We were so sorry to hear of the death of our friend Tillman Williams, Jr. Tillman was an insurance broker for the past 58 years and was the first person in Huntsville to become a member of the insurance profession's prestigious "Million Dollar Round Table." He had lost his loving wife Helen after 66 years of marriage, so we know he's with her now. We send our deepest sympathy to Tillman's daughter, Sallie Dean (husband Hilton) and son Joel Williams (wife Dail) and his many grand and great-grand children he leaves, as well as the rest of his family and many friends who will miss this very special man.
Jenny Hedges is that very efficient & friendly interior decorator you'll see when you go into Haley's Flooring. I did some business with her recently and she's the best.
Mildred Banks was a loving Mom, wife, sister and friend to many. She passed away at the age of 91 recently. She had worked at several places in Huntsville that many might remember, such as General Shoe Co., Huntsville Park Variety Store as owner & operator, Singer Sewing Machine Co. and Mason Jewelers. We send our condolences to her son Danny Banks, Jr. and his wife Jennifer Lynn, granddaughter Page Ann Banks, sister Nancy Robertson, brother Andy Majors and many other family & friends who will miss her.
Happy Birthday to that hand-some Joe Owens of Largo, Florida. Jean Mclntosh is SO proud of her daughter Lynn Albritton, who in August was honored with the coveted Silver Snoopy award. This award is given to outstanding civil service and contractor employees who have significantly contributed to the human spaceflight program. The honor is awarded by an astronaut and includes a silver pin that was flown onboard a shuttle mission. We are very proud of Lynn.
Happy birthday to Bob Larkin, who will turn 80 in October. Bob is married to Leo Larkin and step dad to Shane Adkins. Bob and Leo are that talented duo you can hear play music at the gazebo at Bennett's Nurseries nearly every weekend in October. Bob is well known, was concertmaster of the Huntsville Symphony from 1962-1977. He was also assistant Conductor.
One of the nicest young men I've met in a long time is Chandler Hall, a sophomore at Madison County High School. Chandler is a soccer player for the school and according to his proud mom Audra Wilson (Salon Bella owner) he is the best player on the team. We're positive she's not biased. Cheryl Tribble, our good friend from Woodstock, GA. tells us that when she cleans her blinds she uses dryer sheets to wipe them down, and it really helps to repel dust. Happy October birthday to Diane Owens, we Love you.
Fred and Peggy Simpson recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary hosted by their children and grandchildren: Bryan Simpson of Kennesaw, GA., Derek and Shannon Simpson, Tim and Cindy Howard, Betsy, Sally, Charlie and Sam Howard and Kate, Jane and Will Simpson. Fred is retired District Attorney here and is an excellent photographer with a book that I love, "Huntsville Then and Now" with before and after photographs of Huntsville. Peggy and Fred are a beautiful couple and we wish them many more anniversaries.
Helen Holden Plaxco was 87 when she passed away at her residence. She was a longtime member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, and she loved her church dearly. She worked for years at Belk Department store and later at Mary Shoppe.Our deepest sympathy to Mickey Plaxco, her son; Cliff, her son; and her daughter Laurie and their families & friends.
Leslie & Drew Lockhart hosted a really fun block party on East Clinton Avenue recently and many who attended couldn't believe how good the BBQ was that Drew smoked all day. It made all of Old Town smell fabulous.
Not sure if you've noticed but Maple Hill cemetery is really getting spruced up. The staff & workers there are spending time everyday cleaning out old faded flowers, trinkets and any objects that may get in the way of the mowers. Even something like a ceramic angel or toy can get in the blades of the mowers and become airborne, possibly hitting people, cars or the people who work there. Therefore the decision was made to clean up everything that may be unsafe. It would be a good idea if you are taking care of a grave site to replace the faded flowers, and to pick up cherubs, angels, etc. that belong to you, otherwise they will be disposed of by the cemetery workers. If you have questions you should call the cemetery office at (256) 427-5730.
Shane Adkins, local songwriter & musician, recently had a bluegrass group called "Country Gentlemen" record his song "One Mile East of Hazel Green' and as of very recently the song is #30 out of 40 in the bluegrass charts in the U.S. In Europe and Australia it was #8. Shane's mom is Leo Larkin and is SO proud of her son.
Marie Melochick was a longtime member of the Latham United Methodist Church, an original resident at Redstone Village, a loving mother & grandmother, a very good golfer and a friend to many. Marie passed away at the age of 85 in early September, and we will miss her smiling face and loving personality. Marie leaves her daughters Donna Henry & husband George "Sonny" Henry and Dee Dee Moss, son George Melochick, granddaughters Ashley Marie Rawls and Courtney Childress, and sisters Hazel Noell and Opal Smith. We will always remember Marie's kindness and empathy towards others, and we know she's with her beloved husband George Melochick now.
Be sure and let your loved one know how much you love him or her. Life is really short.
If you'd like to catch up on the news from September 2011, here's the link.