Monday, January 13, 2020
I met Ralph when I was coaching the Home Federal boys basketball (ages 9 & 10) at the Greensboro, NC YMCA in 1970. I remember I was having our weekly practice and was talking to the boys and this gentleman, who I had seen walking around the gym, stopped to listen to what I was saying. I asked him if I could help him with anything--and he introduced himself to me. He said he loved basketball and was glad Home Federal could sponsor a team. My philosophy was to teach the fundamentals and have fun. Ralph liked my way of teaching so much that he wanted me to come to work for HF, and through the schools, work with kids in the Greensboro public school system. I would have loved to do this but I had a good job with Burlington Industries and couldn't afford to leave. I don't remember how long Ralph was president of HF, but every year he was there and I coached, he would open a small savings account for the boys. It was great to get to know him and call him my friend. Chick Barnes. Greensboro
