They say good deeds live forever. No one knows the meaning of that better than Cookeville resident Christy Killman.
“There are good, honest people in the world,” said Killman. “One family, that of 8-year-old Damion, fits the bill. I want the people of Warren County to know this story and be proud of the citizens there.”
At the heart of the good deed is a ring that was feared lost forever by Killman. However, it was found by Damion Gay and returned by him and his family.
Damion is the son of Warren County residents Jason and Lori Cagle. The couple attended Smithville Jamboree festivities with their children. Killman traveled from her home in Cookeville to enjoy the event with her family on Friday, July 2.
“I didn’t know it until late Saturday, but I had lost my 1989 Tennessee Tech University class ring sometime during the event. I didn’t think I would ever see it again.”
Killman says the heat of the day had caused her fingers to swell so she took her rings off and placed them in her purse. While retrieving money from the purse at a concession stand, the class ring must have slipped out, she says.
After contacting jamboree officials, an announcement about the lost ring was made at the jamboree Saturday night. The Cagle family heard that announcement and realized the ring their son had found while waiting in line at a food booth might be the one that was lost.
Damion’s mother says she called the Smithville courthouse, once the event was over and it was back open, to report they had found a ring and inquire about how and to whom they needed to return it. She spoke to Smithville Jamboree director Jack Barton.
“Just when I had resigned myself to the fact I would never see my ring again, I got a call from Jack Barton who gave me the good news and contact information,” said Killman. “I was thrilled to talk to Damion’s mom and make arrangements to meet them to reclaim my ring.”
The families met Wednesday at the Southern Standard. At that time, Killman presented Damion with more than a thank you. He was given a medallion engraved with his name and a thank you for being honest, a Citizenship Award for his outstanding character and a reward of $40 for finding the ring.
“I will never forget Damion and his family,” said Killman. “I’m not only very thankful, but very proud of how he and his family handled this situation. I am very thankful for their honesty and efforts. It’s a very happy day for me.”
Killman is a professor at TTU. Damion plans on saving the money and using it during the Warren County A&L Fair in September.