Frederick "Fred" Bartholomew, affectionately known as "Mr. B", a former NCHSAA Board of Directors member and principal at Princeton High School in Johnston County passed away at the age of 84. Originally from Warrenton and a graduate of Graham High, he was an all-conferenc football and baseball star in high school before playing baseball at Louisburg College. He completed college at East Carolina University, receiving a degree in Physical Education on his way to becoming a teacher and coach at Smyrna High School where he started the football program for the school.

Bartholomew was a principal for 28 years, including many at Princeton High, and was known for initiating educational and athletic programs for elementary, middle and high school students. During his tenure he oversaw the construction of a new football field, a renovation of the high school gym and the construction of a middle school gym. He was also critical in bringing tennis courts, two new baseball fields, and a softball field with lights and irrigation to the local community.

He served on the NCHSAA Board of Directors from 1982-1986 and was a member of the Association's Executive Committee during that time. He has held leadership positions with the Carolina 1A Conference for many years. Mr. B was also elected to the Johnston County School Board in 2000 and served as the Chairperson of that body from 2002-2007. 

Bartholomew will lie in state at Princeton High School in the Deacon Jones Gymnasium on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The family will not be present at this time. A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Following the service the family will return home for some private time.