Longtime Davidson school superintendent dies

Paul B. Johnson, The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 4—DAVIDSON COUNTY — Longtime Davidson County Schools Superintendent Fred Mock, who guided the growth of the school system for 16 years as the county's population expanded, has died at the age of 69.

Mock, who died Tuesday, was remembered as a professional who put the needs of students first. He served as an educator before becoming a school system administrator.

Davidson County Commissioner Don Truell of Thomasville said Mock was one of the better superintendents he has worked with during Truell's long time in public service.

"Fred just did a great job," Truell told The High Point Enterprise.

State Rep. Larry Potts, R-Davidson, who served as chairman of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners while Mock was superintendent, said Mock was a consummate professional.

"He was one of the most humble men you would ever meet," Potts said. "He had genuine concern for students and the community. He didn't care who got the credit as long as the job got done."

Former superintendent Max Walser, whom Mock succeeded as top school administrator, said Mock continued to support the schools even after retiring. Mock was part of the campaign that secured the bond funding for the new Oak Grove High School.

"When I had open-heart surgery some years ago, Fred came up to see me every day for two straight weeks. That's the kind of person he was," Walser said.

Mock retired at the end of 2013. During his tenure the school system built five new elementary schools and a middle school.

Mock served a critical role negotiating annual budgets for the school system between the Davidson County Board of Education, which recommends an annual fiscal year spending plan, and the Davidson County Board of Commissioners, who have final say on the budget.

A native of the county, Mock went through the Davidson County school system and graduated from West Davidson High School. He began working in Davidson County Schools in 1975 as a guidance counselor at East Davidson High School in Thomasville.

pjohnson@hpenews.com — 336-888-3528 — @HPEpaul