Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 17, 1993 TAG: 9306170377
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
But they share one common characteristic: As parents, they have become role models for others.
Since the 1950s, Roanoke Valley dads have been honored for their commitment and contributions to children. Judges, teachers, lawyers, coaches, politicians and businessmen all have shared the spotlight.
The Father of the Year program, sponsored by Credit Marketing and Management Association, recognizes fathers whose contributions are detailed in letters of nomination from family members or others in the community.
Credit Marketing officials say hundreds of letters are received each year around Father's Day. Because letters are so impressive, nominations are active for three years. Fathers are selected by a panel of community members, including past recipients, who review the letters.
James Deaton, Father of the Year for Youth Leadership, and his wife, Hazel, have been put to the test as parents. Their only son died at age 17 after a seven-year illness, and a daughter is mentally handicapped.
Despite these challenges, Deaton has an extended family that includes hundreds of young men. The Northwest Roanoke scoutmaster has devoted 38 years to Boy Scouting. An impressive 52 have been guided to the rank of Eagle Scout, so far.
"As the proud parent of two of these Eagle Scouts, I know firsthand that the experience and training that my sons received under the leadership of Jim Deaton helped mold them into fine young men," wrote George Shay in his nomination letter. "This positive influence came at a time in their lives when peer pressure could have led them into trouble."
Deaton said his success with young people comes from his ability to treat them fairly.
"I have dealt honestly with them and delivered what I promised. I have treated them like my own kids. I tried to be a father and a friend with all of them as best I could," Deaton said.
His philosophy of raising children is simple: "You do what you think is best, and hope and pray to God that you've done the right things."
The Deatons also have two grown daughters who are teachers, and five grandchildren.
Deaton, who studied electronics and served as a Marine during the Korean War, was employed for 35 years at C&P Telephone. In addition to his active role in Boy Scouts, Deaton is an elder at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
He said he was shocked to learn he had been selected Father of the Year.
"I think it is a great program. I believe in it wholeheartedly. It provides the chance for others to see what sacrifices parents have made to raise families and help the community," said Deaton.
In his 30 years as a meteorologist, Fred Horton, Father of the Year in Civic Affairs, came to be known as "Roanoke's weatherman." But the father of two has worn many hats in the community.
Horton, a charter member of the North Roanoke Rotary Club, has 35 years of perfect attendance with the organization; is an Sunday school teacher at Oakland Baptist Church; and drives his own car three times weekly to such places as South Boston, Waynesboro, Hot Springs, Fort Chiswell and West Virginia, collecting blood for the American Red Cross.
He has rung the Salvation Army bell to collect money for the needy; volunteered time to numerous fund-raisers; was the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club's chief volunteer examiner for Federal Communications Commission test sessions; and provided emergency radio communications during the flood of 1985.
But, Horton said, his biggest claim to fame is his children and grandchildren.
"He has taught me the value of life and love. I was his shadow when I was little, and I can honestly say that I never saw him do or heard him say anything that I would be embarrassed to tell the world," wrote his daughter, Anne Horton, in her nominating letter.
"Daddy loves children, and they seem to naturally sense this. . . . He and mother have often done without themselves to provide for a child in need," Anne Horton said.
"What is remarkable is that he took every activity with utter seriousness, from raising money for band uniforms to standing for hours [as a science fair judge] listening to students explain their scientific apparatus," said Horton's son, Fred Horton Jr., a professor at Wake Forest University.
"My sister and I grew up just knowing that one gets involved without much more rationale than that involvement is what people do. Only in adulthood came the realization of just how rare such a self-giving lifestyle is," the younger Fred Horton said.
"I tried to teach our children the way I live my own life. Live every day and make the most of it," said the senior Horton, adding that his own mother inspired him as a child.
"We lived on a farm, and she saw to it we got to school, had clean clothes to wear, helped with our lessons."
A.C. Channaiah believes education is the key to personal and professional happiness and success, and he has dedicated his life to improving education since he came to the United States in 1969.
Channaiah and his wife, Jaya, have three daughters. He said he and his wife became partners with their children's schools from the first day.
"Without education I would not have been able to come to this great country, and my family would not be where it is today," said Channaiah, who came to the United States from India in 1969.
"Education is everything - it is knowledge which leads us to the doors of opportunity. It allows us to make our lives more meaningful and productive and gives us the creativity we need for diversity in the world. It enables our minds to discriminate between love and hate."
In her letter nominating her dad for Father of the Year in Education, Nanda, one of the Channaiah's 16-year-old twins, recalled her father's unfortunate start in life.
Left to provide for his mother and siblings at an early age, Channaiah worked hard in the fields of his home village in India, then walked many miles to school.
Channaiah said he was inspired by a mother who wanted the best for him educationally and had teachers who had the tools to help him succeed. Members of his village contributed to his college education until he was independent enough to make it on his own.
Years later, a successful engineer living in Roanoke, Channaiah sent money to his village, Kunigal, to build a much-needed high school. He is proud that the school is named after his mother.
Channaiah said he was completely surprised to win the Father of the Year award.
"I believe in the great commitment of parents to children. We must serve as good role mod Channaiah els and instill the values and disciplines that help them become responsible, law-abiding citizens."
Nanda wrote: "There is not enough thank-you's to give him. . . . He is a gift to me and my family. All his friends look to him as a mentor and adviser."
Channaiah said his greatest challenge as a parent has been finding a mix between Western culture and the Eastern values of his upbringing. Toward that end, he has supported his three daughters' education in Roanoke County schools while also driving them more than 100 miles away for weekend classes in traditional Indian dance.
Channaiah's personal challenge has been to try not to be too strict and to loosen up and let go once his children were ready to be responsible for themselves.
"I appeal through this process to all parents to take an active role not only in the development of their children but also in [that of] the children of our society.
"As parents, we did not simply foster their academic education, but also took great interest in shaping their morals, values, religious principles, self-discipline, cultural ties, respect for elders and stressed the importance of leadership in society as well," he said.
The Rev. Dr. J.A. Braxton Sr. has been the pastor of First Baptist Church in Salem for 23 years, but he said his greatest accomplishment always has been his children.
"We've raised a teacher, an Oxford scholar, a chemist and a member of the armed forces. . . . I am proud of them all," said the Father of the Year for Religion.
Braxton said he worked with his wife, Louise, a kindergarten teacher, as a team to raise their children.
"We did not use the current formula for raising kids."
The Braxtons paid no allowances and did not identify particular chores as "male" or "female."
"If something needed doing, they were expected to do it because they wanted to contribute in a positive way to the family. Likewise, if someone had a need, we worked together as a family to get it. No quotas, no allowances," Braxton said.
He said his children were taught "good, old-fashioned values."
In the letter nominating his father, Brad Braxton, a Rhodes Scholar studying at Oxford University in England, wrote: "His wisdom has counseled and inspired youth, salvaged broken relationships and consoled bereaving families."
Upon learning he had been honored as Father of the Year, Braxton said, "I was numbed at first. I was certain they had the wrong person."
He said his son's letter "was dynamic. I never knew I had impressed him so much."
Braxton is credited with starting his church's EXCEL program, which offers free tutoring to people of all ages by community volunteers.
In his work with troubled families, Braxton said he has identified several recurring themes.
"Trustworthiness is a big one. Kids have no faith in parents. Parents think kids are inattentive. There are lots of authority issues. Many troubles are caused by overworked parents who are tired and unable to give the amount of parental time they would like to."
Braxton tells parents to be role models: "Don't let them wonder what you are about - demonstrate fatherhood in everything you say and do."
"My father said to me: `Make this world a better place.' The church has shown me how to be the best I can be. My parents taught me how."
Braxton said he has been touched by the words of John Tillson, a teacher of practical theology: "He who prepares for this life only is wise but for a moment and a fool forever."
"My personal goal is to do good in this life and prepare for the world to come," Braxton said.
Ed Natt initially was nominated by his father-in-law, but letters from his two sons and wife, Claire, along with letters of support from others who know him, made him a strong candidate for Father of the Year for Family Life.
"In spite of a very busy work schedule, Ed has maintained a well-balanced life that includes priority time for his family as well as emphasis on spiritual and recreational activities with his family," wrote his father-in-law, Roger Elmore.
Robert Glenn Jr., a friend of Natt's, wrote: "We need outstanding role models that take the business of being a father seriously, that take the responsibilities of community and church leadership seriously and that take the time to demonstrate compassion to those around them. Ed Natt is such an individual."
Natt's sons' letters praised the amount of time and energy he puts into their athletic endeavors.
"He presides over family meetings and listens carefully to each child's concerns," said Claire Natt.
Natt has been a basketball coach with a North Roanoke County recreation club for 12 years, a T-ball coach and PTA president, all while serving in demanding professional positions that include assistant Roanoke city attorney, Roanoke County attorney, private practice attorney and substitute judge for General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
"In my business, I see so many families being torn down. It is refreshing to see parents rewarded for their hard work and good values," said Natt, who was surprised when notified he had won Father of the Year.
Barbara Peery, Natt's sister, recalled that Natt, at 13, helped lead the family when their father died. Peery said Natt was as much an inspiration to her as his mother was to him in the years she maintained the family without the assistance of their father.
Natt said his biggest challenge as a father has been "raising two sons so that they will respect other people and have good values."
His greatest joy is "seeing them happy and well-adjusted, having a good time."
Natt has been credited with driving one son to 5 a.m. swim meets and limiting professional and social commitments to spend time with his family.
Claire Natt said her sons love and respect their father and always look forward to his coming home.
In law and in life, Natt believes it is important "to treat people fairly, be honest, and love your neighbors."
"I think it's really important to keep the family unit together. Encourage strong values, and things will work out. Life is not an easy task. It's essential to keep plugging away."
Like the other fathers, Natt said he was really impressed with the other fathers recognized this year.
"In today's society, we hear so many bad things. It's just really good to be around people who feel the way you do . . . have the same values."
Natt said he would like to see the program expanded to include the many parents who make positive contributions to the development of Roanoke's children but are not recognized.
by CNB