Despite the fact some sassy Standard staffers think I’m nearing 99 years of age, that’s a few decades off. However, having done some manner of work at the Southern Standard for nearly 50 years, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with a variety of characters and a significant number of Warren countians with a great deal of character of their own.
Some of these have been members of the Standard work family and many more have provided their insight into how this community works together and individually. Too often we neglect to pay tribute to people while they are still on this side of the earthly vale. People like Linda Gilbert, Dr. Wallace Bigbee and wife, Pat, Sandra Haynes, Raymond Rigsby, Pat Collier, Franklin Fisher and so many other educators who’ve impacted children’s lives over the years, along with civic-minded folks such as Jeanette Lowery, Lisa Harvey and the whole musical Harvey gang as well as Kids of the Community founders Christie Allison and the Dishman family, who’ve collectively worked so hard to help children find a better life path.
And then there are those we’ve lost, who’ve gone to their Heavenly reward. Sweet, wonderful folks whose lives were devoted to making others more fulfilled. The kind, compassionate Eben Gilbert used his skills to soothe the mental difficulties so many have faced, and the gentle Michele Hutchins, who lost a battle to cancer at a young age, and lived life for her family and the many people with whom she daily interacted. These folks leave a legacy that implores us to exhibit a better, kinder life.
More recently this community lost a lady with grit, devotion to any perceived duty and a passion for life. Patti Nunley wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, whether as the first female vice mayor of McMinnville or as a Girl Scout leader or steadfast sponsor of the high school Interact Club for young people. Patti’s zest for life lives on in her beloved children and grandchildren and their roles in making this a better community. Lots of Warren countians shared their mornings with Patti and her cohort Rob Jones as hosts of TalkBack on WAKI radio. Her fun side flourished as part of the trivia team, Desperados Waiting for a Train.
Just as Patti was a vivacious community member, we also laid to rest one of the last of the Greatest Generation, 101-year-old beloved father and grandfather, Marvin Emmett Kell, Jr., a World War II Navy veteran, and gentleman of the greatest dignity and sense of duty to God, country and family. We say thank you to Mr. Kell and all those over the years who’ve faithfully faced the cruelty of war to preserve our independence.
And lastly, three individuals come to mind who have contributed in unique ways to Warren County. In October of 2021, an immigrant and true exponent of the American way of life, Pedro Antonio Paz, Sr., was laid to rest. Born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, Pedro embraced America and Warren County. He married a beautiful Tennessee girl and came to this community as an educator and highly regarded football coach. He knew the game and he loved his players. If they got hurt in practice, Coach would just say, “rub a little dirt on it; you’ll be okay.”
He was tough with the heart of a dad and mentor, and his teams performed to his tough expectations. Pedro was the proud dad of three children and nine grandchildren, all of whom excel in their respective vocations. In addition to his biological children, he shared his fiery zest for life by offering guidance and encouragement to children in their teen years. Rich or poor, Coach Paz never wavered in his efforts to help them reach their goals. Thanks to coaches and teachers who see the child and not just the player.
Sadly, this last week we lost another real character on the local scene. This man traveled the roads of America delivering goods as owner of WS Lee Trucking and founder of Korner Market and 10 cent bananas. More than one local called him JEB in reference to his founding JEBS supermarket and introducing Warren County to scanner registers. During these years, Bill Lee would make a weekly trek to the back shop of the Southern Standard bearing pounds and pounds of bananas and a few good jokes for the mailroom crew. Civic minded, this veteran of the Korean War was significant in building a track at Warren County High, and proudly pointed to the enormous American flag he flew at the grocery store.
An honored Mason, and a Southern conservative to the core, Bill served on the Election Commission for 24 years, a testament to his belief in civic responsibilities. Politics were serious but fun for Mr. Lee; he could give as good as he could take. Over the years, he and I agreed on many points that mattered but at the times we crossed swords, he’d just shake his head and laugh as to say “how could you come to that conclusion,” but never devolved into patronizing or crude commentary. He was a gentleman and a patriot.
And, finally, last November, just one day into his 82nd year, this county lost a leader, a friend, a guy with a sense of humor and the leader of the local Republican Party for years. Like his friend Bill Lee, Ben Nixon served many years on the Election Commission, and hosted numerous Rotary Exchange students for a year’s study in our community. Firm in his political commitments and devotion to his family, Ben never exhibited a hateful demeanor to people of an opposing political party or ideology.
I know this first-hand because one afternoon I rolled back into the Standard parking lot and Ben was standing there chatting with a staff member. He jumped back in feigned fright as though I was going to mow him down. When I shut off the motor and got out, he quickly let me know how scared he was for his life. I just looked and him and said, “Just trying to make America great, again.” I thought he would lose his breath laughing. We all need to step back and take a lesson from these folks who’ve contributed immensely to our lives as citizens of this community.
Life is brief; few live to see 101 years, and so many are taken way sooner than we want to let them go. This is but a few of the wonderful, valuable people who’ve crossed my life in these years at the Standard, and yet their lessons linger on and we could use more of them in these contentious days. Americans are still brave and strong, and just like Pedro, a largely immigrant people with dreams and goals. Sometimes we could all use the humility with which these friends lived their lives.
Southern Standard Publisher Patricia Zechman can be contacted at pzechman@southernstandard.com
