Williamston-Martin County, NC Village

10/26/2025

October 25, 1988, Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter, One of the Greatest Billiards/Pool Players that ever lived died at his home in Elizabeth City. NC (Pasquotank County). (November 5, 1918 – October 25, 1988)


Click Link https://amzn.to/3mogRei to View or Order Hustler Days: Minnesota Fats, Wimpy Lassiter, Jersey Red, and America's Great Age of Pool

Born in Elizabeth City 1918, Lassiter took an interest in pool at an early age, and the owner of a local pool hall in Elizabeth City let him practice there for free in exchange for cleaning the place after closing. He dropped out of school at 16 to pursue billiards full-time.

He gained the nickname “Wimpy” thanks to his insatiable appetite for hot dogs and soda, much like the Popeye cartoon character, who ate hamburgers.

After making money from pool mostly by challenging others to matches for money throughout the 1940s (that is “hustling”), Lassiter began to play the sport professionally in the early 1950s. He won his first championship title in 1962 and has more than 20 major titles to his name overall. Though he retired from pool in 1975, he continued to play in some smaller tournaments.

In 1983, Lassiter became the first, and so far only, person to be inducted into the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame for billiards. He was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame that same year.


Luther Lassiter spent his final days practically broke, living alone in the house of his childhood in Elizabeth City, on a pension provided by oil tycoon Walter Davis, who was a lifelong friend of Lassiter's. When they were children during the Great Depression, Lassiter would give Davis, who came from a poor farming family, a couple of dollars whenever he needed it, which often meant the difference between eating and not eating. Davis never forgot Lassiter's kindness, and repaid him by taking care of his necessities in his last years.

On October 25, 1988, days before what would have been his 70th birthday, Lassiter died of natural causes in his hometown of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He was found by his nephew next to his pool table where he had apparently been practicing.
Lassiter was interred in New Hollywood Cemetery in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

He was ranked number 9 on the Billiards Digest 50 Greatest Players of the Century
"I watch a man shoot pool for an hour. If he misses more than one shot I know I can beat him." --Luther Lassiter

When another hall of famer, 'Champagne' Edwin Kelly was asked who was the toughest player he ever played against, he responded that it depended on the game but that if it was "9-ball, it would have to be Luther Lassiter...Wimpy was the best...He was the best shot-maker that I ever saw.

In the mid-1950s, a common way for world billiards titles to change hands was by a challenge match, meaning a challenge was issued to a championship titleholder accompanied by stake money held by a third party. Lassiter's successful defense of his title at the World Pocket Billiard Challenge in 1966 against Cisero Murphy was the last title challenge in billiards. At that match Lassiter showed his talent at sharking—that is, performing some act with the intent of distracting the opponent. Reportedly, Murphy was on a great and long run of balls. In response, Lassiter pretended to fall asleep. When Murphy noticed Lassiter sleeping he promptly missed. Lassiter, who was wide awake, jumped out of his chair and ran out the match for the win

Click Link https://amzn.to/3ku5iSx to Order or View 2-Pieces Pool Cue Stick - Canadian Maple Professional Billiard Pool Cues Sticks with Hard Case, 3 in 1 Pool Stick Tip Tool, 3 Finger Glove and Chalk Holder

10/24/2025

Woodville Smokehouse is cutting a ribbon on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00 AM -

Randy Cherry is both a chef and entrepreneur and has brought his culinary skills to the people of Bertie County and surrounding areas by creating the Woodville Smokehouse and Woodville Market in Lewiston -Woodville, North Carolina

10/24/2025

Join us for our Fall Festival! Community youth are welcome.

10/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1F1ai6t7gB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/24/2025

Had our Annual Visit from the Good Folks at the Martin County Health Department this Morning. No it's not a 100 but for a Building that will be 50 years old next year, equipment that sometimes has to be put together with bandaids, a kitchen that sometimes not the best fit for what we do, something breaking every day, prepping and serving three meals a day, a HUGE menu, processing hundreds of pounds of BBQ and Sausage at the same time, and probably the hardest challenge is dealing with Gman daily!!!! With all that a 98 is a True Testament to how amazing the Staff is here at Shaw's!!!!! Of all days Gman had to leave for a Doctor's visit and wasn't on site but that was no problem each and everyone here at Shaw's stepped up. Was so proud to see this when I got back. Of course always room for improvement and it's a daily job to make things safe and the highest quality for our Customers!!!!! Gman and Shaw's are blessed beyond words to have the Team here at Shaw's and good is never enough so we will keep shooting for better!!!!!!

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

James Michael Mike Roberson age 85 of Robersonville passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 surrounded by his family at the Hospice House in Greenville, NC after a brief illness. He was born on June 10, 1939 to Ervin and Helen Williams Roberson and graduated in 1958 from Robersonville High

10/23/2025

Good Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!☀️. Make your Dirty Egg Omelette a Burrito!!!!! See Y'all at Shaw's!!!!!

10/23/2025

WILLIAMSTON — Teen Halloween Craft Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at Martin Memorial Library.

Teens are encouraged to bring creativity and craft a mini spooky library.

For more information, email [email protected].

Martin Memorial Library is located at 200 North Smithwick St. in Williamston.

Oct. 24

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training set

WILLIAMSTON — Youth Mental Health First Aid and Training is set for 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Martin Memorial Library.

The UNC School of Social Work will offer a free training for anyone interested in learning how to help a person experiencing a mental health or substance abuse challenge.

Contact Melissa Green for more information at [email protected]

Martin Memorial Library is located at 200 North Smithwick St. in Williamston.

Oct. 25

Chicken Mull Festival scheduled

BEAR GRASS — The 12th annual Bear Grass Chicken Mull Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Bear Grass.

Vendor and sponsor applications are online at chickenmullfestival.com.

Oct. 26

Adjustable beaded bracelet class planned

WILLIAMSTON — The Martin County Arts Council will host an Adjustable Beaded Bracelet Class from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 at the arts council.

The class is for those aged 10-and-up and will cost $25. The price includes all the supplies and materials.

Call the Martin County Arts Council at 252-789-8470 to register.

The Martin County Arts Council is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Oct. 28

Storytime set

WILLIAMSTON — Storytime is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Martin Memorial Library.

Youth Services Library Assistant Jessika Patrick for a storytime designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Children must be accompanied by parents.

Martin Memorial Library is located at 200 North Smithwick St. in Williamston.

Oct. 31

Trunk or Treat planned

JAMESVILLE — The Friendly Spot will host a Trunk or Treat from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 at the Community Garden behind The Friendly Spot.

Nov. 7

First Friday Music series continues

PLYMOUTH — The First Friday Music Series will continue from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Bear Town Market in Plymouth.

Gerry Maddox will be on hand with acoustic, classic rock and coastal music.

The Bear Town Market is located at 118 Washington St. in Plymouth.

Nov. 8

Document History Scanning Day set

WILLIAMSTON — The E.J. Hayes Alumni Association and State Library of North Carolina are partnering to offer a free digital event on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Alumni Center.

The event is open to the public and will enable participants to record and preserve their personal historic documents and photos in digital formats.

There will be two scanning stations and people can register for one, 15-minute appointment. Participants will receive a free USB drive with the digital copies and educational resources on digitizing personal records.

The alumni center is located at 705 Washington St. in Williamston.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day parade planned

WILLIAMSTON — The AMVETS Post 227 will host a Veterans Day parade at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in Williamston.

The parade will begin at the E.J. Hayes School.

A ceremony will follow at 205 East Main St. in Williamston.

Nov. 17

Chenille Chunky Lap Blanket class set

WILLIAMSTON — The Martin County Arts Council will host a Chenille Chunky Lap Blanket Class from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 at the arts council.

The class is for adults and will cost $50. The prince includes personal instruction and all the supplies to make the blanket.

Call the Martin County Arts Council at 252-789-8470 to register.

The Martin County Arts Council is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Nov. 18

Democratic Party meeting set

WILLIAMSTON — The Martin County Democratic Party will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the E.J. Hayes Alumni Center.

The Alumni Center is located at 705 Washington St. in Williamston.

Nov. 29

Christmas Farmers Market slated

WILLIAMSTON — A Farmers Market Christmas is planned from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, nov. 29 at the Martin County Farmers Market.

Santa will be a guest at the market from 10 a.m. until noon.

The Martin County Farmers Market is located at 102 River Dr. in Williamston.

Nov. 22

Williamston Christmas parade set

WILLIAMSTON — The Williamston Christmas parade is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in downtown Williamston.

Ongoing

Robersonville Exhibit Hall open

ROBERSONVILLE — The Robersonville Exhibit Hall will be open from Thursday through Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment.

The Exhibit “The Revolutionary War Highlights” is featured, along with other Robersonville history Exhibits.

The Robersonville Exhibit Hall is located at 112 South Main St. in Robersonville.

HSE classes available

High School Equivalency classes are available during the day in Windsor, Williamston and Robersonville.

When funds are available, assistance may be given to qualified students to help with testing fees. Each test is $26 and there are four tests needed for completion of the High School Equivalency. All basic skills classes are free.

For more information, call Angie Mobley at 252-789-0288.

Food Pantry open

WILLIAMSTON — The Friends of God Food Pantry, located at 503 North Haughton St. and sponsored by Macedonia Christian Church, distributes food on the second Tuesday of each month from 3-5 p.m.

For more information, call Phyllis Rodgerson (799-9456).

Martin County Transit offers free rides

MARTIN COUNTY — Martin County transit will be providing free rides for persons living in Martin County.

This is while funding lasts. Anyone can ride.

Call Martin County Transit at 252-789-4390.

Guardian ad Litem program seeks volunteers

WILLIAMSTON — Become a Guardian ad Litem Program volunteer to help abused and neglected children.

No specific education or experience is required to volunteer for this program; only a true desire to “be a voice for a child in the community”.

Contact the local program to learn more by calling 252-809-5168 or visit volunteerforgal.org.

Free parenting classes

WILLIAMSTON — Free parenting classes are being offered by the Coastal Pregnancy Center.

The class is for mothers and fathers in the community and will be held at the Agape Health Services clinic in Williamston.

For more information or to schedule a class, call CPC at 252-946-8040.

E.J. Hayes Alumni hours set

WILLIAMSTON — The E.J. Hayes Alumni Center and office are now open. Office hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Friday are by appointment only.

Contact Angela Bell at 789-1074 for rental appointments or email [email protected].

Ruritanettes will meet

FARM LIFE — Farm Life Ruritanettes have meetings the first Thursday of every month at the Ruritan Building in Farm Life. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

GED Testing offered at MCC

WILLIAMSTON — Martin Community College’s Division of Continuing Education offers online GED testing for all four competency modules: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, science and social studies.

For more information, call 252-789-0229.

Shrine Club holds monthly meetings

WILLIAMSTON — The Martin County Shrine Club holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Shrine Club, 5470 U.S. 17, Williamston. All Nobles are welcome.

Shrinettes Club meets

WILLIAMSTON — Martin County Shrinettes Club holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month.

Shrinettes are the wives, mothers, widows, sisters, daughters or stepdaughters of a Shriner, who are 18 years or older.

Any advancement of the club is welcome. Come join the fun and fellowship.

DAV helps with claims

WILLIAMSTON — The Disabled American Veterans meet the second and fourth Tuesday of every month to file claims at the AmVets Post 227 building, 214 East Main St., Williamston.

For more information, call service officers Charles Lins, 252-508-6326 or Charles “Red” Beddard, 252-802-0633.

There is no charge for this service.

Veterans Services offered

WILLIAMSTON — The Martin County Veterans Service Office provides professional services by a nationally-and-state-

For more information, call Thurman Savage at 252-789-4398 or visit 205 E. Main St., Williamston.

No appointment necessary.

Skill Building Sessions offered at RPL

ROBERSONVILLE — Robersonville Public Library is offering 30-minute, one-on-one sessions with library staff providing customized help and skill building to members of the community, free of charge.

Examples include learning to navigate the library, building computer skills, research and more.

These sessions must be scheduled in advance by calling 252-508-0342.

https://www.reflector.com/enterprise/features/local/out-about-week-of-oct-23-2025/article_70da2f67-587a-4fbb-9cf2-c61f0065b9f6.html

Out and About lists current events sponsored by nonprofit groups and churches in Martin County. Please send listings to The Enterprise, 106 West Main St., Williamston, NC 27892 or email

10/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19ey7KzMRH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/20/2025

Special Olympics returns to Martin Co. Oct. 24
John Foley

It’s Special Olympic time once again.

The events are held twice yearly, once in the spring and again in the fall, and each are held at Godwin Coppage Park Softball Complex.

Coordinator for the Special Olympics Regina Smith has volunteered in Martin County for almost eight years and is excited about the upcoming Oct. 24 event.

“This is a voluntary position and the best reward is seeing how happy our attendees are at our events. We typically host two events a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Thanks to the support of the Williamston Recreation Department, we host these events at the Godwin Coppage Park Softball Complex. It is a great facility because everyone can spread out if needed, but we can keep everyone contained in a safe space as well,” said Smith.

Smith heads the local program, one of 100 sub accredited programs throughout the state. North Carolina plays an important role in the national Special Olympics picture.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics visioning individuals with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activity than many experts believed. Shriver organized the first Special Olympics International Games in Chicago, Illinois in 1968.

Six athletes from North Carolina were among the first time participants. Special Olympics North Carolina held its first Games in 1970 with 400 participants and has since grown to be recognized globally as one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world.

“At our events we usually have skilled competitions for medals and ribbons, but I also like to hold a fun day as well. At both events we provide snacks as well as lunch to our athletes, school staff, volunteers, community members and family members who attend,” said Smith. “Athletes who participate in the skilled events receive either a metal or ribbon. We also have prizes for the games at our events. We also make sure that at least once a year our athletes, as well as teachers, assistants and volunteers receive a t-shirt with a design used to help promote positivity.”

The main objective of these events is to celebrate the special needs students attending Martin County Schools. Students from Bear Grass Charter and Hobgood Charter schools are included in the activities.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

“Special Olympics NC is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization and we rely on donations and fundraising efforts in order to hold our events. We don’t receive any funding from the county or Martin County Schools or from state or federal programs,” said Smith. “We have a lot of great support from individuals, churches, businesses and organizations here in Martin County.

“This year I have mailed out donation request letters to local businesses, we held a t-shirt design contest and then a t-shirt sale as a fundraiser,” she added.

Smith and other volunteers have also worked the concession stand at the Martin County Farmers Market to raise funding and awareness.

Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment — on the playing field and in life.

The Special Olympic events attract close to 200 people, including athletes, school staff, volunteers and community members and family.

The Martin County Law Officers Association is a partner in the activities and provides lunch for the event.

“I spearhead the majority of the work behind our events, but I do have a great group of go-to volunteers who are always willing to pitching in and help,” Smith said. “Angela Cross, Patricia Griffin, Betty Lou Griffin, Sharon White, Donna Brown, Frankie Jackson and Dayna Lee are always willing to help where needed.

“Although a lot of work, time and effort go into creating these events, it is worth it,” said Smith. “When I get to see how excited these amazing children are at our events, hearing them laughing and cheering each other on, all the smiles that we see on everyone’s faces definitely make all the hard work worth it. They deserve to be celebrated and to be made to feel special. Please join us, It will be an experience you won’t forget.”

The fall Special Olympics is scheduled for 0 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Godwin Coppage Park Softball Complex.

John Foley can be contacted at [email protected]

https://www.reflector.com/enterprise/news/local/special-olympics-returns-to-martin-co-oct-24/article_20a43696-0764-4271-8822-8a984f298c20.html