Old School

Alumni News

40’s Fourties

Dr. James F. Eaves (’49) and Jeane Hillman Eaves (’49) celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary March 17, 2013. Their home address remains 1517 Rockmoor Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76134.

60’s Sixties

Ralph Thomas receives award from Governer Nikki Haley. Ralph U. Thomas (’64) retired as president of the South Carolina Power Team on May 1, 2013, and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, by Governor Nikki R. Haley. The award “recognizes persons for extraordinary lifetime achievement and service to the state and nation.” Thomas served as president of the South Carolina Power Team since its inception in 1988. He will close his 48-year career as one of the Southeast’s most respected economic developers. He and his wife Marie Thomas (’65) have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Gary Aslin (’67) retired from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, went on to manage an alcohol and drug rehab center, then became executive director of a facility for displaced children. Gary has also been a bi-vocational minister for 45 years. Currently, he is pastor of Notchaway Baptist Church in Colquitt, Ga. His wife Linda (’66) is a former employee of Union University (1962– 66 and 1968) and is a retired business and music teacher, legal secretary and real estate agent. Gary and Linda have four children: David Aslin, who is married to Cathy, a student in Union’s master of nursing program; Ike Aslin, Suzanne Aslin (’97) and Amy Aslin Beaty (attended ’97), who is married to Greg Beaty (’94).

Jim Frazier (’67) recently retired after 44 years as a teacher, coach and administrator in four different West Tennessee school systems and eight different schools. While coaching football in Jackson City Schools at Parkway Junior High, his teams had three undefeated seasons and won eight city championships. He also coached track and organized and coached the first junior high tennis team in Jackson while at Parkway. In the Madison County System at Jackson North Side Junior High from 1982- 1986, his football teams won 32 straight games. He coached the first female state champion in any sport, girls track, while at Haywood High School. Jim has been married to Judy Smith Frazier (attended ’64–65) for 46 years and they are the parents of Butch (’86–88) and Beth and grandparents to Coleman, Miller, Hank, Jordan and Katie.

Dr. Cecille Sampson Diez (’68) retired from the school district of Osceola County, Fla., after a career in education that began after she graduated from Union. She worked in the classroom, as a district resource teacher, as a school-based administrator (after earning a masters and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership), and finally as a senior manager for school leadership, training and development.

Bo O'Brien smiles next to the Freeman Lake Tennis Complex sign. Bo O’Brien (’69) was honored by Mayor Tim Walker and the city of Elizabethtown, Ky., when they named center court at the new $1.3 million Freeman Lake Tennis Complex (10 courts) the Bo O’Brien Court for his many contributions to the tennis community. Bo is chairman of the Elizabethtown Tennis Commission.

70’s Seventies

Suzanne Brockenbrough Par (’70) has written a book about the Baby Boomer years entitled, Joys and Sorrows of a Baby Boomer, by S.A. Paradis. Suzanne describes it as “historical, informative and hilarious.” It presents the reader with a glimpse of cruising the hangouts, watching drive-in movies, viewing the first television set and surviving three coastal hurricanes during the 1950s. Suzanne earned her degree in psychology and won the psychology medal of excellence at Union. She was a social worker and teacher for project Head Start under the Johnson administration, and later a case-manager for United Cerebral Palsy. Suzanne retired and lives in Myrtle Beach, Fla., where she writes, paints and takes strolls on the beach.

Fred Charles Tubbs (’71) recently celebrated his 12th anniversary as pastor of Orchi Baptist Church in Memphis. He retired from the funeral industry at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis in November 2012. He sings with the Goldenaires Southern Gospel Quartet based out of Memphis.

Cheri Lee Wright Dood (’72) is the director of International Christian Academy of Nagoya in Japan. The school will have its first graduating class in spring 2013. Cheri asks readers to pray for the school to continue to grow and for a campus where all grades can be together. Cheri asks readers to continue to lift up the nation of Japan that their hearts would be softened, their eyes opened and their souls accepting of Christ as Cheri and ICAN minister to students, parents and the community in their everyday lives.

Vic and Sharon Johnston (’75) have returned to the States for a final stateside assignment and retirement after serving 29 years as International Mission Board missionaries in Brazil. They are residing in Tylertown, Miss., where they planed to retire in April, 2013.

Mike Nolen (’77) and Jackie Foren Nolen (’74) live in Paducah, Ky., where Mike is pastor at Bellview Baptist Church. They have four married daughters, three of whom are Union graduates: Stacy Nolen Wolfe (’98), Wendy Nolen Hill (’01) and Amy Nolen Little (’02). Mike has been in ministry for 39 years as a staff member and pastor in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Michigan, while Jackie has held teaching positions in several school districts. She currently serves as a substitute teacher for McCracken County Schools in Paducah. Mike and Jackie also have six grandchildren.

Wanda Toombs Patrick (’77) has just completed 27 years with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where she is admissions counselor for the College of Pharmacy. Her daughter Amanda graduated cum laude in December 2011 from the University of Memphis with a B.A. in English and political science. She will be moving to Dallas, Texas, to accept a position as producer for a nationally syndicated talk radio host. Her daughter Ashley graduated May 2013 with a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Memphis. After graduation, she plans to work in alcohol and drug counseling at an area rehabilitation facility.

80’s Eighties

Garland Young headshot. Garland Young (’80) has been appointed as vice president for academic affairs and dean at Milligan College in Elizabethton, Tenn.

Greg Bowers (’85) is pastor of the Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville N.C., after having previously served as pastor of FBC Blytheville, Ark., for nine years. He and his wife, Donna, a school psychologist for the Pitt County School System, have two children, Jordan, a senior at the University of Mississippi, and Katie, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill.

Randy Bishop (’86) recently published his fourth book related to the American Civil War. In April 2012, he also received the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association’s Ragland Award, presented annually to the Tennessean who has been determined to have made a significant contribution to the preservation of the battlefields in the state. Randy and his wife Sharon are both teachers for the Hardeman County school system and have two sons, Jay and Ben. They live in Middleton, Tenn.

Lovoria Williams (’87) received a doctorate in nursing from Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, Ga. Her dissertation was titled, “An Analysis of Diabetes Predictors and Diagnostic Tests in a Sample of African Americans at Risk for Diabetes.” She is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at Georgia Health Sciences University. Her research focus is faith-based behavioral interventions, obesity and diabetes prevention. Her current project is an NIH-funded diabetes prevention program conducted through African American churches.

90’s Nineties

Jane Geggus (’91) accepted the position of student ministry associate at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Ill.

John Kea (’91) is the new vice president and general counsel of the Southern Baptist Foundation in Nashville. Kea served as a partner in the law firm Scott & Kea from 1995–2003 and later was a vice president at Pinnacle Financial Partners/Cavalry Banking. Active in Southern Baptist life for more than 30 years, Kea was appointed in 2008 as an International Mission Board missionary to Belgium and has now returned to the United States. In his new position, Kea will guide the foundation in branding, marketing and relationship management.

Dale Charlton (BSN ’90, MSN ’06) retired from Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis in April 2012 as an assistant professor of nursing. He was with Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation for 21 years. He served as a nursing instructor at the Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and staff development coordinator with Baptist Trinity Home Care, nurse recruiter for the corporation, chair of the Practical Nursing Program at Baptist College of Health Sciences and assistant professor of nursing (BSN degree program) at Baptist College of Health Sciences.

Carey Dyer portrait. Carey Dyer (’93) is currently the music and worship minister at Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas. He is married to Dena Dyer and has two sons, Jordan (14) and Jackson (8). More about Carey’s ministry as a worship leader and concert artist can be found at careydyer.com.

Anita Williams McGraw (’95) completed the Doctor of Education degree at the University of Mississippi in August 2011. She is married to Brad McGraw and is the stepmother of Noelle McGraw and Clint McGraw. They live in Tupelo, Miss.

Greg Beam (’96) is the new camp specialist for the City Union Mission in Kansas City, Mo. He and his family will be involved with taking inner-city kids to Camp CUMCITO, a ministry of the City Union Mission. Check out cityunionmission.org.

Kevin S. Trowbridge (’96) earned his Ph.D. in communication from Regent University after defending his dissertation, entitled “Building and Maintaining Relationships in the Digital Age: Measuring the Effects of Social Media on Organization-Public Relationships.” He is an assistant professor of public relations at Belmont University in Nashville. He and his wife, Robyn Clifford Trowbridge (’98 & ’01) reside in Smyrna, Tenn.

Angélica Bibiana Welty (López) (’96) was honored as 2013 Foreign Language Teacher of the Year at the Foreign Language Fair held at the University of Memphis. She would like to thank her mother, Guadalupe Lopez Guerrero, who has been a teacher for over 30 years, and Dr. Cynthia Jayne, her Spanish professor at Union, for being her greatest sources of inspiration in this profession.

Jennifer Land Graham (B.S. ’96, M.Ed. ’10) graduated from Union a third time on July 28, 2012, this time with her Ed.S. degree. Jennifer is the 6th grade math teacher at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn., and she also serves as the community service coordinator for BGA’s middle school. Jennifer lives in Franklin with her husband, Andy Graham, and her 9-year-old stepson, Ray. jennifer.graham@mybga.org

Eric Martin (’98) and Sarah Armstrong Martin (’03) live in Henderson, Tenn., where Eric serves as pastor of Grace Baptist Church. He is currently enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, working on his Master of Divinity degree. Sarah is a teacher in neighboring Lexington. They have two children, Aubrey (6) and Elijah (3).

00’s Two Thousands

Shauna Green (’00) moved back to Tennessee after teaching high school English in southern Arizona, and for the first time in 10 years is able to be a stay-at-home mom.

Garrison Smith and his wife Tonya. Garrison B. Smith (’00) earned his medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He also earned a certificate in Health Systems and Leadership while at UTHSC. His internship and residency were completed at the UTHSC Surgery program in Memphis, where he served as a chief surgery resident. His training included the full scope of general surgery, with special interests in minimally invasive and endocrine surgery. He also had extensive trauma training at the Presley Memorial Trauma Center. During medical school, he received the award for Outstanding Performance as a Student in the Art and Science of Surgery as well as the Distinguished UT Student Service Award. As a surgical resident, the UT College of Medicine – Class of 2013 selected him for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award and Outstanding Resident Role Model. Garrison and his wife, Tonya Dotson Smith (’01), have two daughters, Brianna and Lily. Tonya completed a Master of Physical Therapy Degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn. She currently works for Rehab America.

Melody Maxwell (’01) recently began serving as director of the Great Commission Center and adjunct professor at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. Melody holds a Ph.D. from the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic.

Caleb Trent (’01) is serving on the board of “Aid For Haiti”, a 501c3 that he started with two other physicians in 2008 in response to the medical and spiritual needs of Haitians in remote mountainous places. Aid For Haiti’s mission of sharing the love of Christ with the people of Haiti through compassionate health care, spiritual ministry and training for service is based on Matthew 9:35. He came back in January from an AFH-sponsored pastor’s conference attended by 75 pastors and men of local Haitian churches.

Allison Shein Holley (’05) completed her family medicine residency at Halifax Family Medicine Residency Program in Daytona Beach, Fla., in June 2012. She and her husband David recently bought a home in Lighthouse Point, Fla., and are excited to start this new chapter in their lives. Allison will be practicing at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Family Health Center as a family physician in Weston, Fla., and David will be teaching computer programming at Pompano Beach High School.

Brian A. Taylor (’05) has accepted a faculty position at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston after two years as a St. Jude postdoctoral study. Brian was recruited to Baylor CoM to serve as a MR physics researcher at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence at the Houston Michael E. DeBakey VA hospital, working with troops coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with head injuries. This multidisciplinary center involves psychologists, radiologists and neurologists. Brian will be responsible for much of the brain imaging research at the center and will also serve as a clinical medical physicist at the hospital.

Stephanie Terrell (’05) graduated with her Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in October 2011 and completed her year of residency/ postdoctoral study in October 2012.

Scott Talley (’07) began his doctorate at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in fall 2012. He was also recently hired as the associate pastor of students at Enon Baptist Church outside of Richmond, Va.

Jason Wells (’08) recently received the Project Management Professional designation from the Project Management Institute.

10’s Twenty Tens

Amber Lovelady (’11) of Franklin, Tenn., received an award from Mississippi College School of Law during its annual Law Day ceremony. Lovelady was the recipient of the Marie Upton Scholarship Award, given to a student who shows a sense of service in the community and to others. Lovelady is the daughter of Katharine and Randy Lovelady.

Marriages

April Frank (’99) married Larry Strawn in Caseyville, Ill., on Nov. 26, 2011. Larry and April now reside in Shiloh, Ill.

Mike and Jill Patrick wedding photo. Jill Nanney Patrick (’02) and Mike Patrick were married on Oct. 27, 2012, at Whitestone Country Inn in Kingston, Tenn. They live in Alpharetta, Ga., where Jill works for Community Business Bank as the credit administration officer and Mike is a compensation consultant for Towers Watson.

Ty and Julie Turner wedding photo. Julie Dodson Turner (’02) married Ty Michael Turner on Oct. 20, 2012, at Germantown Baptist Church. Julie works as senior account executive for Good Advertising in Memphis, and Ty is the development leader for the Southeast for Domino’s Pizza. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii and reside in Collierville, Tenn.

Colin and Sarah Wood wedding photo. Sarah Hubbard Wood (’04) married Colin Wood on May 12, 2012 in Louisville, Ky. She continues to serve at Graceland Baptist Church as the administrative assistant to the student and recreation ministries, while Colin studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. They attend Ninth and O Baptist Church in Louisville.

Tiffany Tosh Cantrell (’08) married Rob Cantrell III in the Bahamas on June 6, 2012. They reside in Jackson, Tenn., where Tiffany is employed as a nurse with West Tennessee Surgery Center.

Rhett and Kristi Woody wedding photo. Kristi McMurry Woody (’10) and Rhett Woody (’11) were married on Oct. 6, 2012, at Absher Farms. They reside in Jackson, Tenn., where Rhett is an engineer at Anvil International and Kristi is the web design specialist at Union.

Births

Ruth Weisbrod McShane (’96) and Michael McShane and big brother Nathan welcomed Evan Duane on Feb. 1, 2012. They reside in Springfield, Mo., where Ruth works part-time as a registered nurse at CoxHealth and Mike is a computer programmer at Jack Henry and Associates.

Walker baby photo. Janna Walker (’98) and Kirby Walker announce the birth of their son, Bryant Atlas, on Aug. 29, 2011. Bryant weighed 9 lbs., 12 oz. and was 20 in. long. He has a sibling, Dalton.

Angelika Sorrow (’97) and her husband, Andrew, welcomed Annabeth Ranges Sorrow on Dec. 22, 2010. Her 5-year-old twin brothers, Seth and Ethan, adore her.

Hollowell baby photo. Amy Britt Hollowell (’98) and Jason Hollowell welcomed Caroline Joy into their family on Oct. 6, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and was 18 ½ in. long. Caroline has a very proud big sister, Callie Lynn.

Walters baby photo. AnnieLaurie Crane Walters (’99) and her husband Brian are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Lucia Kathryn “LucyKate” Walters, born Oct. 12, 2011, in Leesburg, Va. LucyKate weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz. and was 21 ½ in. long. AnnieLaurie and Brian both work for McLean Bible Church in the suburbs of Washington, DC and reside in Leesburg, Va.

Monte and Christian Kinney Fransen (’00) are pleased to announce the incredible blessing of the birth of their precious daughter, Keeley Wynn, on Oct. 29, 2011. She weighed 5 lbs., 9 oz. and was 18 ½ in. long. Keeley is their first child.

Rebekah Coleman Wales (’01) and Travis Wales (’02) and their 6-year-old Virginia “Ginny” Elayne welcomed the newest member of their family, Olivia June, on March 20, 2012. Travis is manager of field services at Education Networks of America in Nashville and Rebekah is a homemaker. They live in White Bluff, Tenn.

Culberson baby photo. Emily Price Culberson (’03) and her husband Todd celebrated the birth of Owen Heath Culberson on Nov. 13, 2012. Owen was 7 lb., 14 oz. and 20 ½ in. long. Owen’s big brother is Noah Todd Culberson.

Candace Nickel Martin (’05) married Chad Martin in October 2009, and they currently live in the Nashville area. Their first child, a son named Henderson Lee Martin, was born on June 19, 2012, and weighed 5 lbs., 6.2 oz. and was 19 ½ in. long.

Hays baby photo. Bethany Burchyett Hays (’06) and Benjamin Hays (’06) celebrated the birth of their son Samuel Arthur Hays on Nov. 9, 2011. Bethany works as director of operations at Camelot Care Center in Nashville, Tenn., and Benjamin is a product consultant for Allstate Insurance.

Jenny Buffington Liesen (’06) and her husband welcomed their first child on Sept. 8, 2010. Samuel Thomas Liesen weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz. and was 21 ½ inches long. Jenny is a supervised Counselor at Gateway Home Care and Hospice in Clarksville, Tenn., and her husband serves as a captain in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.

Blake McKinney (’08) and Jennifer Walton McKinney (’07) welcomed their daughter, Lily Anastasia McKinney, home on April 23, 2012. She weighed 7 lb., 3 oz. and was 20 in. long. Blake McKinney graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in theology in December 2011. Blake, Jennifer and Lily currently reside in Louisville, Ky.

Emerson baby photo. Renee Roberson Emerson (’08) and Bryan Emerson (’08) welcomed their daughter Susan “Zuzu” Olivia Emerson on Sept. 16, 2012, weighing 7 lb., 15 oz. and measuring 20 ¾ in. long.

Patterson baby photo. Molly Sills Patterson (’08) and her husband Daniel Patterson were blessed with their first child, Emma Catherine, on June 8, 2012. She weighed 6 lbs., 4 oz. and was 20 in. long.

Smith baby photo. Calli Hankins Smith (’09) and Andrew Smith (’09) married in June of 2009 and welcomed their first child, Caleb Andrew Smith, on Jan. 25, 2012.

Abernathy baby photo. Jon Abernathy (’09) and Olivia Abernathy (’11) welcomed their daughter, Avery Elizabeth Abernathy, home on February 12, 2013. She weighed 6 lb., 4 oz. and was 19 in. long. Jon serves as the director of disability services at Union University and Olivia is an academic support counselor at Union.

Bullpups

To receive a free Bullpup shirt for the newest member of your family (under age 2), email alumni@uu.edu or call 731-661-5139. Please send us a picture of your child wearing the new shirt for publication in a future issue.

Samuel Cole Douglas as a bullpup
Samuel Cole Douglas, son of Scott Douglas and Carrie Puckett Douglas (‘01), born on Nov. 23, 2010.

Haley Grace Walters as a bullpup Haley Grace Walters, born Dec. 1, 2011, weighing 5lb., 5 oz. Daughter of Casey Walters (‘02) and Holly Dougan Walters (‘04). Haley Grace has a grandfather and cousins who graduated from Union and an uncle currently attending Union.

Evan Andrew Kyzar as a bullpup Evan Andrew Kyzar, born Nov. 9, 2011, to Amanda Kyzar (‘04) and Ross Kyzar (‘05).

Savannah Diane Williams as a bullpup Savannah Diane Williams, born April 1, 2011, to Christy Risch Williams (‘05) and Chaz Williams. Savannah’s grandfather is pastor Chuck Williams (‘75) of Covington, Tenn.

Brynne Westmoreland as a bullpup Brynne Westmoreland, the daughter of Laura Berkemeyer Westmoreland (’06) and Mark Westmoreland (’05), was born Aug. 11, 2011.

Lucas Andrew and Grace Benemerito as bullpups Lucas Andrew Benemerito, born March 2011, and Isabella Grace Benemerito, born April 2009, are the children of Mike Benemerito (’07) and Jade Jimenez Benemerito.

Jamison Brown Turnage as a bullpup Jamison Brown Turnage, born Oct. 11, 2011, to Kylie Brown Turnage (‘07) and Nick Turnage.

Matthew Wesley Edgin as a bullpup Matthew Wesley Edgin, born July 2010 in Jackson, Tenn. Matthew’s dad is Tabothy Edgin (’07).

Connor Winberry as a bullpup Connor Winberry, son of Laura Shackelford Winberry (’06 BSW, ’10 MSW) and Shawn Winberry; born Feb. 12, 2011.

Milo Christian Cadenhead as a bullpup Milo Christian Cadenhead, born Oct. 15, 2011, weighing 9 lb., 2 oz. and measuring 21 in. long, son of Tyson Cadenhead (’08) and Heather Cadenhead (’08).

Susan Olivia Emerson as a bullpup Susan “Zuzu” Olivia Emerson, born Sept. 16, 2012, to Renee Roberson Emerson (’08) and Bryan Emerson (’08).

James D. Wilson, III, as a bullpup James D. “JD” Wilson III, born May 20, 2011, to Misty Wilson (‘12) and Jimmy Wilson.

Memoriam

Bennie Crabtree portrait Bennie Elizabeth Cole Crabtree passed away on March 28, 2013 in Jackson after a brief illness. She was 86 years old. While attending Union in 1944–46, she met Thomas T. Crabtree. The two were married for 61 years prior to Mr. Crabtree’s death in 2007. The couple endowed the Crabtree Lecture Series. This year’s event took place just a few days after her death. “Dr. Crabtree was a giant in Southern Baptist life and Mrs. Crabtree was an amazing lady,” Union President David S. Dockery said to the lecture audience, noting Mrs. Crabtree had attended many of the annual events since they began in 2000 and every lecture series since she moved to Jackson in 2009. “We give thanks for the gift that the Crabtrees have left us in this lecture series.” Two sons preceded Mrs. Crabtree in death. She is survived by a daughter, Anna Beth Morgan, who is director of Union’s Emma Waters Summar Library. Those wishing to make a gift in Mrs. Crabtree’s memory are encouraged to contribute future funding for the lecture series through Union’s Office of University Relations.

J. H. Luckey portrait J. H. Luckey passed away on April 8, 2013, in Humboldt, Tenn. He was 89 years old. Union President David S. Dockery described him as a “longtime, faithful friend” of the University. Mr. Luckey served on the Union University Board of Trustees and was an avid supporter of Union basketball. He also served 19 years as a Gibson County Commissioner and on the boards of two area banks. He was preceded in death by Dorothy Sanders Luckey, his wife of 59 years. He is survived by a sister, brother, five children, 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

McLemore portrait Eugene Brooks McLemore ('49) passed away on Aug. 15, 2012. He was 92 years old. Judge McLemore was a World War II veteran, serving in the Pacific theater for two years. He received a law degree from Vanderbilt University and served in a variety of roles, including special justice of the state Supreme Court and special judge of the Court of Appeals. He also served three terms in the State Senate and was chancellor of the 14th Chancery Division of Tennessee. Judge McLemore was survived by Elizabeth Meeks McLemore, to whom he was married for 70 years. She passed away on Nov. 17, 2012. He taught a Sunday School class at West Jackson Baptist Church that is named in his honor. The family asked memorials to be directed to the church.

Thomas Smothers portrait Thomas G. Smothers ('55) passed away on Nov. 8, 2012, in Louisville, Ky. A highly respected Old Testament scholar, Dr. Smothers served on the faculties of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Alderson-Broaddus College, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Union University. Some of his best-known work focused on the book of Jeremiah, and he wrote for the Word Biblical Commentary Series. He is survived by his wife Bettye, a daughter, granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.

Howard Vestal portrait Howard Lee Vestal (’41) passed away on Feb. 19, 2013, in Katy, Texas. He was 93 years old. Mr. Vestal earned a football scholarship to Union in the 1930s, and met his wife of 70 years, Claire “Tootsie” Cooper, while they were students at the University. He served as a combat pilot during World War II, flying missions over North Africa and Europe. Mr. Vestal later served as vice president for business affairs at Texas A&M. He served that university for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions were directed to the Howard and Claire Vestal Scholarship at Union University.

Walter Philips (’46) passed away on Dec. 4, 2012 in Heber Springs, Ark. He was 90 years old. Mr. Philips served as U.S. Army chaplain for 20 years at posts around the world. He retired from the Army as a lieutenant-colonel and pastored a church in California before returning to his native Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife Myrtie Esther Milligan Phillips. He is survived by a son, two daughters, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Kermit Wilson Whitten (’50) passed away on Oct. 30, 2012. He was a graduate of Union University, majoring in music education. He retired from Knoxville City Schools as a teacher and was a minister of music for many years, ending his service with Alcoa-Way Baptist Church in Alcoa, Tenn. He was a WWII Army Air Force veteran, and after college went back into the Air Force.

Larry E. Ray (’64) passed away on July 12, 2012 in Tupelo, Miss. He was 70 years old. A native of Paris, Tenn., Mr. Ray worked in the millwork industry in Jackson and Tupelo. He was active in community life and a faithful member of the Harrisburg Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, choir member and Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Oliver Ray; two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.

Patricia Ellen (Patsy) Patton (’67) passed away on Feb. 25, 2013, at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, Colo. She was 67 years old. At Union, she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, Miss Union University, a local television talk show hostess and a singer with a local band. She was an assistant for Minnie Pearl in Nashville. She worked in public relations for many years and became a licensed psychotherapist in Boulder, Colo. An Argentine Tango enthusiast, she was a past president of Tango Colorado.

Susan Marie Langford Tosh (’79) passed away on Nov. 19, 2012, at her home. She was a Union nursing graduate. Friends and family members remembered Susan with contributions to a Union nursing scholarship named in honor of her sister, Linda Langford Scarborough.

David Brent Lemonds (’85) passed away on Sept. 9, 2012, in Franklin, Tenn. He was 50 years old. Mr. Lemonds was Administrator for Emergency Services at Vanderbilt University Hospital. Over the years, he held a variety of emergency management positions in Nashville and Jackson and served the Tennessee State Board of Emergency Medical Services as board member and consultant. He is survived by a son and two daughters.

John Louis McRee passed away Sept. 23, 2012. He was 94. McRee was the first married man in Tennessee to be drafted into World War II. He served as a Union trustee. He was preceded in death by his wife Leta Phillips McRee and is survived by two daughters, a granddaughter and three great grandchildren.

Walterine Wilson portrait Walterine Wilson passed away on May 22, 2013 in Jackson. She was 95 years old. Mrs. Wilson was a founding member of the Union Auxiliary, a longtime supporter of Union athletics and a participant in the University’s capital campaigns. She is survived by her husband, James “Pete” Wilson, who was a Union trustee. The Wilsons actively supported international students at Union. Mrs. Wilson is also survived by two sons and a daughter.

The Union University Magazine
Summer 2013