Page 9 - Richmond County NCG

FAMOUSLY

RICHMOND COUNTY

Get to know some of the notable Quintet, was born on Bridges Street in Hamlet, where “Big” John Sears (d. 1999) was a NASCAR Grand
a cornerstone marks his birth. National and Winston Cup Series driver from Ellerbe.
faces and places in Richmond
County’s history. André René Roussimoff, known as “André the
Giant,” was a pro wrestling icon and actor, inaugural Sports Pros
Many communities have their legends, and
inductee in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NFL linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (b. 1985 in Hamlet)
Richmond County is no exception. Our places are
and possibly best-known as Fezzik in the 1987 film
iconic, and our people have made history. played for the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins,
The Princess Bride. His ashes were scattered at his
New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Ellerbe ranch.
Places Ellerbe was a two-sport star in football and track at
The Rotary Lodge and Hinson Lake Owned and Henry E. Frye (b. 1932 in Ellerbe) was the first Richmond Senior High School.
operated by the City of Rockingham, Hinson Lake Black chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme
features nearly three miles of scenic walking trails. Court. He attended Ellerbe Colored High School, Melvin Ingram III (b. 1989, raised in Hamlet) was
Visitors can enjoy serene boating experiences on but by accident obtained a diploma from Ellerbe
a linebacker for multiple NFL teams, including the
the lake, picnic tables, benches, and an 18-hole disc High School, the white one.
Chargers and Chiefs.
golf course. The Rotary Lodge can be rented through
Leon Levine (d. 2023) was an American
Rockingham Parks and Recreation.
businessman and philanthropist who founded MLB pitcher Alvin Morman (b. 1969 in
Family Dollar stores. Rockingham) played for the Houston Astros,
Faces
Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas
Jazz saxophonist and legend John William
Singer-songwriter and record producer Terius
Coltrane, who played with the Miles Davis “The-Dream” Nash is a Richmond County native. City Royals.
Piedmont blues guitarist Blind NFL linebacker Wali Rainer (b. 1977 in
Boy Fuller (d. 1941) grew up Rockingham) played for the Cleveland Browns,
Rockingham Speedway has been featured in racing in Rockingham. Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions.
movies such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky
Bobby. When NASCAR announced its 2025 return after “Bucky” Covington (b. 1977 in
NFL defensive end Oscar Lee Sturgis (b.1971 in
more than a decade, Rusty Wallace said The Rock is one Rockingham) is a country singer
of his favorite racetracks, where he won five times. who placed eighth in the 2005-2006 Hamlet) played for the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay
season of American Idol. Packers, and Miami Dolphins.

Richmond County Chamber of Commerce | 910.895.9058 | richmondcountychamber.com
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