Wendell Bough

In 2008, the family of the late Wendell Bough honored Wendell’s memory by establishing a family legacy that will help provide for future charitable needs in Martin County.  Wendell’s wife Dorothy, granddaughter Heather Bough, and his daughters Sharon Hillenburg, Janice Jeffers, Kathryn Lythgoe, and Karen Murray, established the Wendell Bough Family Fund, an unrestricted fund with the Martin County Community Foundation.

Wendell was a man who loved his family and county.  He loved to help youth and would often sponsor awards for 4-H organizations like the Horse and Pony Club. Wendell valued generosity and making memories with his family, especially his grandchildren.  “Dad tried to get all the grandkids to call him Pretty Papaw,” recalls daughter Karen.

Dorothy, now deceased, remembered Wendell’s fondness for gardening and his tomatoes that were famous among friends and neighbors.  “He always got complemented on how good his tomatoes were.  I think that’s what he liked best about growing them.”

Karen recalled how the Bough family would shop during the holidays.  “Dad never liked the shopping part much, but we all liked the time we were able to spend together.  He always said he thought money at Christmas could be spent on better things than presents.  We figured since we were grown and already buy what we want during the year, the money we used to spend on presents could go to honor Dad and serve the needs in the county.”

Wendell passed away on May 3, 2001.  By establishing the Wendell Bough Family Fund, the Bough family has honored Wendell’s memory.  As an unrestricted fund, the dollars generated by the endowment are flexible and will be forever used to address needs in Martin County as they arise.   What a nice way to remember “Pretty Papaw.”