From classical music to metallurgical science to coffee, Dr. Mohanty brought deep curiosity and intense focus to all that he loved. His unwavering devotion to his wife, Kamla, spanned 53 years.
Ganesh was born on March 11th, 1934, in Cuttack, Orissa, India to Banshidar Mohanty and Uma Devi. Dr. Mohanty traveled to the United States in 1956 to begin a master’s program in Metallurgical Engineering at Michigan Tech. Always adventurous, he opted to travel from India by ship instead of by plane to get the full experience of America by arriving via the Statue of Liberty. After completing his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Dr. Mohanty accepted a job in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite offers of professorships at institutions like the University of Southern California and Colorado State, he remained steadfast in his corporate job. Then destiny intervened. Grover Rogers, a dean from Florida State University, flew up to woo Dr. Mohanty down to Tallahassee. His mission: to lay the foundation for the engineering program at FSU. “We are waiting for you, and we need you,” Rogers implored. Though his boss and colleagues raised concerns about his safety as the first non-white faculty member or student at the institution, Ganesh decided to embark on a transformative journey. In 1963, driving a turquoise 1963 Chevrolet Impala, he headed south. He ultimately found a warm and welcoming community at Florida State.
Dr. Mohanty returned to India to marry his beloved wife Kamla Patnaik on December 10th, 1969. In 1972, his career took him to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where he was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science for over 42 years. As he liked to tell his students, “If you do your work and find joy in what you do, it will make your journey easier.” True to form, he continued to mentor graduate students long after retirement. In recognition of his commitment to teaching, he was awarded the Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professorship in 1995, a position held by only five faculty in the university.
One side of Ganesh remained hidden from many: a magician’s heart. A member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, he traveled across the US showcasing his MAGIC TRICKS. Years later, his family knew that he was deep in thought if he was shuffling a deck of cards in his hand while listening to classical music.
With his wisdom, kindness, and magical presence, Ganesh was an anchor for many. The family took many forms, both inherited and built. All-night phone calls to India kept long-distance family close. One the first Indian families in Charlotte, the Mohantys were at the heart of an Oriya community that grew to over 1,000 families. His UNCC colleagues became another family, as did his neighbors on Applecross Lane. Kamla and Ganesh were second parents to their children’s friends. He is survived by his wife, Kamla; children Dr. Sanjib Mohanty and daughter-in-law, Dr. Kathy Mohanty granddaughters Anna (18) and Mali (15); daughter Pinchy Mohanty Moore and son-in-law Brad Moore and grandson Arch (7); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at J.B. Tallent Funeral Service & Crematory, 1937 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 at 9 a.m.
A celebration of life will be planned later in the spring. Dr. Mohanty leaves family and friends across the world and many continents who will miss him immeasurably.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ganesh Mohanty Memorial Scholarship Fund at the UNC Charlotte Foundation, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223.
Online donations may be made at https://crowdfund.charlotte.edu/project/38238
Sandy Spring, Maryland – Dr. Mary Lynne Calhoun, 77, died peacefully on May 21, 2023, due to complications of heart failure. She was born in Huntington, WV, on June 15, 1945, the daughter of the late Boyd Jarrell and Mary Katherine Estler Jarrell. Survivors include her beloved husband of 55 years, Dr. Lawrence Gibson Calhoun; daughter and son-in-law Eliza Katherine Calhoun and Joseph Bradley Keady, Harpers Ferry, WV; daughter and son-in-law Mary Laura Calhoun and Kevin Joseph Bogardus, Washington, DC; and grandchildren Isabel Katherine Bogardus and Malcolm Gibson Bogardus, Washington, DC.
Mary Lynne served as Dean of the College of Education at UNC Charlotte from 1999 until her retirement in 2013. She loved this work because she understood that equitable, excellent education opened doors for young people and that caring, competent teachers are essential. She provided leadership in developing doctoral programs, developed a career path for second-career professionals who wished to become teachers, and supported the development of one of the largest, strongest undergraduate programs in the state. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to diversity and a focus on the internationalization of teacher education. Prior to her service as Dean, she held a faculty position in special education, emphasizing early intervention for children with special needs. Upon her retirement, the University named the College of Education atrium in her honor.
Mary Lynne and Lawrence met in their undergraduate years as camp counselors at Camp Massanetta in Harrisonburg, VA. They married at graduation and supported each other through graduate school. Mary Lynne taught children with special needs in Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, and South Carolina. Lawrence joined the faculty at UNC Charlotte in 1973 while Mary Lynne finished her doctoral studies and then taught at Winthrop University. She joined the faculty of UNC Charlotte in 1982. Together, Mary Lynne and Lawrence grew up with UNC Charlotte and watched with great admiration its transformation to a doctoral research university
Mary Lynne graduated from Huntington (WV) High School as salutatorian and received a National Merit Scholarship, received the AB in English from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) in Lynchburg, VA, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and the M.Ed. and Ph.D. in special education from the University of Georgia. She received the honorary doctorate in educational sciences from the Ludwigsburg (Germany) University of Education. Her board service included the United Way of Central Carolinas, the Socrates Academy, and the Cooperative Christian Ministry in Higher Education. Mary Lynne was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder.
In retirement, Mary Lynne enjoyed international travel with Lawrence, family, and friends, especially enjoying the ancient worlds of Israel, Greece, and Italy. In 2020, she and her husband moved to Friends House Retirement Community (Sandy Spring, MD) in order to be closer to their daughters. She was a devotee of Broadway musicals and loved movies, with a special interest in dark World War II movies where ordinary people found extraordinary courage. One favorite part of each year was the “Calhoun Beach Week of Total Indulgence,” led by her beloved Lawrence, at Sunset Beach, NC, with family and friends gathering to join in the fun. Her greatest joy was watching her daughters grow into the persons they were meant to be – loving, caring, and striving to make the world a fairer and more just place.
As was her wish, Mary Lynne’s remains will be cremated. A memorial will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to either of these organizations:
UNC Charlotte Cato College of Education: Checks can be made out to the UNC Charlotte Foundation, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223. Note “ML Calhoun-Cato Ed” in the memo section. To give online, please visit https://giving.charlotte.edu/ and select Cato College of Education under the “Colleges and Schools” button.
Covenant Presbyterian Church: Checks can be made out to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. Note “ML Calhoun” in the memo section.
Harris Alexander (Alex) Coffin Jr., died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 20, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Sonia, of 52 years (they were married in 1971 in Madison, GA); son, Jon Coffin (Dawn) and their children, Lucy, Harris and Sally of Fort Mill, SC; daughter, Anna Hunter (Chris) and their children, Katie, Molly and Will of Chapel Hill, NC. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Bill Bowen of Dalton, GA, and their family, Macie Hackney (Wes) and their children, Ginny and Mary Beth of Cartersville, GA; Will Bowen (Kathleen) and their children, William and Ollie of Decatur, GA; and his brother-in-law Ken Kulka (Linda) and their children, Krystal, Mandy and Jenna and grandchildren, Ava, Patrick, Paisley and Hadley, of Edmonton, Alberta.
In addition to his family, his greatest loves were his churches, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, serving others, reading, running, and his dogs over the years. His family and friends enjoyed his humor, stories, and love of people, and learned from his beautiful example of integrity and service.
Coffin, son of Harris Alexander Coffin Sr. and Parinne Cranford Smith Coffin, was born in Asheboro, NC, on November 10, 1936, and graduated from Asheboro High School in 1955. He was on Asheboro High School’s first golf and track teams and served as school yearbook and newspaper sports editor.
Coffin graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1959 with a degree in journalism. He ran cross-country and track in college, including competing in nine ACC championships, earning a place on the ACC All-Scholastic team. He was an avid runner into his 70’s, running 46,000 miles over 50+ years, and competed in more than 725 races, including the 1979 Boston Marathon.
Coffin served in the Army from 1959-61 and worked as bureau chief of the Pacific Stars and Stripes in Seoul, Korea, and later served in the N.C. National Guard. He joined The Charlotte News in 1961 and covered education and city government until 1965 when he went to work for U.S. Rep. Charles R. Jonas in Washington for two years. He then joined The Atlanta Constitution in 1967 and covered municipal government and the civil rights movement, including the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was in King’s home with the family the night King was assassinated. Coffin covered municipal government for The Province, a morning newspaper in Vancouver, B.C. from 1972-76 and moved back to Charlotte where he worked for Duke Power Company in its corporate communications department from 1976-1985. He also served as moderator for a talk show on a WTVI news show. In 1985, Coffin launched Coffin Associates, a full-service public relations firm.
Coffin taught classes in public relations at Queens University, UNCC and CPCC for several years. He took post graduate courses from UNC-CH, UNCC, American University, Duke University and Emory University. He and Sonia gave lectures on movies and books on sea cruises for several years. Coffin authored Brookshire and Belk: Businessmen in City Hall, published by UNCC.
Coffin was an Eagle Scout, was active in Boy Scouting for many years, and served as a scoutmaster. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. He received the McGlohon Award as the outstanding Boy Scout in Randolph County in 1951 and served as a Big Brother in Vancouver. He cared deeply about those around him and serving in any community where he lived.
Service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church (1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204) on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 1pm. Please feel free to wear Carolina blue.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, UNC-Chapel Hill cross-country, or an organization of your choice that serves those in need.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com
Dr. Edward (Ed) Fulton Menhinick passed away on April 19, 2023 at the age of 87. Son of the late Howard Kenneth Menhinick and Dorothea Fulton Menhinick. Ed was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 18, 1935. He was the oldest of two boys and is survived by his brother Bob Menhinick.
Ed was happily married for 62 years and is survived by his loving wife Pozene (Pozy) Menhinick, who caused his face to light up every time he saw her! In addition to his wife, survivors include: his children: Mark and Eric Menhinick, and Kim Menhinick-Cochran; his grandchildren: Dr. Keith Menhinick, Wes and Dave Menhinick, Sage Ananda, Joleigh, Liam, and Lydia Cochran; as well as his daughter-in-law Tricia Menhinick and son-in-law Joey Cochran.
Ed graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Emory University. He then went on to earn a Master’s degree from Cornell University, and a PhD in Biology from the University of Georgia. Upon completion of his PhD, he worked at the Atomic Energy Commission’s Savannah’s River Plant, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and as a professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he taught for 42 years! Ed was interviewed and hired by UNCC Founder Bonnie Cone. Dr. Menhinick loved teaching and had a real concern for his students and a desire to see them succeed in life. He taught classes in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Problems, Ichthyology, Limnology, Oceanography, Radioisotope Techniques, Vertebrate Taxonomy, and Zoology. His favorite classes always involved real life experiences such as field trips where his students collected insects or seined for fish. He always worked to make his classes interesting and enjoyable. His favorite topics were always nature and science, and he loved to share what he learned with his students, his community, his children, and his grandchildren.
In 2011, Dr. Menhinick won the prestigious Fred A. Harris Fisheries Conservation Award for his dedication to environmental issues. This award was given in recognition of his many years of Environmental Impact Studies, his service on committees of endangered species, and the publication of his book, “The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina.” This book was the result of 25 years of research from sampling the fishes in fresh water streams and rivers in North Carolina. It has become the standard working tool for fishery biologists throughout the state. Even though Ed wrote a book on fishes, his specialty and passion was Entomology, insects. He had the largest private collection of insects in the state of North Carolina.
Ed loved learning even as a teenager and was proud to be an Eagle Scout. He continued this tradition with his sons, Mark and Eric, working with them in the Boy Scouts, both of whom also became Eagle Scouts. Likewise, Ed would come home early, countless days, from his job to work with his daughter, Kim, on her Science Fair projects. One such project on radiation and plant growth awarded her a trip to the International Science Fair, the same honor Ed had earned some three decades earlier! Ed was a dedicated, loving and supportive father and grandfather.
On a fun note, one of Ed’s family’s favorite memories of him was how much he loved Halloween. He would work for days helping his children make creative and spooky ways to scare neighborhood children on his favorite night of the year. He had ghosts with glow-in-the-dark masks hanging from the trees blowing in the wind and speakers with creepy sounds playing eerily in the background.
Perhaps the greatest impact Ed has left behind is with those who knew and loved him. He was a good man. He was kind, considerate, polite, giving, and cared deeply for others. He was always supportive of his family, and encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves. He was very intelligent and an extremely hard worker, who could do anything that he set his mind to doing. He enjoyed the simple things in life like walking to work with his green bucket, which he referred to as his “circular valise”, sitting outside on the porch swing with his dog Cocoa, feeding the birds, chasing away the squirrels, gardening, reading comic books and Goosebumps and watching Scooby-Doo. Ed was profusely loved, and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 25th at University Hills Baptist Church at 1p.m. Visitation will be at the church from 11am-1pm. Burial will immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
Contributions should be made to University Hills Baptist Church, 1500 Suther Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213 or to North Carolina Wildlife Federation, 1346 Saint Julien St. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Please, if you or your family members have inspirational or comical stories about Ed, the family would be ever-so grateful if you document them on Dignitymemorial.com for a book family members will later receive.