Old School

Alumni News

30’s Thirties

Paul G. Caywood (’30) was inducted into the Henderson County (Tenn.) Sports Hall of Fame (HCSHOF) this past April. While at Union, Paul was a member of the football team.

40’s Forties

J.T. Ford (’43) and Mary Helen Crockett Ford (’46) celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2011. J.T. has served as a pastor and educator, and currently serves as the pastor emeritus of Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga. J.T. and Mary Helen have made several return visits to Union, including J.T.’s address at the Baccalaureate of 1995, with Dr. Barefoot presiding. During his time at Union, J.T. was involved in the most dramatic chapel incident in the history of the old campus. The drama coach was rehearsing for “Death Takes a Holiday” and interest on campus and around town was lagging. The coach, Mrs. Lloyd, asked for ideas to boost interest. J.T.’s roommate and student body president Charles Millican came up with a plan. Best friends, they suddenly became estranged. J.T. moved out and reports of harsh words and actions flooded the campus and the entire student body was soon aware of the rift. One Friday, Powell Chapel was packed as compulsory chapel attendance was required. Charles rose from the platform and began to castigate his former friend, J.T. Ford arose from the sixth pew and fired two blanks from a pistol and Charles stroked his chest as blood, i.e. ketchup, spurted from his white shirt. Football players tackled J.T., two girls fainted, and order was restored only as Charles rose and announced “Death Takes a Holiday”! The play was a sell-out.

Max Forbis (attended ’42) has retired after working as an engineer for TVA , the United States Army and NASA. Max has retired to an assisted living facility in Pensacola, Fla., where his only daughter teaches in the Pensacola School System.

Gill A. Gideon (’49) was inducted into the Henderson County (Tenn.) Sports Hall of Fame (HCSHOF) in April 2011.

50’s Fifties

Billy Belew (’53) was inducted into the Henderson County (Tenn.) Sports Hall of Fame (HCSHOF) in April 2011.

Sandra Andrews Robertson (’59) and her husband Bill Robertson recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a 120-guest luncheon at their church. “We feel very blessed by the Lord,” Sandra says. Their son continues to fly as a pilot for Continental Airlines, to stops such as Tel Aviv, Athens, Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and London.

60’s Sixties

Bill Powers (’64) and Barbara Booth Powers (’64) just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Barbara writes: “We were married prior to enrolling at Union in the fall of 1960. We were quite the phenomena on campus, being freshmen that got married on July 3, 1960! I was 18 and Bill was 20. Our first child, Andrea Lynn, was born on May 9, 1963. Bill was a music major and served at First Baptist Church, McKenzie and at First Baptist Church, Bemis. Our daughter Andrea enrolled at Union in the fall of 1981 and our second child, Scott, enrolled in the fall of 1984. Andrea is an elementary school teacher and Scott is employed with a large corporation. We also have two other sons, Chad and Chip, and four grandchildren. Our years at Union were rich and full and left us with many great memories.”

Eleanor Sykes Minick (’66) retired from teaching in 2008. Eleanor and her husband enjoy exploring one or two different states each year to visit historical sites. Eleanor and her husband have two children: Leneigh, who works as the assistant manager of Genesis Rehab Services in Englewood, Fla., and Matthew, who works as a pediatrician in Lithia, Fla. They have five grandchildren. Eleanor and her husband reside in Lakeland, Fla.

Bo O’Brien (’69) was inducted into the North Hardin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in Radcliff, Ky., on Sept. 10, 2011. Bo taught and coached from 1969 – 1996. During that time he coached cross country, track and field, and basketball.

Cheri Wright Dood (attended ‘69-70) is the director of International Christian Academy of Nagoya (ICAN) in Japan. ICAN is a part of Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) based out of Southaven, Miss. She has been at ICAN for two years, spending 2010 – 2011 as school principal and into her current position this school year (2011 – 2012). The school has approximately 140 students and is located in five buildings on three sites. ICAN would love to have student teachers come to Japan for all academic areas; contact Cheri or Missy Parks at NICS in Southaven, Miss. for more info.

70’s Seventies

Dan Wynn (’70) retired after serving as minister of education and administration at First Baptist Church, Natchez, Miss., for 30 years. Dan has moved to Brookhaven, Miss., and is serving part-time as chaplain for Deaconness Hospice.

Ben Matthews (’71) and Melanie Matthews traveled to southern China in September 2011 as members of a group of environmental regulators and consultants. The group from Tennessee, Alabama, and California met with government representatives and environmental professionals in the cities of Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Huizhou, Pinghu, and Shanghai. Ben is an environmental specialist with the Division of Water Pollution Control of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Melanie retired in 2010 as associate professor of nursing at Union. They are parents of Ryan (BA ‘07, MA ‘10) and Emily (‘10). Ryan is a graphic designer and is married to Jessica Matthews (‘06). They have two daughters. Emily is currently living in Seattle, Wash., and is planning to attend graduate school.

Brenda Buie Evans (’72) has retired from teaching after 38 years. She and her brother Kevin have opened an educational supply store in Paris, Tenn., called Supplies for Success.

Dr. Mike U. Smith (’72) was recently named as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr. Smith received this distinction “for distinguished research and leadership in teaching and learning genetics, problem solving, evolution, and the nature of science and for service in HIV prevention.” He is in his 28th year of teaching as professor of medical education and director of AIDS education and research at Mercer University’s School of Medicine.

Richard Barlow (’73) retired on Dec. 31, 2011, after 37 years as a Neurosurgical First Assistant with West Tennessee Medical Group and Semmes-Murphy Clinic. He was an associate member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, having been elected to membership in 1996. He retired from the Tennessee National Guard in 2004 with the rank of captain. He has two children, Jon and Gara, and three grandchildren: Anabelle, Olivia, and Isabela.

Dwight L. Davidson (’75) is now the director of student academic affairs and student life at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Formerly, he was the assistant dean of students for judicial affairs at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Mike Hardy (’75) operates Hardy & Wren Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Deborah Flowers Allen (’76) is in her 25th year teaching school for Medina Middle School. She is a 5th grade social studies teacher. She received Teacher of the Year award for Medina Middle School grades 4-5 in 2007 and 2011. She also received Teacher of the Year for Gibson County Special School District grades 5-8 in 2011. Deborah was featured in the Jackson Sun as a teacher using innovative methods. Deborah has three children and ten grandchildren.

Jonnie Cox Petty (’76) will celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Robert L. Petty on June 22, 2012.

Donna J. Miller (’77) worked for 17 ½ years in the Jackson Sun newsroom and has also published two books: The Horseshoeing Hands and Don’t Hang Your Hat in the Lonely Place, both published by Main Street Publishing in Jackson. Donna writes: “These books, through smiles and tears, share [my] faith in Jesus.” Donna accepted Christ while attending Union.

Ray Clark (’78) was one of the referee crew members for the Tennessee 4A Championship game in Cookeville on Dec. 3, 2011. Ray is the computer teacher at Haywood Junior High in Brownsville, Tenn.

80’s Eighties

Ronald (Ronnie) Smith (’83) is currently a division manager with Merck & Company in the hospital and coronary business sector. Ronald is married to Elizabeth Donnell Smith (’84) and they live in Jackson.

Paula Fesmire Gibson (’84) was recently recognized by the Hardeman County Board of Education for being a level 5 teacher. Mrs. Gibson was one of a select few teachers to receive this honor. Paula lives in Selmer, Tenn., with her husband Lynn. The couple have two sons: Eric and Mark, and one grandson, Elijah.

Reggie Thomas (’85) received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. in June 2011. His doctoral study focused on leadership with a research project entitled “Assisting Christian Leaders to Develop Emotional Intelligence.” Thomas serves as a Campus Director and Associate Professor of Leadership at the Southern California campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Brea, Calif.

Omar L. Hamada (’86) chief medical officer of Advon HealthCare and principal at The Hamade’ Group, LLC, has been named a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the International College of Surgeons. He has recently been elected to the Tennessee Medical Association’s Judicial Council and has been appointed as an advisory member to the TMA’s Board of Directors Physician Services. Dr. Hamada is an associate clinical professor at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, and will receive an MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen School in August 2012. He is the medical contributor to the live weekly radio show “The Morning Ride” on Moody Bible Radio in Chicago, and is a media consultant for the Christian Medical and Dental Associations. He is completing an MA in Theology at Columbia Biblical Seminary (CIU). He is a combat veteran of the United States Army Special Forces (Airborne) and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. Omar and Tara live in Brentwood with their four children and are active members at Fellowship Bible Church.

Norma Knott (’87) and her husband Sam Knott are proud to announce the second anniversary of Rosestone Retirement Community in Paris, Tenn. Norma and Sam are owners of the 25-apartment luxury living facility that provides services and amenities to senior citizens.

90’s Nineties

Jeannie Diggs Kearney (’90) received her Master of Education from Union University and went on to receive her MLIS from Drexel University in 2008. She was recently hired as head librarian of Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn.

Bryan Laman (’92) is employed at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. His wife Dana Chipman Laman (’92) teaches at Christ Classical Academy in Dyersburg, Tenn. They have one daughter, Emilee (13).

Adam Davis (‘94) graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on Dec. 16, 2011, with his Ph.D. in Foundations of Christian Education. He and his wife Melanie (‘93) have three children: Grace Ann (six), Isaiah (three), and Hope (one). Adam currently serves as the associate pastor at Belle Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Jai Templeton (’94) was recently appointed deputy commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, having served as mayor of McNairy County, Tenn. Jai is a grain, cotton and cattle farmer in McNairy and Hardin Counties. He and his wife Allison live in Stantonville, Tenn., with their children Mycaela, Canon and Eliza.

Kelly M. Walker (’94) moved to Miami after graduating from Union to pursue a doctorate in podiatric medicine at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. She then completed a podiatric orthopedic residency at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at West Roxbury, Mass. Kelly then completed a podiatric surgical residency at Healthsouth Surgery Center in Mesquite, Texas. After practicing in the Oklahoma City area for six years, Kelly relocated to Dallas from 2007-2009. She then moved to Ennis, Texas, and opened her own private practice, Walker Foot and Ankle. Kelly celebrated her two-year anniversary of private practice on June 1, 2012. Kelly is the co-author of an original research paper, “An Analysis of Outcomes after Use of the Maxwell-Brancheau Arthroereisis Implant”, a retrospective study of patients with flatfoot deformities treated with the MBA implant.

Leila “Lee” Keel Nichols (’95) received a Master of Science in Nursing from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in Hyden, Ky., in 2008 with an emphasis in midwifery. Leila currently works as a certified midwife at Jackson OB/ GYN Associates in Jackson. She has been married for 16 years and has two boys who attend Trinity Christian Academy.

Mary Radford (’95), assistant professor of nursing at University of Tennessee at Martin, has been named interim chair of the Department of Nursing. Mary and her husband Keith Radford live in Gleason, Tenn., with their three children.

Andy Kirk (’96) was named the new coach of the Fastpitch Softball team at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss. While at Union, Andy was a member of Union baseball team and was named Academic All- American.

James Duke (‘98) was born and raised in Memphis, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Recently, James produced a commercial that was entered in 2012’s Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest, and out of 6,100 entries his commercial was selected as a top 5 finalist. The director and James won a trip to the Super Bowl plus $25,000 that will be divided among the cast and crew.

Jason Logan (’98) and his wife Liz are finishing up their first three year term serving as doctors in East Asia. Email them at jlo@pobox.com to receive their updates.

Micky Wolfe (’98) recently accepted the position of director of golf at Canebrake Club in Athens, Ala. Canebrake is a premier golf community in north Alabama.

Floyd family portrait Lori L. Grissom Floyd (’99) taught Pre-K through 4th grade at University School of Jackson for three years after graduating Union. She moved to Memphis to attend graduate school at the University of Memphis. She taught music for grades 3-5 at Macon Hall Elementary School in Cordova. Lori married Derek Floyd in 2005. Lori currently stays at home with their three children: Carson (2007) Emma (2009) and Levi (2010).

Brad Hambrick (’99) and Sallie Hambrick (’99) have moved to the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, where Brad serves as pastor of counseling at The Summit Church. In addition, Brad serves as adjunct professor of biblical counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and as a council board member with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.

Stephen W. Phillips (’99) was named Gaylord Entertainment’s manager of email marketing. Stephen joined Gaylord Entertainment in 2010 as a marketing specialist. He was the 1999 winner of public relations and communication arts student of the year. He had past positions at Thomas Media and TransSouth Health Care.

00’s Two Thousands

Kelli Ross (’00) spent a month in Liberia this past summer, interning with Don Bosco Homes as part of a peace-building course with the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree. While in Liberia, she worked in four counties conducting needs-based and conflict assessments, facilitating dialogues and providing training on peer mediation and power dynamics. This fall, she is interning at the Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS).

Ashley Silcox (’00) is celebrating her ninth wedding anniversary with her firefighter husband. They are the parents of three beautiful children: Connor (seven), Isabel (four), and Violet (two months). The Silcox family lives in Mishawaka, Ind.

Heather Harris (’01) published her first children’s book entitled The Changing Tree, and it is available online at all bookstores and on Amazon.com.

Brent Morris (‘01) completed his urology residency in Memphis in 2010 and returned to Jackson to practice at Regional Urology Associates. Brent is married to Rachel Evans Morris (‘01) and they have three children: Drew (seven), Kendall (five), and Jack (three).

Becky Roode (’02) graduated from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in August 2011 with a Master of Theological Studies. She is currently a Master of Divinity candidate at Regent University, Virginia Beach, Va.

Katherine L. Tenison (’02) received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law in May 2011.

Keith Inman (’03) was promoted to compliance coordinator for Strategic Financial Partners in Memphis. Keith received his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Crichton College in 1997 and his MBA from Union in 2003.

Nancy Virgous (’03) teaches at White Station Middle School in the Memphis City School District. She recently earned the highest credential available to American educators by becoming a National Board Certified Teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Cheryl Johnson Wilson (’04) married Mike E. Wilson on April 23, 2011. Mike is the Circuit Court Clerk for Henry County, Tenn. Cheryl is employed as the payroll coordinator for the Henry County School System.

Audra Funderburk Bailey (’05) and her husband Brian Bailey adopted a sibling group of four boys out of the foster care system: Israel (thirteen), Josiah (eleven), Ezekiel (nine), and Kaleb (three).

George David Clark, Jr. (‘05) will graduate with a PhD in Creative Writing from Texas Tech University this May. He has accepted a position as a Lilly Postdoctoral Fellow at Valparaiso University, where he will teach in the Christ College honors program this fall.

Marc Furmanski (’05) just completed a six-month deployment to Iraq with the 86th CSH (Combat Support Hospital) in Baghdad, Iraq. He is a captain in the United States Army. Caroline V. Hall (’05) has recently published the first two children’s books in the Rhett and Abby series. The first book in the series, Abby’s New Home, captures Abby’s excitement of moving into her new home. The second book in the series, Belle’s Wonderful Wedding, begins in Abby’s famous Bridgetown bakery. Caroline lives in Nashville. Her books may be purchased on Amazon.com or WestBowPress.com.

Brent M. Jones (’06) graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in May 2011. He entered a family medicine residency at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind., in July.

Fernando M. Branch (’07) is a part of the Denver Public Schools Principal Pipeline, one of the top leadership programs in the country.

Jennifer Krauss (’07) graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis last May. She began work as a pharmacist at Walgreens in June.

Justin R. Hutto (’07) graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in May 2011. He entered a preliminary residency at Baptist Health System in July, followed by a diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Alabama Medical Center, both in Birmingham.

Scott Talley (’07) graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2011 with a Master of Divinity in Evangelism. Scott has also begun his career as an evangelist while serving as a pastor.

TaMara O. Madden (’09) has been named director of educational advancement and alumni affairs at Victory University in Memphis. She will be responsible for corporate recruitment, dual enrollment, and alumni affairs. TaMara is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in higher education administration at Northeastern University and anticipating graduation in December 2012.

10’s Twenty Tens

Elizabeth Waibel (’11) is the news editor at the Jackson Free Press in Jackson, Miss., where she reports on education and politics. She joined the paper in June 2011 as an intern.

Marriages

Suzan Austin Powers (‘96) and Bradley Powers (‘96) were married on March 14, 2011. Suzan and Bradley live in Jackson, where Suzan is a nurse at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and Bradley serves as director of media and technology at West Jackson Baptist Church.

Justin Phillips (’00) married Erin Hale Phillips (’06) on Sept. 3, 2011.

Carrie Thomas-Hossain (’03) married Jamil Hossain in Chicago on May 29, 2011. They currently reside in Chicago where Carrie works as a psychologist and Jamil the director at Index Corporation.

Cheryl Johnson Wilson (’04) married Mike E. Wilson on April 23, 2011. Mike is the circuit court clerk for Henry County, Tenn. Cheryl is employed as the payroll coordinator for the Henry County School System.

Carol Lee Stephens (’05) and Jesse Stephens were married in July 2011. They reside in Loudon, Tenn., where Carol Lee works for Concord Christian School, teaching 6th and 7th grade history. Carol Lee is also involved with Young Life.

Rachel Walker (‘05) married Bucky Watts on Nov. 19, 2011.

Katelin Warren Lasater (’07) married Michael Lasater on June 25, 2011, at Trinity Baptist Church, Findlay, Ohio.

Kevin Reid (’11) married Debbie Lai Reid (’11) on Aug. 6, 2011. The couple resides in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Births

Nichols twins Angie Baker Nichols (’94) and Michael Nichols announce the birth of their twins, Sarah Lee Nichols and Adam Layne Nichols, born February 26, 2011, weighing 5 1/2 pounds each.

Brandon and Victoria Firor (’97) celebrated the birth of their third child, Owen Thomas Firor, on August 15, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 ½ in. long. Owen was welcomed by his sister Mollie and brother Charlton. The Firor family currently resides in Fulshear, Texas, where Victoria is a stay-at-home mom and Brandon is vice president of operations for Pioneer Contract Services.

Carrie Cossey Guerreiro (’97) and Miguel Guerreiro welcomed their second child, Fisher José Cossey Guerreiro, on Jan. 9, 2012. He weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz. and was 19 ½ in. long. Fisher joins big sister Lila Sofia Cossey Guerreiro, age three. The Guerreiro’s reside in Cary, N.C., where Miguel is CEO of Blue Gas Marine, Inc., and Carrie is the business owner of PromoMe-HR and an HR Consultant.

Penelope Rushing portrait Jeff Rushing (‘97) and Valerie Rushing (‘97) had a baby girl, Penelope Rose Rushing, on Sept. 25, 2011. She weighed 4 lbs. 14 oz. and was 17 3/4 in. long. Jeff is a director at Fox13 Memphis and Val is a stay-at-home mom with their son Cooper.

Kirby and Janna Walker (’98) are the proud parents of a baby boy, Bryant Atlas Walker, born Aug. 29, 2011. Byant was 9 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 in. long. He has an older brother, Dalton.

Jacob Lane Meadows portrait Charles David Meadows (’99) and Delaina Meadows (’00) are pleased to welcome a son, Jacob Lane, born Aug. 24, 2010. He weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 inches long. Jacob has two older sisters, Anna Beth and Leia Faith. Charles David teaches eighth grade American history at Hardin County Middle School in Savannah, Tenn. Delaina teaches the Functional Life Skills class at Hardin County High School in Savannah.

Elizabeth Rae Scott portrait Brian Scott (‘99) and Gina Scott (‘97) welcomed Elizabeth Rae Scott (“Ellie”) into their family on April 20, 2011 in Lancaster, Pa. She weighed 9 lbs. and was 20 ½ in. long. Brian has worked the past two years as a performer at Sight & Sound Theater while Gina has worked as an adjunct piano faculty member at Lancaster Bible College. The Scott family plans to relocate to Jackson, Tenn. in January 2012.

Atkisson children portrait Michael AtKisson (’00) and Tabitha Glowacki AtKisson (’00) have celebrated the births of three beautiful girls: Mehilah Mary Katheryn, Lydia Belladonna,and Penelope Sophia.

Lexi Lynne Hill snapshot with brother Logan Zach Hill and Wendy Nolen Hill (’01) welcomed their daughter Lexi Lynne on April 12, 2011. She was 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20 and ½ in. long. She joins her big brother, Logan, who is 4 years old. Wendy works at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, and Zach works as a landscape architect.

Leah Duke Cook (’01) and her husband Christopher Cook welcomed their first child, Micah Abrom, on Nov. 30, 2010. Leah recently graduated with a Master of Education degree from Arkansas State University and will return to work as a second grade teacher at Bailey Station Elementary School in Collierville, Tenn., when her maternity leave concludes.

Ellarae June Tice portrait Cristy Thomas Tice (’02) and husband Brian announce the birth of their second daughter, Ellarae June Tice, born June 23, 2011, weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 in. long. Cristy and Brian, along with big sister Miranda Pearl, are grateful to God for the blessing of a new baby. They reside in Nashville.

Jeremy Wright (‘03) and Katie McBride Wright (’04) welcomed their fourth child, Chloe Elizabeth Wright on Nov. 30, 2010. She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 ½ in. long. Chloe has three siblings: Hunter Thomas Wright, Kallista “Kallie” Noelle Wright and James Nolan Wright. The McBride family has several UU graduates: Katie’s dad, Mike McBride (‘76), Katie’s mom, Jean Ann Lauderdale McBride (‘75), and Katie’s brother, Andy McBride (‘08). Katie is a registered nurse in the operating room at the MED in Memphis and Jeremy is the operations manager for Cellular South in Southaven, Miss. Jeremy and Katie currently reside in Cordova,Tenn.

Matthew Jones (‘05) and Chelsea Crowson Jones (‘06) are pleased to announce that Elijah Lee Jones was born at 1:43pm on July 23, 2011. He weighed 5 lbs. 4 oz. and was 18 ½ in. long. Matthew was a music major at Union, and Chelsea was a marketing major.

Samuel Thomas Lieson portrait Jenny Buffington Liesen (’06) and her husband welcomed their son, Samuel Thomas, into their family on Sept. 8, 2010. He weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 ½ in. long. Jenny works as a supervisor counselor at Gateway Home Care and Hospice in Clarksville, Tenn. and her husband serves as a Captain in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Kason Drew Swinney portrait Jared Swinney (‘07) and his wife Carol Swinney were blessed with their first child, Kason Drew, on Jan. 19, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21 in. long. The Swinney family resides in Lake Charles, La. Jared is a manager of a Chick-fil-A restaurant.

Claire Elise Thompson portrait Philip Thompson (’10) and Ruth Thompson (’10) welcomed their daughter, Claire Elise, into their family on Dec. 5, 2010, and weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 in. long.

Bullpups

To receive a free Bullpup shirt for the newest member of your family (under age 2), email alumni@uu.edu or call 731-661-5139. Please send us a picture of your child wearing the new shirt for publication in a future issue.

Ayden Barnes as a bullpup
Ayden Barnes, son of Sarah Barnes.

Aiden and Conner Brantley as bullpups
Aiden Brantley (left) and Conner Brantley (right) are twins and are the children of Will Brantley (’01) and Jaime Sweitzer Brantley (’01).

Katelyn Brewer as a bullpup
Katelyn Alyse Brewer, age two, daughter of Donald and Lisa Presson Brewer (’97).

Hayden Brooks as a bullpup
Hayden Brooks, age two, son of Meredith Elliott Brooks (’02) and Anthony Brooks (’01).

Jude Lauren Brown as a bullpup
Jude Lauren Brown is the granddaughter of Robert Cox in Union University’s facilities management.

George David Clark III as a bullpup
George David Clark III, born November 6, 2010, to Elisabeth Berry Clark (’07) and George David Clark, Jr (’05).

Harper Elizabeth Crowder as a bullpup
Harper Elizabeth Crowder, born April 1, 2010, to Whitney Culver Crowder (’05) and Brian Crowder.

Ryan Deepe as a bullpup
Ryan Deepe, son of Summer Rhodes Deepe (’02).

Naomi Grace Essenpries as a bullpup
Naomi Grace Essenpries, born August 22, 2009, to Spencer and Kari Noblett Essenpreis (’04). They reside in Henderson, KY.

Sadie Kate Hanson as a bullpup
Sadie Kate Hanson, born May 6, 2010 to Matt and Michelle (Smith) Hanson (’98).

Macey and Easton Joyner as bullpups
Macey Joyner, 2 years old, and Easton Joyner, 5 months old. Their mom is Emily Stopher Joyner (’06).

Ella Lewelling as a bullpup
Ella Lewelling, born August 7, 2009, and Micah Lewelling, born March 10, 2011. Their parents are Ryan (’04) and Rachel (’03) Lewelling.

Madelyn Michele Murphy as a bullpup
Madelyn Michele Murphy, born November 16, 2010, to Richard Murphy (‘03) and Megan Parrish Murphy (‘06). Proud grandparents: Louis and Debbie Murphy; Gil and Robin Parrish.

Ellie Scott as a bullpup
Elizabeth Rae Scott (“Ellie”), born April 20, 2011. She weighed 9 pounds and was 20 1/2 inches long. Daughter of Brian (’99) and Gina (’97) Scott of Lancaster, PA.

Lincoln Brock Smith as a bullpup
Lincoln Brock Smith, born August 23, 2010 to Cheyenne Smith and Amy (Alder) Smith (’03).

Kason Drew Swinney as a bullpup
Kason Drew Swinney, son of Jared Swinney (‘07) and Carol Swinney.

Miranda and Ellarae Tice as bullpups
Ellarae June Tice, born June 23, 2011, to Cristy Thomas Tice (’02) and Brian Tice. Ellarae weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 inches long. She has a big sister, Miranda Pearl, who is 2 years old. The Tice family lives in Nashville.

Karis Joy Thompson as a bullpup
Karis Joy Thompson, aged 10 months, daughter of Kristin Veach Thompson (’06).

Elliot Thomas Vaughan as a bullpup
Elliott Thomas Vaughan, born January 15, 2010, to Jason Vaughan (‘04) and Amy Weatherford Vaughan (‘05) who was a cheerleader for Union. Elliott’s parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle all graduated from Union.

Ella Kate Reynolds as a bullpup
Ella Kate Reynolds, daughter of Ben and Laura Breeden Reynolds (’01).

Sara Beth Ramsey as a bullpup
Sara Beth Ramsey, born July 28, 2009 to Amie Kirby Ramsey (‘93) and Craig Ramsey.

Memoriam

Rev. Norman Otis Baker ('42), who served as a pastor for nearly 60 years, died Feb. 5, 2010 in Lufkin, Texas following complications from pneumonia at the age of 92.

Born in January 1918 on a farm in Sugar Tree, Tenn., Baker was the third of seven children. He graduated from Holladay High School and then Union University. He was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister in 1939.

He began his ministry as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cornersville, Tenn. He then served as pastor at other Baptist churches in Tennessee: First Baptist Church, Watertown; First Baptist Church, South Pittsburg; First Baptist Church, Waynesboro; and First Baptist Church, Westport. He also served as a missionary to Peru and Chile. Baker retired from fulltime ministry work in 1999.

Friends knew him as “Brother Baker,” and he referred to Union as “our family school.” Two of his brothers were graduates: Clayton Baker (’45) and Clark Baker (’51). Other family who are Union alumni include his daughters, Lavonne McCallum (’65), Donna Willis (’67), Katrina Whaley (’77) and Elizabeth Lynn (’03). Grandchildren who are also Union alumni include Michele Atkins (’89), Stacie McIntosh (’89), Melody Wheat (’92 and ’97), Allison Reed (’04 and ’11) and Audrey Lynn (’10). His great granddaughters Elizabeth and Emilee Atkins are current students. Hannah McIntosh, another great granddaughter, plans to attend Union in fall 2012.

He is survived by three sons, five daughters, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Baker held leadership positions on many boards and committees in Baptist life and was involved in numerous mission organizations, community events and activities. He was well known in his community as a volunteer.

Submitted by Elizabeth Lynn (’03)

Carl J. Grant portrait Carl J. Grant, a friend and supporter of Union University, died Oct. 13 at age 92.

“Carl Grant was a very special friend to Union University,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “His generous gifts provided numerous scholarship opportunities for our students. The Carl Grant Events Center on the Union campus will long symbolize Mr. Grant’s magnificent kindness to Union.

“His strong work ethic combined with his serious Christian commitment provided a splendid example for all who knew him,” Dockery continued. “The Union family joins me in offering thanksgiving to God for the life and lasting influence of Carl Grant.”

Almost 500 students benefited from the Grant Scholarship at Union. The university awarded Grant with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in 2009.

Grant is survived by Peggy Jo, his wife of 28 years, as well as three children, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mike Weeks portrait Mike Weeks, chairman of the Union University Foundation board and former chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees, died March 17 at age 63 after a battle with cancer.

“We thank God for the faithful life and witness of Mike Weeks,” Union University President David S. Dockery said. “We are especially grateful for his years of loyal service in behalf of the Union University Board of Trustees, as well as the Union Foundation board.”

A native of Tupelo, Miss., Weeks served as trustee chairman from 2002-2005 and had been chairman of the Union Foundation board since 2010. He also served for three years as chairman of the Board of Trustees’ finance and audit committee.

Weeks retired in 2007 as president of the Southern Baptist Foundation, a position he held for five years. He previously served in a variety of roles with BancorpSouth, including executive vice president.

The trustees’ executive committee voted to recognize Weeks’ years of service to Union by naming the room where trustees regularly meet in the Carl Grant Events Center in Weeks’ honor.

Bob and Mary Ruth Hundley portrait Bob Hundley (’48), emeritus trustee of Union University, died Feb. 24 at age 88.

The longtime trustee and his wife Mary Ruth provided the funding for the academic support center on the Union campus, called the Hundley Center, which opened in 2005.

Hundley served in the U.S. Army in North Africa, Italy and Austria during World War II. He received his Master of Arts degree from George Peabody College, now the education department of Vanderbilt University.

He retired from the Madison County School System as the federal programs coordinator and was a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson, Tenn., for more than 50 years.

“Mr. Hundley was a devoted follower of Christ and a person who deeply loved Union University,” Dockery said. “We are deeply grateful for the life and impact of Bob Hundley. His legacy will be carried forward in the years to come through the ongoing work of the Hundley Center on the Union University campus.”

Mark Conway portrait Mark Conway, pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tenn. and father of three Union University students, died Oct. 31 of a heart attack at age 56.

Conway and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters and one son. Their daughter Sarah Anne Conway graduated from Union in 2009, and their daughter Rachel Conway Stewart is a 2010 Union graduate. Their son David is a senior at Union. Their daughter Hannah has applied to attend Union next year.

“Union University has been blessed through the years from the friendship of Mark Conway and his wonderful family,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “We are certainly grateful for the life and ministry of Mark Conway. He was a faithful minister of the gospel, husband and father. Our prayers will continue for the Conway family in days ahead.”

James S. Herr portrait James S. Herr, a Union University regent and supporter, passed away April 5, 2012 in Nottingham, Pa. at the age of 87. He founded Herr Foods, Inc, which produces a full line of snack foods sold nationwide. He also established the James S. Herr Foundation, which supports evangelism efforts around the world. Herr is survived by his wife Miriam, five children, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mary Jean Blythe Brumley (’45), April 28, 2011, age 85, Glenview, Ill. Her teaching career spanned several decades and included time as a Union faculty member. Brumley’s mother Helen Blythe also served on the Union faculty and her father Frank was the University’s business manager. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Terry Northcut (’80), a faculty member at Loyola University’s school of social work in Chicago and another daughter, Beth Wederbrook of Stafford, Va. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Brumley’s honor to the Frank M. & Helen S. Blythe Scholarship Fund at Union University, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN, 38305.

Morris Kyle Lynch Sr (’69) passed away on June 30, 2011, at McKenzie Regional Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Lynch graduated from Union with a degree in psychology. He taught psychology at Union in the 1970s.

Sandra Joyce Houston (’75) died August 26, 2011 at Methodist Germantown and was buried on August 31 in Troy, Tenn. Sandra was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.

Bonnie Belle Alexander Kemp Dodd died January 8, 2012 at the Dyer (Tenn.) Nursing Home. She was 101 years old. Ms. Dodd taught school for 30 years. She attended Union University long enough to earn a teaching certificate, but left school without a degree because of the urgent need to help support family members in the depression year of 1932. According to a story written on the occasion of her 100th birthday in the Tri-City Reporter, her first teaching job paid $2/day and she had to walk two miles each way to work. Shortly before her death, Union University awarded Ms. Dodd an honorary Bachelor of Science degree at the nursing home as friends and family gathered to celebrate the event.

Elizabeth Jean Maxey Conway portrait Elizabeth Jean Maxey Conway (’53) died March 17, 2011 in Bangor, Maine at the age of 80. She was a teacher for many years and with her husband Bill operated the Amaziah Ricker House bed & breakfast in Cherryfield, Maine.

The Union University Magazine
Summer 2012