Without a doubt, 50 years is a long time, especially for two people to remain together in a loving relationship. 

Shirley Jaco and Ronnie Hattaway recently reached that milestone, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. The couple wed May 1, 1969 at the home of Pastor Dalton Denny, who officiated the intimate wedding. The only people in attendance were the maid of honor Peggy Woods, best man Thomas Lusk and Pastor Denny’s wife.  

Childhood sweethearts, the couple met while students at Morrison School, with them marrying when she was 17 and he 20 years old. They felt time was of the essence, since Ronnie was deployed to serve in the U.S. Army only nine days after the wedding. He served his country for three years, with one of them in Vietnam, finishing as a Staff Sgt. E6. 

They were honored May 4 with a reception at Temple Baptist Church. Approximately 130 guests, including family, as well as church family members gathered to celebrate the couple. Some out-of-town guests were present, including the maid of honor and best man. 

Given by the couple’s daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Josh Moore, and Rhonda and Kyle Fisher, the reception area was decorated with pink, white and gold decorations. A lovely white cake was topped with a gold 50 emblem, and surrounded by assorted cupcakes. 

The Hattaways enjoy their two grandchildren, Mariah and Nicholas, as well as camping, fishing and gardening. For their celebration, they enjoyed a camping trip to Townsend. 

He is a retired employee of Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, and she is a housewife. They reside in the Morrison community, and are members at Temple Baptist Church.