Christmas Present Fiasco
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Who doesn’t love a good surprise?
Actually, I get more fun and joy out of surprising others with gifts or doing something special for them. But there was one Christmas where I accidentally ruined a surprise for my daddy.
When I was nine years old, my mom went back to work part time at the Halls Rexall Drug Store. That Christmas she had a little more money to spend on presents, so she wanted to buy something special for Daddy since he worked long hard hours.
We went to one of our favorite stores at the time— Sears. I loved that store, especially at Christmas. Not only did it have some of the best Christmas decorations, it also one of the best toy sections in town. Plus, it had a huge candy counter at the front doors that also had fresh hot peanuts. To this day, I still think about it from time to time.
I remember munching on my Spanish peanuts as we shopped around the store until we came across a man’s watch that was beautiful. Mom said Daddy had never had a watch that nice.
In my child’s mind, I envisioned Daddy’s surprised and happy face expression when opened his gift. After we got back home, she hid it and told me: “Don’t tell your daddy about his watch. We want it to a surprise.” I promised I wouldn’t tell him, but being as excited as I was, I did ask: “I can tell him he’s going to like it?” She agreed to that.
In a taunting voice, I would often sing to my daddy: “You’re gonna like your present.”
Are you wondering if I slipped and said/sang “You’re gonna like your watch”? I never did. Not one time did I tell him what it was.
Well, not directly.
I remember watching TV while daddy was sitting in his chair and reading a magazine. A watch commercial came on and I immediately turned to him and sang, “You’re gonna like your present.”
That’s when he said, “I know what it is.”
I challenged, “No you don’t!”
He answered, “It’s a watch. Every time a watch commercial comes on, you tell me about my present.”
At that point, I began to cry because I thought I had just ruined Christmas for my Daddy. Then he felt bad because he didn’t realize that would upset me so much.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
As my actions pointed to Daddy’s gift, we as believers should always live so that our actions point toward Jesus. Could somebody watch you and know you follow Him?
Looking back, I wish I had thought of throwing my daddy for a loop. I could’ve sung “You’re gonna like your present,” whenever we saw a commercial for men’s hair growth.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book, “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. She has two books out in her storytelling series “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.
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The first 4-H Clubs, referred to then as Corn Clubs, were organized by J. W. Kyker in 1918. Twenty-four boys enrolled in the project, eleven completed records. The eleven completing records were Charles & Tommy Ousley, Elmer Dunn, Raymond Monroe, Ralph & Roy Tarver, Lowell Stooksbury, Glen Irwin, Sherman Mitchell, Plumer Loy and Ted Sharp. The Corn Club winner was Lowell Stooksbury, who produced over 80 bushels of corn per acre at a cost of 14.6 cents per bushel. He grew Tennessee Red Cob. The picture was taken on the M.C. Dunn farm south of Maynardville. Other boys in the picture include Roy Acuff (front row left) Tad McDonald and Lillard Wallace. J.W. Kyker, Union County's Emergency Demonstration Agent, is in the back row on the right. Clay Patrick is in the front row on right.
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iF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD YOUR LOVED ONE'S NAME AND/OR PICTURE TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD, EMAIL US AT Samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov
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Dwane “Dad” Dyke, born on May 6, 1932, in Sharps Chapel, TN, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2024, in Knoxville, TN. Dwane was a dedicated family man who cherished the memories he created with his five generations of children and grandchildren. From a young age, Dwane exemplified a strong work ethic. Inspired by the arrival of electricity in his home at the age of 17, he pursued a career as an electrician, dedicating 25 years to Knox Porcelain and another 10years at the University of Tennessee.
Phillip David Oehlberg
Phillip David Oehlberg Sr., the proud father of 4 children, age 55, of Maynardville Tennessee, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 30th, 2024.
He was born in Chicago in 1969 to Peter John Oehlberg Sr. and Norinne Alyce Oehlberg. He loved spending time with his brothers. He always valued the people in his life, going to work at Trulite Aluminum and Glass for over 20 years, making many friends, and supporting his family. He was a well-known and respected figure in the community, loved by everyone he interacted with.
William Dale Vann
William Dale Vann-age 42 of Maynardville, originally from Kodak went to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 4, 2024. He was a gifted tattoo artist with a witty personality and had an unforgettable smile that left an impression on everyone. William adored his grandchildren and loved his family. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Debra Vann; brother, Troy Vann.
Wesley Shane Cole
Wesley Shane Cole-age 40 of Corryton passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was saved at an early age and was a Christian. He loved all his family dearly although the drugs controlled him. Preceded in death by his mother, Janice King; grandmother, Bobbie Moore; grandparents, Gladys and Sonny Reeser; aunt, Melody Dawn McGhee; uncles, Edward Osborne, Rocky Osborne, Spanky Reeser.
Evelyn Kaye Merritt
Ms. Evelyn Kaye (Graham) Merritt (unmarried)-age 72 of Corryton born May 4, 1952, entered into the Lords Rest in the early morning hours of August 31, 2024, at Willow Ridge Rehabilitation Center. It was a rest that she desperately needed because her body and mind were so tired. Kaye also knew that she wasn't getting angel wings and flying off to heaven. She is getting the best rest ever and will be ready and rested when the Lord returns for His Bride, The Church.
Charlene Pelfrey
Charlene Pelfrey passed away at her home on August 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born June 11, 1957, she lived a life filled with love, creativity and kindness. She was the devoted wife of Darrell Pelfrey for 40 wonderful years. Charlene's infectious spirit touched everyone she met. She had a passion for painting and Jesus. Charlene dedicated her life to caring for others, always putting their needs before hers. Many will dearly miss and lovingly remember Charlene.
AC Tolliver
AC Tolliver-age 74 of Jefferson City passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at Turkey Creek Medical Center. He was born August 5, 1950, and raised in the Sharps Chapel Community of Union County. He was a U.S.. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Preceded in death by wife, Cassandra Kay (Lynch) Tolliver; daughter, Marnie Tolliver-Graham; parents, Phlim AC and Hallie (Weaver) Tolliver.
Alice Faye Nicely
Alice Faye Nicely-age 74 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Monday, August 26, 2024, at Willow Ridge Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of Ailordale Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her loving husband, LeeRoy Nicely; father and mother, Eddie (Plummer) and Ruby Sands Oxendine; brothers, Rev. Walter (JoAnn) Oxendine, RG Oxendine.
Ruby Nell Haggard
Ruby (Chesney) Haggard-age 89 of Knoxville passed away Sunday morning, August 25, 2024, at U.T. Medical Center. She was a member of Halls Baptist Church and a retired employee of Knox-Porcelain Company. Preceded in death by her husband, Delbert (Dick) Haggard; son, Richard Chesney Haggard; parents, John and Rebecca (Meltabarger) Chesney; brother, Arnold, Nelson, Bert, Joe, Bruce, Pryor and Jake Chesney; sisters, Teeny Bryant, Nerva Whited, Oma Hayes.
Wesley Dean Taylor
Wesley D. Taylor-age 86 of Washburn passed away Saturday evening, August 24, 2024 at his home. Preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Sybil Taylor; brother, Don Taylor; sister, Mildred Johnson.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Taylor; daughter, Sandi Bonanno; sons, Dan Huckans, Rick Huckans, Chucky Taylor, Ken Taylor; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangement by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Ricky Dean Dotson
Ricky Dean Dotson-age 66 of the Hickory Star Community in Maynardville passed away Friday evening, August 16, 2024 at U. T. Medical Center. He was the retired owner/operator of his excavation company and was an executive of Norris Lake online. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Preceded in death by parents, Herman and Olive (Anderson) Dotson; son, Oland F. Dotson.
Lawrence Erwin Kane
Lawrence E. Kane-age 78 of Bean Station, formerly of Goshen, New York, died suddenly Thursday, August 15, 2024, in New Mexico as the result of a traffic accident. Larry was born September 22, 1945, in Sodus, New York, the son of Erwin H. Kane and Marquerite L. Kane. He graduated from Rhinebeck Central Schools, Dutchess Community College, SUNY at New Paltz and received a master's degree from Iona College.
Norma "Wammie" Sharp
Norma Dene "Wammie" (Sexton) Lucas Sharp- age 80, of Maynardville, born June 3, 1944, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. Norma was a long-time member of Little Valley Baptist Church. She loved Scrabble and Bingo. Norma was a very outgoing friendly person who never met a stranger. She loved to cut up and mingle with friends and family. She was a very sentimental, kindhearted, loving and giving person.
Dwight Lee Wolfenbarger
Dwight Lee Wolfenbarger-age 43 of Luttrell went to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He was a member of Spring Street Baptist Church, Powell. Preceded in death by his father, Lawrence (L. H.) Wolfenbarger; grandparents, John Henry & Agnes Marie Wolfenbarger; Clovis and Lillian Hinds; great-niece, Lanie Grace.
Mallie Faye Hicks
Mallie Faye Hicks of Corryton, went to be with the Lord Thursday, August 8, 2024. There to greet her was her grandparents: Tim and Mallie (Simpson) Hicks, Frank Goetz, Elizabeth Russell, and David Scott.
She is survived by grandparents, William E. Russell Jr., Jannie Schnaitman, James Williams, Wanda Scott and Barbara (Brannam) Scott; parents, Jesse and Tiffany (Williams) Hicks; brothers, Chuckie Williams and Noah Howard. She had many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly.
Donnie Ray Williams
Donnie “Ray” Williams Sr, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 71 years old. A man of profound character and integrity, Ray’s greatest passions were his family and his time spent in the great outdoors. He was an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. His stories of his adventures were legendary among friends and family, always told with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of pride.
Carlos David Collins
Carlos David Collins – age 65 of Maynardville, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at his home. He was a member of New Testament Baptist Church.
Dolores Scaia
Dolores Scaia – age 91 of Corryton, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 4, 2024 at her home.
She is preceded in death by parents, Frank and Mary Dalasandro; and husband of 66 years, Charles Scaia. Dolores is survived by loving daughter, Doreen McClurkin. Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Dolores Scaia. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net
Tyler Chadwell
Tyler Scott Chadwell – age 35 of Maynardville, passed away suddenly on July 30, 2024. He was an organ donor and although he left this world too soon, he was able to give several others the ability to continue on with their lives. Tyler attended Union County High School. He was very talented and intelligent with the IQ of a genius. Tyler was good at any type of work he chose to do. He worked with his father as a plumber. Tyler never met a stranger and everyone he met fell in love with him. He was adventurous, loved the outdoors and spending time on Norris Lake.
Bennie Capps
Bennie C. Capps – age 88 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord, August 3, 2024, with his loving family around him. He was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, clerk, and treasurer for most of his life. Bennie proudly served in the U. S. Army and was stationed at the Pentagon. He retired from TDOT after many years of loyal service.