Blowing Rock Couple Establishes Legacy Endowment for Parkway Landmark

Sue and Bliss Williams began spending their time in Blowing Rock in 1982. Bass Lake became one of their favorite destinations for themselves as well as for their friends.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has been an intimate part of peoples' lives for decades and the devotion and personal affection individuals have for the Parkway has been expressed in many ways. One such expression of devotion has been most recently provided by Bliss and Sue Williams of Blowing Rock, Charlotte, and Brenham, Texas. A gift of $100,000 has been provided to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to establish an endowment in their name to assist in the perpetual care of Bass Lake which is contained in the boundaries of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sue and Bliss began spending their summers in Blowing Rock in 1982 after first visiting the area during a family vacation in 1965. Sue became devoted to daily walks around Bass Lake, a tradition she continued after Bliss' death in 1998 and until her own passing in late 2008. Julian Price Park also held a special place in the Williams' hearts, as it became the official locale of elaborate family picnics where Sue and Bliss would orchestrate games and hikes for their grandchildren. As was true for the Williams and their family, these and many other Blue Ridge Parkway locations provide opportunities for gatherings with family and friends, peaceful escapes, and a respectful appreciation for the beautiful nature and serenity that surrounds us.

Other individuals and entities have created endowments over the years for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - most recently Bill and Judy Watson; Alan and Sally Cone; James L. and Pat Shore Clark; and ZAP Fitness to fund the preservation of the historic carriage trails in the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park; Alan and Sally Cone for the estate; and James L. and Pat Shore Clark.

The endowment funds of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation provide for many park locations and programs. For more information about establishing named endowments for the Blue Ridge Parkway's perpetual care, please contact Mari Jo Turner, Director of Development: 336-721-0260