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The wife and children of Willie E. Landrum stand proudly supporting their late husband and father’s legacy at their alma mater, Barnwell Elementary School. From left to right: Dr. Rosalie Nataki Pettigrew, Nneka Noni Landrum, Dr. Willie Earl Landrum II, and Joyce Landrum.
Joyce Landrum and DeWayne Eubanks unveil the place-holder plaque dedicated to beloved Barnwell educator, Willie E. Landrum. A permanent bronze plaque will be installed in the coming weeks.
The Willie E. Landrum Gymnasium on Hagood Avenue was packed on May 27 for the dedication ceremony to rename the gymnasium after the late educator.
A large crowd of family, friends, and former co-workers attended the dedication event.
The plaque honoring the late Willie E. Landrum.
Guests entered the newly named Willie E. Landrum Gymnasium on Hagood Avenue through raindrops to honor the dedication and acknowledge the legacy of a beloved educator.
“With all the rain that is coming down look how many people showed up for Mr. Landrum,” said DeWayne Eubanks, dedication project coordinator, during the May 27 ceremony.
Willie E. Landrum is described as “a man who exemplified honesty, empathy, and strength,” said his son, Dr. Willie E. Landrum II.
For 25 years, Landrum served as an assistant principal at Barnwell Elementary School (BES) administrating kindergarten through fifth grade before Barnwell Primary School was established for kindergarten through third grade students.
Although his signature, booming laugh is no longer heard on the school’s campus, Landrum’s legacy lives on through the students and staff he impacted.
Landrum served as a “school father” to many students, according to retired BES teacher and rededication project committee member Jane Hunter.
“If I were to go outside and write the names of every child and every teacher Mr. Landrum had a positive influence on, I would run out of brick,” said Hunter. “God put him here in this school, and we were lucky enough to have him here.”
After his death in February 2021, Landrum’s everlasting impact continued to live on in those he taught.
“When I made the decision to go into administration, I remember all of the things my dad taught me,” said Landrum’s daughter, Dr. Rosalie Nataki Pettigrew. “One of the biggest lessons he ever taught me was that it matters how you treat people.”
Dr. Pettigrew continues to pass on this message of treating others with respect and kindness she learned from her father, which he learned from his parents.
Dr. Pettigrew attributes her father’s greatness to his parents, Harvey and Vernell Landrum. She hopes every time you pass the Willie E. Landrum Gymnasium you think of them too.
Landrum was one of eleven children. He attended school in Spartanburg before furthering his education at Claflin University in Orangeburg and then onto Virginia Tech to earn his Master’s of Education in school administration.
Barnwell was not his original home, but upon coming to BES in 1979 he quickly developed a family.
“My dad bloomed where he was planted, he smiled through every obstacle, and he gave his best to everything he touched,” said Dr. Pettigrew.
Hunter remembers when Landrum would come into the newly named Willie E. Landrum Gymnasium and the children’s faces would light up. She recalls he was rarely in his office and preferred to be with the students and teachers.
“The spirit of Mr. Landrum circulates here,” said Representative Lonnie Hosey. “I feel something that tells me his spirit is looking down upon us right now.”
Many kind words were said of Landrum at the dedication ceremony.
Wilbur Cave, former Barnwell School District 45 (BSD45) transportation supervisor, referenced a song by The Commodores and Lionel Richie saying, “Willie Landrum was easy like Sunday morning.”
“He was really a great man. It was an honor and pleasure to meet Mr. Landrum,” said Sergeant Donald Danner followed by a song.
“He longed to see his students' hearts change and grow,” said Vickey McCreary. McCreary was taught by Landrum at BES as well as Union United Methodist Church where he led Sunday school.
Nneka Noni Landrum, Landrum’s daughter, read a poem by American poet Amanda Goreman titled “Closure.”
Landrum’s wife of 52 and a half years, Joyce, was the last to speak at the event.
“How can I express what I need to express? I just need the right words,” said Joyce, who then listed all those involved in bringing this to fruition. “What can I say that would make a difference and they would really know how I feel?”
“It all came down to two words…thank you,” she said.
“On behalf of my family and myself, I truly thank you for your affirmation of Mr. Landrum’s leadership and his loyalty and his commitment to Barnwell Elementary School,” said Joyce. “I know that my wonderful husband is looking down, and he is smiling, and he is satisfied, and pleased with the work he did while on this Earth.”
