Central High School recognized the newest member of the Hall of Fame. The Class of 2022 inductees are Mr. Bill Stone, Mr. Stanley Ridley, Mrs. Gayle Murrow, and Mr. Terrance Parks. Inductees were recognized at halftime during Friday night’s football game.
From the early beginning of their children’s start at Central, Bill and Kay Stone were determined to become personally involved in the extra-curricular activities offered to the Central community. Their plan was to serve early and often to help create the best atmosphere and opportunities for all students. They volunteered for the Athletic Booster Club as members as well as serving as officers throughout the years until after both Wesley and Sydney graduated from Central High School. From athletics to band to academics, the Stone’s love to support, encourage and cheer on the Mighty Lions in all their efforts.
During the years Bill and Kay were active, the Booster Club played an important role in many facility improvements including:
– indoor softball/baseball complex
– new track and football field
– new field house
– renovation to the softball field
– tennis court re-surfacing
– gym renovations
Bill loved the opportunity to volunteer at the Carroll County Recreation department, coaching baseball, basketball and football while his son Wesley was in elementary school. He believes a great feeder program of athletics is a key ingredient to successful middle and high school programs. Like so many families in the Central community, the Stones believe it is not enough for a person to just live, work and play in a community, they believe in serving others. Learning to serve others and do more than what is expected is the life blood and company mission of their family business, SMI. Going the Extra Mile with a Passion to Serve.
When contacted about being selected into the Central Athletic Hall of Fame, Bill responded, “There are so many other individuals and families who have done so much more for Central… this is a huge honor and we are so grateful to the Central family for teaching, coaching and inspiring our kids during their elementary, middle and high school years. It is a pleasure to call Central our home.”
Mr. Stanley Ridley graduated from Central in 1993. Mr. Ridley was a 4-year letterman in basketball, football, and track.
Stanley ran track four (4) consecutive years, was named the Carroll County MVP for three years, and was the Central track team MVP his sophomore, junior, and senior year. He was the Carroll County champion in the 110 hurdles and the 300 intermediate hurdles. He was named to the track and field All American team by Track & Field News his senior year. Stanley finished 3rd in state his junior year, and was state champion in the 110 hurdles his senior year with a time of 13.64 seconds, placing him on the Georgia All-Times list. Stanley still holds the Central High 110 hurdles school record. He was also named the offensive MVP his junior and senior year in football and was a four-year letterman on the basketball team.
After high school, Mr. Ridley attended Odessa Junior College where he was a two time All American. He then attended the University of Central Oklahoma on a track scholarship and was a 4-time Track and Field Division two All American and a current University of Central Oklahoma record holder in the 110 hurdles.
Stanley is currently the owner of Pinnacle Contracting Services and University Car Wash & Detail in Carrollton. He serves as a community coach with our middle school football team.
Mrs. Murrow shared that being inducted into the Central High School Hall of Fame is quite an honor. She stated, “I love Central High School. I always have and I always will. The old saying, ‘Once a Lion Always a Lion’ certainly rings true for me and my family.”
In 1967, she graduated from Central High School, as did Bobby, her husband of 54 years. Her daughters, Cathy Murrow Fontenot and Kari Murrow Fabregas both graduated from CHS as well.
Following graduation from high school, she attended West Georgia College majoring in Business Education while earning the National Business Education Association’s Award for Excellence.
She began her career as a Lion in 1973 teaching in the then Vocational/Business Department. Her first year was spent teaching Typewriting on manual typewriters, Short-hand, and Office Practice. Throughout the years, manual typewriters advanced to electric typewriters, word processors, Apple computers, and then IBM compatible computers. She was on the committee to help bring in Apple computers to the classroom. These were the first classroom computers at Central High School. She also taught a variety of Business Courses – Accounting, Career Education, Programming, and Vocational Office Training. (VOT) which later became known as Cooperative Business Education (CBE) was a Work-Study Program that was a part of today’s Work-Based Learning program. She always had excellent community partners, and together they guided students successfully in the workforce.
During her years teaching at Central High School, she earned two additional degrees. She earned a Master’s in Education in 1974 and a Specialist in Education in 1978. Also, during this time, she was honored by receiving various awards. In 1985, she was the Central High School Teacher of the Year. She was named Sixth District Business Teacher of the Year in 1986 and again in 1990. In 1994, she was inducted into the International Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an educator’s organization.
While degrees and honors are certainly nice, the memories she treasures most from teaching involve her work with her students. During her time at Central, she coached the Band’s Drill Team, was advisor of the Nike Club, and she served as advisor to freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students. Her role as advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America holds a special place in her heart. She was an advisor for FBLA her entire time at Central and treasures the memories of working with some of the best students ever while earning awards at the district, state, and national levels.
In 2003, she officially retired from teaching at Central High School. Over the next 10 years, she continued to work in the classroom. After retirement, she was a long-term substitute at Bowdon and Villa Rica High school, as well as a part-time faculty member of West Georgia Technical College.
Since retirement, she has also become a member of the West Georgia Optimist Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoys traveling in their RV and spending time with friends and participating in church activities. She receives the most enjoyment spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchild.
Mrs. Murrow also shared that “It seems like just yesterday that I was teaching my first students how to type on a manual typewriter. It’s hard to believe that now my grandchildren are teaching me how to use my iPhone!! Again, thank you so very much for this CHS Hall of Fame honor – an honor I will never forget.”
Terrance Parks is a 1985 graduate of CHS. During his time at Central, Terrance was a three (3) sport athlete in football, basketball, and track.
Terrance was the captain of the 1984 football team, posting the school’s first ever perfect regular season record. Terrance was selected to play in the Georgia north/south All-Star game. While at Central, he was a four (4) year starter in basketball and was captain of the state championship team in 1985. In track, Terrance was also an elite athlete. He was a state champion long jumper in 1983, 84, and 85. He set the state long jump record his sophomore year and was a member of the record setting relay teams.
After graduation, Terrance received a football scholarship to Clemson University, where he was a dual athlete on both the football and track teams. While at Clemson, Terrance set the freshman long jump record.
Terrance is arguably considered to be the best all-around athlete to ever compete in the West Georgia area.
Today, Mr. Parks is married to his wife, Helen Parks, and together they have four children. Terrance volunteers as a youth football coach and mentors’ young men. He attends Faith Missionary Church in Carrollton and operates heavy equipment for Eagle Demolition.
Congratulations to Hall of Fame inductees Bill Stone, Stanley Ridley, Gayle Murrow, and Terrance Parks.
