Wilson Daily Times, 15 July 1949.
Though their longtime leader Ben Mincey was nearing death, the Wilson colored volunteer company, better known as the Red Hots, won top honors at the North Carolina colored fire association’s annual contest, securing silver belt.
The company:
- John H. Mincey
- G.W. Coppedge — George W. Coppedge
- Wiley Rountree
- Herman Atkins
- Madison Mincey
- Elton Thomas
- Joe Williams
- Ben Mincey Jr.
- Marvin Jones
The hose reel team:
- Charles Artis
- Fred Barnes
- Mack McKeathan — Daniel “Mack” McKeithan
- Chester Smith (who was high school-aged) — in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1023 Roberson Street, Emma Smith, 44, cooks and cleans, and children Gloria, 24, Chester, 17, Emma E., 13, and Robert, 8.
- Moses Worsley (who was in high school) — in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1210 Carolina, David Worsley, 43, butler in service; wife Connie, 36, tobacco factory hanging room worker; and children John E., 17, Moses, 15, Elnora, 15, Lois Jean, 11, and Stoney, 9.
- Joseph Meachen
- Offie Clark (who was in high school)
- Clarence Reid — in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 705 East Green, Mabel Boney, 58, husband Calvin, 65, and son Floyd, 27, pool room manager; sister Isabelle Reid, 51; and lodgers Viney, 58, servant, and Clarence Reid, 19; yard cleaner Robert Lee King, 28, and wife Marjorie, 17; Raymond, 24, and Lester Hines, 21, delivery boy; and Neil Tucker, 60, barber.
- Robert Dudley — in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: construction carpenter Henry Dudley, 51; wife Della, 46; children James, 25, Minnie B., 22, cooks and cleans, and Bernard, 2; and grandson Robert L., 20.
- Charles Rountree (who was in high school)– in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farmer Raeford Rountree, 55; wife Mamie, 48; and children Raeford, 21, Mamie T., 19, Bessie M., 17, Charles, 16, Carrie M., 13, Nellie B., 10, Rosetta, 8, and Clarence F., 5.
- Charlie Floyd — in the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Manda Floyd, 47; children Doretha, 23, hotel cook, and Charlie, 17; and grandson David E., 5, Alfonso, 4, and Nathaniel, 3.
- Hubert Speight
- William H. Kittrell
The spectators:
- Johnny Swenney — Johnnie Swinney
- George Swenney — George Swinney
- Hank Williams
- Ivy Roberson — per the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County, Roberson was a 14 year-old white boy, son of James and Manda Roberson.
- Ed W. Fisher — Edwin W. Fisher