I Am Williamson County

Bill Derryberry

FRANKLIN’S BELOVED CAR COLLECTOR

BY EMMA CHENNAULT

1926 was the birth year for many famous people; Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, Hugh Hefner, Andy Griffith, and many more. However, this was also the birth year of someone very special to the Williamson County community. Bill Derryberry was born in August of 1926 in Michigan. Although he was not born in our special town, he has been in Franklin since 1955 and has been a crucial member ever since.

Shortly after he was born, Bill moved to Alabama, and that is where he spent his childhood. While attending Grammar School, he met a girl named Christine, who he later married. At the age of eighteen, Bill enlisted in the military to serve in World War II, where he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia until 1946. After being discharged from the military, Bill decided to move back to Alabama to continue his education. He attended the University of Alabama, where he became a lifelong fan of the crimson tide. After receiving his degree, he moved to the charming town of Franklin, Tennessee.

Once he arrived in Franklin, he bought a house on West Main Street and started working for paving companies. Over the next few years, he managed the checkbooks for companies that paved in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama.

While Bill was still working for these plants, he received a call that would change his life.

Bill received a call from a paving plant offering him ownership. He was ready to write a check to them, but they would not accept his money and, in the end, gifted him the business. This did not change who Bill was though. He still drove his pickup truck, wore his work clothes, and lived in the same house on West Main.

Bill Derryberry is also a notorious classic car collector, and throughout his life, he has amassed an extensive collection. While touring his warehouse, you cannot help but be in awe of all the amazing pieces of history that he has kept in pristine condition. His passion for cars is contagious, and he leaves you wanting to learn more about the history behind each vehicle. He is also a founding member of The Battlefield Region AACA. Their mission is to connect with like-minded people who share the same love for classic cars while helping the community through their car displays.

Williamson County Nonprofit Heroes & Distinctively Williamson Businesses

BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

We celebrate the people doing good in our community in every issue of YOUR Williamson. But in this issue, every year, we ask for nominations of nonprofit heroes from those who know best who is out there doing more, giving more, paying it forward more. Someone who exemplifies what it means to have a servant heart and someone who, most of the time, stays in the background, diligently and humbly doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done and for whom it needs to be done.

They don’t ask for thanks, and sadly, more often than not, they probably don’t receive the thanks and praise deserved. But, then again, that’s just fine with them because their heart is fulfilled just by the doing. These are the true heroes in our community, working and volunteering at local charities and teaching us all about giving back.

We are also blessed as a business to work with clients who are giving back to their community. As a business that always wants to contribute however we can with our business services, we are grateful that so many partners and people we do business with feel the same.

To that end, as part of our YOUR Williamson Ten Year Anniversary Celebration – we wanted to honor our clients, who in a very real sense, have made it possible for us to donate over $1 million in advertising and promotion to local nonprofits here in Williamson County, over the last decade. Without advertising dollars, we would not be in business! And if we weren’t in business to publish a magazine for and about Williamson County, then we couldn’t give back!

A Distinctively Williamson Business knows that success is most often derived from contributing and reaping the rewards. Therefore, we salute our Distinctively Williamson Businesses in this issue and will continue to honor them in issues to come. In addition, the charities which they support will also be highlighted in numerous ways over the next several months to ensure that their stories are told and their causes promoted wherever we can.

On behalf of all of us here at YOUR Williamson and Robertson Media Group, we salute our 2021 Nonprofit Heroes and our Distinctively Williamson Businesses!

PHOTO VIDEO EVENTS

Torrey Barnhill

Torrey has lived in Franklin for almost twentyfour years. She says she has “always felt pulled to be in a ‘helping’ role or profession – volunteering in my children’s classrooms and activities, fundraising for school events, fostering puppies, and supporting nonprofits.” Torrey started her nonprofit journey by volunteering for l’ Ete du Vin, the Nashville Wine Auction, raising money for cancer-related charities. She served as their event director for almost five years. She has a sister with leukemia, and “in some small way this was a means to help others walking this journey,” she says. She is currently still involved with many charities, one of which is Friends of Franklin Parks. Torrey describes this organization as a young organization that has accomplished an incredible amount in a decade. “The resources that we support are open to the public; they contribute to our health and wellness and quality of life and provide opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist,” she says. Giving back is important to Torrey because she feels like you should leave a place better than you found it. “This can mean volunteering, mentoring, sharing awareness, but it’s all for the greater good of our special community,” she explains. Through being involved with philanthropies, Torrey has learned that every small action can have a big reaction, and that small acts of kindness can make a difference – something she witnesses with her amazing volunteers every day.

She spreads the word about other charities by participating in community events and talking to people. When she hears what they are passionate about, she can point them to an organization that fits what they are looking for. For example, one of her mentors, Judy Hayes, recently told her, “Our vision only limits us.” This was very impactful to Torrey because she says “volunteers and nonprofit leaders work tirelessly to bring the vision to life, and we can look back and see what has already been accomplished.”

Ellen Boyer

Ellen and her husband Bo moved to Williamson County in 2013. They founded The Brett Boyer Foundation in 2017 after losing their firstborn daughter, Sadie Brett, to congenital heart disease. At first, this nonprofit started as a part-time endeavor but has turned into more than full-time as they honor her life by spreading CHD awareness, fund CHD research, support families going through hospital stays, and celebrate the Down syndrome community.

This organization is important to Ellen because as she says: “Having a child with medical needs changed my life. Her having Down syndrome exposed me to a wonderful world of joy and love, to a community I am forever proud to be a part of and shout their worth. Brett’s heart defect opened my eyes to how common this diagnosis is and how severely underfunded the research is.” Through the creation of The Brett Boyer Foundation, they have supported Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, High Hopes for Kids, Gigi’s Playhouse, and Best Buddies. Ellen gives back to pass along the gifts God has given us. “For the mom and dad receiving a diagnosis, as we did just five short years ago, it means the world to know someone sees you and is fighting for you and your child to have a bright future,” she says. Ellen has found so much healing in giving back in Brett’s name. To continue her legacy, she encourages anyone grieving to find a way to be the person you needed at the time of your tragedy.

Ellen was so honored to be nominated. She was reminded that there is so much work to be done, but to not lose sight of our community’s good and willing people. She also wants our readers to know: “The support we have felt from Williamson County has been remarkable. What a beautiful place of generous volunteers! Bo and I are so proud to live here.”

Dana Marshall

Kelly Mayes

Dana has lived in the Williamson County area since 2006, and she is a faculty member at the School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College, does cancer and microbiology research, and runs the medical student research program. In her free time, she volunteers with SaddleUp! as their horse leader in lessons. Dana explains that SaddleUp! is important to her because: “The power of the horse in touching human souls (including mine), is amazing. Some of the moments I have seen between the riders and the horses are forever embedded in my heart.” She feels extremely comfortable in her role within this organization. She has learned in her many years of volunteer work to land where you can make your maximum benefit and where you are most comfortable. That is how you can get longevity out of your volunteering. Dana primarily focuses on SaddleUp! because that is where her passion is, but she does get involved with other organizations on occasion. “It would hurt my heart to think that a rider couldn’t ride because there suddenly was a volunteer cancellation,” she says. Which is why she sometimes volunteers with other nonprofits.

Giving back is important to Dana because as she says: “There is so much to be done and so many people who can benefit from the caring of, and for, others. Not only does it benefit the person or animal or land that you are supporting, but in doing that, the benefit circles back to us and makes us better as well.” Her advice for others who want to volunteer is to find a place where you can contribute a little of your time to a philanthropic organization. Find a place or make a place where you can use it to help others. Dana was very honored when we told her she was nominated as a nonprofit hero. She explained, “I am not a person who does well with publicity, but It did touch my heart when Anna Robertson Ham contacted me.”

Kelly Mayes was born and raised in Williamson County. She attended Vanderbilt University and moved to San Francisco shortly after graduation, but she moved back to Franklin in 2014. Kelly currently serves as a board chair for the Adventure Science Center and has been active for six years. Kelly explained, “The Adventure Science Center holds a really special place in my heart. As a child, the Science Center played an important role in opening me up to the different areas of STEM careers and possibilities. I was a kid who LOVED math and science, and so I appreciated the handson opportunity to explore those areas in real life. Since becoming involved, they have done a lot to expand and adapt to the changes that have been happening in the world.”

Kelly feels that giving back is important because, “We live in an incredible community here in Williamson County, but it’s a living thing that relies on everyone supporting it. Giving back is just one way to strengthen our community. I am so grateful for the resources, mentors and people around me who helped open my eyes to possibilities when I was a kid. So, as an adult, I feel obligated to pass that torch down to the future leaders of our community.” Through being involved with community philanthropy, Kelly has learned : “that I have more to give than I ever realized.” She wishes she could get involved with more organizations, but her plate is full at the moment with being the Board Chair of the Adventure Science Center and helping with BGA’s Entrepreneurial Leadership committee. She spreads the word about philanthropies by connecting people in the community with events hosted by the center and BGA. Kelly was shocked and extremely humbled to be nominated as a 2021 Nonprofit Hero.

Matthew Powell

Justice Cornelia Clark

Matthew is a lifetime resident of Williamson County. He is currently serving as the Director of Autism Career Training (ACT). ACT has been open for a little over a year but has been four years in the making. Like many organizations, opening their doors during a pandemic has thrown many hardships their way, but they are excited and eager for the future. Matthew explained that: “This organization is very close to my heart and what I have always wanted to do. I have noticed this need for many years serving as a high school special education teacher.” He observed the need for a program to help bridge the gap between a high school environment and the workplace for a young adult with autism.

Giving back is essential to Matthew, and he wants to return the favor to the community that has made a huge impact on his life. He first got involved with special education during high school through the Special Olympics, and he believes: “that this shaped the man I am today. I fell in love with helping students and young adults achieve to their highest potential.” He has learned through his work at ACT to accept everyone for who they are. Matthew would love to expand ACT’s reach and reduce the program’s cost to make their services more accessible to the young adults who would benefit from their program.

Matthew would like to encourage all our readers to get involved. No matter what it is or what your passion is- get involved. “I always love to have business partners and volunteers at ACT. We are having our first fundraiser on February 26th at the Factory of Franklin and would love to have you!” he says. Please contact him at mpowell@autismcareertraining.org. “I would also like to recognize our amazing staff at ACT and the time and energy that they spend every day for our trainees and our organization,” he concludes.

Posthumous Recognition

Justice Cornelia A. (“Connie”) Clark passed away this last month. She was born in Franklin, a true local hero, where her family has lived for ten generations. In her professional life, she had the longest tenure of the Justices currently serving on the Tennessee Supreme Court, appointed to the Court in 2005. She was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 2010-2012. Justice Clark was devoted to her Christian faith, her family, community, and the rule of law. In her childhood, she was taught to live by the words of Micah 6:8 “To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” and she did so throughout her life.

As an attorney, she represented many cities, police departments and several school boards, served as Franklin’s city attorney and was one of the first women partners in a large Nashville law firm. She was appointed in 1989 to the circuit court for the state’s 21st Judicial District (Williamson, Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties). She was the first woman to serve the 21st Judicial District, and she was the first woman in Tennessee to serve rural counties. She served in the Tennessee Supreme Court as director of the administrative office of the courts, and championed improvements to the court system throughout the state. In 2005, she was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court, and she was re-elected in 2006 and 2014. When Justice Clark was appointed Chief Justice for a two-year term in 2010, she became the second woman in state history to hold this position. Throughout her legal career, she was known as a trailblazer and successful advocate for women in the legal profession. During her tenure on the Court, she was involved in the Access to Justice initiative and pioneering the successful Faith and Justice Alliance, which brought attorneys into community faith-based organizations.

She has been a state and national leader and teacher, chairing the Tennessee Judicial Council and serving as the inaugural chair of the Judicial Evaluation Commission. She frequently spoke to civic and leadership groups about the importance of the rule of law and of an independent, accountable judiciary in protecting the constitutional rights accorded to all persons and groups. She was well known for ensuring that justice was accessible to others of all backgrounds, genders, races, and economic standing.

During her lifetime, she served on the boards of twenty-five nonprofit and civic organizations, and she worked with nearly seventy-five organizations, commissions, advisory groups, and task forces. She was a devoted member of Franklin First United Methodist Church.

Mike Walton & Julie Walton Garland

Melba Walton

Walton’s Jewelry

This business was started almost fifty years ago by Melba Walton, an entrepreneur who had a sincere passion for antique jewelry. Before having a storefront of her own, she would sell jewelry on the hood of her car at flea markets. Oftentimes, Melba would set up right next to people selling chickens! When she decided to open her first brick-and-mortar location during a time when women could not get a loan on their own, she had her husband, Jack, cosign to help her pursue her dreams of becoming a business owner. Melba persevered, opening Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry in 1974 in our original location in Carter’s Court - the premier Downtown Franklin shopping destination at the time. In 1982, she decided to invest in the future, purchasing our current building at 410 Main Street in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

Mike, Melba’s youngest son, joined the family business in 1980. He received his Graduate Gemology degree to become the resident jewelry appraiser. He also took courses and put in hundreds of hours to become our resident jeweler. For many years, Mike handled almost every aspect of day-to-day operations. His passion, knowledge and genuine, honest character helped grow Walton’s into the jewelry store it is today.

In 2012, Julie, Mike’s oldest daughter, joined the family business. She pursued her Graduate Gemology degree and began making her mark by establishing a solid online presence for Walton’s. “Julie launched our first website and grew our Facebook and Instagram following, allowing us to connect with our customers in a whole new way,” says Mike. In 2017, she launched Walton’s online store, allowing our customers to shop with us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week from all across the country! Today, Walton’s has become a staple in the downtown Franklin community. Not only offering beautiful pieces to purchase, but also repairing fine jewelry and offering custom design. Specializing in pre-1940’s antique and estate pieces, Walton’s maintains the foundation on which Melba created the store, a place where all are welcome to share in the love and admiration for pieces of one-of-akind jewelry.

waltonsjewelry.com

410 Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.0244 Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Walton's proudly supports Saddle Up! Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses. To learn more, visit saddleupnashville.org.

Early’s Honey Stand

In the words of founder Erskine Early: "The spring and summer of 1925 was an excellent 'honey year,' … we had honey running out of our ears, so to speak." My mom was a pretty good business ‘man’ and she got an idea: She put honey into many sized mason jars, jugs, bottles, etc.

I was only seven years old at the time, but I helped her. We put three steel drums out under that big shade tree, put some two by eights on top of the drums, made a “skirt” around it out of sawmill slabs, set the various and sundry sized containers of honey on top, made a small sign “Honey for Sale” and nailed it to a post and ‘Early’s Honey Stand’ was born! The folks that stopped at the former site of the toll gate proved to be good honey customers, and she sold most all the honey dad raised that way.

From time to time, Mom would have a few other things to sell at the stand. She would cook up jams, jellies, etc., which folks bought readily… apples, peaches in season… and various other items from time to time.

But the really BIG change occurred in the fall or rather, the winter of 1925. Dad and the other farm workers were butchering hogs out back for our meat supply. Everybody butchered their own meat back then. Back then, the word “meat” generally meant pork. Seeing the butchering going on, a fellow stopped and asked if he could buy a few sausage pounds. Dad and him “negotiated” and made arrangements for him to pick up his sausage in a few days as soon as it was packed in the “pokes” and smoked goods. Now, my dad had a reputation for being the best sausage maker in the surrounding countryside. For one thing, he had delicious cuts of pork, but his seasoning was what really made it good. And he always smoked it a golden brown with real hickory. This fellow came back for his sausage… liked it and came back for more for himself and his friends. The old ‘word of mouth’ method of advertising took effect. Dad made up some extra sausage both in ‘pokes’ (cloth bags for smoking), and links, and they readily sold at the Stand.

“We still make sausage in the exact same way Dad did then. It is the cornerstone of our operation today.” - Erskine Early

Today, you can find us in that same original location at 5075 Main Street, Spring Hill, TN. Right on Highway 31 at location of the former toll booth and the original stand.

We’ve got the same great items and we also do a lot of gift boxes this time of year. Honey, Hams, Jams, Sausage you name it. And we ship all over the country.

You can stop by our shop there, give us a call at 1-800-523-2015 or visit us online at Earlys.com Our new website has a lot of great features and you can ship to multiple addresses and include your gift message right there on the website if you wish. And the whole time you’ll be getting Early’s excellent customer service and over ninety years of know how in country foods.

Oh boy what could be better than that?

earlys.com

5075 Main Street Spring Hill, TN 37174 800.523.2015 Monday-Wednesday, Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Early’s Honey Stand Proudly Supports Boy Scout’s of America Boy Scout’s of America teaches children the value of outdoor and leadership skills for a solid future. To learn more about this nonprofit, visit scouting.org

Jimmy's Cleaners & Alterations

Jimmy’s Cleaners & Alterations was started in Spring Hill, Tennessee, by

Franklin residents Jimmy and Luanne

Story in February 2003. We saw potential growth in Spring Hill and decided there was a need for a dry cleaners so we opened our first location with an on-site cleaning facility on Main Street. This was met with great success so we opened two more locations in the fall of 2004, in addition to adding our Free Pickup and Delivery service to business and residential clients.

With over 250 collective years of dry cleaning and laundry experience from our team members within our plant and dropoff locations, we pride ourselves in being the experts of our industry. We take special care of your garments and textiles while ensuring that your dry cleaning and laundry items are cleaned, pressed, assembled “in house,” and not outsourced to any other facility. We have been voted “Best Dry cleaners” four years in a row by the Franklin Sizzle Awards and love to serve our clients with friendly faces and courteous service. At Jimmy’s Cleaners, we believe in customer service that focuses on solving the needs and challenges of our clients, our most valuable asset.

In addition to providing general dry cleaning and laundry services, we also offer several specialty services. These services include cleaning household items such as comforters, linens, draperies, rugs, wedding gown preservation, leather cleaning, and expert alterations. Our Wash, Dry and Fold service is another of our super convenient services that many of our clients have taken advantage of.

Jimmy Story

Luanne and I also believe in giving back to the community that supports us. We have supported several nonprofit charities throughout the years, including The Tennessee Children’s Home, Tennessee Kids Belong, High Hopes Academy, Love the Dress and The Special Needs Easter Egg Festival in Spring Hill.

We understand firsthand how the pandemic has affected businesses over the past year. Initially, we saw our business drop off due to our clients working remotely and not traveling for business. Additionally, many formal social events, graduations, and weddings were canceled. Before the pandemic, we had five locations. During this time, we decided to restructure our business model, close the two less performing locations, and concentrate on the three locations in Spring Hill and Franklin, where there has been tremendous growth. In hindsight, this was the best decision we ever could have made. As a result, we operate much more efficiently. We can concentrate on our current client needs and address them while also welcoming our new clients to our community and the Jimmy’s Cleaners Family. We’d love to see you at any of our three locations or take advantage of our convenient, Free Pickup and Delivery Service. For more information on our business, visit our website:

jimmyscleaners.net

5317 Main Street Spring Hill, TN 37174 931.486.9884 Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

1403 Lewisburg Pike Franklin, TN 37064 615.599.3605 Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

188 Front Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.591.4003 Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Jimmy's Cleaners Proudly Supports Tennessee Kids Belong Tennessee Kids Belong is equipping the community to dramatically improve the experience and outcomes for children in foster care. To learn more about this nonprofit, visit tnkidsbelong.org.

Southern Events Party Rental Company

Located in historic Franklin and serving greater middle Tennessee, Southern Events Party Rental Company has delighted guests and hosts alike for over fifteen years. We offer personal service, beautifully curated event rentals and southern hospitality, all in one place.

Southern Events is family-owned by Chip and Jill Cole. We started Southern Events to meet the demands of Williamson County’s growing community of families and businesses who had occasions to celebrate. Jill’s years of experience as an event planner allows her to handle the creative and client facing aspect of the business, while Chip’s project management background allowed him to handle the logistical side of the business at that time. The business began in 2005 (in our garage!) and has grown to a team of nearly fifty full and part-time staff, based in their current office & warehouse space on Alpha Drive. The company mission is simple – happy clients. Southern Events is a client-centered event rental company focused on building strong client relationships through personalized service and creative event design and planning guidance. Our team is committed to truly personalized service – understanding a client’s needs, event vision & budget, as well as going above and beyond the standards of friendliness and professionalism.

Our family is also deeply committed to the local community. We are the only full-service party rental company in Williamson County and have deep roots in the area. This means we can not only introduce you to the best planners, caterers and venues, but the money you invest with Southern also goes to supporting the local economy. The company gives back often, supporting local events, fundraisers and annual festivals. You have likely seen their float in the annual Franklin Christmas parade or sat upon their furniture at the Heritage Ball. The Southern Events party rental inventory includes an extensive collection of unique and one-ofa-kind party and event rentals - from tables and chairs, modern lounge seating and decor to glassware, linens, china, event flooring and tents. They know the trends, listen to their client’s needs and regularly add new rental items. You can see all the rentals or get in touch to start planning your next celebration through our website.

southerneventsonline.com

101 Alpha Drive Franklin, TN 37064 615.595.8508 info@southerneventsonline.com

Southern Events Party Rental Company Proudly Supports Many Local Nonprofits Supporting all nonprofits around middle Tennessee, who we work with or hope to work with soon.

DISTINCTIVELY WILLIAMSON BUSINESS

YOUR Williamson & Robertson Media Group

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the COMMUNITY, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” - George Bernard Shaw

This perfectly sums up what our business motto and purpose truly is. As a local media company, publishing community magazines both in print and online, we have spent a decade in Williamson County - showcasing the stories of individuals, businesses and organizations that make Williamson County one of the top places to live, work and play, in the country!

Creating a high-end publication ten times a year for a readership and circulation of over 50,000 per issue with ongoing additional audience reads online in the thousands monthly, our brand has revolved around the idea that this is a "Distinctively Southern Place."

What makes Williamson County unique are the people, places and their stories that we never run out of to share with you.

In providing hyper-local content along with promoting the incredible and thriving business community through a multi-pronged marketing approach of print - digital - social media and event partnerships, we are able to put your business in the hands of an ideal demographic and potential client each and every issue. Our distribution is complimentary through Williamson County in literally 100's of locations and our online readership and engagement for organization content and ongoing contest, promotions and other Williamson County based news is growing rapidly.

We know what you want to read about, we know who is important to learn about, and we strive to provide the kind of information that keeps our readers, advertisers and partners engaged in not just a publication but everything we are doing in the community. We know what we are talking about and we work hard to provide exemplary service and quality work for our clients. We help them create their own marketing strategies and build packages for advertising that are impactful and as unique as their business is.

It goes without saying that we love this community and the people that live here. We consistently search for the hero's among us and the businesses alongside us, doing great things and giving back in ways, big and small.

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

yourwilliamson.com

404 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.465.6046

Robertson Media Group and YOUR Williamson Magazine has been in business for over ten years providing THE Lifestyle | Community | Business | Social publication for and about Williamson County. We have worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizations and events providing over $1 million in marketing, advertising and promotions to those local groups.