In recent months, Russellville has seen the passing of several great men and women. The public response has been enormous. How did it come to be that so many characters, who were greater than life, congregated in one small town in western Kentucky? What is the impact of this gathering and why is it important?
These questions are the scope of a book. I can only scratch the surface with my story but it is an honor and a privilege to write some words about, what I believe to be, a special era in the history of Russellville, Ky.
After growing up as a child of the 50s and a teen of the 60s in Russellville, Nelson graduated from the University of Alabama and is a successful businessman in Princeton, Ky.
It was the post war era. The greatest generation had won a long and terrible war and the lucky ones had returned home. People were on fire with a spirit of God, Country, hope and opportunity.
Russellville was a small sleepy town in the shadow of Bowling Green but leadership was at work. While Emerson "Doc" Beauchamp held all the political strings, other leaders focused on education, faith, and community.
Russellville had been a center of learning for over a century. It was on the campus of Bethel College in Russellville where delegates met to succeed from the Union. Many facilities were already in place to build what became the Russellville Independent School System.
The school board and administration built a teaching staff on par with any staff in Kentucky or beyond. The community supported a standard of both education and expectation that every student took for granted, believing it was normal everywhere. We took it for granted until we left the circle and our eyes were opened to what we had experienced.
A young boy born into this period had every opportunity. Someone was watching every minute. Someone was pushing or pulling; guiding or helping; teaching or mentoring.
For me, my first mentor was Bro. Joe Carrico. He was everywhere! He took me with him to deliver Christmas gifts. He started my Boy Scout Troop. He didn't ask me if; he told me when. He led the Christian life by example and I was there in tow. The church family picked up any slack because in those days every child was on a "yes, ma’am, yes sir" basis with every adult.
High school came soon enough. R. D. Reynolds and Hazel Carver met me at the door first day and told how my life was going to be. I could have been good at sports but I lacked size, speed, strength and general athletic ability. The coaches tried but finally they had a meeting and gave me a trombone.
I don't remember being a volunteer. I was just pushed along. Hazel had band and chorus. Ruth Morriss gathered us up for special projects. Patty Gillespie said we were going to learn chemistry, public speaking, drama, or debate. Mrs. Ruth took no prisoners in writing and grammar. Roy Kirby put math skills within the reach of students like me because he made me believe I could learn it. Multiply that attitude by six teachers every day and a consistent picture starts to develop.
That was what stands out in this group of great people in this great community during this great era. Many communities offered opportunity. My community had expectations of me and every young boy and girl under their scope of influence. They cared about us; they set high standards; they sold us on the conviction that we not only could, but that we would, succeed. There was no debate of the subject.
Running parallel to academia was the community support team. There were men like L. J. Northern, Bill Jayne and other Boy Scout Leaders who were spending countless hours with us. We went all over the country and planted thousands of trees. I am Eagle Scout because of their effort as much as mine.
A boy can still have too much energy and time for getting into trouble. That is where Doug Shoulders and the Fuqua Family filled in the gaps for me. There was always a job to do. I worked for my dad at Weaver Welding, but I also worked at Spring Acres during the summers. Doug and Peggy took us all under their wings. They gave us a chance to be kids and, at the same time, demonstrate responsibility. It worked!
The list is endless. I cannot possibly list or remember everyone, but I remember Al Smith taking time to school me on national and global politics. I remember Joyce and Bobby Guion telling me I better get into a pre-chemistry class because it was important. I remember Mildred Holmes driving a group of us to Bowling Green.
I know I was lucky. My parents, Charles and Athelyn Weaver, provided a safe and loving home for me and my two sisters. For me, however, it took a village!
Finally, the impact of greatness and expectation is seen clearly in the alumni of Russellville. There are great teachers, leaders in business, medicine, and law. These legends of greatness created an educated community with high moral standards and a strong work ethic. Their work is important, since we are better citizens because we knew them. Hopefully we have passed some of what we learned along to the next generation. That is the earthly side of their immortality.
Many of you know me. You know I am special, just like everyone else. I am only one of thousands who are products of the community known as Russellville, Ky. We are a lucky bunch indeed.
Thank you, Russellville. I pray you never forget your history and the people who helped shape your present and your future. They were great!