Omoga Chapter Laurence
T. Young,
Sr.,
Editor
Brother NORRIS H. ATKINS, a dentist who was in private practice for 50 years and a Fellow of the American College of Dentistry, passed into Omega Chapter on Janaury 22, 1984. Brother Atkins left a legacy of service to his profession, his community and his Fraternity. In recognition of his outstanding service to his profession and to the community, Brother Atkins was awarded a plaque by the Howard Dental Alumni on May 6, 1981. During World War II, he received a medal for his dental work on inductees for the Selective Service Board. He also played a vital role as a member of the Executive Committee of the Robert T. Freeman Dental Society. One of the projects on which he worked for the Society was a campaign for improved dental hygiene for D. C. school children. He was also a life member of the American Dental Society, founding member of the Rock Creek East Civic Association, past treasurer of the Northwest Civic Association and a member of the Board of Plymouth Congregational Church. He was a life member of the NAACP and the Urban League. He served on boards of the Model Cities Development Corporation and the Pigskin Club. A native of Harrisonburg, Virginia, he graduated from Wilberforce University where he was initiated in Xi Chapter in 1924, and received his D. D. S. at Howard in 1930. He served as treasurer of Mu Lambda Chapter for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth Dougherty of Washington. Brother EDWARD JULIAN AUSTIN entered Omega Chapter on January 24, 1984 at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D. C,following a brief illness. He was a n a t i v e of Richmond, Virginia and moved to Washington, D. C. in 1930. He was initiated in Beta Chapter and later served in numerous positions in Mu Lambda Chapter. Until 1972, Brother Austin was Chief Executive Officer of Daco Fuel Oil Company, which he founded in 1950. His next effort was One America, Inc., a firm he headed until his retirement. He also served as a consultant to Peine Steel Company at safety conferences in Munich and Peine, Germany. In addition to membership on the District of Columbia Minimum Wage and Industrial Safety Board, he also served on the District's Board of Appeals; the Unemployment Security Board; and the United States National Defense Executive Reserve Commission. Brother Austin was founding President of the Southwest House Federal Credit Union and One Thousand Friends of Southwest House, and a Board member thereof. His civic contributions inThe Sphinx/Fall 1984
cluded service as Mayor and member of the Board of Commissioners of Highland Beach, Maryland, where he maintained a summer house. He is survived by his wife, Jessica; two children, Jessica and Stephen; a brother, William; two sisters, Sallie and Kathryn; and four grandchildren. Omega Services were conducted by Mu Lambda and Beta Chapters at the funeral parlor, followed by final rites. Brother RICHARD EDWARD BALL entered Omega Chapter on December 30, 1983 in his home, following an extended illness. He was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from New York University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Brooklyn School of Law. Brother Ball was an active member of Phi Lambda Chapter. He served as Assistant Professor of Business Law at North Carolina Central University. He was one of the pioneer members of the faculty responsible for the formal establishment of the School of Business at North Carolina Central University. Brother Ball was a member of the American Bar Association, Section of Corporate Banking, Business Law; and the National Bar Association. He is survived by his wife, Dolores, of Columbia, South Carolina. Brother HENRY D. ESPY entered Omega Chapter March 31, 1984 at Jefferson Barracks Veterans Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, following an extended illness. Brother Espy was a native of Florida and moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1929 — where he became affiliated with Epsilon Lambda Chapter. He was a civil rights lawyer and former President of the St. Louis Chapter of the NAACP. He was in the practice of law for approximately 40 years, having earned his law degree at Howard University, Washington, D. C. His work helped establish a law school at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri and to open the University of Missouri and Harris Teacher's College (now Harris-Stowe State College) to Black students. Funeral rites were held at Washington Metropolitan A. M. E. Zion Church, followed by a burial, in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Brother Espy is survived by his wife, Merla, and a Brother, Dr. Theodore Espy of Gary, Indiana. Funeral arrangements were made by the Wade Funeral Home on Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Brother CHARLES P. GRIER, age 62, entered Omega Chapter — January 2, 1984 in Balmont, North Carolina — following a brief illness. Brother Grier was born in Balmont, Gaston County, North Carolina, where he received his early education in the public schools. He received his collegiate education at Johnson C. Smith University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in education. Brother Grier was a retired U. S. Army veteran, and was an active member of Eta Mu Lambda Chapter for many years. Omega Chapter services were conducted by the local chapter, followed by the final rites, which were conducted at Love's Chapel Presbyterian Church, Balmont, North Carolina on January 7, 1984. Brother Grier is survived by a sister, Anne; three aunts; and many collateral relatives and friends. 67