In memory of Rhea County Sheriff Carles “Junior Henderson Carles “Junior” Henderson was born on March 31, 1935, to the Rev. Carles and Evelyn Henderson. Junior lived most of his life in Rhea County where he worked as a mechanic and later operated a used car dealership. He was elected for Sheriff of Rhea County…
In Memory
Walt Kaylor
In Memory of Walt Kaylor who Served 46 Years in Law Enforcement Walt Kaylor will always be fondly remembered. He had served the citizens of Rhea County in law enforcement for more than 46 years. Those that knew him described him as a friend to everyone. He was the type of man that made an…
Bob Norris Forty Year Parade Emcee-In Memory
Robert “Bob” Norris, a Strawberry Festival icon, served as the voice for the Tennessee Strawberry Festival Parade as their official emcee over four decades. In 2009, Bob became the face of the Strawberry Festival when he appeared as the Grand Marshal in the parade. Bob’s involvement in the Strawberry Festival began in the 1960’s. He first…
In Memory of Craig V. Gabbert
Craig V. Gabbert, known to most people as C.V. Gabbert, came to Dayton in 1938, after his graduation from Emory Henry College in Virginia. Mr. Gabbert served in various positions at Rhea Central High School, holding the positions of teacher, football coach and principal. He also served as Superintendent of the Dayton City School. Mr.…
Dr. Lester F. Littell
Dr. Littell established Rhea Hospital’s Intensive Care unit. Dr. Lester Faye Littell Jr. was born in Attalla, Alabama, on July 13, 1918, the son of Lester and Randa Giles Littell. Dr. Littell was a graduate of Madison Academy High School and Madison College in Nashville, where he received certification and served as a licensed registered…
Jim Mansfield Deputy, City Marshall and Chief of Police
Longtime Law Enforcement Officer James Robert Mansfield who was born on May 9, 1880, was the son of Matthew and Luck Welch Mansfield. Jim, as he was known, spent the latter part of his life serving in law enforcement in Rhea County. Jim married Evelyn McJunkin on October 8, 1904, the daughter of James and…
First Dayton Resident Killed In World War II
James Ueal Williams 17 Killed on board the USS Cushing In July of 1942, James Ueal Williams of Dayton went off to war. His two brothers W.E. and Ford were already in uniform, fighting in World War II. Ueal, as he was called, was the seventh of eleven children. Williams father, James A. Williams had…
Remembering Alvin Goins
Alvin Goins is remembered as a lifelong resident of Rhea County. He was born September 14, 1903. Alvin never learned to read or write because at the age of five he was injured when a mule kicked him in the head. With no formal education, he was considered a mathematical genius. He could perform a…
Rhea Football Field Named In Memory of Bill Horton
Bill Horton Field at the Rhea County High School. (Photo by Dean Wilson) Rhea County High School Coach Bill Horton There once was a man that touched the lives of many Rhea County High School students in ways that will never be forgotten. Rhea County Football Coach Bill Horton passed away in…
Dayton Fire Chief Bill Keylon
In Memory of Bill Keylon Dayton Fire Department’s Chief Thursday, May 15, 1975, was the last day of work for Dayton Fire Chief Bill Keylon. The City of Dayton and many others at the time stated they would miss the familiar face of Bill Keylon who was retiring after having been with the fire…