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Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Discover McNairy Page 2

Fireworks closed out the 16th annual Freedom Festival at the Selmer City Park. See page four of this week’s edition for more.

Staff Photo by Bryan Huff

Sexual assault response training Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Staff Photo by Bryan Huff

Mary Kate Haynes, CPS Investigator, Millie Strickland, Victim Witness Coordinator for the DA, Lisa Miller ADA, Kalyn Boyd Sexual Assault Response Specialist, Mary Cole, MW. RN. SANE.

McNairy Co. COVID-19 Cases as of July 5

See Training, 5

Electing vs. selecting superintendent Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Total Tested 22,290 Cases 2,879 Deaths 55 Recovered 2,813

Selmer City police recently receive sexual assault response training. This training was provided by the JacksonMadison County General Hospital and WRAP (Wo/Men’s Resource & Rape Assistance Program). The hospital has a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program. This program helps hundreds of men and women cope with their horrible experiences and aids in the collection of evidence. Mary Cole, one of the nurses involved in the program, was here to help train Selmer City

Police Officers on how to help these men and women and what to expect when bringing victims to the hospital. “This is a first responder initial presentation.” Cole said. “I conduct medical forensic examinations of the victims of the 19 counties in West Tennessee, excluding Shelby and Davidson Counties.” This was the first training Mary Cole has been able to provide for the Selmer Police Department. Ja c k s o n - M a d i s o n General Hospital is the only hospital in West Tennessee with a SANE program in place.

The resolution committee met in the McNairy County Mayor’s office to discuss the drafting of a resolution to present to the county commission. The resolution requests that state legislators change state laws to make the school superintendent, or director of schools, an elected position. This would replace the current process in which the school board appoints the Director of Schools. The Education Improvement Act, passed

in 1992, requires all schools in the state to appoint their directors of schools rather than elect them. The EIA also gives the commissioner of education the ability to remove board of education members and superintendents that do not meet the required standards laid out by the state. Judy Turner was the last elected Director of Schools; she was elected in 1996. The director of schools of McNairy County has been appointed by the school board for the past 21 years.

Brent Holland made the case that several people from different districts, including multiple teachers, had approached him and asked why we are not electing a director of schools. “There’s a lot of people that are unhappy with Greg and the job he is doing,” Holland said. “It is the biggest budget in the county, and they hire more people than anybody in the county,” Brenda Cauley said. “Other than the judge, it is the highest paid salary in the county, and four people can See RESOLUTION, 5

Bible Verse “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 ❚ Opinion 6 ❚ Obituaries 7 ❚ Events 8 ❚ Classifieds 10 ❚

Discover McNairy NEWS

PAGE 2 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Photo submitted

Historical marker located in Michie. This marks the site of the final phase of the Battle of Shiloh.

Fallen Timbers: the last Battle of Shiloh Bridal Registry August 28, 2021 - Sara Grace Carroll bride elect of Logan Kepley

October 2, 2021 - Abbie Sweat bride elect of Kaleb McKinnie

Baby Registry Baby Girl Willa Rose, Olivia and Andrew Hardin due September 10th Shower July 25th at Ruby’s Baby boy Tatum Walker, Parents Cain and Ashley Hutcherson due August 3rd

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McNairy County is filled with history. One such piece of that history is remembered via a historical marker located in Michie. This marker is part of the Tennessee Civil War Trails. There are a total of 26 markers in McNairy County. The Fallen Timbers marker is located on Harrison Road in McNairy County, about half a mile from Joe Dillon Road. The marker is on your right as you are traveling west. Fallen Timbers was

the site of the final battle of Shiloh. On April 8, 1862, Union General William T. Sherman led a reconnaissance force from the Shiloh battlefield to see if the Confederate army had withdrawn. He described the land as “a clear field, through which the road passed”; just beyond were “some 200 yards of fallen timber” followed “an extensive camp.” The camp was occupied by Confederate Colonel Nathan Bedford Forest’s calvary. Sherman ordered two companies of skirmishers forward. 350 Confederate cavalrymen protected the field hospital on the ridge to the north of the

road. Forrest ordered his men to attack. This charge overran the Union infantry, who were struggling though the fallen timber. The Confederates killed or wounded 40 Federals and captured an equal number of them. Forrest suffered a severe gunshot wound to his lower back and had to resort to fighting with his pistol and saber to escape. Sherman captured the hospital and sent the 4th Illinois calvary another mile west along Ridge Road. There, the Confederate rear guard blocked further advances. Satisfied that Forrest

and the Confederates were in full retreat to Corinth, Sherman led his troops back to their camp at Shiloh. The battle for Shiloh had ended. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker: Johnston’s Last Bivouac (approx. one mile away); Stephens’ Brigade (approx. 1.1 miles away); Russell’s Brigade (approx. 1.2 miles away); Cleburne’s (2d) Brigade (approx. 2.1 miles away); 3rd Mississippi Infantry Battalion (approx. 2.2 miles away); Battle of Shiloh (approx. 2.3 miles away); 25th Missouri Infantry (approx. 2.3 miles away); 7th Arkansas and 2d Arkansas (approx. 2.4)

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This painting by Dan Nance depicts the action at Fallen Timbers on April 8, 1862 at which Co. N.B. Forrest received a life threatening wound.

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news

WednesdAy, July 7, 2021

Independent AppeAl v Page 3

Final solid waste meeting for 2020 fiscal year Jack Simpson Staff Writer

The Solid Waste Committee met on June 28 in the Chancery Courtroom of the McNairy County Courthouse. Steve Beavers opened the meeting proper with the announcement that, beginning in May, Waste Connections of Mississipi had increased the residential cost of garbage collection from $8.45 per unit to $8.67 per unit–a 2.62% price increase–which raises the total monthly cost from $57,460 to $58,956. Beavers added that, due to CPI fluctuation, consumer rates have increased from $12.67 to $13.22 to cover administrative costs; he opened to consideration a further adjustment to $15.00. Michelle Kientz raised concerns with both amounts, believing that $13.22 would prove difficult for billing calculations, but that $15.00 would prove too drastic an increase; she proposed a compromise of $13.25. The topic was eventually postponed for later deliberation. Phillip Hollingsworth raised questions about tipping fees and recycling. Beavers recalled $16,400 as the last estimate for tipping fees, with a collection rate of 71.127; he cited home repairs during quarantine as the determining variable for the rate. For recycling prices, Beavers noted that cardboard has increased from $80.85 to $90.00 per ton and that commodities have decreased from $50.00 to $35.00 per ton, as dictated by the West Tennessee Regional Recycling Hub. Beavers announced the approval of the first draft Regional Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan. Aubrey Harris motioned successfully to present

the planning grant to a full commission for approval. Beavers and Mayor Smith then elaborated upon the financial assessments of the landfills following the Class I landfill’s closure. Beavers highlighted the need to abandon two untested wells on the Class I landfill within 25 days of inspection. Anthony Carr explained that wells not tested consistently could prove unsanitary if they were leak radio flow into the water supply. Beavers delivered an update on property sales, stating that letters had been mailed out on May 28. He explained that the sales may require foreclosures on the properties, but he was unsure whether or not they would be auctioned off. Beavers alerted members of the recycling trailer behind Michie Elementary being used for garbage drop-off. Smith acknowledged that school employees use the trailer for school garbage, but that it could be relocated if all responsible parties assented. Beavers announced the Solid Waste Department’s new capability to process credit cards at $2.95 per transaction on a quarterly bill; if the transaction reaches $400.00 or above, the rate decreases to 2.75%. Kientz raised concerns about the current contract with the card company, but admitted that some citizens may utilize the service as is. Beavers spoke briefly regarding scheduled maintenance on the Recycling Center’s vehicles and other equipment. Smith emphasized the need for a single-phase instead of a threephase maintenance. Kientz suggested to apply COVID-19 funds toward maintenance, but Smith doubted that restrictions on the funds

would allow this. Carr attested that the comptroller must approve funding for the project. Beavers addressed litter pick-up, stating that the project could be allocated to prison workers, although they are only able to clean state routes. Carr made a successful motion to draft a Letter of Request on behalf of the full commission for prison workers to clean state roads in the county. Beavers presented a contract with Southwest Tennessee Development District to pay $4,300.00 for solid waste planning and reporting services. Discussion arose surrounding the feasability of an updated house count. Hollingsworth insisted that the county requires a baseline estimate of the number of homeowners currently being billed for trash pick-up. “If you don’t do some kind of house count, you’re not going to have the integrity of trying to have an increase in the rate. If you don’t do a house count, you’re not going to convice people that there is any authenticity,” contended Hollingsworth. Questions were raised about the time and finances required for a count and its accuracy as the number of homeowners fluctuates. General consensus arose around the idea of hiring an individual whose primary job was to compile a house count. No definite compromise was reached, but the committee agreed to further deliberate the issue at ongoing meetings.

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Staff Photos by Bryan Huff

Robert Shackleford and his staff reopened the basement area exactly one year after it was flooded.

Shackelford reopens its downstairs area Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Shackelford’s Funeral Home in Selmer has reopened its lower level. Flooding occurred on July 1, 2020, when heavy rains caused creeks and levies to overflow and overrun many businesses in downtown Selmer. “This was the first time in 48 years that we have had water come into the building,” Robert Shackelford said. Two hearses lost in the flood were the only loss that was covered under insurance. Moreover, the walls had to be torn out of the downstairs. Everything from 55” to the floor had to be replaced. The approximate loss from the storm totaled almost $250,000. Shackelford funeral directors wishes to thank the public for their patience and support and all the workers involved in completing the renovation. They also want to thank their staff for the hard work and dedication they have shown while working with families through two unprecedented events–the flood and COVID-19. Shackelford Funeral Services never stopped during the global pandemic. “Just about everyone that works here had COVID because of the exposure. We didn’t miss

a day of work and kept serving folks at that time. We had to be creative in ways we could serve for a while when we were under the limitations; we had to get creative and do some things outside of the box,” Shackelford said. “Our staff really worked hard and were at risk about every day they came to work.”

Photos Submitted

Above, water rose over two feet in the basement area. Below, one of the hearses was lost to the flood.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Freedom rings across McNairy County

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Independence Day celebrations occurred across the county. Above are photos from events in Selmer and Ramer.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

TRAINING

FROM PAGE 3 The goal is to help educate the first responders on their role in the initial contact with the victims and their families. “Sexual assault is a horrific crime, and we as police and first responders owe it to the victims of said crimes to do all that we can to not only ensure that justice is done, but also to make sure the victim is cared for both mentally and physically,” Investigator Nathan Harrison stated. “We take any opportunity available to further train and expand our resources to better serve the community. Sexual assault is a crime we don’t talk about and think doesn’t occur in Mcnairy County; but unfortunately, it does. For example the Carl Perkins Center from January till today has already aided and helped 54 children.”

During the pandemic, there were fewer victims coming into the hospitals; however, the exact reason for this decrease is unknown. As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, Kaitlyn Boyd, the Victim’s Advocate for WRAP, noticed an increase in calls and victims coming to seek help as the pandemic restrictions began to lift in June. “We have seen a large increase in numbers as COVID numbers decrease,” Boyd said. “I know our hotline and our help line has increased tremendously, and the amount of referrals we are getting from [the] previous...two months ago and three months ago [of] sexual assaults, we are getting those calls now.” Cole mentioned that the numbers of patients at Jackson Madison General Hospital are also on the rise since June.

Celebrating local libraries Jack Simpson Staff Writer

In August 1961, the Adamsville News announced the opening of the Adamsville Library. Sixty years later, the spirit of learning burns with all the intensity of those early days at the Irving Meek, Jr. Public Library in Adamsville and the Jack McConnico Memorial Library in Selmer. The library is known by some as the “poor people’s university,” but its ability to educate and inpsire extends to all classes and statuses. Although some individuals may never partake in higher education, the library offers rich palette of learning in which all people with an appetite for liberal inquiry can partake. The history of libraries in McNairy County is more extensive than one might presume. Several references are made to the “McNairy County Public Library” or the “Library of Selmer” in local papers from the late 1930s. A write-up from February 17, 1939, even accredits the Selmer Library, which operated out of the rear of a postoffice, with the highest circulation in the state (18,141 books in a single month). The Selmer Library’s 14-day circulation system seems to have catered specifically to farmers, the working class and their families, whose busy schedules rendered a trip into town for books a oncea-week luxury. Yet Selmer was only one town, and in the years following World War II, a number of individuals began to advocate for a library to serve other parts of the county. In an article for Volume 1, Issue 16 of the Adamsville News (April 1960), editor Jack McConnico argued convincingly for constructing a library in Adamsville. He pointed out the fact that many of McNairy’s surrounding counties contained multiple public libraries, and that the benefit was evident in their well-read, wellrounded citizens. But Jack’s mission to erect a library posed a formidable challenge that he could never hope to surmount alone; thus, he sent out the call for allies. Within weeks, the Jaycettes, led by president Gerry Seaton, had not only answered the call, but also adopted the library as a top-pri-

ority project. Seaton and her successor Myrna Treece worked quickly: within 16 months, the Jaycettes had acquired the funding, materials, and workforce to construct the building and had it listed as a member of the Shiloh Regional Library. On August 17, 1961, the Adamsville Library debuted to unanimous acclaim for its varied selection of books for any age of reader. Sherry Hendrix, Adamsville’s first public librarian, recalls how her time at the librarian’s desk occupies a special place in her memories. “I was only there for a few weeks or so, but it was most enjoyable…I think it really is so necessary to have for our young people and adults to use as a resource… Tom and I are big supporters of the library system in the county and are glad to have been a part of it through the years,” expressed Hendrix. Jack McConnico invested consistently in McNairy County libraries and education until his death in December 1981. Striving to honor Jack’s lifelong conviction in the power of learning, a collective of industries, businesses, academics and civic leaders organized the Jack McConnico Memorial Fund and presented their case for a memorial library before the April 12, 1982, meeting of the county commission. The commission unanimously approved both the request and a $500 thousand Block Grant from Community and Economic Development; between this grant, a separate grant of $350 thousand, gifts and the $125 thousand raised on Festival Day (May 28, 1982), the library was ready for construction within slightly over a year of the initial proposal and open by December 1984. A thank-you note from the 1982 Festival Day declared, “Let’s never forget that most things are possible if we band together, and work for it.” Local libraries embody the spirit of respectful cooperation, and their story in this area is ongoing. From summer challenges to supply drives and live readings to author fairs, library events are aimed at bringing citizens together. Libraries return to See LIBRARIES, 7

RESOLUTION

PAGE 5 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

NEWS

FROM PAGE 1 decide who this is going to be.” “The Director of schools carries enormous responsibilities, and I want my director of schools’ first thoughts to be of those students– that is where I want his focus to be,” Candice Garrison, chairman of the resolution committee, said. Attendees at the meeting mentioned several complaints from citizens who have reportedly had trouble contacting their school board members; however, no one in the committee reported any issues communicating with the current administration, and none of the present citizens shared these difficulties. Citizens opposed to the change in the process argue that making this a political position could become a distraction for the person in the job, as they would have to run a campaign instead of staying focused on the best interests of the students. Moving to an elected position would also make it impossible to search for talent outside of McNairy County. As it stands, directors can be appointed from outside the county. Electing the superintendent would also make it possible for a popular, but unqualified person to obtain the position. The fear in a selected position is that, if he or she kept the school board happy, he or she could remain in the position indefinitely. If elected, the director of schools would remain in office for a fouryear term. Currently, the director is reviewed on an annual basis. Members of the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) remain divided on this issue, and the organization takes a position that the placement method of directors of schools should be a decision made by the local education agencies. There are seven people on the school board who are elected by the public and charged with the job of selecting a director of schools. Citizens gathered in the office to listen and offer some remarks. “We as elected officials make decisions every day. That is what we were charged to do.” Michelle Kientz said.

“The school board is not an appointed bunch of people; they are also elected officials that were charged in that decision. I think that if we want their respect, then we are also going to have to give [them] theirs.” “This is an open meeting,” Pamela Carrol said. “Where are the other citizens that are complaining?” “It is not about Mr. Martin with me,” Brenda Cauley said. “It is like the Boston Tea Party: they put taxes on tea, and they did not have any taxation without representation. We have no say so.” “What brought all this on?” Pamela Carroll asked. “Has Mr. Martin done something that we don’t know about, because I have not heard anything. This sounds to me like a witch hunt. I mean that is my opinion as a citizen of McNairy County. It just sounds like we are going to be starting something that we wish we had not.” “This would be easy to turn into something against Greg Martin,” Brent Holland said. “That would be easy to do. If that is the route we go, then shame on us.” The resolution passed with everyone voting “yes” except for Candice Garrison, who was opposed. The resolution is to state that there should be a choice for each county in Tennessee to be able to select or elect their director of schools. It was mentioned throughout the meeting that this was not a personal attack against the current director of schools, but rather a problem with the process by which the director is selected. The only states who continue to elect their directors of schools are Alabama and Florida. All other 48 states appoint the position. The resolution will be considered by the county commission during its next meeting on July 12.

Real Revival

The people of our church have been praying for revival for some time now, realizing that our country has steadily been moving away from our biblical foundation. We are not wanting just another revival that would be forgotten in a few weeks. We want to see and experience life change. God is still God and he REALLY can fix any problem that you might have. I know that are many who do not think they need help with their life,but if you think you may need a little help, and you do not know anybody who can help with your problem, I know a man who can, His name is Jesus. God has sent a precious couple to our church that have woken up something inside us. They are Patrick and Tracy Quick from Tulsa Oklahoma. They have traveled around the world and seen many miracles as they brought the Good News (THE GOSPEL IS STILL GOOD NEWS) to many in other countries. They came in response to our prayers and Brother Patrick and I talked about America’s need for revival. We felt that Selmer needed a tent revival. Brother Patrick and Sister Tracy have been tent revival preachers for several years and he and I agreed on a 17 day revival beginning the first day of July. The tent will be set up behind our church

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Tammie Williams volunteering at Jesus Cares.

The benefits of volunteering Janet Rail Publisher

Volunteering for Jesus Cares Thrift Shop in Selmer was an answer to prayers for Tammie Williams of Selmer. A nurse by profession, Williams has spent her years perfecting her craft and continuing her education by acquiring a Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Memphis. For over 30 years, nursing continues to be her passion.

“It seems as God puts me in a certain place at a certain time to help others. I was going through some things: my children were grown and [I was] feeling a bit lonely, so I was praying for something in my life. One day, I was shopping in Jesus Cares and spoke to a couple of the ladies when I saw a sign [about] needing volunteers, and I have been there now over two years,” said Williams. See VOLUNTEER, 7

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MISSION STATEMENT: The Independent Appeal strives to promote and advance McNairy County, educate and inform its citizens, while protecting the people’s right to know, and the rights and interests of our readers and advertisers. The Independent Appeal has a legacy of independent family ownership. Past publishers were: William J. Rail 1976-2000; Leslie Houston, 1974-1976; Bruce Hurt, 1970-1974; George Hamilton, 1964-1970; Wilbur Wright, 1946-1964; B.O. Weeks, 1941-1946; Ken Duke, 1938-1941; Orpheus Abernathy and Family, 1920-1938; Col. J.W. Purviance, 1902-1920. “Dedicated to the peaceful, progressive and proud people of McNairy County.”

Opinion Independent Appeal

Making McNairy County Opinion headlines 120 years

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Independent Appeal welcomes your opinion. Letters to the editor are subject to editing or omission for length, style or libel. All letters must include the writer’s name and signature, as well as a phone number and address for verification. The Independent Appeal does not publish anonymous letters. Letters deemed suitable for publication will run as soon as possible after receipt on a space-available basis. Because of space limitations, letters should be limited to 400 words, about two double-spaced, typed pages, one letter per person every 90 days. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Independent Appeal, P.O. Box 220, Selmer, TN

INDEPENDENT APPEAL PAGE 6

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Letter to the Editor: Resolution to elect director of schools

In the past week a lot has been discussed concerning how the Director of Schools position should be filled. Recently the County Commission made a request for a resolution that would enable individual counties to determine the best process to suit their needs. Such a request has been presented numerous times. By numerous County Commissions. By numerous County Mayors. In regards to numerous School Superintendents. Not only in McNairy County but in other states. This isn’t a first. Proponents of the Director’s job to be filled by appointment say that introducing politics to the position results in a less qualified candidate. Plus, their re-election efforts would distract them from job related tasks. They also add qualified candidates could be harder to find since the candidate would need to be a resident of McNairy County. According to supporters, having 7 School Board members who can review a candidate’s qualifications and supervise his/her progress throughout their tenure

is ample accountability. These considerations are noteworthy but debatable. Those seeking the position to be filled by a general election make equally persuasive and debatable points. The leading argument is, (and very simply stated) voters in McNairy County do not want to be told that they’re not smart enough to select a Director of Schools. They can however select Mayors, Road Commissioners, Trustees, Judges, the Sheriff…. The county wide election process is efficient and conclusive. Do a good job and you’ll hold the position. The right to vote on the CEO of one of the largest employers in the county and responsible for a 30+ million-dollar taxpayer funded budget is as basic as any right afforded to US citizens. Voters rights to this day are passionately fought on the stage of the Supreme Court. Many see it as one of the most essential duties to citizens. Most supporters of elections agree candidates shouldn’t run as Democrat or Republican. Candidates should present themselves with their experience, their

reputation and their vison for moving forward. Voters know that they’re truly capable of selecting the most qualified candidate. Not based on political affiliation but on the qualities that identify the candidate. It is embarrassing and shameful for anyone to make this personal against the director of schools or the county mayor. Both men have done positive things for this County and twisting a debate on political process into an opportunity to create division and settle scores represents all that is wrong with the politics. Our hopes are for this to be civilly debated and voted on for the sake of the concerned parties in the County. Whether the motion passes or fails if we diplomatically utilize the format available to us everyone will win. Brent Holland, 2nd District, Keith Jernigan, 4th District Brenda Cauley 5th District, Kerry Brown 6th District

Letter to the Editor: Cons of electing a director of schools During a recent subcommittee this past week, a presentation was made to introduce a resolution to move forward to the county commission to petition the state to reverse the 1992 Bipartisan Education Improvement Act. This act was instituted to replace an outdated practice of electing school superintendents or as we refer to them now school directors and instead have them appointed by the school board. The act itself was instituted based on three distinct principles: Superintendents should focus on serving students, not campaigning Appointment of superintendents is best practice

Elected school boards hold superintendents accountable The 1992 act is adopted in forty-eight other states in various forms representing nearly ninety-nine percent of active school districts in the United States. That is an interesting fact when considering there are approximately fourteen thousand school districts nationwide. As recently as 2017 the act came under fire and was being lobbied by a few factions on the hill seeking to overturn the policy and the governor himself came out to make a statement: “The appointed director of schools is accountable to an elected board of education. If a school superintendent

is not serving the needs of students in the district, the elected school board can take action more promptly than the next election. A superintendent should be able to focus on one thing—making schools successful.” — Governor Bill Haslam (R). On principle one, the director should be focused on running the school system and not political patronage and campaigning. Now during the committee, I heard discussion about campaigning for the office would only be three to four months out of the four-year term and yes you would only be allowed to put your signs up for re-election within that time frame. The problem is that

E-mail to: editor@independentappeal.com

once you are elected to office from day one you are campaigning for the next election, from day one you are trying to deliver on campaign promises, and in dealing with a county wide position such as this you’re going to have to deliver to your friends who fronted you money to run, they’ll have to get some contracts out of this. After all, that’s how politics in our county works. On principle two, the appointment practice allows the school board to interview candidates based on qualifications and standards associated with an accurate job description. The Board of Education can interview with no limits on residency so long as the chosen candidate continues to live within the county or relocates to McNairy County. In direct opposite of this would be a county election which restricts the selection to citizens within the county and sets no standard for the position whatsoever. This would be the equivalent of going to the McNairy County fair on a Friday night and picking a random person off the Ferris Wheel to oversee your child’s education. In the past our county was lucky because qualified individuals rose to the occasion to lead, but that was then, so then I have to ask, when was the last time you witnessed anyone campaigning for a leadership position within the county based on their qualifications? On principle three, the school board can dismiss a director for any number of reasons within the employment contract he or she agrees to. There are multiple stipulations regarding conduct and performance that hold the

director accountable to the board. Which means in certain situations the board can act immediately to remedy a problem and remove an ineffective superintendent from their position if needed. To return to an elected format means there are no immediate checks and balances in place so the only time to discipline an ineffective superintendent would be the next election cycle. Four years is a long time to wait to correct a bad situation, especially when it involves our children. So, after reading all of this you must ask yourself why would the county commission attempt such a move as to ask the state to return to an outdated practice? Simply put, politics and power. Currently the Board of Education presides over the largest budget in the county and has the status as the largest employer in the county, quite possibly the two most important aspects when considering the very definition of power. The desperate pursuit of power and control is not something to be toyed with especially when it involves the education of children. That very mentality is what has held us back as a county for years. To replace an appointed position with that of an elected position removes standards and qualifications and replaces them with what we have come to know as “the good ole’ boy system”. There is no more accountability for an elected position as there is for an appointed position within this county, all appointed positions have an elected body to report to and all elected bodies have a district or municipality to answer to. However, in the end

the point is moot simply because the state will not reverse its policy and risk damaging an education system that continues to be attacked and restricted on its abilities to function. Unless all ninety-five counties in our state support this, the state will turn it down and in doing so make us look like we are moving backwards instead of forwards. When I sat in on the resolution committee meeting, I must admit I held mixed emotions, the first being a state of awe and the second being a feeling of complete and total sympathy. Trying to see the benefit of this resolution with the justifications presented that night to move it forward and then the sympathy point of view for just seeing individuals in above their heads. So in the end we are talking about an elected body that is responsible for a vacant lot where our hospital used to be, an elected body that can’t decide how to ask their friends to pay their garbage bills, and an elected body that presides over a county with the 5th highest unemployment rate in the state. I’m fine with the political games that are played in our county because that is the way it is and always has been, but when those games involve our children, my children, I draw the line and I call out the BS and those who stand behind it. William David Leckner

Adamsville Mayor District Two School Board Representative

Our thoughts and prayers go out to members of our community who are serving in the armed forces: • PFC Casey William Akin • Spc. Allen Alexander • AA Nicole B. Ayres, US Navy • Sgt. Joseph W. Baggett • Petty Ofﬁcer 2nd Class Matthew L. Barkley, US Navy • Capt. William B. Barkley, USMC • Sgt. Andrew W. Bayless USMC • Petty Ofﬁcer 3rd Class Katie Lynn Bizzell, US Navy • Staff Sgt. Dustin Blakney, USAF • GySgt. Christopher T. Byrd, USMC • Staff Sgt. Susan Cawley • Staff Sgt. Alicia L. Coil, USAF • Cpl. Mandy L. Cooper, USMC • Spc. Mark A. Cooper, US Army • Staff Sgt. Adam Court, USAF • Sgt. James P. Crain • Tony Crouse, U.S. Army • Senior Airman Aaron J. Cull U.S. Airforce • Sgt. Bobby J. Dickey US Army • C.W.3 James R. Dickey, Retired • Capt. Todd Joseph Drobina, US Army • Capt. Bonnie Lynn Dunlop • Cpl. Bradley Eisenhut, USMC • Master Sgt. Carrie L. Ellis, Air Force • Airman Christopher D. Ellis, Air Force • Master Sgt. Lonnie J. Ellis, Air Force • Kip Ellison • Sgt. Cory Brandon Emily USMC • PV2 Jana Estes

• Specialist Bryan Ray Ferguson • PV2 Ashley Freeman, US Army • A1C Ian James Furman, Mountain View, Idaho • PV2 Skyler Gammill, US Army • Pvt. Adam Gray, US Army • Daniel Gray, USMC Lance Corporal • Sgt. Rob Gray, US Army • A1C Stephanie Lynn Griffin, USAF • Captain Dustin Hamm, USMC • PFC Isaac Harville • Staff Sgt. James Taylor Haubrich, US Air Force • Col. (Chaplain) Billy Hawkins • Spc. Matthew Hemby, Army • Sgt. Brian W. Hendrix • Sgt. Timothy Hixon • Staff Sergeant Brian Lee Hood • Pvt. Alex Johnson, US Army • Sgt. Ricky L. Jordan, USMC • Petty Officer 1st Class Arnold Jermaine Knight • Army Officer Major James Lax • Sgt. Joseph Lilly • Sgt. Michael C. Lipford -Army Service Member • Spc. Ritchie A. McCrary • Spc. Dustin McDonald • A1C Amanda K. McMillen, USAF • Joshua Lane Meek, Army • AO3 Kevin Dewayne Mettlin, Navy • Cpl. Jeffery Mitchell, USMC • SSgt. Patrick Michael Moore, Nat. Guard

• A1C Kassidy N. Mosier Deneen, USAF • A1C Logan D. Mosier, USAF • Cpl. Dallas Nelms, USMC • Sgt. Major Paula Norris • Pvt. Justin Overton, USMC • Spc. Joseph Payne, US Army Nat. Guard • CPO Denise Picard Culverhouse • Spc. William Andrew “Andy” Pickett, Nat. Guard • Spc. Robert H. Pittman, II • Sgt. David Poole, National Guard • Cpl. James Scott Powell • Cpl. John M. Powell • Airman Cameron B. Prater, Air Force • Ernest Purez, Air Force • Pvt. Samuel Bradford Ray, Army • E4 Sophia Reinke • Sgt. Charlie Rickman, US Army • John Robinson US Navy • Staff Sgt. Ryan Robinson Air Force • Angel Rodriguez, Petty Ofﬁcer US Navy • Spc. Blake Rudd • Specialist Robert Rzasa • Sabion Sanders, USAF A1C • Veronica Sebree, Navy Chief Ofﬁcer • Alan Seigers, Army • SFC Patrick Michael Shaughnessy • Spc. Hector Soto, Jr., Army • LT Kevin Shelton, Navy • Cpl. Jeremy Tyler Sisk

• ITS Rusty Smith, US Navy • Preston Cross Smith, U.S. Air Force • Cpl. Sam Speck, USMC • Sgt. Shaun Spicher, USMC • Sgt. Richard A. Ssesanga, US ARMY • Airman Nathaniel A. Stout • Spc. Daniel Sullivan, Army • 2nd Lt. Chad Sweaton, Army • Spc. Dakota Taylor, National Guard • Jeremy Thompson • Cpl. Logan Gage Ward, U.S.M.C. • ET3 Jeremy Wilbanks, US Coast Guard • Pvt. Demaro Wiley, SC, Army National Guard • A1C Logan James Williams, USAF • Joseph Lloyd Williams MM3 US Navy • Master Sgt. Stanley Wilson, USAF - Retired • Spc. Jeffrey Witoszczak U.S. Army • Petty Ofﬁcer 1st Class (CTNI) James M. Wolford • USAF A1C Aidan Buck • USAF A1C Dylan Kidd EDITOR’S NOTE: If a loved one has had a change in status, contact us at (731) 645-5346.

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FROM PAGE 5 the community what the community invests in its libraries. If McNairy County continues to uplift its libraries as it has in the past, we will reap the rewards forever. Visit Irving Meek Jr. Memorial Library at 204 W Main St, Adamsville, and Jack McConnico Memorial Library at 225 Oakgrove Rd, Selmer, or call (731) 632-3572 for Irving Meek or (731) 645-5571 for Jack McConnico.

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VOLUNTEER

FROM PAGE 5 With no set days to volunteer, Williams puts in hours when she can. When needed, she works at AHC Nursing Home in Selmer, where she has been employed since 2000. “I don’t like sitting at home, and my husband travels with his job, so I either work or try to volunteer as often as I can. It fulfills a need, as I love doing something to help someone else.” During the past year, the staff at AHC have strived to meet patients’ needs with the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought. “It was a long time before the resident’s got the opportunity to leave their rooms, and it was hard for them not to see their loved ones. Now we are allowing visitors by appointment, but that is much better than before, and some activities are resuming in the cafeteria and allowing people in the halls and outside,” said Williams. Time at the thrift shop offered a welcome reprieve for Williams. One of the fondest memories in the thrift shop happened when a middle-aged couple entered and struck up a conversation. The couple had not attended church in a while, and the man wanted to find a suit, tie, shirt and shoes appropriate for church. Williams was able to find the perfect match for the man. Making him happy was

a blessing to her in turn. Even Williams got a blessing on the day a man was handing out flyers for a revival at Faith Baptist Church. “I attended the revival and have been going ever since in the evening. I attend Living Waters Fellowship Church, which only meets on Sunday mornings. This church my husband built, as he is in the construction business,” said Williams. Over the years, there are many great things that people have given to sell in the thrift shop. Nothing goes to waste: Jesus Cares sends any good or unused items to underprivileged countries. Each volunteer specializes in different areas, from electronics to fashion and housewares and antiques. They are always needing more volunteers. It is a great place to meet friends, help people and feel blessed, according to Williams. With her children grown and a husband on the road, Williams finds herself sharing a home with her dog Charlie, a Shih Tzu, and her two male guinea pigs, Rocky and Rusty. The guineas enjoy the tunnels made from some of the shoe boxes Williams brings home from Jesus Çares and feast on carrots and romaine lettuce. “They are a bit spoiled,” said Williams. Over the years, Williams has accepted a variety of jobs in health care, spanning time in home health care, nursing education and nursing homes. Now, she finds peace in giving care at work, at home and at the thrift shop.

(731)645-5345

20 Years of AiM: Part 2 Jack Simpson Staff Writer

Continuing its celebration of the 20th anniversary of Arts in McNairy, the Independent Appeal caught up with Tucker Matthews, an alumni of the Adamsville High School choral program and a former youth actor on the Latta stage. Arts programming benefits youth perhaps more than any other group. Art allows young people to connect with and manifest their unique abilities ahead of adulthood. Moreover, it furnishes them with hands-on experience that can set them apart in higher education and the workforce. For Matthews, theatre at Arts in McNairy was about more than arming himself against the competition: rather, it became the outlet through which he discovered true confidence in himself and learned just how much he is capable of. “I didn’t really get involved with AiM until about freshman or

sophomore year of high school,” Matthews explained, “and that was because of [teacher and director] Jared Walters. He needed somebody to spotlight…I had never really done anything like that.” Matthews loved the experience. A short time into his AiM career, he had ceased to be the shy young man that his peers remembered and had blossomed into a valued member of the Latta building team. His teachers were probably surprised when their once quiet pupil was suddenly speaking up in class and coming to them about assignments. “The first time I walked through the doors, the acceptance was very noticeable,” recalled Matthews. “The first week I thought, ‘Oh yeah, I’m already comfortable; I can talk to anybody who’s in here.’” But talking to his coworkers and acting in front of an audience were vastly different endeavors. Could a formerly shy spotlight tech make the jump onto the stage? Not only did

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Matthews manage to integrate himself into a variety of Adamsville and AiM ensembles as a cast favorite, but he also scored multiple starring roles in both musicals and straight plays. To this day, Matthew’s personal transformation remains surreal to him. “It really showed me how different a single person’s life could become. For me, I broke out of my shell… it broadened my mind; it made me more of a talkative, outgoing person who wanted to make that connection with people, and then eventually on stage make a connection with the audience to give them a good show instead of being so quiet and not really having much input.” Playing Sonny LaTierri in Grease stands among Matthews most cherished memories from his time on the local stage. He thanks everyone at Arts in McNairy for teaching him mostly everything he knows.

Opinion:

The argument for an appointed superintendent Janet Rail Publisher

The McNairy County school district began appointing the superintendent, or director of schools, in 2000. Currently, forty-eight states in the nation appoint chief executives. Although this has been the subject of frequent debate, most feel that appointments offer communities a better option to select a professional rather than a politician. Not everyone sees it that way. McNairy County’s last elected director of schools was Judy Turner in 1996. Only two states in the nation–Alabama and Florida–allow for elected school district superintendents. According to local records, the McNairy County Commission has almost annually requested a return to elected superintendents. The Mayor executed a called meeting of the Resolution Committee to discuss writing a resolution in support of a bill that would be sent to the Tennessee legislature. The bill would allow each county in Tennessee to elect its superintendent, giving the taxpayers the opportunity to again vote for the director of schools. This resolution will be crafted by the county’s attorney and go before the full commission for a vote. Both the county and the school board are represented by the same counsel, but the former is charged with writing the resolution. According to the state, Tennessee school board members are elected by the community to make and to oversee critical decisions about the school district. In McNairy County, we have seven elected school board members who represent each county district. Even though the State Department of Education is the primary responsible agent for overseeing education in Tennessee, local school boards are charged with overseeing the governance of education within each district or school community. School boards work with the individual needs of their district, following guidelines and laws set forth by the federal and state governments, the State Department of Education and the State Board of Education. The relationship of the school board to voters and to their superintendent are as follows: VOTERS elect the local

board of education; the BOARD OF EDUCATION selects the superintendent/director of schools, adapts policies, budgets and goals and communicates with the community; the SUPERINTENDENT hires staff and implements goals, objectives and policies of the school board. The resolution committee heavily discussed both concerns over performance and philosophical issues covered in a story covering the meeting. Ultimately, however, no definitive reason was given. The primary concern is that elected superintendents are required to be a resident in the county, which limits the school board’s ability to search outside of the county if no local candidate is deemed suitable. Opponents worry that the superintendent, if elected, will devote more time to raising money for re-election and serving private interests rather than serving the interest of our children. The 1992 law was determined as the ideal way for rural school boards to select the best person for the job and to hold them accountable with swift action, rather than awaiting another election cycle to address a performance issue. In recent years, McNairy County has even seen this in action, when our elected school board fired an appointed superintendent. Proponents of an elected superintendent argue that voters will feel they have lost their rights: the director of schools is often charged with the largest budget in the community and is frequently its largest employer. Many question if this decision might be one of control, as appointed superintendents and our elected board of education may have an agenda contrary to that of the county commission in the use of revenue for the school system’s budget. “McNairy County has, on several occasions, let it be known their desire to elect a superintendent. I shared that, for any of us to consider this, it would require a resolution to make if official. I am here to present the wishes of the county to the legislation. If the resolution is submitted to me by the commission, then I will take it to the legislative body. This would have to be introduced as a general

bill and would have statewide impact,” stated Senator Page Walley, District 26, representing McNairy, Chester, Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood and Henderson counties. Walley confirmed McNairy as the only county from his district to have requested such a bill. In any case, Senator Walley stands willing to introduce the bill and affirms his respect for the processes of local government. “I voted for the 1992 bill under the McWherter administration while serving as representative, but [I] was not serving McNairy County at that time. There is a lot of detail that would have to be considered with dialogue and debate on the change,” admitted Walley.“I have the highest esteem for the McNairy County school board and superintendent. I worked closely with him during this very unusual special session. I have called him and all my superintendents on many occasions and have worked with them well,” Walley confirmed. No matter what side of the debate one is on, such a bill would likely face opposition. But one thing is for sure: debate and dialogue have a place in democracy. We all want what is best for our children, but we do not need interference by one political body with the duties and affairs of another. In the early 1990s, Tennessee joined all but three other states– one of these, Mississippi, has since moved to appointed superintendents–in requiring appointed superintendents. Increasing disappointment with the state’s education system led to the 1992 Education Improvement Act, which eliminated elected superintendents and remains in effect today. From our vantage point, there are a plethora other issues that should take priority over the conversation to move to an elected superintendent. The greatest of these priorities is to facilitate communication among our elected officials, a number of whom cannot share the same air in the room. Furthermore, one cannot expect high-quality education to be cultivated in McNairy County if the Education Committee has never met under the current administration where a healthy discussion should start. I trust that the majority of Tennessee legislators and forty-eight other states have good reasons for requiring that directors of schools be appointed; regardless, we encourage any dialogue that will make McNairy County better.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

OBITUARIES

Mary Jo Moore Ellis

Amy Janette Meeks Patterson

July 26, 1942 - June 30, 2021

November 23, 1987 July 3, 2021

ary Jo Moore Ellis was born July 26, 1942, in Selmer, Tenn., the daughter of the late Estel and Mary Lou Baker

Tennyson. Miss Ellis was a born-again Christian who attended Church at Chewalla Baptist Church in Ramer, Tenn. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, watching golf and westerns, and caring for her two cats. She loved spending time with her family, especially going on trips with her four daughters. Miss Ellis departed this life on June 30, 2021, in Ramer, Tennessee, at the age of 78 Years, 11 Months, 4 Days. She is survived by four daughters, Vickie Mitchell and husband Johnny of Selmer, Tenn., Rena Wilson and husband Morris of Ramer, Tenn., Wondra Gee and husband Frankie of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Teresa Stewart and husband Randy of Jackson, Tenn.; a sister, Rochell Rash of Ramer, Tenn.; three brothers, Donnie Tennyson of Bolivar, Tenn., Lloyd Tennyson of Selmer, Tenn., Charles Tennyson of Savannah, Tenn.; ten grandchildren, Adam Mitchell and wife Denessa of Selmer, Tenn., Amy Kiestler and husband David of Hornsby, Tenn., Sam Mitchell of Selmer, Tenn., Shane Wilson of Ramer, Tenn., Holly Whitten and husband Jeremy of Selmer, Tenn., Matthew Gee and wife Amy of Selmer, Tenn., Tyler Gee and wife Hailey of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Jay Stewart and wife Liz of Tampa, Fla. Jonathan Stewart and wife Angie of Medina, Tenn., Brandi Callery and husband Robert of Brownsville, Tenn.; fourteen great grandchildren, Kinsley, Adley, Ben, Kayla, Blair, Brinley, Aleah, Colby, Lyla, Everleigh, Ava, Greyson, Griffin, and Drake; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Miss Ellis was preceded in death by three brothers, Wilborn, Bobby Lynn, and Robert Monty Tennyson. Services were held on July 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, with Bro. Richard Doyle officiating. Burial followed in the McCalips Chapel Cemetery at Selmer, Tennessee.

Kenneth Leon Swan November 23, 1937 July 1, 2021

enneth Leon Swan, resident of Selmer, Tennessee, departed this life on Friday, July 1, 2021. He passed in the comfort of his home at the age of 83. He was born in Marked Tree, Arkansas, on November 23, 1937. He is survived by his wife, Dr Joyce Swan, united in marriage on June 22, 1990, in Memphis, Tenn. Ken was a graduate of Marked Tree High School and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) in Atlanta. He owned KLS Marketing for over 30 years, a manufacturing representative for commercial door and hardware and building specialties covering five states in the Mid-South. He was a member of Selmer First United Methodist Church. Ken’s Model Ts were his pride and joy and carried his wife and him on trips to Nova Scotia, Canada in 2019, Alaska in 2001 and at least 35 other states over the years. He had owned his 1922 Model T Touring Car since 1954 and designed and built his 1927 camper. When traveling in his Ts, Ken enjoyed allowing anyone who was interested to look at the cars and toot the horn. Many people across the country have taken pictures of themselves or their children in one of the Ts. Mr. Swan was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Brewer Swan and Mary Floys Bynum Swan as well as two brothers, Earl B. Swan and Curtis Irvin Swan. He leaves two sisters, Carolyn Swan Parks and Irene (Gene) Swan Opel. He has two daughters, Shannon (Donald) Crow of Atkins, AR and Kelly (Bo) Mennen of Olive Branch, Miss., and two step-daughters, Pam (Lance) Hudgens Williams of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Cindy Hudgens of Plant City Fla. Additionally, he has three grandsons, eight grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Donald (Blaze) Crow and children Rhilynn and Easton; Wayne (Meagan) Dobson and children Layla, Levi and Lucy; and Will Dobson and children Arabella, Bimini and William. A funeral service was held on July 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee. A graveside service was held on July 6, 2021, in the Marked Tree Cemetery in Marked Tree, Ark.

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my Janette Meeks Patterson was born November 23, 1987, in Selmer, Tenn., the daughter of Randy Scott Meeks and Dawn Annette Foster Gee. She departed this life on July 3, 2021, in Hornsby, Tennessee, at the age of 33 Years, 7 Months, 10 Days. Amy had a passion for art and was an artist herself. She also enjoyed music of all kinds and spending time with family. Her greatest love was her daughter, Chrystal. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Patterson; daughter, Chrystal Patterson; father, Randy Meeks; mother, Dawn Gee and husband Steven; sister, Tabitha Gee; grandmother, Linda Meeks; step grandmother, Wanda Kruml; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Sean Driskill; grandparents Arvin and Jan Foster and Paul Meeks; and an uncle, Eric Foster. Services will br held on July 7, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, with David Weatherford officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery at Bethel Springs, Tennessee.

Allen Lamar Wyke May 9, 1960 - June 21, 2021

llen Lamar Wyke was born Monday, May 9, 1960, to James and Carrie Wyke of Selmer, Tenn. Allen graduated from McNairy Central High School and then attended Tennessee Technology Center at Crump, Tenn. He worked for the State of Tennessee as a surveyor for over ten years. Allen Lamar Wyke, 61 of Selmer, Tenn., regretfully passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021, at Bolivar General Hospital. Allen was a devoted Christian, father, and grandfather. He spent his most recent years as an active member of Eastside Church of Christ. Known to his church family as the man with a ‘Servant’s Heart.’ Allen gave back to the community by preparing and delivering food donations for the last four years. He loved the Lord, his family and the great outdoors where he would golf every chance that he would get. Allen was preceded in death by his father, James Wyke; two brothers, James Michael and Willie Elmer Wyke. Allen is survived by his mother, Carrie Wyke; three sons, Brandon, Justin (Stephanie), and Steven Wyke; one daughter, Morgan Dunaway; a Godson, Landon Dunaway; one sister, Debra (Curtis) Porter; eight brothers, Earl (Novena), Fred, Richard, Darrell, Jeff, Aleix, David (Lorna), and Shannon (Victoria) Wyke; a special friend, Teresa Wolf; a sister in law, Julia Wyke; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the many lives he touched who will deeply miss and grieve him. A memorial service was held at Eastside Church of Christ in Selmer, Tenn., on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

SUNRISE: Survive Loss David Coy Contributor

Someone said that success in life come not from holding a good hand, but in playing a poor hand well. If by that they meant doing our best with what we have and at the same time seeking to better our circumstances as well as our mental attitude, then I agree. It has also been said, “Unless there is within us that which is above us, we shall soon yield to that which is about us.” I am going to share some principles in how to survive loss. I do not know where they originated from so I do not take credit for origin only passing them along. Start your day with positive self-talk: “This will be a good day.” Turn your dilemmas into opportunities. Think healthy thoughtsL “Exercise is tuning and toning my

muscles.” Expect the best from others. (Give others benefit of doubt, also, Mat. 7:12) Remember the law of low Expectation: What you expect you will likely receive. Positive synonyms for self-expectation: optimism, commitment, enthusiasm, purpose, Your enthusiasm, (even if faked) generated by positive expectations, will energize (eventually) yourself and others. See the world as a good place where bad things happen. Find something redeemable to build upon in your loss and focus on that. Avoid pessimists. Misery indeed loves company and negative thinking is poison. Exercise your mind to create scenes of positive, pleasant emotions. Remember to come to group to receive support. Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 8

Robert Charles Main February 4, 1966 July 26, 2021

PVT. Robert Charles Main Left this life June 26, 2021, in Selmer, Tenn. Robert was born February 4, 1966, in Fremont, Michigan. He was the youngest child of Charles Glen Main and Geraldine Aschwege. Robert was a graduate of McNairy Central High School in the class of 1984. Before completing his senior year of high school, Robert enlisted in the United Sates Marine Corps. Robert was accepted in the Corp. December 29, 1983, as a Reservist. After graduation, Robert started his training at Paris Island, South Carolina on June 1, 1984. He completed training there on August 13, 1984, in Platoon 2071. Robert then went on to Aircraft Fire fighting and Rescue at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Air Station Memphis, Millington, Tenn., with completion on October 1, 1984. On November 1, 1984 Robert was designated Private First Class Reserve. In January 1985, Robert went on to Okinawa, Japan. While there, Robert received a letter of appreciation for his work with the Crash Fire Rescue Mission, June 18, 1985. On July 1, 1985, Robert was promoted to Lance Corporal Reserve. Robert received his Honorable Discharge on December 27, 1989, with Aircraft Fire fighting and Rescue Specialist, M-16 Rifle Marksman Badge and AVNCRASHCREWCRS (64T) 5 weeks 841001, as a PVT. Robert was most proud of his accomplishments as a firefighter. Robert returned to civilian life, working with many different local businesses. Robert worked at Aqua Glass for a time. Robert was a skilled carpenter that built cabinets and furniture. He worked with Vernon Cabinets for a time. Robert worked in construction and remodeling, mostly on his own. Robert worked for Redmon Asphalt as a paver. Robert worked as an oversized load escort for JJ Escort Service. Robert also worked as a mechanic most of his life. Robert was truly a “jack of many trades.” Robert enjoyed working on cars from his youth. He also enjoyed deer hunting and gardening. The thing Robert enjoyed the most in life was fishing. Robert also enjoyed taking care of animals, especially dogs. Robert was known for his heart for family and friends. No matter what was happening, or the time, if you called on him for help, he would always be there. Robert was known to give his last dollar, his last shirt or anything else he had if someone needed it. Robert is survived by a son, Michael Main and wife Amber of Selmer Tenn., and a step-daughter Sabrina Satas and husband Billy of Middleton, Tenn. Robert had 5 grandchildren between these two children. Robert is survived by his sister FloAnna McDaniel and husband Bert of Bethel Springs, Tenn., his sister Dortta Byrd and husband Steven of Selmer, Tenn.,his brother Lawren Main of Middleton, Tenn., and his Brother LawrenceMain of Bethel Springs, Tenn. Robert also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews: Anna Bauman and husband Paul of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Charles Pymer and wife Tricia of Selmer, Tenn., Raymond Pymer of Leesburg, Fla., Oscar Main and wife Katie of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Regina Colwell of Adamsville, Tenn., Michelle Routh of Selmer, Tenn., Roger Chaney and wife Michelle of Adamsville, Tenn., William Chaney III of White Cloud, Mich., Sharlena of Ramer, Tenn., Katrina Steward of Selmer, Tenn., and James Main of Springfield, Mont. Robert is survived by numerous other great nieces and nephews. Robert is preceded in death by his father Charles Glen Main, his mother Geraldine Aschwege, his sister Mealonie Bricker, his brother Carl Main, his brother William Main, and his great-nephew Michael Lambert. Robert will be cremated before services. Services will be grave side on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. with Military Honors at 1005 N. Liberty Rd., Michie, Tenn.

Card of Thanks The Family of Ronnie Coats The family of Ronnie Coats would like to thank each and every person for all the prayers, phone calls, texts, visits, and all the food that was provided for us during this struggle. It was so appreciated. Special thanks to the great staff at Magnolia Hospital from the best security staff to the best doctors and nurses and to Legacy Hospice for your special care and concern. God Bless you all.

Debbie, Justin, Josh and Lani, Lilli and Jax Sherrill Plunk and Family Brenda Horton and Family

CHURCH DIRECTORY

PAGE 9 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Events and Happenings Blood Drive July 9 and 12 Lifeline Blood services will be in front of First Baptist Church in Adamsvillle on July 9 at 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On the 12th at 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. they will be in front of the Selmer Court House. Vacation Bible School July 12-15 - Selmer First United Methodist Church will hold Vacation Bible School - PreK - 5th grade, Kindness Kingdom, on July 12-15, 6 - 8 p.m. Back-to-School Fest Drive-Thru July 17 Saturday, July 17th, 9:00 am until at the Selmer City Park. We will ONLY be there until we run out of bags/supplies. If Vendors want to donate, please drop off items to the Selmer Community Center by Friday, July 16th at 11:00 a.m. For any questions or additional information, please contact Pam Carroll at 610-0509 or Sybil Dancer at 610-3444. Author Fair July 17 Jack McConnico Memorial Library will be hosting an Author Fair on Saturday, July 17,2021 from 10:30am-12:30pm. Join us as we meet and chat

with local authors such as Patricia Bradley, Natalie Wade, Dot P. Sticht, and Megan Schulman. Each author will have their books for sale and opportunities for book signings. Gospel Meeting July 18-21 There will be a Gospel Meeting at the Adamsville Church of Christ. On Sunday it will start at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday the meeting will start at 7:00p.m. Meet the Teacher July 29 On Thursday July 29, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m., there will be an event for parents to meet their child’s teacher this coming year at Selmer and Michie Elementary Schools. McNairy County Historical Society July 31 The McNairy County Historical Society is excited to announce we will have our first monthly meeting (since Feb 2020), Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Jack McConnico Library, Selmer, Tennessee. Please join us as we catch up on McNairy County Historical News and Events. We are pleased to announce LaQuita Thomson will present a program titled, “Two Purdy Doctors.”

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Jimmy W. Robinson

David Bruce Jordan Sr.

January 15, 1946 - July 1, 2021

July 2, 2021

immy W. Robinson, age 75, resident of Arlington, Tennessee, and husband of Robin W. Robinson, departed this life on Thursday morning, July 1, 2021, at Applingwood Healthcare Center in Cordova, Tennessee. Jimmy was born on January 15, 1946, in Bethel Springs, Tennessee, the son of the late Sam McKinley Robinson and Exie Dee Moore Robinson. He graduated from Bethel Springs High School and was self-employed as a sheetrock finisher for many years in the Memphis area. He was married on May 29, 1982, to the former Robin D. Wiley and was a member of Leawood East Baptist Church in Cordova. Jimmy enjoyed attending church, listening to gospel music and special times with his grandchildren. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed working in the yard. Mr. Robinson is survived by his wife of 39 years, Robin W. Robinson of Arlington, Tenn.; his daughter, Brenda Robinson Crowe of Selmer, Tenn.; two sons, Matthew D. Robinson (Lauren) of Arlington, Tenn., and Rickey W. Robinson (Lottie) of Clifton, Tenn.; two sisters, Faye Brown of Adamsville, Tenn., and Shirley Glidewell of Selmer, Tenn.; ten grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Robinson. The family requests that memorials be directed to Leawood East Baptist Church, 1620 N. Houston Levee Road, Cordova, Tenn. 38016. Condolences may be left on our online guest book at www.PeeblesFuneralHome.com. Funeral Services for Mr. Robinson were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland, with Dr. Kenny Bruce, retired minister at Leawood East Baptist Church, officiating. Interment was followed in the Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 64. A visitation for Mr. Robinson was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland.

avid Bruce Jordan Sr., 95, of Jackson Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 2, 2021. In addition to his parents, Basley and Lillian Coffman Jordan, Dave was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Prichard Jordan, infant son Richard, grandson David Bruce Jordan III, brothers Mack, Fielder and Martin Jordan and sister Voncille Jordan Phillips. He was the last surviving member of his family. Mr. Jordan was a WWII veteran, serving his country as a member of the 3181st signal service battalion and latter attached to the USS Hank. He served in the capture of Okinawa and the occupation of Japan. He was the Builder/Owner/ Manager of several radio and TV stations including WNRG and WMJD in Grundy, Va., WDTM in Selmer Tenn., WMTD in Hinton, W. Va. as well as stations in Richwood, W. Va., Huntingdon Tenn. and McKenzie Tenn. A Kentucky Colonel and West Virginia Ambassador of Good Will, he enjoyed aviation and was licensed to pilot his own Piper Cherokee and Piper Arrow. He is survived by his sons, David Bruce Jordan, Jr., Terry Lewis Jordan and wife Kathy, Jonathan Patrick Jordan and his wife Holly. Grandchildren include Shawn Jordan and wife Laci, Robert Jordan, Alex Jordan, Reagan Jordan, Eli Jordan, Maggie Jordan, Jason Stiltner and Jeremy Stiltner. Great-grandchildren include Destry Jordan, Charli VonCille Jordan, Rhett Patrick Jordan , Gracie Stiltner, Julian Stiltner, Jonah Stiltner and Abram Stiltner along with many nieces and nephews. Sons, Grandsons, and Great Grandsons served as pallbearers. Graveside services were scheduled at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Waller Douglas Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m. at Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington. On Fridays at 11:00 a.m. until, stop by the Selmer Farmers Market for lunch. One plate is $5.00. Including chips and a drink

MCNAIRY COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY

APOSTOLIC Life Tabernacle 1353 Hwy. 142, Selmer Thomas Davis, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.

New Jerusalem Faith Apostolic Church 27 Linley Circle, Selmer Bishop Ferdinand Gant Sr. Pastor Wanda Gant Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Bible Class: Wed. night 7 p.m. Prayer: Wed. night 6 p.m. BAPTIST Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist 1030 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Adamsville Freewill Baptist Church Old Shiloh Road Adamsville, TN 38310 Marcus Morrow, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: 11:15 a.m. Sunday night: 5 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Solitude Freewill Baptist Church 414 Meeks Rd., Adamsville Sunday: 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. INDEPENDENT Calvary Baptist Church Hwy 22 North, Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: Sun. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Faith Baptist Church 1301 Peach St., Selmer Mark Shumaker, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Fellowship Baptist Church 1308 High School Rd., Selmer Pastor: J.D. Matlock Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Locke Road Baptist Locke Road, Selmer Bobby Bray, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. / Wed. 6:30 p.m. Lighthouse Baptist Church 1780 Mulberry Ave., Selmer Jorgen Runquest, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. PRIMITIVE BAPTIST Better Hope Primitive Baptist 4235 Leapwood-Enville Rd., Adamsville Elder Gene Gist, Pastor First Sunday of month beginning at 10:30 a.m., preaching 11 a.m. Michie Primitive Baptist Church Hwy 22 Michie Elder Rickey Taylor, Pastor

10:30 a.m. Song Service 11:00 a.m. Preaching Service

5 p.m & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m.

Selmer Primitive Baptist Church 331 Falcon Rd., Selmer Elder Clinton Barnett, Pastor 3rd Sunday Each Month: 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Michie 5658 Hwy 22 S., Michie Bro. Ben Martin, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.

SOUTHERN Chapel Hill Baptist 6371 Vernie Kirk Rd., Pocahontas Bro. Frank Bell, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Chewalla Baptist Church 190 Chewalla St., Ramer Richard Doyle, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Clear Creek Baptist Church 1728 Lawton Rd., Selmer Chuck Castles, Pastor Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Covenant Baptist Church 6515 Hwy 57 East, Michie, TN Pastor: K. Brian Rainey Music & Youth Director: Seth Bragg Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday Night: 7 p.m. Cypress Creek First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1104 14 Falcon St. • Selmer Pastor: Clifford E. Wynn, Jr. (731) 645-8094 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Wednesday Prayer - 6:30 p.m. Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. Jam Zone: 7:00 p.m. Eastview Baptist Church Hwy 45 S., Eastview, Tenn. Rob Burnes, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Bible Study: 7 p.m. Falcon Baptist Church 777 Falcon Rd., Selmer Jay Houston, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Adamsville 222 West Main St., Adamsville Senior Pastor: Dr. Chad Ball Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:15 a.m. Discipleship Training: 5 p.m. Evening Worship: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday Activities: Prayer/Bible Study: 6:15 p.m. Children & Youth: 6:15 P.M. during the summer First Baptist Church of Bethel Springs 143 Jackson St., Bethel Springs David Singleton, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Selmer Joey Johnson, Pastor 310 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m., Wednesday: 6 p.m. First Baptist Church of Finger Finger-Leapwood Rd., Finger David Sims, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m. Forty Forks Baptist Church 672 Ed Barham Rd., Bethel Springs Randy Smith, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist 678 Good Hope Church Rd., Adamsville Bro. Randy Latch Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Grace Baptist Church 1255 Connie Smith Rd., Selmer Pastor: Bro. Don Singleton Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Gravel Hill Baptist Church 86 Tom Baker Rd., Ramer Pastor: Bro. Eric Jones Church Phone: 645-6776 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. ; Wednesday: 7 p.m. Lakeview Baptist Church Pastor: Clint Overton 877 W. Cherry, Selmer Sundays: 11 a.m. Wednesdays: The Upper Room Student Ministry 5:30 For more info. call 731-645-9771 Lorraine Baptist Church Melvin Qualls Rd., Michie,TN Trent Nethery, Jr., Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 6185 Rowsey School Rd., Bethel Springs Rev. Mark LaRue, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: AWANA 6:30 p.m. Youth & Adults 6:45 p.m.

PRIME CARE MEDICAL CENTER 270 E. Court Avenue • Selmer, TN • (731) 645-7932 710 East Main • Adamsville, TN • (731) 632-3383 426 White Avenue • Henderson, TN • (731) 989-2174

ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1318 Poplar (Hwy. 64) • Selmer, TN 38375 Telephone: 731-645-4188 Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Litt Wilson Rd., McNairy TN Bro. Jakob Harris, Pastor Sunday: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church 854 Chandler Lane Pocahontas, TN Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Olive Hill Baptist Church 46 Olive Hill Church Lp., Guys, TN Robert Hudson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Pleasant Site Baptist Church 1868 Pleasant Site Rd., Selmer Bradley Woolworth, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Ramer Baptist Church 3899 Hwy 57 West, Ramer Joe Loncar, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Selmer Second Baptist 1004 Peach St., Selmer Tony Polk, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church 7193 Michie-Pebble Hill Rd. Hwy 224 South Michie, TN 38357 Pastor: George Kyle Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30 p.m. Wed. Night Bible Study:6:30 p.m. Unity Baptist Church Unity Church Road, Ramer Greg Brasher, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. West Shiloh Baptist Church 282 W. Shiloh Church St., Stantonville Rev. John Little, Pastor Sunday 10 a.m. Life Groups Sunday 11 a.m. Worship Children’s Church Sunday 6:30 p.m. Worship Wednesday 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST Antioch Church of Christ 7200 Hwy 57W Ramer, TN 38367 Darrin Stapleton, Minister (732) 645-5639 Bible Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:15 PM Worship 6:00 Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Acton Church of Christ 9389 Hwy 22 S. Michie Jon Paul Gulledge, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:50 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. (731) 239-9691

Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Eastside Church of Christ 1366 E. Poplar, Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Forrest Hill Church of Christ Forrest Hill Subdivision Hwy 45 S., Selmer Shobeck Dethrow, Minister Fourth Street Church of Christ 142 N. Fourth St., Selmer Brian Stephens, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Liberty Church of Christ 1005 North Liberty Road Michie, TN 38357 Minister: Jeff Harville (205) 712-3502 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Stantonville Church of Christ 8228 Hwy 142, Stantonville Randy Cook, Minister Matt Cook, Minister Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Discussion Class: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD Center Ridge Church of God 948 Center Ridge Road, Bethel Springs Duane R. Moore, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Only services due to Covid-19. Piney Grove Church of God 888 Rose Creek Rd., Selmer Aaron Moss, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy Hwy 22 N. Adamsville Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy 1642 Curtis Hill Church Rd., Bethel Springs Richard Horner, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. , Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bethel Springs Community Church 3886 Main St., Bethel Springs Larry Lancaster, Pastor (662) 415-8012 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Michie Church of God of Prophecy 6681 Hwy 57 East, Michie Roy Bennett, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.

Adamsville Church of Christ 243 E. Main St., Adamsville Van Vansandt, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN Court Ave. Cumberland Presbyterian Church 234 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.

Cypress Tank Church of Christ 2645 Cypress Tank Rd., Pocahontas Dr. Brian Jackson, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Mt. Vernon CP Church 3101 Mt. Vernon Rd., Ramer David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.

New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church 453 New Salem Rd., Bethel Springs David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church New Bethel Road Rev. Jeff Powell Worship Service: 9:45 a.m. Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church Highway 57 West, Ramer Pastor: Albert Brown Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. METHODIST Adamsville First United Methodist 206 East Main St., Adamsville, TN Rev. Amanda Westmoreland Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Buena Vista Methodist Church Tull Road, Bethel Springs Roger South, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church 1122 West Cherry Ave., Selmer Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: Supper 5:30 p.m. Bible Study & Breakouts: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hickory Flatt United Methodist Church Puron Rd., Hickory Flatt Howard Russom, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m. Lebanon United Methodist Church 250 Chambers Store Rd. Michie Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Maggie Jones United Methodist Church 8170 Finger-Leapwood Rd. Bethel Springs, TN 38315 Pastor Mathew Emison Contact info: 731-632-0240 Sunday School 10 a.m. - 11 Services (adult & children) 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 5 - 6 p.m. New Bethel United Methodist Church 74 Wright St., Bethel Springs Shirley Williams, Pastor Sunday School 10 Sunday Service 11 a.m. Bible Study: Wed. at 7 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church Sticine Rd. - Michie Sunday Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. Tony Newman, Pastor Pebble Hill Methodist Church 2768 Chamber Store Rd., Michie Rev. Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Stantonville United Methodist Church 8351 Hwy 142, Stantonville, TN Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Ladies Prayer Brunch 2nd Saturday 10:30 a.m. Sulphur Springs United

Methodist Sulphur Springs Rd., Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

Union Grove United Methodist Pleasant Site Road, Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 10:20 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:20 a.m. Thurs. Bible Study: 6 p.m. Mt. Vinson United Methodist 2100 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Amanda Hartmann Westmoreland, Pastor Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:15 a.m. LUTHERAN MISSOURI SYNOD Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 4203 Shiloh Road Corinth, MS Mike Dickson, Pastor Sunday School Adult: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Sunday School Children Adult: 10 a.m. PENTECOSTAL Beauty Hill Pentecostal Church 46 Beauty Hill Road, Bethel Springs, TN Pastor: Jonathan Tubbs Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday Evening: “Refreshing” 7:15 p.m. Bethel Springs United Pentecostal 3591 Main St., Bethel Springs Jeff Young, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. / Mon. & Wed.: 7 p.m. First United Pentecostal-Eastview 7810 Hwy 45 S, Ramer Rev. Wayne Isbell, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Monday: 7 p.m. Wednesday: 7:15 p.m. The Sanctuary of MPC 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN Rev. Jimmy Kelly, Pastor Sun. School: 10:30 a.m., Youth 5:30. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Gateway Holiness Chapel 2342 Refuge Rd., Bethel Springs Michael Price, Pastor Sunday: 2 p.m. / Thursday: 7 p.m. PRESBYTERIAN Bethel Springs Presbyterian Church 59 4th Ave., Bethel Springs Rev. Gary Anderson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Bethesda Presbyterian Church 50 Bethesda Loop, Selmer Bro. Chris Dancer, Pastor 610-1859 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. First Presbyterian Church USA

800 Poplar Ave., Selmer Dr. Larry W. (Bud) Sizemore, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Fellowship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.

Mt. Sharon Presbyterian Church 108 Mt. Sharon Rd., Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. ROMAN CATHOLIC St. Jude the Apostle 1318 Poplar, Hwy. 64, Selmer Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. 1st Saturday: 9 a.m. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Bethel Springs Seventh Day Adventist 4352 Main St., Bethel Springs John Johnston, Pastor Saturday Worship: 9 a.m. Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. OTHER/NON-DENOM Abundant Life Christian Fellowship 15770 Hwy 64 East Bolivar, Tn. Pastor D.R. Moore Bible Class: Saturday 10:00 a.m. Worship: Saturday 11 a.m. Only services due to Covid-19. A New Beginning Sol Coulston Rd., Bethel Springs Kenneth Kitchen, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Believers Church 1431 Peach St., Selmer Karen Linam, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Encounter Community Church 1026 Peach St. Selmer, TN Pastor: Melvin Berry (731) 645-0055 Sunday Morning Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Services 11 a.m. First Christian Church 133 N. Third St. Selmer Preacher, Gregg Worthey Sunday: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Kingdom Church, More Sure Word 1814 Buena Vista Road Bethel Springs, Tenn. 38315 (731) 577-0100 Sundays at 4 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tuesday L.I.F.E. class at 7 p.m. Thirsty Thursday (Bible Class) 7 p.m. Love & Truth, Adamsville Campus 440 Hwy 64 East, Adamsville Lead Pastor - Eddie Cupples Campus Director - Scott Melson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday nights: 7 p.m. Phone: 731-632-4999 www.loveandtruthchurch.com Greater Evangelical Ministry 1854 Airport Rd., Selmer Frank M. Holiday, Pastor Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 12 p.m. Wednesday: 7:30 p.m. Life Wind Covenant Church 63 Linsey Lane, Selmer Barry Bishop, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Wed.: 7 p.m. www.lifewindchurch.com Safe Harbor Church 1514 Peach St., Selmer Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. World of Truth Church Hwy 57 West, Ramer Larry Cooksey, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. God’s Way Church 1121 Peach St., Selmer Bro. Billy Sanders, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Full Gospel Fellowship Church 6595 Hwy 64 West Bethel Springs, Tenn. 731-646-1837 David Paseur, Pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m.., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Petra Family Worship Center 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN 731-434-1002 S.S.: 10 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Night: 6 p.m. Thursday Night: 7 p.m. Pastors: Paul and Bonnie Young

First ChristianChurch 254 N. Maple St. Adamsville, TN 38310 Clint Hopper, Minister (731) 632-3012 Sunday Bible Class 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. FCC Wednesdays Meal 5:30 Worship/Studies 615 p.m. City of Refuge Church 300 Emmons Rd., Selmer C.A. “Skeet” Jackson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m.

SMC Recycling, Inc. Selmer, TN • Corinth, MS

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m.-11 a.m. - Corinth only

(731)645-6302 • (662)665-0069

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Member FDIC

Classifieds

Wednesday, july 7, 2021

Real Estate

Public Notice

For Rent

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Case Number P-1698 Estate of Cletus Wayne Nixon, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on the 8th day of June, 2021, Letters Testamentary (or of administration as the case may be) in respect to the Estate of CLETUS WAYNE NIXON were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Division of the Chancery Court for McNairy County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and nonresident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same in triplicate with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the date prescribed in (1) or (2); otherwise, their claims will be forever barred. (1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or of the posting, as the case may be) of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or posting); or (B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or posting) as described in (1) (A); or (2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s death. This the 8th day of June, 2021.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS As Required by TCA §30-2-306 Case Nuber 55CH1-2021-PR-1707 Estate of Charles R. Smith, Deceased Notice is hereby given that on July 2 of 2021 Letters Testamentary in respect of Charles R. Smith, who died 6/13/2021, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Division of the Chancery Court for McNairy County, Tennessee. All persons, resident and nonresident, having claims, matured or unmatured, against the estate are required to file the same in triplicate with the clerk of the above named court on or before the earlier of the date prescribed in (1) or (2); otherwise, their claims will be forever barred. (1)(A) Four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or of the posting, as the case may be) of this notice if the creditor received an actual copy of this notice to creditors at least sixty (60) days before the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or posting); or (B) Sixty (60) days from the date the creditor received an actual copy of the notice to creditors if the creditor received the copy of the notice less than sixty (60) days prior to the date that is four (4) months from the date of the first publication (or posting) as described in (1) (A); or (2) Twelve (12) months from the decedent’s death.

FOR RENT: Houses, Apartments and Townhouses. Committed to providing Safe/ Affordable homes in a family friendly environment. No Pets - No Crack/Party Houses, reference & deposit required. Kenneth Sweat. (731) 6100807. Equal Housing Opportunity. (38-TF) OAKWOOD APARTMENT RENTALS: Selmer: 1 bedroom: $375.00/ mo. 2 bedrooms: $400.00/ mo. Both require deposits. No pets. (731) 610-2877. (TF) FOR RENT: 2 bedroom 1 Bath house, Comes with Stove and Refrigerator, No Pets, $525.00 plus Deposit. Call (731) 6102887 (9-TF)

Building For Sale FOR SALE: A Building 134 x 121 squ. ft. on 3/4 acre. Located in Bethel Springs, North Main. Will sell item inside separately or together. If interested Call (731)610-1800 or (731)9266220 (9,10)

Services Professional Services HARRIS HOME IMPROVEMENT: Concrete, dirt work, shingles, siding, flooring & foundations, block, brick, painting and additions. Highly recommended. FREE Estimates. Licensed and insured. (731) 439-0343. (TF) DOUG BUTLER: House leveling, rotting sills, replace floors, cracking brick - 30 years experience. (731) 239-8945, cell (662) 284-6146. Free estimat es. (TF)

Misc. For Sale FOR SALE: Two Cairo Cabinets , one is like new, other one is older but in great condition. Call (731)610-4142 (8,9)

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HARDIN COUNTY STOCKYARD 3350 Hwy 226 Savannah, TN 38372 (731) 925-3287 (931) 224-2247

MARKET REPORT June 30, 2021 Total HD 559

Last Week 1021 Last Year 1752

Cattle 545 Goats 4 Hogs 10

#1 STEERS & BULLS

200-300 WT 168.00-181.00 300-400 WT 158.00-168.00 400-500 WT 146.00-158.00 500-600 WT 138.00-146.00 600-700 WT 129.00-138.00 700-800 WT 121.00-129.00 800-900 WT 109.00-121.00 #1 HEIFERS 200-300 WT 138.00-146.00 300-400 WT 132.00-142.00 400-500 WT 133.00-144.00 500-600 WT 122.00-133.00 600-700 WT 116.00-122.00 700-800 WT 105.00-116.00 800-900 WT 92.00-105.00 HigH Dressing UTiliTy coWs 72.00 - 77.00 HigH Dressing slaUgHTer bUlls 95.00-106.00

CINDY NIXON CALDWELL Personal Representative NICHOLAS L. SURRATT Attorney for the Estate KIM BOALS Clerk and Master

LINDA K. SMITH Personal Representative TERRY L. WOOD Attorney KIM BOALS Clerk and Master

(9,10)

(8,9)

YARD SALES 3 Family Yard Sale 6639 Ramer Selmer Rd. Selmer Tenn. First house on the left behind Pappy Johns.

July 8, 9, and 10 starts at 8 a.m. - until

Lots of collectables, Christmas village, sewing machine and other craft stuff

Will be there rain or Shine

1-800-748-9889 We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.

Walker, Walker & Walker, PLC Ken Walker Richard Walker 2 Locations to Serve You: Jackson, TN & Lexington, TN

Appeal

111 North 2nd Street, Selmer Call 731-645-5346 E-mail:

graphics1@independentappeal.com Check one:

$9 Ad (1x2)

$18 Ad (2x2)

Day of Sale? Time of Sale? Address of Sale? Items for Sale? List Name & Phone Number: Will not appear in ad, unless you request it.

Do you have something you want to sell, rent or buy?

Public Notice

Advertise it here for only $5 a week up to 20 words.

Call 731-645-5346 or come by 111 North 2nd St. Selmer, TN

The Town of Selmer Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Tuesday July 20th 2021 at 530 pm in the courtroom of the Selmer City Hall to consider the following relief under the Selmer Zoning Ordinance: Variance for the setbacks of the property known as 849 & 853 Mulberry Ave. Map 099H Parcels 007.00 & 007.01 “The Town of Selmer is an equal opportunity provider and employer”

WE’RE HIRING!

Plus sized women’s clothing, L and XL men’s clothing, books, movies, kitchen stuff and tools

Trucking & feed available • We are a full service stockyard Video cattle offered for trailer load lots & appraisals We offer an order buying service thru Harry Floyd Livestock www.saledayauction.com

Your first consultation is always free.

Independent

318 Brown St. Finger, Tenn. 38334

Cattle Sale Every Wednesday • 1:00 P.M. Goat & Hog Sale • 11:00 A.M. Begin receiving cattle on Tuesday 8:00 A.M. ‘til dark

Our office has helped thousands of people in financial hardship. Let us explain your bankruptcy rights and options.

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July 9th and 10th starts at 7 a.m. till

3350 Hwy 226, Savannah, TN 38372 • 731-925-3287

BANKRUPTCY?

Having a YARD SALE?

Yard Sale

Hardin County Stockyards, Inc.

Harry Floyd (cell): 931-224-2247 or 931-722-9200 Waynesboro, TN Office: 931-722-3100

Independent appeal v PAGE 10

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions: • Full-Time Student Services Coordinator (Crump Campus) • Full-Time Dual Enrollment Coordinator (Crump Campus) • Full-Time Practical Nursing-Hybrid Instructor (Crump Campus) • Full-Time Computer Information Technology Instructor (Crump Campus) • Full-Time Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology Instructor (Parsons Extension Campus) FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS, PLEASE VISIT www.tcatcrump.edu, CLICK ABOUT THE TCAT, JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT, AND DESIRED JOB POSITION. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump is an equal opportunity provider. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Madelyn Keith, Coordinator of Financial and Administrative Services, PO Box 89, Crump, TN 38327, madelyn.keith@tcatcrump.edu See the full non-discrimination statement at tcatcrump.edu/about/non-discrimination-statement.

Hillcrest Meadows Apartments 1 Alta Vista Drive Selmer, TN 38375

We Make Geting Your Diploma Easy

(731) 645-5290

Accepting applications for 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments for the Elderly age 62 or older or Disabled of any age. Rent is based on household income. Applications available at the office: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Subsidized and financed through rural development. This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer

(800) 545-1833 ext. 339 TDD

Interested in obtaining your GED? The Adult Education phone number for McNairy County has changed! To get your high school diploma, call Alex Beene at (731)608-2475. PSA McNairy County Literacy Council

Subscriptions for 1 For more year $20 for In information Call County $1 off for (731) 645-5346 Senior Citizens Subscribe online for $15 and get the new where ever you may be. If your already a subscriber, add an extra $5.00 and you can get our online addition.

Page 11 v Independent appeal

BUSINESS DIrEctory

Wednesday, july 7 2021

Tennessee celebrates Beef Month directors whose membership is nominated by the state’s cattle organizations for a three year term. Members can serve for two consecutive terms. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and University of Tennessee Extension Service also

Jai Templeton Contributor

July has a long been celebrated as Beef Month in Tennessee. It is the time to honor TN’s 38,000 beef farmers and ranchers. According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture McNairy County has around 91 farms taking care of over 10,000 head of cattle. This number represents over $2.7 million in direct sales for county producers. While this is a significant contribution to the local economy McNairy County only ranks 70 out of TN’s 95 counties in terms of beef cattle production. The Tennessee Beef Industry Council is funded by Tennessee cattle producers. TBIC is the promotional arm of TN’s cattle industry and is affiliated with the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and Cattleman’s Beef Board. The TBIC is governed by a board of

have non voting members. Beef packs a lot of nutrition into one small package. According to the Beef It’s What’s For Dinner promotion a single 3 ounce serving of beef provides 10 essential nutrients and half of the daily value for protein. That is a lot of valuable nutri-

July 10th 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dog Park in Selmer by the splash pad

Wanna Go for a Walk? Bring your dog and participate in the fun filled activities. Activities: Drawings for Stockdales Gift Baskets Free Snow Cones Free Dog Treats And MORE!! SEPTIC CLEANING

need. Anyone over the age of 18 can enter by going to tnbeef.org. Tennessee’s cattle producers will be working through the month of July baling hay, maintaining pastures and ensuring that a healthy and reliable source of beef is head-

ed to dinner tables and restaurants around the state. Be mindful of the many hours and dollars that it took to produce the savory burger or steak that you are enjoying at this summer’s cookout. Please visit beefitswhatsfordinner.

American Johnny

Call Anthony Smith

645-0411

Is now accepting applications for the position of:

Classroom Aide McNairy County

Salary: Based on education (minimum $9.59 per hr.)

Job Duties Include: Assist Head Start Teacher in car-

rying out a program of instruction for a pre-school classroom of up to 20 children, serve as Teacher Assistant in absence of regular Teacher Assistant, make home visits, encourage parent involvement, and work with other staff concerning enrollment and meeting the needs of families. Basic Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required; a Child Development Associate Credential preferred. Experience/training in working with preschool children desired; must be willing to continue education. Must pass physical exam, TB screen, drug screen, and criminal/fingerprint background check.

Excellent benefits Work schedule – 41 weeks (10 mo.) / 80 hrs. biweekly.

Applications may be picked up at: Southwest HRA – McNairy Co. Community Service Center at 701 Industrial Park Rd., Selmer, our web site www.swhrahs. org or on-line application at www.swhra.org Send resumes/applications to: Southwest Human Resource Agency P.O. Box 264 Henderson, TN. 38340 Applications will be accepted through July 9, 2021 An Equal Opportunity Employer

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HVAC SERVICE

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rom relentlessly local stories

to regional events, jump-start your day with the news and

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The Independent Appeal Get started today at 731-645-5346 or visit our new website www.independentappeal.com

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• Metal • Shingles •Flat Roofs

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• All Makes & Models Johnathan Prather Specializing in residential service

Professional, Trustworthy, Dependable

(731) 434-9640 (731) 434-4010

“We’ve Got You Covered” 5 Year Workmanship Warranty Serving West Tennessee

mooreroofingandconstruction1@gmail.com

Kennedy’s Lawn Service

Commercial and Residential Mowing, weed-eating, leaf removal, hedge/shrubbery trimming, mulching, brush removal, and other yard work. Reasonable Rates and Dependable. Free Estimates Call Corbin at

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TIRE SHOP

MAST

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Plumbing, Electrical & Aerial Service Work

TREE SERVICE

Lawn Care

Electrical & Plumbing, Inc.

(901) 299-3611

Rickey Bowen

Specializing in Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Mini-Cooper and VW

com and tnbeef.org for great recipes, health tips and information on the work that Tennessee cattle producers are doing daily to feed the world. Don’t forget Beef It’s What’s for Dinner!

JOB OPPORTUNITY Southwest HRA Head Start

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Advertise you business here for $8 a week. Call (731) 645-5346

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

PRINTING

tion with great taste. The Tennessee Beef Industry Council is sponsoring a summer grilling giveaway in support of the state’s beef industry. They are giving away a variety of beef cuts, recipe information and the grilling tools that you will

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• Stump Grinding • Stump Removal • Pruning FULLY INSURED Tommy Price

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DECK AND FENCES BUILDING

583 Mulberry Ave Selmer, Tenn.

(731) 439-3604 Dan Michael

LET US DO YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS FREE ESTIMATES Remodeling, Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows & Metal Roofing

D & S VINYL SIDING David McCullar (731) 610-8396 Scotty Ingle (731) 439-5163

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WE HAVE A NEW LOCATION: 75 Riverport Drive Jackson, TN 38301 731-422-6226 Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 12

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Robert Moore If you were looking for an epic adventure story with a “home town boy makes good” flavor, you couldn’t do much better than the life of Robert Wayne Moore. Robert was born in poverty but used brains and, when necessary brawn, to become an admirable example of what we used to call the American Dream. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Robert was born on the 4th of July. Robert h a s enjoyed a

that begins right here in McNairy County. To the casual onlooker, Robert’s early years probably didn’t seem like they held the promise of fame or fortune. He was born and raised in Bethel Springs to a loving family, but his childhood was marred by the tragic loss of his father and four siblings. It was far from a life of wealth and privilege

today, you probably think of gleaming neon signs along Broadway, ranks of family-friendly restaurants, crowded nightclubs, touristy souvenir shops and shows at the renovated Ryman Auditorium. But when Robert Moore arrived in Nashville in the 1950s all of that was a distant dream. He found lower Broadway in a state of advanced neglect. There were

Robert’s Western World on Broadway in downtown Nashville.

widely varied professional life as a successful inventor, entrepreneur, promoter, restauranteur and real-estate developer. As a philanthropist he used the resources from his successful business endeavors to directly address real life problems like urban poverty and homelessness on the Streets of Nashville. Robert says he once sparred with Muhammad Ali, trained a number of championship boxers and was, in his younger years, a formidable opponent in the ring himself. And you can well believe it. Fascinating as all that may be, we honor Robert here tonight as the owner and developer of arguably two of the world’s most famous country music nightspots. To state it plainly, Robert Moore is a Nashville legend. He is credited with almost singlehandedly reviving interest in live music venues in downtown Nashville and reclaiming lower Broadway, and the precincts around the old Ryman Auditorium, for traditional country music. He has rubbed elbows with some of country music’s brightest stars and helped launch the careers of more than a few. It’s an epic tale

that might have given him a leg up on the road to success. By the time he was a young teenager, Robert had already left home to help the family make ends meet. He lived with several local families earning his keep through hard labor, while trying to maintain his school studies. While managing the Dixie Truck Stop in Selmer, Robert had an idea that would change his life. Through creative problem solving and a little practical ingenuity he developed a power steering system for lifts in the Dixie’s shop. Local partners Fred Thomas and Don Moore thought the prototype had promise and gave Robert the confidence to pitch the product to corporate investors in Nashville. They liked it too. Before long the kid from McNairy County had permanently relocated to Music City. A young man in the big city with a pocket full of money might have spelled disaster for some people, but Robert had learned to fend for himself at an early age. He made a series of shrewd investments which might have seemed risky, but they paid off handsomely and put Robert at the vanguard of Nashville’s live music renaissance. When you think of downtown Nashville

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more drunks and seedy dive bars than tourists and live music venues. When the Grand Ole

Opry moved to the Gaylord complex in 1974, it might have signaled the end of the line for Broadway, but Robert Moore would have a thing or two say about that. Robert’s first base of operation in Music City was the Merchant Hotel at the corner of Broadway and 4th Avenue. When he checked in for the first time the owner was having trouble paying vendors and keeping troublemakers under control in the hotel bar. Robert’s business acumen and boxing skills were the right combination to solve those problems and he quickly became part owner of the Merchant. Under his direction the Merchant, once again,

Independent Appeal

became a respectable place to stay and dine in downtown Nashville. Robert made a pretty good start on cleaning up the neighborhood too. Many Opry Stars including Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash were guests at the hotel. Robert was among the first to recognize the talents of a young singer/songwriter named Dolly Parton. While her star was still on the rise, he wisely recruited her to play the hotel lounge. Years later, in a 2014 interview with the Independent Appeal, Parton noted, “I always like to thank people like Robert who gave me an encouraging word and helping hand early in my career.” The two were close friends and Dolly would often drop by to catch up with Robert when she was back in Nashville. The Merchant was Robert’s first Broadway acquisition and his first brush with showbiz. The hotel—now a fine dining bistro and bar—claims to have one of the oldest continuously operating hotel restaurants in Nashville with more than 125 years of uninterrupted service to diners. That chain would almost certainly have been broken had it not been for Robert’s intervention. Robert was just getting warmed up with the Merchant Hotel but it was an important first step in the reinvigoration of

shadow of the Ryman Auditorium, was once a popular venue for Opry after parties, hosting a who’s who list of country stars who frequented the establishment to relax, socialize and sometime even write songs. Years before he bought the place Robert remembers witnessing the collaboration between Willie Nelson and Faron Young that resulted in the massive country hit single, Hello Walls, in 1961. Tootsie’s was that kind of place. Like the rest of the area, Tootsie’s had fallen on hard times by the time Robert acquired it, but he was instrumental in reviving interest in the nightclub’s storied history as well as making live music the centerpiece of the landmark property’s business model. It was a model that would serve him and Nashville well in his next endeavor. When Robert sold Tootsie’s, he moved three doors down to what is now Robert’s Western World. As tourists and locals were beginning to return to the previously derelict district in the early 90’s, Robert opened Robert’s Rhinestone World. The western store catered to country music’s growing fandom, offering cowboy boots and flashy western wear. As the business took off, Robert again saw the opportunity to bring traditional

Broadway’s faded glory. By the 1980s Robert had acquired the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge right on the cusp of Nashville’s booming downtown revival. Tootsie’s, in the

country music back to its live performance roots. Having been a successful restaurant and honky tonk owner once, he knew the business well. A stage, bar and grill were added

to the apparel shop and the place was rebranded Robert’s Western World. Now, of course, Robert’s Western World is one of Nashville’s premier places to hear live music. It is revered by music industry elites and tourists alike as one of the last places in the city to have that authentic honky tonk experience. No visit to Broadway in complete without a beer, a fried bologna sandwich, and a great country band at Robert’s Western World. Robert’s helped launch the career of countless musicians and songwriters, and its stage has been graced by some of country music’s top names over the years. The Grammy nominated honky tonk band BR549 was the house band at Robert’s for many years. Their debut album, “Live at Robert’s,” testifies to the role the nightspot played in launching their careers. The current owner of the establishment—Moore sold it to Brazilbilly bandleader Jesse Lee Jones in 1999—has publicly said, “If it weren’t for Robert Moore, Lower Broadway in Nashville would not exist today.” There are more stories about Robert’s adventures than we could possibly recount in one evening. He owned other successful businesses and music venues. A best-selling book about downtown Nashville’s renaissance devoted a chapter to Robert’s monumental contributions. His tenacity to bring live country music back to its honky tonk roots—often against the opposition of city planners who would have converted Broadway into a bland business and financial district—is widely credited with giving downtown Nashville the flavor and worldwide reputation it enjoys today. It’s no exaggeration to say Robert Moore is a living legend and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a native son of McNairy County, Tennessee.

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Robert Moore with Dolly Parton at Robert’s Western World in downtown Nashville.