Dyersburg City Schools celebrates and honors past graduates for their contributions to society by inducting selected graduates into the Hall of Honor.   Nominations are made by fellow graduates and sent to a selection committee, who uses a rubric to make the final selections.  Nominees, along with contribution to society, also exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral standards.  Pictures of those who have been selected for this honor are found on the Hall of Honor wall, which is found in the atrium of the Dyersburg High School.

Hall of Honor Inductees:

Inductees 2018 - 2019

Major General (Ret) Jimmy G. Welch, class of 1964 earned his BS in agriculture in 1968, his MS in Education Administration in 1978 and his MS in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Tennessee.  He also earned his MS in Strategic Studies Command and General Staff College from U.S. Army War College.  Major General Welch’s active military service began in 1968 when he enlisted in the Army.  He was commissioned in 1969 as a Quartermaster Officer upon completion of Engineer Officer Candidate School.  He was discharged from active duty in 1971 after serving a tour in Vietnam.  He was appointed to the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1974 and served in various staff and leadership assignments.  Major General Welch has numerous awards and decorations.

Mr. Larry Williams, class of 1965, Bruce High School, attended Flint Technical School in Flint, MI.  He went to work for General Motors Corporation – Fisher Body Division in 1965. Mr. Williams was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He was a door-gunner on a rescue helicopter and attached to the Fifth Special Forces. Mr. Williams received The Purple Heart for Valor while serving in Vietnam.  He returned to work at General Motors in 1968 where he became General Foreman and retired in 2002. In addition to receiving the Purple Heart, Mr. Williams received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Air (Rifle) Marksman, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Mr. Williams returned to Dyersburg in 2005 and is a member of the Bruce Alumni Association. He became the curator of the Bruce Museum, an election commissioner, a Church Trustee at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Board of Directors of the Salvation Army. Mr. Williams has been married to Patricia Echols Williams for 48 years and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  

Mr. Dan Davis, class of 1970 attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  Mr. Davis and his partners founded Rafferty’s Restaurant, which became the place to eat in Bowling Green, KY.  He purchased Rafferty’s in 1991 from his partners and created Montana Grille. Mr. Davis transitioned Rafferty’s into an Employee Owned Stock Ownership for future growth.  In 2007, Davis began another concept, Double Dogs Chow House. Mr. Davis is a member of YPO and was named person of the year by the Jaycees and Junior Achievement.

Mrs. Judy Long, class of 1972 currently serves as President and COO of First Citizens National Bank.  Mrs. Long graduated from Union University with a Bachelor of Science degree and Dyersburg State Community College with an A.S.  She is also a graduate of numerous banking schools, graduating from Mid-South School of Banking, Memphis TN; Bank Administration Graduate School of Bank Operations and Technology, Nashville TN; and Bank Administration Institute, Madison WI.  Mrs. Long is also a graduate of WestStar Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Tennessee at Martin and the Dyersburg/Dyer County Leadership Program. She was appointed to numerous Board’s of directors. Mrs. Long has received the honor of Sterling Award: Top 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee; Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year; Paul Harris Fellowship for Rotary Club Service, Outstanding Volunteer Award from March of Dimes; American Business Women’s Woman of the Year Award; Cable, 2013 Board Walk of Fame for Women serving on Corporate Boards; Presidential Citation Award for Rotary President.  Mrs. Long is married to Roger Long.

Inductees 2017-2018

Mrs. Flossie Jones is a member of the 1942 graduating class. Mrs. Jones has spent most of her life raising three generations of children as well as cooking and assisting those sick in the community, which she continues to do. She worked at the Dement Furniture Company. Mrs. Jones is a 75-year member of the First Baptist Church and 72-year member of the Home Demonstration Club. She has also been a PTA member and a Lifetime Membership Award winner from the Women’s Club.

Mr. P. H. White, Jr. is a member of the 1949 graduating class of Dyersburg High School. Mr. White graduated from the Tennessee College of Agriculture, then served in the U.S. Army reaching lieutenant status. Mr. White devoted much of his career to raising registered Hereford cattle and advancing the breed. He served as director and president of the American Hereford Association. Since 1970s, he operated a company to manufacture and sell the Cow Life Cattle Rub, one of the numerous products that he personally invented and patented. Mr. White served as a Dyer County executive for 12 years, the Board of Directors at First Citizens National Bank for over 30 years and for the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a devoted member of the First united Methodist Church, and former ember of Noon Rotary. Mr. White is survived by his wife, Polly, their 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Tommy Cross graduated in 1954, which he was a member of the Beta Club, Basketball and football player, plus attended Boys’ State in 1952. Mr. Cross graduated from Bethel University with a degree in mathematics and chemistry. He married his high school sweetheart, Lillian Yarbro in 1958. The couple has three children and seven grandchildren. Nancy Karen Brake (Chip,) Thomas Cross, Jr. (Sandy,) and John F. Cross (Stephanie.) Mr. Cross became a DHS teacher and coach in 1958 and was awarded the Teacher of the Year at DHS in 1963 and Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator in 1966. Mr. Cross was principal at Lara Kendall Elementary in Lake County from 1966 through 1967. Mr. Cross became assistant principal at DHS in 1967 and named principal in 1970. Mr. Cross went to work at the Central Office in 1986 and remained there until he retired in 1991. Mr. Cross has managed the city pools and recreation, TSSAA basketball official, and also a sports-editor and circulation manager for the New Mirror weekly newspaper. He has managed his farming interest since retirement.

Mr. Edward Parrish graduated from DHS in 1974 where he was selected as the Boys’ State delegate, two time selectee on the TSSAA All-State Football Team as well as the Most Valuable Player at the Tennessee State Football Championship in 1974. He graduated from Vanderbilt where he was a 4-yeater letterman and captain of the football squad. Mr. Parrish served as a former board secretary at Franklin Road Academy in Nashville from 1997-1998. He was the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Northwest Arkansas Board President from 2010-2012. He has held church leadership positions at The Temple Church in Nashville and Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas. Mr. Parrish is the HR director of transportation for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, AR, a position that he has held since 1999. Mr. Parrish and his wife of 33 years, Guanica, have three children and two grandchildren.

Inductees 2016 - 2017

Mr. Jack Claiborne is a member of the 1943 graduating class from Dyersburg High School. Mr. Claiborne became a Navy helmsman in 1944 and was involved in World War II “D-day.” Mr. Claiborne returned to the U.S., married his wife, Evelyn, and they raised two children. Mr. Claiborne has been a member of the First Baptist Church for many years. He has helped many children receive special medical care through his work as a devoted Shriner. Mr. Claiborne worked with United States Postal Service for numerous years.

Inductees 2015-2016

Sarah Rice Miller, class of 1941, became a registered nurse and joined the Cadet Nurse Corps to serve in public health.  Mrs. Miller was honored in 1998 as the longest known employee in the field of publich health in the United States for serving over 50 years.  Mrs. Miller received numerous honors and awards, but most memorable was having the Health Department in Dyersburg bear her name.

Jack Todd, class of 1943, joined the Army Air Force after graduation and remained enlisted until 1945, when he was discharged as a Second Lieutenant Pilot.  Mr. Todd earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgia Tech.  He worked at Dyersburg Cotton Products for 44 years and retired as the Chairman of the Board.

Dr. Mary Seibert McCauley, class of 1948, became a distinguished teacher beginning at Future City Elementary school before moving to Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana.  She finished her career in Dyersburg as a Professor of English at Dyersburg State Community College. She served as Chairperson of Humanities at the college also.

Kenneth Hughey, class of 1949, became a distinguished Air Force Veteran.  He was a pilot and spent 2068 days as a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War.  Mr. Hughey was awarded two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, 30 Air Medals, and four Purple Hearts.  He spent 15 years as a Senior Engineer and Project Manager at Hughes Aircraft Company.  After retiring from Hughes, he spent 13 years as a Deputy District Attorney for the City of Los Angeles. 

Inductees 2014-2015

Florence Tipton Schultz graduated from DHS in 1938.  She received a degree in library science from Peabody College, which is today known as Vanderbilt University.  Mrs. Schultz became the librarian for Dyersburg High School and then became librarian for Central High School in Vicksburg, Miss.  She returned to Dyersburg in 1969 and became the first librarian for Dyersburg State Community College.  Mrs. Schultz is proud owner of one of the Dyer County’s Century Farms, which has been handed down from generation to generation and in operation for over 150 years.  She remains active in many organizations including: Daughters of the American Revolution and Holy Angels Catholic Church.  

John Hart graduated in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He returned to Dyersburg in 1946 and married Harolyn Hoover.    Mr. Hart pursued his second career of serving others after retiring from Heckethorn Manufacturing.  He has served as a Red Coat at Dyersburg Regional Hospital, volunteered for the Salvation Army, elder at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and became a member of First Christian Church.  Hart has been described as an individual who has served those in this community full time, living his Christian faith through compassion, love and always cheerfully working.

Thomas White is a member of the 1952 graduating class of Bruce High School.  He graduated from Tennessee State University in 1962 and began his journey in education.  Mr. White was involved in education for 45 years in the following capacities: Teacher, Principal, Director, and Attendance Supervisor.   He officiated TSSAA football and basketball for 51 years.  He is a ruling elder at Grace Presbyterian Church.  

James Alton Gardner, a 1961 graduate, was recruited to play football for West Point, but joined the OCS in 1964 where he excelled in sports and military aptitude.  Mr. Gardner joined the Rangers and led the elite Tiger Force paratroopers in Vietnam.  1st Lt. Gardner was killed in battle during the Vietnam war in 1966.  He was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Medal of Honor.  There is a bowling center bears his name at Fort Campbell, KY; an athletic field bearing his name in Fort Benning, GA; a primary conference room at the Pentagon called the Gardner Room; and the Dyersburg National Guard Armory bears his name also.   

Steve Gaines graduated DHS in 1975 and Union University in 1979.  He  has reached the pinnacle of his career.  He started as Youth Paster in Milam and now pastors at Bellevue Baptist Church, which has a membership of over 30,000 members.  Dr. Gaines has pastored churches in Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama.  Dr. Gaines has participated in numerous seminars, conferences, served on State Board of Missions for the Alabama Baptist State Convention and has written a book concerning spiritual awakening, When God Comes to Church and a 365 day devotional book, Morning Manna.  Dr. Gaines continues to reach out to the city of Memphis, Shelby County, the Mid-South and the entire world.

Jeff Agee is a member of the 1979 graduating class and is now the President of First Citizen’s Bank. He earned an associate's degree at DSCC and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Agee is also a licensed certified public accountant and licensed NASD financial and operations principal. Mr. Agee is member of board for United Way of West Tennessee, DSCC Foundation board, chair of Dyersburg Regional Medical Center board, Tennessee Scholar’s board, Boy Scouts executive advisory board, and the past chair of Chamber of Commerce board.  

Tim Goff graduated in 1980 and went straight to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980. He graduated with a degree in general engineering and served for nine years as a naval aviator.  Mr. Goff is the Sr. Vice-President, Operations, of Spread Networks. He is a proven executive with over 30 years of working with numerous companies in the field of business management operations.  Mr. Goff combined his expert understanding of optical fiber/cable technologies and applications with significant hands-on experience in the design, construction and operation of leading-edge DWDM networks.  He continues to stay extremely active with youth through coaching, as Scout Master, and Sunday School Teacher.

Thomas “Hunt” Shipman’s knows a thing or two about setting goals and accomplishing dreams. The 1988 graduate of Dyersburg High School boasts a resume that includes working with senators and the United Nations. Mr. Shipman earned his degree and received numerous honors at Mississippi State University.  He has served as past president for the College of Agriculture and Life  Sciences for the Alumni Association, and serving on the board of directors for the U.S. Committee for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  

2013-2014 Inductees

Rachel Hardage Barrett is a 1996 graduate, who has used her passion in writing since her days at DHS to advance her goals at every level.  She graduated from University of Tennessee at Knoxville and began her career at Quebecor before launching her journalism career at Glamour Magazine.  Mrs. Barrett has worked for Glamour, Real Simple Magazine, and is presently Editor-in-Chief of Country Living magazine, based out of Atlanta.  

Glen Jones is a member of the 1971 graduating class from Dyersburg High School. He had big dreams and ideas throughout school. He developed those dreams after graduating from University of Memphis became employed with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA.) Mr. Jones has participated and led numerous activities in the field of science, manned space flights and became involved with the development of human exploration of space for the U.S. He has participated in the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Gravity Probe-B, and Space Shuttle “Columbia’s” return flight, and numerous other NASA projects. His colleague states: “Glen has always gone above and beyond to make sure that the flight hardware is designed, built, and tested correctly. He is truly a great engineer.”

Chad Davis graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1991.  He received his undergraduate degree in agriculture business from UT of Knoxville and his executive certificate in financial planning from Christian Brothers University.  Mr. Davis opened the Davis Wealth Services, which is the first in Dyersburg, where he is a Certified Financial Planner in Dyersburg.  He is a member of Rotary, First United Methodist Church and many other professional and local committees.  Mr. Davis has been involved with numerous charity events in Dyer County because he believes in giving back to the community.

 Bob Kirk graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1955. Mr. Kirk attended college at UTM and Murray State. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years and returned to Dyersburg, where he worked as Safety and Public Relations Director for Colonial Rubber Works. Mr. Kirk has served with numerous organizations and charities throughout Dyer County. He was the Dyersburg/Dyer County “Man of the Year” in 1993. Mr. Kirk has served 45 years as an Alderman for the citizens of Dyersburg, and has been instrumental in the direction of Dyersburg.

Lewis Norman graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1954 and attended Dyersburg State Community College. He served in the U.S. Army and returned to make a home in Dyersburg. Mr. Norman served as Assistant Hospital Administrator for Parkview Hospital for 27 years and Employee Benefits Manager for Dyersburg Fabrics for 17 years before retiring. He was named “Young Man of the Year” in 1963 by the Dyersburg Jaycees, “Paul Harris Fellow” by Rotary Club in 2003, and received the Dyersburg/Dyer County Distinguished “Man of the Year” in 2011. He continues to serve many organizations in Dyersburg.

Albert Fowlkes is a 1948 graduate of Dyersburg High school and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. He then served in the U.S. Navy and fought in the Korean War from 1955 – 1959. He came home to Dyersburg in 1959 and has influenced many young boys and girls throughout his life. He was Senior Vice President of Dyersburg Fabrics and received the Chamber of Commerce’s “Boss of the Year” award. He has been instrumental in developing, sponsoring, and mentoring numerous programs for the community of Dyersburg, such as he founded and was a leader of the Young Life in Dyersburg. He still finds time to serve his community at 82 years of age.

Dorothy Miles graduated at the top of her class from Dyersburg High School in 1944. She graduated from Southwestern (Rhodes) College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Distinction in Spanish. She received her Masters from University of Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. Mrs. Miles became a teacher at Dyersburg from 1964 through 1988. Past students remember her, as Senora Miles, who not only loved teaching; she loved her students as well. She helped set the excellent academic standard at Dyersburg High School. Mrs. Miles is a model citizen and a faithful member of her church and participates in many organizations. She is an inspiration for many in her church and community.

 Will Parks was a graduate of the Dyersburg High Schoo1’s class of 1903. He attended Vanderbilt for two years before traveling across the world. He completed his education at Harvard University in Boston. He worked for an architect firm in New York where he helped design the columns for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Mr. Parks moved back to Trimble to continue his family farming interests. He was a retired banker, farm owner, and church leader during his lifetime. He was Trimble’s mayor for 22 years, a member of the Dyer County magistrate court for 28 years, charter member of the Lion’s Club, and an elder at Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He endowed numerous scholarships to students who attended Vanderbilt and other universities.