Julius Flay Bess was the owner of the wholesale and manufacturing firm of JF Bess Company. Bess was a
leading businessman in the region and active in local politics as well as community nonprofi ts.
In addition, he was known regionally and nationally for his farm and beef cattle. The farm
supplied grocery stores and restaurants in both North and South Carolina. Bess was active in
the First Methodist Church and was a founding member and former President of the Gaston
Country Club.
