Gilbert Graves was born on his grand-parents farm in 1932 to Grafton L. and Clara Bell Hamblen Graves. The family bought a farm on Central Pike to be near his paternal grand-parents, Edgar and Essie Philpot Graves. Gilbert later built his house on this farm and lived there until his death. Gilbert was involved in farming from a very early age as farming was the natural way of life on Central Pike. He milked cows before going to school each day. He helped tend to his great Uncle’s farm that he later came to own. This farm was certified a Tennessee Century Farm in 2002. It was established in 1816 by his fourth great grandparents. Gilbert was a member of the Mt. Juliet High School FFA Chapter for four years.

After graduating high school from Mt. Juliet in 1950, he went to work at AVCO, while still farming. It was also when he bought his first tractor, a used 1948 red belly Ford. In January 1955, he married Mary Lou and a week later was inducted into the United States Army. He spent two years at Fort Knox in Kentucky serving as a Military Policeman. After his military service, he accepted a job with Southern Tire Service in Nashville, creating a career in sales that lasted for more than fifty years. A special election was held in December 1965 for Magistrate in the 25th district. Gilbert won the seat and retained it in the 1966 August General Election. When he took office in 1965, Gilbert Graves was the youngest member on the County Court and when he left the seat in 2010, he was the oldest member on the County Commission.

While serving on the County Commission, Gilbert was involved in many projects that have improved life for Wilson county citizens. He was among those who were instrumental in preserving our farm heritage and history by supporting the purchase of land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center. During his 45 years, he served for many years as Chairman Pro Tem and on various committees and boards some of which included the Planning Commission, Road Commission, Ag Management Committee and the Joint Economic Development Board. Gilbert was a lifelong member of Center Chapel Church of Christ. He was a charter member of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club, Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet, Wilson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and the Wilson County Fair Board. Gilbert Graves was passionate about all things Wilson County. He dedicated the bigger part of his life trying to make it a better place for all of us to live.

Born: 12/6/1941

Wife: Loretta K. Haley (1974)

Children: Wayne Yelverton, Jason and Justin Haley

Grandchildren: Emily, Ashley, Kelsey, and Courtney

Bobby Haley was born and raised on a farm in the Watertown/Alexandria area in Wilson County. His parents are Johnny Garvin Haley and Ruby Neal Haley and he is one of six siblings. During his youth, Bobby’s Dad was a Baptist minister and farmer. Bobby helped the family by milking and working on the farm. His father is ninety‐ three and now lives in Warren County.

Bobby graduated from Watertown High School. He was a member of the FFA and the football team. Bobby continued his education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club. A tour of duty in the United States Navy interrupted his college career. Bobby returned to college at Middle Tennessee State University where he was a charter member of the Block and Bridle Club, and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Agribusiness.

Bobby worked as a sales representative and poultry technician (chicken doctor) for Central Soya, Decatur, Indiana. In 1969, Bobby returned to the farm in Watertown and began raising tobacco and beef ca􀆩le. That same year he opened the Watertown Farm Supply and managed it until 1976, but continued to own it until 1993 1976, but continued to own it until 1993. In 1974 Bobby married Loretta Haley and they moved to a farm that had been in Loretta’s family and now is registered as a Century Farm known as Haley Farm. Bobby’s grandfather was John Haley and Loretta’s grandfather was John Haley (no relation) and they both had farms on either end of what is now Haley Road. They are still very active in beef cattle and cropping. In 1977 Bobby began a trucking business to assist farmers with their hauling needs. Bobby has served Wilson County in many capacities:

• District Commissioner (1982 - 2002),
• Chairman, Finance Committee
• Chairman, Education Committee
• Chairman, Ag Center Committee
• Board Member of Wilson Farmers Coop
• Wilson County Farm Bureau
• Wilson County Livestock Association
• Wilson County Election Committee (2003 - present) as Chairman and Secretary.

He has been a Wilson County Fair Board member since 1982 and Chairman of the Century Farm Luncheon beginning in 1993. Bobby was the 1995 Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year. He is a Master Beef Producer and Gardener. He is a retired member of the Watertown Lion’s Club having served as President and was a charter member of the Sue Talley Scholarship Fund.

Commander and Adjutant of American Legion Post 76, Adjutant and Vice Commander, Boys State and Girls State Chairman of American Legion Post 15, and Commander of VFW Post 5015 exemplify Bobby’s continued commitment not only to Wilson County, but Tennessee and our Nation.

Loretta and Bobby are members of the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church where Bob teaches Sunday School. Bobby’s dearest accomplishment is seeing his family happy and watching his grandchildren laugh and grow.

1879 - 1956

Married: Callie Major

No Children

Homer Hancock was born and lived his entire life on the same farm in the Baird’s Mill community of Wilson County. A noted local farmer, he served as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture from 1923 through 1929 under governors Austin Peay and Henry Horton. During his term he traveled the state extensively and was an outspoken proponent of bringing farm producers and their markets in touch. While in office the monthly "Market Bulletin" was introduced enabling Tennessee farmers to better understand and locate markets for their crops and livestock.

Believing a family farm should be run like any other business, he instituted a program that allowed farmers to name their farms and receive official state recognition. His own farm was named "Echo Valley Livestock Farm" and was one of the first farms to be issued a state certificate. He is credited with ideas that led to the establishment of the Tennessee Agricultural Hall of Fame. Throughout his life he took many leadership roles and served as president of the Southern Livestock Association, American Southdown Sheep Breeders Association, Lebanon Rotary Club, and Wilson County Farm Bureau. He helped establish and was president of the County Council, forerunner to the Farm Bureau.

A champion of rural electrification, he was an organizer of Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and held membership certificate #1.

March 18, 1928 - June 6, 2014

Married: Nelda Eddins

Children: Michael, Keith, Steven

3 Grandchildren

Mr. Harris was born and reared in Wilson County and graduated from Mt Juliet High School. From 1930 - 1943, Mr. Harris and his father produced, bottled and delivered milk under the GA Harris & Son milk company He is the 4th generation owner of a Century Farm in Gladeville, TN, which was established in 1818. A log home still stands on the family farm where his grandfather, father and Mr. Harris were born.

Mr. Harris was a livestock specialist for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, 1957-1994 where he worked with nine Commissioners of Agriculture. He is a breeder of Hereford and Saler cattle. He is an advisor for the Tennessee Junior Hereford Association, and a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association. He has received the Tennessee Livestock Association Outstanding Service Award and the Tennessee Pork Producers Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Harris served on the Board of Directors for the TN Cattlemen’s Association and the TN Forage and Grassland Council for numerous years. Mr. Harris is a member of the Gladeville United Methodist Church.

Married: Denise Dolland Harris

2 Children

Dr. Michael Harris was born and raised on the family farm in the Gladeville community of Wilson County. During his middle and high school years, Mike was active in 4-H and FFA. He was a member of the State 4-H Council and in FFA, he was chosen as an Outstanding Leader in 1970 and awarded the Degree of American Farmer in Kansas City at the FFA National Convention in 1972.

Dr. Mike (as he is fondly called) started his college career at Cumberland University as an agriculture major. After two years, Dr. Mike transferred to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He went on to veterinary school at Auburn University and obtained his degree in 1978. He practiced in Austin, Texas for 5 years. When Dr. Mike moved back to Tennessee, he bought a farm in Gladeville and started a veterinary practice, The Animal Care Center, in Mt. Juliet. Mike served two terms as President of the Wilson County Livestock Association and also served as Vice President of the Tennessee Salers Association.

During much of his career, Dr. Mike was an active member of the Mt. Juliet Big Brothers, serving two terms as President. Additionally, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 4 years. He served on the Board of the Bank of the South for four years and was on the Community Council for Wilson Bank and Trust. Dr. Mike is a life-long member and supporter of the Gladeville United Methodist Church. He is married to Denise Dolland Harris and the couple have two children, Drew and Haley.

Bobby, the only child of R. L. and Christine Howard, was born and raised in Murfreesboro. He attended Oakland High School and was a member of FFA throughout high school. Upon graduation, he bought his grandparents, W. P. and Veda Mae Howard’s, farm near Lascassas. Lounita, the second of four children born to Lew and Sandra Cook, was born in Lebanon. She attended Oakland High School and Middle Tennessee State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. She worked at The Nashville Business Journal and The Lebanon Democrat, where she was hired as a reporter and worked her way up to editor. She then became the Director of United Way. While at United Way, she purchased The Watertown Gazette and ran it for several years before eventually selling it. She worked a few jobs in other fields, but later came back to journalism when she started The Edge newspaper from the ground up in 2015. Bobby and Lounita were married in February 1983. They lived their entire married life together on the farm and supported each other in their endeavors and enjoyed spending time together working on the farm and delivering newspapers around town. They were married for 39 good years until Lounita’s passing in 2021. Their farm is approximately 1000 acres of owned and rented farmland with about 120 head of cattle on it at any time. Bobby also raises row crops (corn and soybeans) and hay. He has recently added a registered herd of Balancer cattle with his goddaughter, Jessica. Bobby and Lounita were very involved in their community. Not only did Lounita use her paper, The Edge, to spread relevant and agricultural news to everyone; but they were both members of several clubs in Lascassas, Watertown, and Lebanon. They were charter members of the Lascassas/Milton Lion’s Club and they were members of the Wilson County Fair Board for 20 years. Lounita was involved in the Chambers of Commerce in both Lebanon and Watertown, the Wilson County 911 Board, Leadership Wilson, Wilson One, and the Lebanon Business and Professional Women’s Club. She was also a founding member of the Women’s Build Committee for the Wilson County Habitat for Humanity. Bobby is the Treasurer of Prosperity Cemetery, and he has taken over Lounita’s spot on the Wilson County 911 Board. Bobby and Lounita were members of Bradley Creek Baptist Church throughout their marriage, but enjoyed attending church at Milton Church of Christ whenever they were able.

Born: 1929

Married: Thelma Bush

Children: Diane Jenkins Marsh and Darrell Jenkins

Grandchildren: Lorie Marsh, Aaron, Tabitha and Tiffany Jenkins

Newell "Red" Jenkins was born to parents, Harry and Velma Mofield Jenkins, in the Rawls Creek Community of Smith County. Newell had two brothers Haskell and Harold Jenkins (who died at the age of 2) and a sister Delia Sanders Wilson. He attended Union Heights Elementary School in the Rock City community of Smith County.

When he was 6 years old, his daddy purchased a little red wagon for he and his brother. At the time, his daddy had hogs and they used the wagon to carry corn to feed them. They wore out the little red wagon hauling that corn.

Then at the age of 7, he and his brother (9 yrs) had their first tobacco crop. Together, they raised about 9/10 of an acre and set the entire crop by hand. The crop was worked by a pair of mules who knew more of what to do than he and his brother did. When his daddy sold the tobacco crop for them, they got $7.50. With the money, they purchased a Sears Roebuck radio.

His daddy owned a sawmill in the Rawls Creek community which was later moved to the Rome community of Smith County. At age 14, he started hauling logs with an old 1929 Chevy truck carrying logs to the sawmill. The truck was found sitting in a barn on Mr. Bascum Cooksey’s farm where Five Oaks Subdivision is located now. The old truck did not run at the time so he had to get it running. When he got the truck running, he built a 6x11 wooden bed to place on the back of it. The truck had no doors, an old wooden cab and it just had 2 wheel brakes. He hauled logs from Beasley’s Bend Road in Smith County crossing the Cumberland River at Rome on the old ferry boat to the sawmill. At that time, the only way to cross the river was riding the ferry boat. The ferry had an old one-cylinder engine that powered the boat. The floor of the boat had cracks in it that you could stick half of your hand through. Mr. Ike Napier was the operator of the ferry boat at that time. When I drove on at the Beasley’s Bend side and we started across the old boat would be just about to sink when we reached the other side. When I drove off to get unloaded, Mr. Ike would patch the holes with old burlap bags and sit there and wait for me to return to go back and get another load. He never left me no matter what time of day or night, because he knew I needed to get back across the river. I hauled logs for Mr. Comer Hailey (Jerry and Mark Andrews great granddaddy), Mr. Paul Caplenor and Mrs. Georgia Mitchell. The last ferry boat to cross the Cumberland River at Rome was named "Jere Mitchell", who was the son of Mrs. Georgia. He got killed in World War II.

In Newell's Words:

In 1940, the Cumberland River froze over at Rome and I walked across it. At times, there would be as many as 35-40 people crossing at one time.

On June 15, 1948, at the age of 17, I married Thelma Bush Jenkins (age 15). My first cousin, John M. Mofield and his wife took us to Rossville, Georgia. We lived in Rome from 1948 to 1955. In 1955 I moved to Wilson County and purchased 235 acres from Mr. Sam Patton Thompson and in 1966 I purchased 110 acres of the Will Harlan estate located on Sugar Flat Road which was considered at that time to be in the Tucker’s Crossroads community. Later in 19___, I purchased 43 acres of the Elam Farm on Hwy 70N that joined my property on Sugar Flat Road.

In 1962, I bought a Lime and Rock business at Rome from Mr. Allison Bilbrey. He owned the rock quarry at Rome and I hauled his rock and lime. When the state started construction of the five bridges that cross the Caney Fork River on I-40, I hauled all the rock for the pillars and for the beams built. I later got out of the rock business and continued hauling lime. I have been in the lime business for 50 years.

In 1973, I was named Wilson County Conservation District’s top conservation farmer in the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s annual soil and water conservation awards program. At that time, I followed a long-range conservation plan developed with the help of the Soil Conservation Service technicians. Over a period of years, I established over 300 acres of improved pastures, 8 farm ponds, one fishpond and 6 acres of grassed waterways. Other conservation practices applied included farming and crop rotation.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was a member of the Tucker’s Crossroads Grange #1240. We met in the school gymnasium once a month. The grange had a beauty pageant where all the men dressed as women and I really did not want to do it, but being a good sport I decided to enter the contest. It is one of my most memorable experiences. Also, I was one of the original owners that purchased the land to build the ball park in the community. This park was built and named after Paul S. Neal of the community who also was a member of the grange for lots of years. The park was sponsored by the Grange and the Grange members volunteered their time to build and run it.

I became a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association in the 1980’s where I served on the Board of Directors and am now a Lifetime member. I hosted the association’s annual field day on numerous occasions.

In the 1990’s, I became an avid supporter of the Wilson County 4-H program and the University of Tennessee Extension Service. At the 4-H County Livestock Expo in 1994 I purchased market lambs at the sale and in 1995 I purchased the Grand Champion Market Lamb. I hosted a County Agents delegation in 1996 on my farm. To this day, I continue my support of these programs and support their endeavors any way possible.

In 1997, I was awarded the Wilson County Conservation Farmer of the Year. I was commended by the district for the work in conserving the natural resources of my beef cattle and row crop farm.

For numerous years I could be seen each night at the Wilson County Fair. You would find me and Thelma on the white benches near the main gate visiting with friends and neighbors. In 2007, we were honored to be named the Wilson County Fair "Old Timers".

The 300+ acres is still a working farm. I continue to raise beef cattle, hay and tobacco with help from my son and grandson. I am member of Wilson County Farm Bureau, TN Cooperative Service in Wilson and Smith Counties and Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Some people have asked me, "When are you going to retire?" I tell them with a chuckle, "when I get old enough."

1895-1990

Married: Maggie Piercey, 1919

Daughter: Margaret J. Ferrell

2 Grandchildren, 2 Great-Grandchildren

James C. Johnson was born in Clinton County (Albany), Kentucky, in 1895. He was one of ten children. As a young man he lost all the fingers of his left hand in an accident while working in a sawmill.

Despite his disability, he was determined to achieve and saw education as the path to that goal. He attended Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, and Milligan College, Elizabethton, Tennessee; then began his first career as a schoolteacher. He taught school in Pickett and Trousdale Counties before moving to Wilson County.

In 1919 he married Maggie Piercey of the Centerville community in Wilson County. When their only child, daughter Margaret, was young; Mr. Johnson moved his family to the Taylorsville community, where he began a teaching job at Taylorsville School. There he also began farming. He grew tobacco and vegetables and raised a few head of cattle.

As livestock farming took hold in the Middle Tennessee area in the 1930’s, Mr. Johnson saw a need for area farmers to be able to buy and sell their animals locally. About his time he gave up teaching and embarked on a second career as an agricultural entrepreneur. With a business partner, he opened the Wilson County Livestock Market, and went on to start similar ventures in Hartsville, Lafayette and Cookeville. Although he eventually sold his interest in the markets, the Lebanon market (generally known as the "sale barn") was always a special place to him. In fact, he continued to visit the "sale barn" regularly right up until the time of his death in 1990.

In the1950’s and early 1960’s, Mr. Johnson worked for Commerce Union Bank (now Bank of America) as a farm appraiser. He bought a farm in the Shop Springs community where he raised beef cattle. He was an active supporter of 4-H cattle shows, and one of his proudest moments in that arena came in 1961 when his grandson showed the Grand Champion steer at the Wilson County 4-H Livestock Show.

His passionate belief in the investment value of pastureland for livestock farming led to Mr. Johnson to start a real estate company with partner Billy Hobbs. Their firm, Johnson & Hobbs Real Estate, specialized in farm properties. Through Mr. Johnson’s effort and enthusiasm, Johnson and Hobbs became one of Lebanon’s leading real estate auction firms in the 1960’s and ‘70s.

Mr. Johnson took great pride in Wilson County and was an active participant in civic life. "Mr. Jim" as he was known to many, served as Wilson County Trustee from 1944-46, and later as an alderman for the City of Lebanon in the early 1960’s. He was a member of the Lebanon Lions Club, Wilson County Sportsman’s Club and the College Street Church of Christ. He was one of the owners of Wilson County Fairgrounds when it was located on the Coles Ferry Pike, and served as President of the Wilson County Fair Association for several years in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. The success of the fair in its early years left a legacy that enable the development of the Wilson County Fair into the nationally known event it has become today.

Throughout his life Mr. Johnson’s love of cattle farming never diminished, and over the years he owned several properties on which he raised beef cattle, including his home and farm on Hartsville Pike in Lebanon (part of which in now the Johnson Heights subdivision).

Because of the passion and vision of men like James C. Johnson, livestock farming grew to play a dominant role in the mid-20th century economy of Wilson County and Tennessee. "Mr. Jim" is fondly remembered by the re-telling of stories by many beef cattle producers and the people of Wilson County.

1926 – 1988

Married: Elizabeth Gilmore

3 Children: Beverly, Mike, and Mark

James Ray Johnson was born on June 24, 1926, to Herbert and Novada (Tomlinson) Johnson of the

Centerville Community. James Ray married the love of his life Elizabeth Gilmore. They had three children Beverly, Mike, and Mark. James Ray attended Taylorsville School then Lebanon High School, where he soon had to leave school to run the family farm as his father died in 1939 making James Ray a young full-time farmer at the age of 16. The Herman Dies family moved onto the farm to assist the young James Ray in managing the 500 acres. James Ray’s sons (Mike and Mark) quickly started learning the ropes of managing the family farm. They raised cattle, hogs, and various row crops such as tobacco. The contributions of James Ray from his young start as a full-time farmer up until his death in August of 1988 are vast. James Ray’s record of public service included almost a quarter of a century of service as a member of the Wilson County Quarterly Court and County Commission. He was instrumental in securing the land for the Wilson County Cooperative and the land that is currently the James Ward Agricultural Center. During his years of public service, he also served on the Wilson County Road Commission and the Wilson County Planning Commission. James Ray served as the President of the Wilson County Livestock Association and was named Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. He was a member of the Wilson Farmers’ Cooperative board of directors for 28 years and served as a member of the board of directors of the Wilson County Farm Bureau.

Deborah Kay (Debbie) Joines

DOB: 3/31/1961

Spouse: Jeff Joines, 1987

Children: Audrey Joines Smith; Cole Joines

Grandchildren: Jackson and Ellie

Debbie Brakefield Joines was born March 31, 1961 to Walter and Sue Brakefield (Bales) in Miami, Florida. She was the second of four children, preceded by brother, Joe, followed by Wally, then a sister, Nancy Dabbs, whom is six years younger. Early childhood involved feeder pigs and exploring on her pony, Blackie, in rural Franklin County, TN. Walter, her father, was an electrician which required moving to different communities throughout childhood. Eventually the family settled in southeastern Davidson County, TN by Long Hunter State Park. Her agricultural influences came from 4-H, her dad and a favorite uncle, Jack West who farmed hundreds of acres in Indiana. Uncle Jack was hardworking and always positive which grew her respect for anyone who made a living farming. As a teenager, she traded her pony for a horse which strengthened her love of horses and the beginning of training.

In high school, she worked for Dr. George Wright in Mt. Juliet which influenced her direction towards animal health and agriculture. Debbie graduated DuPont High School in Hermitage then enrolled fall 1979 at Columbia State Community College for a degree in Animal Hospital Technology. Believing a higher education was key to a better salary, she enrolled at University of Tennessee at Knoxville upon her associates degree (AS) at Columbia State. In December 1983, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Agriculture, majoring in Plant & Soil Science.

Right after graduation, she went to work at the University of Tennessee Soil and Forage Test Laboratory in Nashville writing lime and fertilizer recommendations for farmers and producers across the state. At that time, the lab processed nearly 40,000 soil samples annually.

In 1987, she married Jeff Joines of Hermitage.  He too had the dream of farming which Debbie also shared. They moved to a small farm in southern Wilson County where she and Jeff bought 30 bred Holstein heifers to blend in with others already being milked in Woodbury, TN. Their daughter came a few years later and Debbie left UT to be a stay-at-home mom and raise bottle calves. During her time away from UT and moving to Gladeville, their son Cole came along and she and Jeff built a greenhouse.  A & C Greenhouse was created and Debbie grew annual vegetables and flowers and perennial plants. She also trained horses for the public along with a few of her own. She was hired back at UT in 1996 to run the lab.

After 26 years at the UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center, she retired in 2016. During her career, she traveled across Tennessee presenting the virtues of soil and forage testing to county agents, farmers, producers and homeowners. University travels also led to opportunities not only in TN but throughout the Southeast. She traveled to the country of Kosovo to help scientists and county agents set up a soil testing facility to help their struggling farmers. She received a master’s degree (MS) in 2008 from UT-Martin in Agriculture studying the effects of sulfur on forage bermudagrass.

Since retirement, she has worked part-time at the Ward Agricultural Center while training and competing horses with her daughter, Audrey under 4J Barrel Horses. She and Jeff maintain a flock of 35 commercial and registered Katahdin ewes at their farm in Shop Springs.

Debbie has enjoyed volunteering for UT Extension in Wilson County. She served as a horse judging coach, co-chair for 4-H Youth Horse Show at the fair, Hay Show judge and Speed Event Judge at the Central Region 4-H Horse Show. She became a Master Gardener and Master Small Ruminant to learn new ideas and network with others.

Other efforts include Farm Days volunteer; Leadership Wilson; CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer; Wilson Farmers Co-op Board; member of UT Extension Advisory Board-Wilson County; Wilson County Fair Board; Health and Education Committee-Wilson County; past board member and officer Wilson County Livestock Association; member and board member of Tennessee Sheep Producers Association; member of National Barrel Horse Association.

Debbie’s hobbies include family time, golf, anything outside, training and running barrel horses, reading and going to the gym.

1961

Married: Jeff Joines

2 Children: Audrey and Cole

Debbie Brakefield Joines was born March 31, 1961, to Walter and Sue Brakefield (Bales) in Miami, Florida. Early childhood involved feeder pigs and exploring on her pony, Blackie, in rural Franklin County, TN. Her father was an electrician which required moving to different communities throughout childhood. Eventually the family settled in southeastern Davidson County, TN near Long Hunter State Park. Her agricultural influences came from 4-H, her dad and a favorite uncle, Jack West who farmed hundreds of acres in Indiana. As a teenager, she traded her pony for a horse which strengthened her love of horses and the beginning of training. Debbie graduated from DuPont High School in Hermitage then enrolled in the fall of 1979 at Columbia State Community College for a degree in Animal Hospital Technology. Believing a higher education was key to a better salary, she enrolled at University of Tennessee at Knoxville upon her associates degree (AS) at Columbia State. In December 1983, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Agriculture, majoring in Plant & Soil Science. After graduation, she went to work at the University of Tennessee Soil and Forage Test Laboratory in Nashville writing lime and fertilizer recommendations for farmers and producers across the state. In 1987, she married Jeff Joines of Hermitage. They moved to a small farm in southern Wilson County where she and Jeff bought 30 bred Holstein heifers to blend in with others already being milked in Woodbury, TN. Their daughter came a few years later and Debbie left UT to be a stay-at-home mom and raise bottle calves. During her time away from UT and moving to Gladeville, their son Cole came along, and she and Jeff built a greenhouse where she grew annual flowers and vegetables and perennial plants. She also trained horses for the public along with a few of her own. She was hired back at UT in 1996 to run the lab. After 26 years at the UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center, she retired in 2016. During her career, she traveled across Tennessee presenting the virtues of soil and forage testing to county agents, farmers, producers and homeowners. University travel also led to opportunities not only in TN but throughout the Southeast. She traveled to the country of Kosovo to help scientists and county agents set up a soil testing facility to help their struggling farmers. She received a master’s degree (MS) in 2008 from UT-Martin in Agriculture studying the effects of sulfur on forage bermuda grass. Since retirement, she has worked part-time at the Ward Agricultural Center while training and competing horses with her daughter, Audrey under 4J Barrel Horses. She and Jeff maintain a flock of 35 Katahdin ewes at their farm in Shop Springs.

Born: 1952

Married: Paula Tidwell Kinslow

3 Children

4 Grandchildren

Coleman Phillip Kinslow was born in 1952, in Carthage, Tennessee to Coleman and Ann Phillips Kinslow. He grew up with sister Judy on the family farm on Lost Creek in the Rock City community. Phillip attended Union Heights Elementary School and graduated from Smith County High School. He was active in 4H and FFA and received the State Farmer Award. He graduated from Tennessee Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. In 1975, he married Paula Tidwell, a nurse raised in Nashville, and that summer he worked at Opryland. In the fall of 1975, he was one of only fifteen Tennessee students to be accepted into Auburn University’s Veterinary Program. Upon graduation in 1979, Phillip, or as many know him today as Doc, became partners with Dr. David Bennett in a clinic that was located beside The Wilson County Livestock Market on West Main Street in Lebanon. In 1984, he became sole owner of the practice and for the next 30 years was a permanent fixture at the sale barn. In 1986, while Doc continued to work cattle in town, he purchased the clinic’s current property on Southside Park Drive where it continues to grow as a mixed animal practice, servicing large animals as well as a very modern small animal practice. Through the years over twenty veterinarians have had the chance to learn and practice medicine under his care. He has served as President of the Upper Cumberland Academy of Veterinary Medicine, served on the Advisory Committee to the State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Legislative Committee, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, and the Society for Theriogenology. Doc and Paula have three children Paul Alan, Jennifer, Amy and four grandchildren.

1928 - 1997

Married: Dorothy Feirick

Children: Katherine (Kellie) and Melissa

Grandchildren: Kathleen Evins, Caroline Evins, Lindsey Laine Simpson, and Fred Maxwell Simpson

Fred was born May 18, 1928 to Howard and Katherine Laine. He married Dorothy Feirich in 1957 and they have two children Kelly and Melissa. They have been blessed with four grandchildren.

Fred attended elementary and high school in Wilson County. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science Degree. After graduating from college, he joined the United States Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1953.

During his military career, he graduated from The Southeastern Signal School as a high speed radio operator. He also attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California majoring in Russian language. Later he attended the Officer Career Course at the United States Army Security Agency Training Center and School (USASATC&S) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Fred retired after more than twenty years of military service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Army Security Agency Certificate of Achievement, The Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and many others.

In 1975 Fred was asked to substitute at Lebanon High School teaching Agriculture. It turned into a full-time job lasting fifteen years. During his teaching career, he touched the lives of many of his students and helped them prepare for life after high school. His students won many awards (local, state, and national) because of his mentoring and teaching skills. Awards for the Lebanon FFA Chapter included: Superior Chapter. He also had three students selected as State FFA President and two State FFA Vice-Presidents. Fred was the first FFA Advisor in Wilson County to be eligible to take a team to compete in the National Soil Judging Contest in Oklahoma. After classroom teaching , he served at the Board of Education until his retirement. In 1999 a number of Fred’s FFA students established the Fred G. Laine Memorial Scholarship administered by the Tennessee FFA Foundation. Each year since a deserving Wilson County FFA member has received a scholarship to help them continue their education in the field of agriculture. This scholarship is a loving tribute for the influence he had on his own students and a lasting tribute to the outstanding FFA students that never had the opportunity to know him.

Fred served as a dedicated Wilson County Soil Conservation District Supervisor from 1976 until his death in 1997. The Wilson County Soil Conservation District has given the Fred G. Laine Memorial Land Judging Award to the High Individual since 1997 to honor his contributions to education and conservation in Wilson County.

Fred was a member of the Optomist Club. Governor Ned McWherter appointed him an Honorary Page of the Tennessee House of Representatives and Colonel, Aide de Camp on the Governors Staff. He also received a Senate Joint Resolution to honor his memory from Senator Robert Rochelle and Representative Stratton Bone.

Perhaps quotes from former students say it best: "We learned about Ag, but we learned more about being a man or woman", "Mr. Laine could take any student and instill in them the desire to be better and reach their potential", and "He was my mentor even when I did not understand what that was".

Fred has received many awards and tributes, but he was the most proud of his family and their accomplishments. His daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life.

Born: June 11, 1929

Married: Vondell Green June 12, 1951

Children: Celia Oldham, Lucy Cowley, Jim Lancaster, John Lancaster

12 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren

Jim K. Lancaster was born to parents, Edward and Dimple Knight Lancaster, in the Lancaster Community of Smith County. Jim arrived twenty minutes before twin brother Joe and was raised in the log cabin on the family farm. He attended the Lancaster Elementary School and graduated from Gordonsville High School. Both boys attended Tennessee Tech on football scholarships. While at Tech he served as President of the "T" Club and was elected to "Who’s Who among College Students. Athletically, he received "All Conference honors as a single wing tailback. Mr. Lancaster graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1951 "With Highest Honors" and a B.S. in Agronomy (Soil Science) Agriculture. He then married Miss Green and accepted a position with University of Tennessee Extension as assistant county agricultural extension agent in Morgan County. Then in January, 1952 he moved to Wilson County to head up the Wilson County office of the Tennessee Farm Bureau where he remained as manager for more than 43 years. During this time he led the company in life insurance production every year. In 1972 he earned Certified Life Underwriter – American College in Byrn Pennsylvania. In 1973 he received the Advanced Estate Planning degree and additionally in 1982 became a chartered Financial Consultant. Though he retired as the Agency Manager in 1995, he continued to be one of the company’s top life agents for several more years.

Mr. Lancaster is very humble when discussing his accomplishments at the Wilson County Farm Bureau and gives credit and thanks to the agricultural community for their support and business during his 43 year career. He also is quick to point out that even though he received most of the recognition, Mrs. Geneva Vance was the true reason for his success and the growth of the Wilson County Farm Bureau Office.

Mr. Lancaster is a charter member of Westland United Methodist Church in Lebanon. He also served in many community organizations including: President of Lebanon Jaycees, Lebanon Rotary Club, President of Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, local camp president of Gideons International. He is an active member of the Cumberland University Board of Trust. He also was the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Bank. Mr. Lancaster has been very involved with Scouting, serving as Chairman of the Walton Trail District and as an Executive Board Member for Middle Tennessee. In 2000, he was inducted to the Robert E. Musto Insurance Hall of Fame and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literary Letters from Cumberland University in 1994. Mr. Lancaster has received the Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award and Tennessee Tech’s "Outstanding Service Award in 1983. He has been recognized by his peers and organizations for his career work and community service. But he considers his family his greatest blessing and reward.

Jim and Joe Lancaster continue to own the land in Smith County where they grew up, and the log cabin has been restored. The cabin has been relocated to Fayettville, Tennessee to a city park where generations of children can visit the home of children of the past generations.

1951 - 2020

Married: Cheryl Ann Summers Ligon

Children: Randi Langlois, Dr. Andy Ligon DVM, Jason Duncan Ligon

Bill Ligon was born, raised and still lives and farms the bicentennial land that his original ancestor, John Cloyd, staked in 1789 as a Revolutionary War land grant in the Mt Juliet community. Growing up on the farm, his family raised purebred Poland China hogs, Hampshire sheep and Shorthorn cattle. They also grew wheat, oats, barley, milo and hay. Bill is the son of Herschel and Lillie Eller Ligon. His father was inducted into the Wilson County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2008. Bill graduated from Mt Juliet High School in 1968. He was on many FFA judging teams during high school and obtained his American Farmer degree in 1969. He also played baseball during high school. He enrolled in the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he double majored in Animal Science and Agriculture Education. While obtaining his BS degree, he was on the UT Meat Judging team and was second high individual in the southeastern contest and eighth high individual in the national contest held in Madison, Wisconsin. The following year, he was on the UT Livestock Judging team, where he was the high individual in the southeastern contest held at Mississippi State University and ninth high individual in the national contest held at the famous Chicago Stockyards. While at UT, he was also in the FarmHouse Fraternity, Army ROTC and vice-president of the Block and Bridle Club. While in ROTC, he was a "Distinguished Military Graduate." Bill served in the US Army Reserves and obtained the rank of Captain. After completing officer basic training at Fort Lee, VA, he was offered the opportunity to manage the hog and sheep operation at UT Blount Farm while getting his MS degree in Animal Science. His thesis was on "Comparison of Pasture versus Confinement Raising of Baby Pigs." After graduation, he worked as a Livestock Extension Agent in eastern North Carolina. After two and a half years, he felt the need to return to Middle Tennessee to help his father on the farm. While helping his father on the farm, Bill taught Agriculture Education at Westmoreland High School for 16 years. He then decided to move to Watertown High School and taught for an additional fourteen years. In 1980, Bill married Cheryl Summers, the "redheaded city girl" that lived across the fence. They were married 40 years until cancer took her life. Even though Cheryl had been a "city girl" she was always a working partner on the farm. She took care of bottle feeding the orphan lambs and transported sheep to Vanderbilt Medical Hospital where they were used for medical research. Cheryl helped Bill’s father with the hog operation. She was very involved with the ewe flock during lambing season, often caring for the newborn lambs. She was also a fulltime housewife and mother while working on the farm. After retiring from teaching, Bill continued full-time on the farm. He raises purebred Poland China hogs that started with his grandfather in 1916. He continues to raise sheep which were used in medical research trying to find cures for such conditions as crib death and spina bifida. The family also produces lespedeza hay for horse owners. When his son, Andy, was in 4-H, the family started raising Golden Comet hens and selling brown eggs, Currently the flock numbers about 500 hens. Over the years, Bill has judged numerous swine shows as well as cattle and sheep shows.

January 24, 1918 - March 11, 2010

Married: Lillie Eller

Children: Elaine Ligon Anding, Suzy Ligon Davis, Bill Ligon, Jim Ligon

8 Grandchildren

5 Great-Grandchildren

Born and raised on the Cloyd-Ligon farm in western Wilson County. He graduated from Donelson High School in 1936. He entered WW II on Utah Beach as a company commander and helped build the main line of communications from Cherbourg to Frankfurt.

He is the fifth generation to farm the oldest bicentennial farm in Wilson County which was established in 1789. He is owner of the oldest Poland China purebred hog herd in the United States. He is also the owner of the oldest sheep farm in Tennessee, maintaining a flock of 125-150 ewes along with shorthorn cattle, wheat , barley, oats, grain sorghum and hay.

Mr. Ligon testified, twice each, before the Senate and House Agricultural committees about the plight of the family farm and his testimony is in the congressional record. He appeared in the book, "American Dream Lost and Found" by Studs Terkel about the dreams of Americans who were plain people. In 1970 he furnished his team of mules to be used in the ground breaking ceremony to build Opryland. In 1985 he received the "Distinguished Service Award" from the Poland China Record Association. Also in 1985 he was named "Mid-South Fair Farmer of the Year".

In 1999, the Mid South Fair named the swine show ring in his honor after exhibiting Poland China hogs for 50 consecutive years. In 1996 he was named Wilson County Fair Old Timer. In 2000, the TN State Fair honored him as their first honoree for the Distinguished Service Award for exhibiting Poland China hogs for 51 consecutive years. Two of his main goals in life were to produce top quality Poland China hogs and see the family farmer survive and prosper.

1900 - 1977

Wife: Irene Passchall

Son: Kenneth Love

2 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren

Harry Love was one of three children born on a farm in Bells, Tenn, Crockett County. He had 1 brother and 1 sister. He graduated from Bells High School in 1918 and was encouraged from teachers to attend college. He was the only one of his family to go to college. He graduated from University of Tennessee with a BS in Agriculture in 1922. His major was in animal science. After college he worked his way to Europe on a cattle boat.

He begun his career as a teacher in 1924 and taught in Jacksboro, Piney Flatts, Alexandria and Gordonsville before teaching in Watertown in 1930. He also taught 7th and 8th Science in addition to Agriculture in his early years.

In 1932 he married Irene Paschall of Brush Creek. After living in three homes on Main Street, a son was born in 1939. The family moved to the Young farm just outside the Watertown city limits on Neal Road in 1941.

As a Agriculture teacher, he was also the Future Farmer of America advisor. This included teaching parliamentary procedure, and skills such as testing milk, welding, livestock judging, and building skills. He would take boys to FFA camps, state and national conventions. He was always most proud when a student was named "State Farmer" or received the "American Farmer Degree". He would always have boys enter the skills contest in Hartsville. He and a student would appear on the farm program on WSM radio "Noontime Neighbors" with John McDonald for several years.

He would spend his summers visiting boys at their homes to see their projects. He went on several week long camping trips. Those included Dallas, Daytona Beach, and the Purina Farms in St. Louis. He always stayed in close contact with his students.

He was a member of the Comer Lodge of Watertown for 50 years where he was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Exchange Club, Farm Bureau and a Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the Watertown Methodist Church. He was also an active member of the Wilson County Retired Teachers Association.

He retired after 36 years teaching in June 1965. He died at his home in June 1977. Mrs. Love also taught the second grade at Watertown for several years prior to his retirement.

Born in 1953

Married in 1976

Children: Josh, Seth, Jared Lee, and Summer Davis Major

Grandchildren: Carter Lee and Addison Rose Major

Roy and Diane met during their last semester at MTSU. Roy is a Wilson County boy raised in the Norene community. Roy's parents Will Allen and Sammie Bradshaw Major and brothers Allen and Dan milked cows and raised tobacco on their Century Farm. Tobacco crops, custom work and Wilson Farmers Coop helped Roy earn his degree in ag business and education. And even though he was offered a teaching job at Lebanon, he stayed on the farm. Diane, however, was raised in a subdivision in Murfreesboro with roots in the Twelve Corner Community. She graduated with a degree in secondary education with plans for teaching and coaching but decided that this farming occupation was worth a try. There were a few of Roy's family and friends who did not think this was a good idea. But proving those people wrong has been fun.

After their marriage in 1976, they rented the Robert Rose homeplace from Mr. Bob Donnell in the Doaks Crossroads community. Three years later, they purchased the farm. Diane quickly learned that her education was just beginning. Roy began milking Grade B in a side shed of the old barn and in 1985 a new Grade A facility was built. The old house soon became home to three sons. After 44 years Roy and Diane still reside in one of the most historical homes in Wilson County. The one Diane picked out from the road and never intended to leave.

Roy served as a State FFA officer, Noble Ruler of AGR Fraternity. He currently serves on the Wilson County Planning Commission, Tennessee Dairy Producers Association and the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Board and Farm Bureau member. He has been honored as the Wilson County Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Diane raised all the baby calves, set tobacco, drove trucks and tractors, coached baseball teams, and coached the 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl and the Dairy Judging teams who qualified for national contests.

Currently you can find Diane at the Wilson County Soil Conservation Office always listening to stories about the history of Wilson County agriculture. Diane is a long-time member of the Livestock Committee for the Wilson County Fair, Treasurer of the Wilson County Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Hale Moss Memorial Scholarship, and the coordinator of the 19-year Farm Days for all second graders in Wilson County.

Major Dairy now includes 650 acres that are owned or operated with 240 milk cows. Originally the milking herd was commercial Holsteins. But as the boys got older, change was coming. The Al program brought a registered herd program. Pop-A Top is the prefix for all the registered herd that were bred by Major Dairy. Many years of selective breeding has produced Holstein and Brown Swiss that have been winners in local, state, regional shows. And we have even added a few Jerseys for granddaughter Addison.

The daily management of Major Dairy is now led by Seth and Jared with Josh being there for the morning milking and silage chopping. Summer, Carter, and Addison are actively involved in many aspects if the dairy.

Major Dairy has seen some tough times but has never lacked for encouragement and help of family and dear friends. Their lives have been enriched by the extended Major family, Adams Grove Church of Christ family, the Clinton and Lucille McPeak, and all the friends of the boys who have brought wonderful times and memories to Major Dairy and the part-time employees that have worked so hard. The Major family is a strong supporter of small family farms and the life experiences that are learned living and working on the farm.

Cows and crops bring great pleasure to Roy and Diane, but the pride of watching their sons growing into caring men takes second place only to the joy of watching Carter and Addison grow up on Major Dairy.

1906 – 1995

Married: Gwendolyn Moss, 1931

Children: Gay Chamberlain, Sam Grady McFarland, and Jerry Allen McFarland

9 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild

Sam Bradshaw McFarland was born in 1906 in the Palmer House on the McFarland Family Farm on Coles Ferry Pike. The Palmer House was the second home the McFarland Family built and, in 1912, Sam’s father Dr. Jerry McFarland built the current house across from Friendship Christian School. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Jerry was a farmer and Sam and his brother James helped raise cattle, hogs and chickens on the family farm. Sam was a teenager working in the hayfield when he saw a farmer seriously injured when he fell off a haystack onto a pitchfork. It was then that he decided he wanted to follow in his father and grandfather’s (Dr. Billy McFarland) footsteps and become a doctor. Sam graduated Lebanon High School and attended David Lipscomb for his pre-med degree. He met, courted and married fellow Lipscomb student Gwendolyn Moss of Tuscumbia, Alabama. Sam obtained his medical degree at University of Tennessee at Memphis and came home to Lebanon to open his practice. Thereafter, he was affectionately known by his patients, friends and even family as "Dr. Sam".

Dr. Sam was kept busy throughout the 1940s with his practice and growing family. He and "Ms. Gwendolyn" had three children, Gay (Chamberlain), Sam Grady, and Jerry Allen McFarland. He also decided to take over operation of the McFarland Farm and concentrate primarily on Guernsey dairy cattle. His goal was to produce the richest milk with the highest buttery fat content at the largest volume possible. He traveled the United States purchasing the highest quality Guernsey and even bought cattle in Oregon and Washington State and had them flown to Nashville on an Eastern Airlines flight! The cattle from Robin Roost Farms gained a reputation as having the best appearance for showing purposes and for producing rich milk in high quantity. At the time, Robin Roost Farms boasted of having the most modern milking parlor in the Middle Tennessee area. Several of Dr. Sam’s cows won state awards such as First Place in the National Junior Guernsey Show in 1953 and the Gold Star Sire Award. Robin Roost Ruby was heralded as the best dame ever sired at the farm and she won awards across the State of Tennessee, the Southeast Championship, and showed at the National Championship. In the 1960s, the market for high fat milk hardened and that, coupled with the fact that factories moving to Lebanon had siphoned off most of his farm help, prodded Dr. Sam into changing Robin Roost farms from a dairy farm into a beef cattle farm. He raised Angus for several years before turning the farm over to his son, Jerry, who still raises Charolais beef cattle.

May 20, 1949

Married: Toni Conner

Son: Jaycen McGuire

Grandchildren: Jaylen, Josh and Jacorey

JW was born on May 20, 1949 in Whiteville, Tennessee to Mr. Sam and Mrs. Willie (Herron) McGuire, Sr. The McGuire’s had 8 children (4 boys, 4 girls) with JW being the 3rd youngest. He has 3 brothers and 2 sisters living. His dad was a farmer in the area and raised livestock and cotton and mom was a homemaker that cared for the family and home.

JW attended school in Hardeman County and graduated from Allen-White High School in May, 1967. After a two year tour of army duty, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1978 with a major in Rural Development from Tennessee State University. In 1988, he continued his education at the University of Tennessee to receive his Masters Degree in Extension Education and Community Resource Development. JW was inducted into the Tennessee State University Agriculture and Home Economics Hall of Fame in October, 2018.

In 1979, he married Toni Connor and moved to Wilson County to begin working for the University of Tennessee as an Assistant Extension Agent. Soon after being employed for the university, J W received a promotion to Associate Extension Agent and in 1994 was promoted to be an Extension Agent. Having lots of experience in Extension programming, his main areas of focus were Agriculture, 4-H and Community Resource Development. After the retirement of our County Extension Director in 2003, JW was named as our interim director and later became the County Director that same year.

While working in Extension, JW organized the first Master Gardener class in Wilson County in the year 1994. The Master Gardener program trains volunteer leaders to present programs on horticulture and work in their communities to share the latest gardening information. This program is still very active today. His work with outside higher education programs continued. He created and presented two organic gardening programs at TN State University and Cumberland University.

JW had many accomplishments and served on many committees for the Central Region and State during his tenure with Extension. For the region, he was the vice president for the Central Region Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists, served on the 4-H Endowment Committee , and served as a member of Equal Employment Opportunity Council. JW served as state chairman of the scholarship committee of TN Association of Agriculture Agents and Specialists, served as a member of the State Peer Review Committee, State Urban Programs Review Committee and State Diversity Committee. In 1995, he received the Outstanding Regional Agent and in 1999 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the state and national levels. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to the agent who has excellent quality throughout his/her programs.

JW had many leadership qualities and skills. To improve his leadership skills he attended and taught classes and workshops. In 1989, he completed the TN Family Community Leadership Training and Leadership Academy sponsored by UT-Knoxville. JW was a graduate of Leadership Wilson in 2001, served as a board member for the Wilson County Help Center from 2000 to 2003. While working with Extension, he served as advisor for the Southwest Community Club, and was a member of the TN Nutrition and Consumer Education Program Coalition Committee, and the Rural Area Development Committee of Wilson County. Each August when the Wilson County Fair was in town, you would find him cooking the 4-H chicken at the 4-H Chicken Shack, as well as, serving as an advisor for the Adult Agriculture horticultural exhibits and the 4-H Poultry Show. The TN Department of Homeland Security ask him to be the county coordinator of the Agricultural Assessment Committee. JW organized the committee with nine agencies within the county that Homeland Security mandated. The committee assessed the risks and impacts that terrorist attacks would have on the agricultural community and to help identify critical needs for minimizing those risks in Wilson County.

In addition to his Extension experience, JW had many leadership roles during his 26 year tenure with the TN National Guard. His responsibilities as First Sergeant included being supervisor of a medical unit and soldiers in medical treatment tasks during physical examinations. Also, while in the military, he attended the Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School and upon graduation he returned to teach leadership classes at the schoolJW retired in 2009 from the Extension Service with 30 years of service. After retirement, he started his own landscaping business. He is still very active in the community with his volunteer work.

May 26, 1919 - December 20, 2011

Married: Billie (63 years)

Children: Elaine, Carson, Bill and Wanda

8 Grandchildren

Born and reared on a family farm which was located on the Smith and Wilson County line, which produced dairy, wheat, tobacco and corn. He attended grades 1-8 in the Grant Community. He attended Gordonsville High School and graduated from Watertown High School.

In the late 1950’s he began a lifetime career as a livestock dealer. He served as a livestock buyer for Baltz Brother Packing Company, Tennessee Dressed Beef and Tennessee Livestock Producers among other livestock trading businesses. He has provided leadership for the Wilson County Livestock Market since 1984. He has earned a national reputation as an exemplary.

Mr. McKee and his family business has supported many agricultural related programs including 4-H, Tennessee FFA Foundation, Ag. In the Classroom, Block and Bridle and the Wilson County Fair. Awards include lifetime membership in the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Distinguished Service Award, Charolais Distinguished Service Award and an Outstanding Effort To The Livestock Trading Industry from Edward’s Feed.

Mr. McKee has been recognized by the State of Tennessee General Assembly in 2002 and 2006 for his outstanding career and commitment to Tennessee Agriculture. Mr. and Mrs. McKee are still very active in the day to day operation of the Wilson County Livestock Market where three of their children and three of their grandchildren are continuing the family business.