We all feel his loss keenly. We all considered him... I especially consider him a great friend.
Collegedale lost a founding member, former mayor, businessman and philanthropist last week: 90-year-old William Hulsey.
One of the five founders of the city, Hulsey was well-known for his involvement with Southern Adventist University and his cabinetry business, Collegedale Caseworks, but it is perhaps his work launching The Samaritan Center that has become his greatest legacy, said longtime friend and fellow board member for the center, Dr. Ben Wygal.
"Bill Hulsey was both the inspiration for and prime supporter for The Samaritan Center since its beginning," Wygal said. " He singlehandedly got it started and chaired the board until he passed that on to me about nine years ago. So many, many wonderful things that have happened are because of him.
"He was the founder, the dreamer and the implementer. And he was such a personable, interesting and fun guy to be with."
Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation Director David Barto said he too knew Hulsey well, and that those who worked with him across the city, whether in business or fundraising, were already feeling his loss.
"Bill was a mighty man, a great business man, an inspiring leader of other men," said Barto. " [He was] a friend of my grandparents, parents and my wife and mine. Our thoughts go out to the Hulsey family and his sweet wife, Mrs. H."
To find out more about The Samaritan Center's nonprofit work in the community, visit thesamaritancenter.net or call 238-7777.
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.