By Don Napier
There are several people I would like to mention, who deserve a little recognition.
One of my heroes
The first person on my list is Bob Murray, who has bowled at Plateau Lanes in the Tuesday Night Men’s League for as long as I can remember. He informed us in April, at the age of 94, that this would be his last season in the league. A WWII veteran, Bob is a hero to me. He is a great friend, a very good bowler, and he added so much to our league. Good luck Bob.
Not Farewell
I would like to apologize to Bill Chambers for an error that appeared in the magazine last issue, in my tribute to him that ran in my column. The headline for the story incorrectly said, “Farewell Tributes,” which made it sound like Bill was deceased. I am here to report that Bill Chambers is alive and well and living at Cumberland Ridge. Bill played college basketball for legendary Adoph Rupp and college football for Bear Bryant, among other athletic accomplishments.
Made it to NCAA
Congratulations to the Tennessee Tech women’s softball team for winning the OVC Softball Title, and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they lost in the first round to top ranked Auburn. They did bounce back in their consolation game, defeating Chattanooga.
The last time Tech made it to the NCAA Tournament, Head Coach Bonnie Bynum was a player (2007). Tech upset SEC champion Alabama in their first game that year. This was Tech’s seventh OVC Softball tournament crown and league-leading 12th conference championship overall since the OVC officially sponsored softball in 1994.
13 Years on the job
Congratulations to my wife, Natalie Napier, on having been with The Feed Store for 13 years. Owned by her brother, Michael Ingram, The Feed Store is located on Hwy. 70E next door to Plateau Lanes. Natalie can normally be found behind the register.
Leaving job
Best wishes to Crystal Tayes, who is leaving Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union after 15 years of service. She will be opening her own business in Monterey and we wish her the best of luck. She handled at least two loans for me and she was always pleasant to work with and super at her job. She will be missed.
Branching out
Congratulations to my old golf buddy, Bob Young, who recently took on a partner in his pharmacy business. His son, Brant Young, has joined the business, formerly known as Medicine Shop. They are now operating as Young Pharmacy, but will continue to be located at 23 Woodmere Mall. Dad went to pharmacy school at Samford University in Birmingham and Brant at University of Tennessee at Memphis.
Bob has enjoyed a long career as a pharmacist. He worked for Blankenship Pharmacy, John Smith Pharmacy, plus 15 years at Crossville Discount Pharmacy. He has owned The Medicine Shop since 1982.
New Director of Marketing
Good Samaritan Society of Fairfield Glade has a new Sales and Marketing Director, Darcie Roach. A local girl, Darci grew up in Crossville and studied business, marketing and political science at Maryville College. I met her recently when I was at Good Samaritan for a speaking engagement. She came to Good Samaritan from WyndRidge Health & Rehab where she wore several hats. She and her husband Jon have two children, Halle and Jackson.
Another one bites the dust
I am a little late with this news, but I want to mention it anyway. Long-banker Joe Young, who was the President of Cumberland County Bank, has retired (end of 2014). In his 32 years with the bank, he moved through the ranks as teller, branch manager and senior vice president. One of 13 children, he is a native of the Dorton Community where he still lives. Joe Young has been a friend to our family ever since I arrived on the plateau, and we wish him the best. We are already seeing more of him on the golf course.
Support your fire dept.
If you live in Crossville or out in the county, you should be thinking of supporting our fire departments. Were it not for generous donations from concerned citizens, businesses, industrial and professional people, many of the great services they provide would not be possible. They conduct the Annual School Fire Prevention Program, providing safety education material for children Pre-K through the 5th in all Crossville and County schools and daycares. “We believe strongly that by making children aware, we can prevent tragic fire loss and even death,” said Mike Turner, Crossville Fire Chief.
Send your donation checks to help cover the cost ($2.25 per child) of providing safety materials to every child. Those who support this program will be acknowledged on the back covers of all K-5 manuals under the heading of, “Provided as a public service of people who care.”
Send your check to:
Crossvile Fire Department
Att: Mike Turner, Fire Chief
141 Henry Avenue
Crossville, TN 38555
