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Wilson Hoyle III, Henderson native, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
As managing director and head of CAPTRUST’s Advisor Group, Hoyle oversees the firm’s business development and practice management initiatives.
Hoyle, not to be confused with his father Dr. Wilson Hoyle, Jr., dentist in Henderson, reflected on growing up in Vance County, the recent passing of community leaders Coach Joe Stepusin and Mr. Wayne Adcock and the lasting impact that educators have on a person’s life.
A retired teacher and coach with the Vance County School System, Stepusin passed away at the age of 86 on September 28, 2020.
Former superintendent, principal and educator with the Vance County School System, Adcock passed away November 1, 2020, at the age of 73.
Both men played a role in Hoyle’s upbringing. “When I got the news on both of them… A lot of things pop in your head, and you tend to reflect on your own life,” said Hoyle. “I just felt grateful to have people like those two men that have made my life richer.”
1983 Vance Senior High School Basketball Team. Coach Joe Stepusin standing – far right, back row. Wilson Hoyle III (number 15) on lower right. (Photo courtesy Ricky Stilley)
Hoyle said Stepusin – his high school basketball coach – was respected without having to raise his voice. “I was so proud to be a part of that team; he was my coach. The thing I remember most was just his kindness; he was so kind-hearted. I don’t recall him ever yelling at us at practice when we probably should have been yelled at a few times!”
Going on to play football at Wake Forest University, Hoyle said Stepusin would attend one or two games a year. “I would see him outside of the locker room, and he always told me he was proud; it makes you feel good.”
Remembering Adcock, Hoyle shared a story of how he would jump the fence of the former Henderson High/Middle School’s Veterans Field to practice and “act like I didn’t see Mr. Adcock seeing me.”
When Hoyle approached Adcock about his supposed trespassing, he said the then middle school principal expressed support for his practice and joked they would need to get a key made for Hoyle so he “wouldn’t get hurt jumping the stupid fence.”
“It really motivated me to know that people in my hometown were proud of me, supported me and encouraged me,” said Hoyle. “We all can’t do enough of that day in and day out.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.