TONY ANGEL INDUCTED INTO NORTH CAROLINA LIONS HALL OF FAME

Tony Angel, of Franklin, North Carolina was inducted into the North Carolina Lions Clubs Hall of Fame at the association’s 102nd State Convention, held in Greensboro, North Carolina from April 16 through April 19, 2026.

“Membership in the Hall of Fame is based on servant leadership and engaging in and supporting humanitarian service and disaster relief in their community, throughout North Carolina, and the Association’s worldwide efforts,” said Past International President Sid L. Scruggs, III.

“Lion Tony has been recognized on numerous occasions for his humanitarian service. He has also received the International Presidential Leadership medal from the President of Lions Clubs International, which is the second highest award a Lion can receive. It is right and fitting that this remarkable Lion be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Scruggs.

The North Carolina Lions only inducts two members annually from each of the five Districts in which the State is divided, one living and one posthumously. Angel represents District 31-L.

A member of the Franklin Lions Club since 2005, Angel has served twice as the Franklin club president and has been active in many of the club’s community events and fundraisers.

"After doing business with and becoming friends with Tony Angel, I knew he would make a good Lion. I was thrilled to see that he became a GREAT LION! So proud to be his sponsor," said Ruth Hensz-Stilwell, President of the Franklin Lions Club.

In recent years, Angel has been engaged in both district and state initiatives.

“The Lions of North Carolina are blessed that Lion Tony has adopted us and shares with us his talent and professional skills,” said Past International Director Gwen White. “In my mind, there is no one more deserving to be in the Lions Hall of Fame than our beloved Lion Tony Angel.”

Susie Dailey, State Convention Co-Chair and Past District Governor of District 31-O said, “I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Lion Tony and witnessing the magic he creates. His work on our state convention program books is legendary and there is no replacing him. He is a joy to all who know him, near and far! He is so deserving of this honor.”

In recognition of his service to the association, Lion Tony has received numerous other awards including multiple International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two Jack Stickley Fellowships, the Lions Ambassador Award and the Lacy & Esther Presnell VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Ambassador Award. Lion Tony is also the recipient of a William L. Woolard Partner in Service award and the Sid L. Scruggs, III, Beacon of Hope (Lighthouse) award.

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TALLEY KINSLAND RECEIVES 2024 FRANKLIN LIONS SCHOLARSHIP

 

Talley Kinsland of Franklin High School was awarded the Franklin Lions Club's Annual Scholarship during the school's Annual Scholarship Night.

Talley will receive $1,000 per year toward her higher learning. Our congratulations and best wishes for continued success to Talley!

We also thank those of you that support our many fundraising efforts that make the Franklin Lions Annual Scholarship Program possible!

 

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HOWARD HAITHCOCK INDUCTED INTO NC LIONS HALL OF FAME

 

Howard Haithcock of Franklin, NC was posthumously elected to the North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame during the association’s 99th State Convention held April 27 to 30, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“All who met Lion Howard would never think that this giant of a man had the compassionate heart that was the epitome of Lionism,” said District Governor Marilyn Wunderler. “His selfless service not only to his community but people across the State of North Carolina is immeasurable. We are proud to honor his contributions to Lions with his induction in the North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame.”

His son and member of the Franklin Lions Club, Pete Haithcock was on hand to accept the honor in his memory.

Haithcock joined the Franklin Lions Club in 1957 and held all offices and major project chairmanships within the club including president. He also held a perfect attendance record for over 30 years.

In 1967, he became the first District Governor to be elected from the rolls of the Franklin Lions Club for fiscal year 1967-1968. He was also elected to Chairman of the North Carolina State Council in Chicago in 1967.

Haithcock took the lead in what is now Lions District 31-L. Under his direction, operational improvements were made to Eliada Home in Asheville, the Marjorie McCune Center in Black Mountain and Camp Dogwood near Charlotte.

Under Howard’s leadership, the “white cane” program flourished as well as Special Olympics for handicapped children.

Lion Howard was always instrumental in eye screenings, assisting with the purchase of eye vans and sponsoring screenings throughout the community with local volunteer nurses.

Haithcock realized the importance of women as future club members and fully supported Lion Pat Shepherd from the Hendersonville club who became the first female club president in western North Carolina. He also mentored many club presidents and sponsored numerous club members inductions for the West district.

In recognition of his service to the association, he received numerous awards including the Melvin Jones Award, Jack Stickley Fellow, District Lion of the Year, 100% Governor’s Award and 100% Secretary from the late 1970’s through 1993.

Lion Howard Haithcock passed away in 2002 at 93 years of age having served as a faithful Lion for 43 years.

 

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FRANKLIN LIONS CLUB MONTHLY MEETINGS

 

The Franklin Lions meet the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Louisa Chapel Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 6:00pm.

Directions: take 64 West. Louisa Chapel is the first left after you go through stoplight at Sloan Road. Stay on Louisa Chapel Road. When you pass September Embers Dr. on left church is on left ... 470 Louisa Chapel Road.