News-Record.com

A few hundred of Bill Horney's best friends gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday at High Point Country Club yesterday evening.

The event was sponsored by several of the organizations to which Horney has provided leadership and support: Communities in Schools, the Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development Corp., High Point Partners, High Point Regional Health System, The Qubein Foundation, High Point Community Foundation and United Way of Greater High Point.

Bill Horney is a lifelong High Pointer. Coming from a modest background, he built a successful business career and, more importantly, devoted himself to an incredible array of community causes -- and is still doing so.

"I thank God He let me live in High Point," Horney told the crowd.

"He'd look forward to going to heaven, but he doesn't want to leave High Point," friend Jim Morgan said.

Horney was presented with several awards and proclamations. Mayor Becky Smothers declared it Bill Horney Week in High Point. I'd guess he's most pleased to have two scholarships named in his honor -- one at High Point University, one for Communities in Schools graduates.

Bill Horney is one of the finest people I've ever known. He's charming, humble, friendly, always taking an interest in others. He lives out his Christian faith in everything he does.

With so many people offering congratulations, I only had a moment to speak to him. "You're the greatest," I told him.

I didn't have time to explain I meant that in the sense that Jesus did: If you want to be great in the kingdom of God, you have to be a servant to all.

Bill has served High Point -- tirelessly, lovingly and joyfully -- for decades. I wish him continued good health and happiness for many more years.