Glenda Booker

Glenda began her 4-H Career in the fall of 1956 when she joined the 5th Grade 4-H Club at Oakmont Elementary in Dickson County. Glenda was the first member of her family to attend college. Following graduation from UT Knoxville, Glenda was employed as the Home Agent in Houston County, with responsibilities for Adult and Youth Home Economics programs. But her heart was with 4-H and devoting more time to programming with youth. She transferred to Wilson County on January 1, 1966, and served as Assistant Home Agent/later Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development. Titles changed, but our responsibility was the same---4-H Youth Development. Glenda was a member of Lebanon First Baptist Church, Lebanon Junior Women’s Club, Lebanon Business and Professional Women’s Club and Morning Rotary. She was a member of the Wilson County Fair Board, with responsibilities for the Youth Exhibit Building and the Youth Fair Board. Glenda retired from UT Extension on December 30, 2022, and resides in Dickson County. Since that time, she has continued to Volunteer with Regional and State All Stars and the Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troupe. She was member of the State Health Rocks Training Team and attended National and State training sessions. She served on the Operation Military Kids Training Team, attended National OMK Training, and assisted with several OMK summer camps. Glenda also worked part-time in four counties as a Program Assistant with 4-H, TNCEP, 21st Century Grant, and Workforce Readiness Grant.

Terry & Helen McPeak/strong>

Helen is the daughter of Harold & Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She grew up on the family farm near the Greenvale and Norene communities. The family Century Farm was established in 1808 with the deed was signed by John Sevier, the first Governor of TN. Helen graduated from Watertown High School, played basketball and was active in 4-H. She worked at the Baptist Sunday School Board. She attended Cumberland University and UT Nashville. She was a realtor and worked at Farm Credit Services. In 2003 she was asked to help in the Fair office. Thus, beginning of her Fair Career. Over the years she has served as Volunteer Coordinator, interim  Fair Coordinator and Executive Director. Terry is the son of Lee (Bo) & Dorothy Travis McPeak, Lebanon, TN. He grew up on the family farm in Norene and attended Norene School and graduated from Lebanon High School. He was active in 4-H and FFA. After graduation, he  worked as a livestock service agent, the Wilson Farmers Coop, Neely Coble Center, and retired after 41 years as a lineman and safety coordinator from Middle Tennessee Electric. Terry serves on the Wilson County Promotions Executive Committee, Director of Wilson County – TN State Fair livestock department; serves on the DTC (Dekalb Telephone Coop) Board. Their children (grandchildren) include Justin & Madison McPeak (Hank & Will); Luke McPeak; Travis & Shelby McPeak (Keaton, Walker & Jack). The entire family volunteers and helps at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair. Helen and Terry have helped to promote, improve and make positive contributions to the Wilson County - TN State Fair and the James E. Ward Ag. Center. Improvements include: increased livestock shows and Ag Education, 4-H and FFA competitions, livestock judging, Made in TN Exhibits, buildings such as the Farm Bureau EXPO Center, Made in TN, 4-H and FFA, State Perishables, Johnson Event Pavilion, Hale Moss Exhibit, Heritage Barn, skyride, adding adjoining property, livestock barns, fencing, paving, electrical and plumbing upgrades, upkeep of Fiddlers Grove Historic Village, Fiber to the ticket booths and many of the buildings, storage, Wi-Fi, and a First Aid and restroom building. They have seen Fair attendance increase from 59,015 in 1989 to 795,523 in 2025. They have seen an increase in competition and revenue that has enabled many improvements to the fairgrounds. They have been honored to serve the Fair Board and to see the growth and impact to the community and state over the years.

William M. "Bill" Talley

Bill was born on August 2, 1908, and passed on September 8, 1981. His wife was Gladys Haley Talley. Their children included Bettye Talley Andrews Richardson and Mary Sue "Susie" Talley Earley. He was born to Ferrie Ola and Carver Talley in the Bellwood Community. After attending Lebanon schools, he became a major livestock producer while also raising crops on the Old Rome Pike farm. At a time when the 2nd Army Maneuvers lived and trained across the Talley farm, Gladys drove supply trucks from Nashville to Lebanon’s Maneuvers headquarters at Cumberland University. Later, Bill Talley taught farming practices to soldiers and sailors returning from World War II service through the newly enacted GI Bill program. A partner in Wilson County Livestock Market for almost two decades, Talley was on the scene of a fire that  destroyed the sale barn in 1954. That barn was located near the railroad tracks on South College Street. When Talley and partners needed to rebuild, the city wanted the barn way out of town on Highway 70. It was located on West Main Street, where the Goodwill store now sits. The city’s  rationale was that Lebanon’s city limits would never reach that far. Talley was known for innovation and the introduction of new livestock to the revenue streams of Wilson County. Texas was known for its robust sheep ranches, giving Talley the idea of traveling to the Lone Star State to purchase some. Over the years, he shipped in thousands of sheep to provide replacement females and flock expansion for producers. As a result, Wilson County became the largest producer of sheep during the 1950’s & 60s, when Wilson County Livestock was the scene of large 4-H sheep shows. With a keen interest in beef cattle, Talley produced Herefords for many decades, adding to their dominance in the area. In the late 1950s, he bought Santa Gertrudis from the noted Winrock Farms in Arkansas. In the mid-1960s, he and Gladys moved to Palmetto, Florida, where he established Talley Ranch. He may have been far away, but that did not stop Talley’s influence on agriculture in Wilson County. While Talley sold his interest in the livestock market in 1963 to his son-in-law, Sam Andrews, he continued to trade livestock in Wilson County, shipping and receiving various breeds through the Lebanon sales. Co-owners of the market were Fisher Smith and Arnold Atwood. Talley never fell out of love with his Tennessee home, often saying, "I’d rather be dead in Wilson County than be alive anywhere else." As his health began to fail, he directed Gladys that if she could not take him back home for burial, to make sure he was in a mausoleum, far above ground, as he had seen so many graves flooded in Florida. He was entombed in a mausoleum until a decade ago, when his grandchildren had the idea to send Bill and Gladys back home to the Bellwood Cemetery, where many Talley ancestors are buried. During a 12-hour drive, grandson Jere Andrews brought them back in a U-Haul. He made sure to drive them around Lebanon’s Square and past their farm one last time.

Billy Jack &Alice Tubb

Billy Jack was born in Mt. Juliet, TN on December 22, 1934, to James Howard Tubb and Mildred Elizabeth Bradshaw Tubb. Billy Jack was an only child. Alice Ione Vance Tubb was

born in Lebanon, TN on August 3, 1938, to James (Jim)Vance, and Edna Maie Harrelson Vance. Alice was one of thirteen children. Billy Jack grew up on his family farm in the Riverview community in Mt. Juliet, and Alice grew up on her family farm in Lebanon located on Vance Lane. They both attended and graduated Lebanon High School, where Billy Jack was an avid baseball player, and Alice an avid basketball player. Alice was elected Future Farmer Attendant in 1956. They started their life journey together and married on May 31, 1957. Billy Jack and Alice moved to the Laguardo community in 1958, where they made it their forever home. They soon started their family and raised four daughters: Vickie, Tammy, Jacquline (Jackie), and Toni. Billy Jack and Alice shared a love of farming, faith, and community. They were active members of the Laguardo Church of Christ, Laguardo Saddle Club, Lebanon Saddle Club, and Suggs Creek Saddle Club. They raised a variety of crops including burley tobacco, corn, hay, tomatoes, and vegetables. They also enjoyed raising cattle, pigs, and horses. Billy Jack was named Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year by the Lebanon Jaycees in 1963. While Billy Jack spent most of his time on the farm planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops, he also stocked the local grocery stores in Lebanon with vegetables for resale. He provided produce for Moser’s, Lebanon Food Center, Dick’s Food Market, and Piggly Wiggly for many years. You would find Alice selling their produce at the local farmer’s market in Lebanon and Gallatin. In 1977, they became the second owners of the Bradshaw Farm, which was established in 1916 by Willie and Lena Bates Bradshaw, grandparents of Billy Jack. The farm consisted of 104 acres and was inducted into the Tennessee Century Farms Program in March 2025. Over the years, Billy Jack and Alice purchased adjoining acreage to add to the farm. Today the farm consists of 133.63 acres. While Billy Jack passed away in 2022, he was truly blessed with a long and successful life as a farmer. Alice continues to be blessed with her health and still lives on the farm.

Sam Stratton Bone Jr.

DOB: 4/12/1938

Spouse: Martha (Marty) Smith, 1974

Son: Doug Bone

Sam Stratton Bone Jr. was born in Lebanon, TN on April 12, 1938, to parents Sam Stratton Bone, Sr, and Margaret Frances Talley Bone. His father was a Cumberland College executive who was instrumental in bringing both electricity and water to the homes and businesses of Wilson County.  During World War II, his father coordinated the county’s participation as a training site for soldiers headed to Europe.  Stratton had two brothers, Dr. Robert Carver Bone and Harold Gordon Bone.  Stratton married Martha (Marty) Smith on February 20, 1974.  They have one son, Doug Bone. Stratton graduated from Lebanon High School. He received his associate’s degree from Cumberland College in 1958 and bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1961 from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon.  Stratton farmed all his life primarily focusing on raising beef cattle, worked in Residential Construction and was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard.

He served on the Wilson County Commission from 1969-1978 and 1982-1996. He was one of the commissioners that recommended the purchase of the land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in 1974. In addition, he served on the James E. Ward Center Management Committee from 1993 to 1997.

He was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives representing the 46^th District (Cannon, Trousdale, and part of Wilson Counties) in 1997- 2010 in the 100^th through 106^th General Assemblies.  He served as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee as a member of the House Finance Ways and Means Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee and the Joint Committee on Pensions and Insurance. In 2001, he started the first Ag Day on The Hill to draw attention to the importance of Agriculture in Tennessee. He arranged to bring "Millie" the first cloned calf in the United States from the University of Tennessee to the Capitol for the event.

In 2005, he sponsored the legislation creating the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Since its inception, this program has provided over $289 million to farmers in all 95 Tennessee Counties to conduct over 92,500 projects for the purpose of making long term investments on farms and rural communities.

Over the years, Stratton has been a member of the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon-Wilson County Development Board, Hartsville -Trousdale County Chamber of Commerce, Historic Cannon County Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon Noon Rotary Club, Wilson County Library Board, Highland Rim Library Board, Wilson County Farm Bureau, Wilson Couty Livestock Association, Wilson Farmers’ Cooperative, Wilson County Soil Conservation Board, Wilson County Antique Power Association, the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Rehabilitation Corporation of Tennessee Board and the University of Tennessee Agriculture Development Board.

Stratton has been honored by numerous organizations with the following awards:  Honorary State FFA Degree , Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni of UT Block and Bridle Award , TN Veterinary Medical Association Presidents Award,  TN Angus Association Distinguished Service Award, TN Forestry Association Legislator of the Year Award, American Heart Association Advocate of the Year, The Adjutant Generals Distinguished Patriot Award, The National Guard Charles Dick Metal of Merit Award, Tennessee Development District Association Legislator of the Year Award,   County Officials Association Outstanding State Representative, City of Lebanon Leadership Award, Lebanon High School Distinguished Alumni Award, Lebanon Special School District Business Education Friend Award,  Watertown FFA Honorary Chapter FFA Degree and the Long Rifle Award of the Boy Scouts of America.

1938

Married: Martha (Marty) Smith

1 Child: Doug Bone

Sam Stratton Bone, Jr, was born in Lebanon, TN on April 12, 1938, to parents Sam Stratton Bone, Sr, and Margaret Frances Talley Bone.  Stratton had two brothers, Dr. Robert Carver Bone and Harold Gordon Bone.  Stratton married Martha (Marty) Smith on February 20, 1974.  They have one son, Doug Bone. Stratton graduated from Lebanon High School. He received his associate’s degree from Cumberland College in 1958 and bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1961 from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon.  Stratton farmed all his life primarily focusing on raising beef cattle, worked in Residential Construction and was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard.  He served on the Wilson County Commission from 1969-1978 and 1982-1996. He was one of the commissioners that recommended the purchase of the land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in 1974. In addition, he served on the James E. Ward Center Management Committee 1993-1997.  He was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives representing the 46^th District (Cannon, Trousdale, and part of Wilson Counties) from 1997 to 2010 in the 100^th through 106^th General Assemblies.  He served as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee as a member of the House Finance Ways and Means Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee and the Joint Committee on Pensions and Insurance. In 2001, he started the first Ag Day on The Hill to draw attention to the importance of Agriculture in Tennessee. He arranged to bring "Millie" the first cloned calf in the United States from the University of Tennessee to the Capitol for the event. In 2005, he sponsored the legislation creating the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Since its inception, this program has provided over $289 million to farmers in all 95 Tennessee Counties to conduct over 92,500 projects for the purpose of making long term investments on farms and rural communities.

Allie Ruth Cunningham Correll

DOB – 12/08/1947

Spouse – Lanford "Lanny" Correll - 1971

Ruth is the daughter of Harold H. and Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She and her sister, Helen Cunningham McPeak, grew up on the family farm which is near the Greenvale and Norene communities in Wilson County. The family farm, established in 1808, is a recognized Century Farm.

It was like the many other family farms at that time, a "diversified" farm. This meant that farmers had several types of livestock and/or crops.  They fed their families as well as marketed what they produced for family income. The farm produced beef cattle, operated a dairy, also had sheep and goats.  Tobacco and hay were the main crops.  I am so thankful I had the opportunity to grow up on a farm.  Not only was it a wonderful place to grow up but I learned valuable life lessons. The farm activities of milking, feeding and caring for the animals, gardening, growing tobacco and harvesting hay drove her decision to major in agriculture in college.

Ruth attended schools at Greenvale and Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School where she played basketball and was a member of the 4-H Club.  She also attained a BS (1969) and a MS (1972) degrees from Middle Tennessee State University.  Her majors were Animal Science, Biological Sciences and Microbiology.

Ruth married Lanny Correll in 1971. Lanny was pursuing a career in the USAF, As a military spouse, Ruth taught secondary level science and math in North Carolina, Arkansas and Guam. After Lanny’s  retirement from the USAF, they decided to make their home in Wilson County, TN.

After returning to Wilson County, Ruth had an opportunity to work with the University of Tennessee Extension. She had never considered a career in Extension, but this opportunity turned out to lead to the career of a lifetime.  "I appreciate Jon Baker, who was the County Director for UT Extension at that time, for giving me this opportunity." This finally made her college major come to fruition

Ruth worked in several different positions while working for UT Extension. She worked in the Expanded Food and Nutrition program,  the 4-H program, and as an agricultural agent and County Director.  Someone once said, "if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day."  That is how Ruth felt about her opportunity to work with Extension.

Ruth enjoyed the relationships built while working with the 4-H youth and their families through in-school clubs, after-school and homeschool groups and judging groups in forestry, wildlife, equine, dairy, land and livestock.  She thanks the many project group leaders who gave of their valuable time on behalf of the youth.

Ruth transitioned from youth work to adult agriculture after the retirement of Jon Baker.  She was responsible for working with all farmers, homeowners and agricultural businesses as an advisor and educator by providing research-based information and bridging the gap between the farmer/homeowner and resources and best practices.  Ruth gave leadership to the Master Beef and Small Ruminants programs as well as many other educational programs.  "It was truly my pleasure to serve." She learned early in her career that she "did not have to know the answer to every question because she was "attached" to those who do."  Ruth extends her thanks to the many Extension Specialist and other Extension Agents.

Ruth received several awards and recognition throughout her career.  "I am proud and honored for the recognition for each one. But the things I treasure most are the relationships I built with the Wilson County farmers, the Wilson County 4-H youth and their families, the agribusinesses that supported our education programs and endeavors, and the organizations I worked with such as NRCS, FSA, the Wilson County Livestock Association and the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair.

Ruth has volunteered with the Wilson County Fair since 1993. She is a life member of the TN Agricultural Agents and Specialists and the National Agricultural Agents and Specialists.  She is a member of TN 4-H Alumni, the Wilson County Livestock Association, the TN Cattlemen’s Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Women

Married: Lanny Correll

Ruth is the daughter of Harold H. and Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She and her sister, Helen Cunningham McPeak, grew up on the family farm which is near the Greenvale and Norene communities in Wilson County. The family farm, established in 1808, is a recognized Century Farm. It was like the many other family farms at that time, a "diversified" farm, which meant that farmers had several types of livestock and/or crops. They fed their families as well as marketed what they produced for family income. The farm produced beef cattle, operated a dairy, also had sheep and goats. Tobacco and hay were the main crops. The farm activities of milking, feeding and caring for the animals, gardening, growing tobacco and harvesting hay drove her decision to major in agriculture in college. Ruth attended schools at Greenvale and Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School where she played basketball and was a member of the 4-H Club. She also attained a BS (1969) and a MS (1972) degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. Her majors were Animal Science, Biological Sciences and Microbiology. Ruth married Lanny Correll in 1971. Lanny was pursuing a career in the USAF. As a military spouse, Ruth taught secondary level science and math in North Carolina, Arkansas and Guam. After Lanny’s retirement from the USAF, they decided to make their home in Wilson County. After returning, Ruth had an opportunity to work with the University of Tennessee Extension. She had never considered a career in Extension, but this opportunity turned out to lead to the career of a lifetime. Ruth worked in several different positions while working for UT Extension. She worked in the Expanded Food and Nutrition program, the 4-H program, and as an agricultural agent and County Director. Ruth has volunteered with the Wilson County Fair since 1993. She is a life member of the TN Agricultural Agents and Specialists and the National Agricultural Agents and Specialists. She is a member of TN 4-H Alumni, the Wilson County Livestock Association, the TN Cattlemen’s Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Women.

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.

Quinton Smith

Quintin: 1954-2024  Vicki: 1954

Married: 1975

Children: Jamie & Daren Nicholson, Sonya & Matthew Wright,

Robbie & Heath Springer, Callie & Kyle Hayner

Grandchildren: Josie & Roland Springer,

Spencer, Reagan, & Ella Wright,

Lily & Quinn Hayner

Quintin and Vicki met at MTSU in the Fall of 1974 at an AGR Fraternity party.  It was not quite love at first sight, as Quintin brought another woman to their first date, but after tasting Vicki’s home cooking he knew she was the one.  The two began their married life in March of 1975 with their first daughter, Jamie born in 1976. Sonya and Robbie were soon to follow.   It would take another nine years for Callie to make her appearance into the world.

James Quintin Smith was born in Lebanon, Tennessee to James Ray and Dorothy Jean Hankins Smith.  He was the oldest of four boys.  Quintin, along with Dintin, Lanas, and Allen grew up on the family farm on Cainsville Road where his mother still resides.  They raised cattle, tobacco, and corn.  He attended Shop Springs School and Lebanon High School where he was on the Wilson County 4-H Livestock Judging Team which competed in Chicago at the International Livestock Expo.  After graduating high school, Quintin attended Cumberland College, (now Cumberland University), then transferred to MTSU where he received his B.S. with a double major in Animal Science and Plant and Soil Science.  While at MTSU he was active in the Block and Bridle Club, AGR, and a member of the MTSU livestock judging team where he received several high individual awards.

Vicki Kay Walker was born to W.C. and Robbie Hardin Walker in Lincoln County, Tennessee.  She was the youngest of four siblings.  She grew up on the family cotton farm in Elora where schools were closed for "Cotton Pickin Vacations," these were the days before fancy mechanical pickers.   Vicki attended Elora elementary school and Central High School in Fayetteville.  She began college at MTSU in the fall of ’72.  She graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and minors in Agricultural and History.  Vicki was one of the first 30 women to participate in the Army ROTC program at MTSU, marching, repelling, and shooting rifles.

They attended Bethel Church of Christ where Vicki taught Sunday School and was a teacher with the World Bible School Correspondence program.  Both Quintin and Vicki were members of the Lebanon Jaycees chairing various projects such as the annual Christmas Shopping Trip for underprivileged children.  Vicki chaired the Muscular Dystrophy Marathon Committee and was also chairman of the Lebanon Democrat Classic Charity Horse Show.  Quintin served on the MTEMC nominating committee, the Farm Bureau, and as Chairman of the Junior Show at Agribition.  Quintin was a charter member of the Wilson County Ag Management Committee and served on the board until he took over as the James E. Ward Agricultural Center’s director in 2017.

Farming had always been a family affair for both Quintin and Vicki growing up and that is how they raised their daughters. Vicki thought cotton farming was hard work until she started tobacco farming with Quintin.  Together with the girls and lots of good friends help, they continued to raise tobacco with the final crop harvested in 2000.   Angus cattle was Quintin’s passion and he shared his love with Vicki and passed this down to their daughters.  Quintin began showing Angus heifers in 1968 with his brothers and continued this tradition with his grandchildren, picking out show heifers for them until his final breath.

Quintin and Vicki were also partners with Charles and Elaine Bell starting in 1978 and had an annual production sale for over 20 years. During that time, they bred the Angus Show Bull of the Year and one of the top A.I. sires in the country.

The Smith girls showed two Bred and Owned Reserve Grand Champion Heifers and three Grand Champion Cow Calf Pairs at the NJAS, three Roll of Victory Cow/Calf Pairs and two Reserve Champion Roll of Victory Cow/Calf Pairs, just to name a few.  Quintin knew and bred good cattle and was never shy about giving his opinion.  There is a long list of cattle shows Quintin judged from the biggest shows in the country and Canada; to little county fairs and 4-H shows, including a chicken show when a judge wasn’t able to make it.  He loved them all, especially working with the juniors.  There is a list of juniors from across the country who interned at the Smith Farm, becoming a part of the extended family and continuing a tradition for the love of agriculture.

4 Children: Jamie, Sonya, Robbie, and Callie

Quintin and Vicki met at MTSU in the Fall of 1974 at an AGR Fraternity party. It was not quite love at first sight, as Quintin brought another woman to their first date, but after tasting Vicki’s home cooking he knew she was the one. The two began their married life in March of 1975 with their first daughter, Jamie, born in 1976. Sonya and Robbie were soon to follow. It would take another nine years for Callie to make her appearance into the world. James Quintin Smith was born in Lebanon, Tennessee to James Ray and Dorothy Jean Hankins Smith. He was the oldest of four boys. Quintin, along with Dintin, Lanas, and Allen grew up on the family farm on Cainsville Road where his mother still resides. They raised cattle, tobacco, and corn. He attended Shop Springs School and Lebanon High School where he was on the Wilson County 4-H Livestock Judging Team which competed in Chicago at the International Livestock Expo. After graduating high school, Quintin attended Cumberland College, then transferred to MTSU where he received his B.S. with a double major in Animal Science and Plant and Soil Science. While at MTSU he was active in the Block and Bridle Club, Apha Gamma Rho Fraternity and a member of the MTSU livestock judging team where he received several high individual awards. Vicki Kay Walker was born to W.C. and Robbie Hardin Walker in Lincoln County, Tennessee. She was the youngest of four siblings. She grew up on the family cotton farm in Elora where schools were closed for "Cotton Pickin Vacations," these were the days before fancy mechanical pickers. Vicki attended Elora elementary school and Central High School in Fayetteville. She began college at MTSU in the fall of ’72. She graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and minors in Agriculture and History. Vicki was one of the first 30 women to participate in the Army ROTC program at MTSU, marching, repelling, and shooting rifles. They attended Bethel Church of Christ where Vicki taught Sunday School and was a teacher with the World Bible School Correspondence program. Both Quintin and Vicki were members of the Lebanon Jaycees chairing various projects such as the annual Christmas Shopping Trip for underprivileged children. Quintin served on the MTEMC nominating committee, the Farm Bureau, and as Chairman of the Junior Show at Agribition. Quintin was a charter member of the Wilson County Ag Management Committee and served on the board until he took over as the James E. Ward Agricultural Center’s director in 2017.

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.

Married: Gayla Carter

2 Children

Johnnie Gershon Ricketts was born August 4, 1946, to Hall and Louise Ricketts. Johnnie was raised on a Grade A dairy farm on Central Pike. Johnnie graduated from Mt Juliet High School, where he played football and basketball, was an officer in the FFA and was vice president of his senior class. After graduation, Johnnie wanted to partner with his dad in dairy farming, but his dad recommended he choose another business due to smaller dairies around the area going of business. His father’s advice was to "get a good job with a retirement. "In August of 1964, Johnnie went to work at the Ford Motor Glass Plant, but he wanted to stay connected to agriculture, so he rented some pasture ground and started a beef herd. In 1966 his parents moved to the family farm on Posey Hill Rd, Mt Juliet. In 1967 Johnnie purchased twenty-five acres in the same area to begin his own farm. In 1970, he married Gayla Carter, and they have two daughters. Both daughters and their families also have homes on the family farm. Johnnie worked two full-time jobs for 37 years. He worked at Ford Motor Glass Plant and farmed until he retired in 2001. During this time, he managed four hundred plus acres which included his land and land he leased. He raised beef cattle and produced hay. Due to health problems, he now has forty-five head of beef cattle and produces hay on 143 acres.

Johnnie has served his community in many capacities. He has served on the board of directors for the Wilson County Co-op and the Wilson County Livestock Association. He has served on the Wilson Bank and Trust Community Council, Gladeville. He served as a member of the University of TN Extension Agricultural Committee. He has also served on the Wilson County Board of Zoning and Appeals and the Wilson County Planning Commission. He was selected to by the TN Farmers CO-OP to participate in the "Big Picture Leadership Advance Tour" and by the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Board to participate in the MTEMC Young Leaders Conference. After retiring from Ford Motor Glass Plant, Johnnie also worked at the Wilson County Livestock Market with Alvin McKee. He loved greeting the many farmers on sale day. He referred to himself as the "Wilson County Sale Barn Greeter. Johnnie has been a member of Gladeville Baptist Church his entire life. He has taught Sunday School, served on many committees, and now has the honor of being a Lifetime Deacon. He believes in Faith, Family and Farming.

1934 - 2023

Married: Peggy Thorne Simpson

Don Simpson was born in Watertown, TN on December 11, 1934, to parents Roy and Irene (Davis) Simpson. The Simpson Family owned and operated a Grade-A Dairy Farm in Watertown. Don graduated from Watertown High School in 1954. Then, in 1958, he completed work at Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Social Science and Economics. After a brief teaching career in Wilson County, Don was selected by Governor Frank G. Clement to serve with the State of Tennessee as a Regional Director of Industrial Development. It was during this period that Don worked toward and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the YMCA Law School by attending night classes. In 1965, Don was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Wilson County Court Clerk, Curry Dodson, following the Clerk’s unexpected death. Don was re-elected to the position where he served for the next nine years. This marked the beginning of his life in politics with service and commitment to the community. In 1974, Don was elected County Judge where he would serve for the next 20 years. Over time, the title and responsibilities of the job would change, but the lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment learned on the farm always served as Don’s "North Star". All the years Don was involved in education, industrial development, and the administration of county government, he never forgot the farm – land, cattle, and horses. When Don and Peggy married in 1965 and were living in Lebanon, they began planning their future which included a farm of their own. When Mr. Roy’s dairy was dispersed, the farm operation changed to beef cattle, basically Hereford cattle. Don bought some acreage that joined Mr. Roy’s farm and built a barn. He and Peggy bought a cow a piece-- thus a beginning a partnership and a herd – a herd of Hereford!!! Later in the early 70’s they built a house on the farm, making Watertown their home. Don has enlisted and received farm help and support from his nephew, George Simpson, his neighbors, and countless Ag and FFA students at Watertown High School. Don was a former member of the Lebanon Jaycees and the Lebanon Sportsman Club. He was president of the Lebanon Lion’s Club (1973-74) and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce (1973). He was also a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association, the Wilson County Horseman’s Association, and Wilson County Promotions where he served as Chairman of the Mule Show for many years. Additionally, he served 10 years on the Wilson County Election Commission.

1950 - 2021

Married: Emmie Lou

2 Children: Connie Jo Steed Massey, Donald Nelson Steed

Nelson Steed was a cherished figure, remembered fondly as a devoted father, grandfather, Christian, businessman, and agriculturalist. His roots lay in Shop Springs, where he began life in a sharecropper family, a testament to his humble beginnings. His family moved several times before settling in LaGuardo, off Cairo Bend, during his freshman year of high school. It was here
that Buck Evans, an agriculture teacher, became a significant influence on him, instilling a deep love for farming. Nelson was industrious from a young age, always finding ways to cultivate whatever crops could bring in some income. After graduating from Lebanon High School, Nelson married Emmie Lou, then enlisted in the National Guard. Together, they moved to the Grave-Wright farm, a property that had been in Emmie Lou’s family. This move marked the beginning of Nelson’s venture into the construction business, where he specialized in building custom homes. Despite his burgeoning career in construction, Nelson never strayed far from his agricultural roots, engaging in truck farming. He and Emmie Lou had two children (Connie Jo Massey & Donnie Steed), and together, they started a venture in raising hogs, managing to balance the demands of business with the responsibilities of raising a family on the farm. In the 1970s, Nelson became a charter member of the Wilson County Promotion, initially established to host an agricultural fair. His involvement was instrumental, serving as vice president for over thirty years and playing a pivotal role in transforming the Wilson County Fair into the celebrated event it is today. Nelson’s career took another significant turn when he entered the banking industry, eventually becoming the chairman of Cedar Stone Bank. In this capacity, he was a staunch advocate for farmers, recognizing the importance of supporting their needs in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. Upon retiring, Nelson, with the support of his family, expanded his farming operation significantly. His efforts culminated in the development of a USDA meat processing facility, marking another milestone in his remarkable career. Nelson’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who continue to operate the farm and uphold the values he cherished.

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.

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.

Married: Anita Walker

4 Children: Bobby, Amanda, Andy, and Jonathan

Bob Pruitt was born in Jackson County, TN to Carl and Mable Pruitt. He was one of four children who lived on a farm in Granville where they grew tobacco, baled hay, and raised cattle and chickens. He attended the small, single teacher school at Nameless until they moved to Lebanon in 1961 at the beginning of his sophomore year. During his school years he was involved with the 4-H program showing cattle and served as Vice President of the FFA. After graduation he began farming. He raised cattle, grew tobacco, and baled hay for farmers across Wilson County.

In 1974 he married Anita Walker and soon had four children: Bobby, Amanda, Andy, and Jonathan. He again became highly involved in the 4-H program while his children were in school showing sheep, cows, chickens, and horses. He helped organize and became an active leader of the 4-H Horse Express. It was during this time Bob and family became known as THE PRUITT GANG. In 1986 at the age of 38 he gave up full time farming and started working at the Wilson Farmers CO-OP as the warehouse manager. After 32 years of working and talking with all the farmers of Wilson County he retired in 2018 due to an injury and the death of his wife.

He has served as President of the Watertown Saddle Club and The Tennessee Saddle Club Association. He is a former member of the Livestock Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Board. He attends Gladeville Church of Christ where he serves as an Elder. He enjoys raising a big garden where he gives most of the vegetables away, riding his golf cart with his dog Samson, and spending time with his grandchildren who call him Papa.

2 Children: Dale Willoughby & Kate Willoughby Grigsby.

Don was born to Charles and Dorothy Willoughby and joined his older brother Al on the family farm known at the time as Green Hill Farm. A Grade A dairy was the main farming operation along with raising crops for feed and forage, as well as tobacco. Don attended Mt. Juliet Elementary, Jr. High, and High School. He enjoyed athletics and balanced sports and his farm duties. His involvement in FFA, under the advisement of his father Charles, Cliff Ricketts, Tommy Brewer, and Louis Fletcher, was his main interest throughout high school. He was involved in many competitions in judging, public speaking, state champion Parliamentary Procedure team, and Dairy Proficiency. He received both State Farmer and American Farmer degrees and was elected State Reporter for the 1978-79 year. Graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1981 with a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Secondary Education, Don came back to live and work on the family farm. As the family began to grow, he saw the need to go outside of the farm for income and took a job with West Wilson Utility District for a couple of years before becoming an agriculture teacher at the 9th grade level of Mt. Juliet Jr. High in 1986. The program merged back to grades 9 through 12 a few years later. He returned to Middle Tennessee State University receiving a Master’s Degree in Vocational Education in 1990.

During the late 1980’s through the 1990’s Agriculture Education saw a huge curriculum change as fewer students were coming from farm families, and more had interests in other agricultural endeavors. Don was part of the development and implementation of the shift from farming courses to more diverse offerings in mechanics, horticulture, wildlife and forestry, leadership, agribusiness, small and large animal care, and courses that are now offered for college credit. He is a 1987 charter member of Mt. Juliet FFA Alumni continuing to support as Treasurer. He has served on the Wilson County Fair board since 1988, chairing the Country Ham Show since 2004, with a mission of increasing participation of youth and adults to showcase their skills in the art and tradition. He was elected to the board of directors of Wilson County Farm Bureau in 2016. Although the family farm has decreased in size, Don still enjoys working alongside his family raising beef cattle and high-quality square baled and rolled hay for feed and for sale to local livestock producers. Don has two children, Dale Willoughby & Kate Willoughby Grigsby.

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.

August 30, 1947 to October 23, 2018

Married: Debbie Doebler, June 27, 1982

John William Mitchell was born August 30, 1947 to Jerry Edward (J.E.) Mitchell and Elizabeth Lamb Mitchell. He was proceeded in death by his son Scott and his siblings Charles E. and Kenneth G., and he is survived by his sister Margaret Mitchell Tomlinson.

Johnny was raised on a Century Farm named Clendennan’s Branch located on Center Hill Road. The home on this farm was built by Johnny’s great-great-grandfather, Archibald D. Norris. A.D. Norris was a soldier, educator, and statesman. He was County Superintendent of Public Instruction in Wilson Co., represented Wilson County in the House of Representatives in 1887. He served as a Captain in the 7th Tennessee Regiment commanded by General Robert Hatton. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he commanded Company K. The 7th Tennessee lost 3 color bearers and the flag was only saved by Capt. Norris by tearing it away from the staff and bearing it out beneath his coat.

J.E. and Elizabeth Mitchell raised their family on this farm with the primary operation being beef cattle, hay, tobacco. Johnny attended school at Taylorsville, Highland Heights, and graduated from Lebanon High School. He was a member of the FFA and 4H and enjoyed showing his cattle. Upon graduation he worked as a mechanic on foreign cars at dealerships in Nashville and farmed in the evenings and on weekends. He later became a mechanic at the Wilson Co. Road Commission until his disability/retirement. Johnny and Debbie built their home on a farm across from the Century Farm he was raised on. Debbie still resides there and continues the farming operation.

In October 1991 Johnny and 16 other men formed the Wilson Co. Antique Power Association which is still an active Club that has an annual show in Fiddlers Grove and operates the sawmill during the Fair. Johnny became a member of the International Harvester Collectors Club in 1990. This Club has approx. 7500 members from across the United States and foreign countries. Johnny served as a director/officer of this Club from the years 2002-2010. In 1994, Johnny and Debbie and several delegates from Lebanon went to Pennsylvania to make a proposal to host the 1996 Red Power Round Up and were successful. The 1996 Round Up attracted 15,000 plus spectators from 48 states and 4 foreign countries. An estimated 600 plus tractors were on display. In 2005 the Red Power Round Up was held again in Lebanon which Johnny and Debbie were chairmen also. This event attracted thousands of spectators and exhibitors also. Johnny and Debbie traveled across the United States attending IH sponsored events and assisting this National Club. Since Johnny’s passing Debbie has continued to serve on the National Board of IH and is also active in the Wilson Co. Antique Power. Although Johnny was a collector of International Harvester, he loved all brands of farming equipment.

Debbie has donated several items in Johnny’s memory to display in the Heritage Barn, one is Johnny’s 1936 Farmall F-12. This steel wheel tractor was totally restored by Johnny and is a nice addition to many collectibles on display in this building. Throughout their travels he was mostly proud of the many friendships they acquired across the United States.

September 13, 1913 – June 27, 2010
Married: Christine Waters - August, 1943
Son: Howard Riggan
Daughter: Nancy
Grandsons: Chad and Brett

Rufus H. Riggan was the only child of Rufe Elsie Riggan and Nancy Flowers Sullivan. The family lived in the Leeville Community. Rufus was educated in Wilson County, was on the basketball team at Mt. Juliet High School and graduated in 1937. He attended University of Tennessee where he graduated
with a degree in Animal Science in 1942.

After college, Rufus trained returning war veterans by holding night classes and traveling to farms to teach hands-on agricultural skills. While attending the University of Tennessee, he worked on a dairy farm which
provided him with room and board. During this time, he met his future wife, Christine Waters. Christine was raised in the Shop Springs community of Wilson County. She also graduated from University of Tennessee in 1942 and went on to become a Home Demonstration agent in Spring Hill, TN. Rufus made many visits to Spring Hill during this time. They married at the Bethel Church of in Shop Springs on August 27, 1942. They purchased the Denny property in the Leeville Community of Wilson County. She then began to teach at Mt. Juliet High School while Rufus began dairy farming in 1951 selling Grade A milk in cans, milking in a stanchion Barn.

In 1955 Rufus traveled to Wisconsin to look at a Herring-bone milk barn. He loved the idea and installed a Herring-bone milking parlor with 6 cows on each side. This was the first Herring-bone milk parlor ever built in Wilson County. Rufus continued milking and growing his business to 120 cows. He dispersed the milking herd in 1968 but continued to purchase and sell Holstein heifers. In the late eighties he continued with Charolais cattle that were known as "Registered Hickory Ridge Charolais". Rufus was always progressive in all he did. He was a County Commissioner (Magistrate) in the 60’s and 70’s. He helped start the parent-back club at Lebanon High School in 1964. He served on the Board of Wilson County Farm Bureau and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He was survived by his son, Howard and daughter Nancy, two grandsons. Chad and Brett and 5 great-grandchildren. Mr. Rufus H. Riggan passed away in 2010 at 93 years old. He was blessed with a long, productive life: well respected with many friends, and family who he loved dearly.

June 1907 - August 1989

Married: Ruth Swain of Gladeville, October 29, 1927

Daughter: Edna T. Word

Grandchildren: Stanley and Stacey Word

Great grandchildren: Montana and Bode Word

Aubrey Towns was the oldest son of Daniel and Callie Towns and siblings Earle and Sarah of Gladeville. They grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Gladeville raising a vegetable garden. He attended Gladeville School which was 1st grade through high school. He was a member of the Gladeville Baptist Church. He was a member of the Wilson County Farm Bureau, Wilson County Livestock Assoc. and Wilson County Co-op.

After he married Ruth in 1927, he opened a barber shop on the crossroads in middle of Gladeville. After his daughter, Edna, was old enough at the beginning of World War II, he purchased the old bank building down to the corner and built a feed store on the corner of Gladeville Road and Stewarts Ferry. He would cut hair on weekends and worked at Vultee Aircraft Manufacturing during the weekdays during World War II. They also had a farm on Central Pike during this time. They lived in the old bank building with a grocery store downstairs, barber shop next door and a feed store on the corner lot. Ruth operated the store. He would pick up feed to sell to farmers in the Gladeville area after he got off work. He would always ask local farmers what type of feed they needed to make sure it was available at his store. They bought another farm property located on Stewarts Ferry in 1950. He sold the farm on Central Pike.

He joined the National Poland China Association in 1950 and the National Polled Hereford Association in 1952. He showed hogs and cattle during the early 1950’s. He had a prize-winning Poland China sow in 1954. His passion grew for building his stock of Polled Hereford cattle.

While still running a barber shop and store up till late 1950’s, he sold the farm on Stewarts Ferry and purchased another large farm property located 3 ½ miles up the road from their current property in 1960. This is when he started focusing in on building his Polled Hereford cattle herd. He began traveling around going to sales and selecting top breeding animals to build his herd. He wanted to be able to provide good breeding stock to local farmers in Wilson and surrounding counties.

In 1974, he had the opportunity to travel on the Leadership Advanced Tour that visited several large farms and farm cooperatives in different states that was sponsored by Tennessee Farmers Coop. From this tour, he gained knowledge of new methods and technology used with growing of crops, hay, and livestock. When he returned home, his hay fields were re-seeded with different grasses and a different regiment was used in feeding weaned calves to obtain better weight yields.

In the 1970’s, he got his 2 grandsons involved in showing cattle through 4-H and FFA shows and fairs. This provided a greater opportunity for him to show off the type of breeding stock he was producing on the Towns farm. Several Champion prizes were won by his heifers and bulls shown at these events. More people began to travel to the farm to purchase breeding stock, mainly bulls, from all over middle Tennessee and Kentucky. He believed it took hard work and a desire to achieve your dreams. He even let Fred Laine bring small groups of FFA members out to the farm to train them on judging beef cattle for the state fair competition.

He served as a county commissioner for 8 years in 1970’s representing the Gladeville area. He served on the Tax Rate and Budget Committee during this time. He became very interested in seeing a building built on the new fair grounds for showing livestock and becoming an attraction for cattle association shows.