“He was quite a character,” said his niece, Janice Adams. “There was never a dull moment with him. Not too long ago, he was in Baptist and I suggested that he not drive anymore. I guess they heard several floors away how he felt about my suggestion.”

Warren G. “W.G.” Dinkins was born in the Forbush Community of Yadkin County on April 23, 1922 to Acy Dinkins and Myrtie Williams Dinkins.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by one brother, Fred Dinkins and several nieces and nephews.

His list of accomplishments and service to Yadkin County and its people is long and varied.

“He really cared for the people here and did a lot of good things for people,” said long-time friend, Linda Williams. “He didn’t even have to know you to be willing to help you.”

Dinkins returned from a tour in World War II, to travel to South America to work in tobacco. He stayed there for three years before returning to North Carolina and becoming a building contractor. He was instrumental in building the GOP headquarters in downtown Yadkinville, without charge. He served on board of directors for Central Carolina Bank for 9 years, the board for Southern Community Bank, Yadkin Valley Bank, and Hoots Memorial Hospital.

He served a past president of the Sertoma Club and held the distinction of Sertoma of the year. He was currently a member of the board of directors for the Yadkin campus of Surry Community College as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the reading program at Yadkinville school.

Becoming active in politics, Dinkins served from 1973 to 1981 on the Yadkinville Town board of commissioners. He was elected Mayor of Yadkinville in 1981 and held that office for ten years. He also served as Chairman of the Yadkin County Commissioners.

“He was a very good hearted person and would help anybody that needed his help,” said county attorney, Jim Graham. “When he served a Chairman of the county board of commissioners, he did an excellent job running the meetings so as not to waste a lot of time.”

All may not remember him tenderly, but he was always spoken of with respect. Many say he was very strong in his opinions and would not hesitate to voice them regardless of who disagreed. This led to his reputation of being such a staunch Republican.

“He would support a Republican until they let him down and then he had no more use for them,” said Adams. “I don’t think he ever forgave Richard Nixon.”

“He would keep us all entertained at family dinners. He’d say Well now, I’m going to help you, I’m going to tell you how you need to vote.”

Family members related stories of various family who would start a conversation regarding politics just to get him going. “We so loved hearing him carry-on about the person he was going to support,” said Adams. “He wasn’t very pleased with the media. He felt they treated the Bush family unfairly. He was none too pleased with the Bush family either.”

Mr. Dinkins will be remembered for his lifetime love of Yadkin County and the people, his love for his country and the respect he held for anyone in uniform.

“I can’t remember life without Uncle W.G.,” said Adams.