Bethesda News: Wishing heroic WWII veteran a happy 100th | Opinion

Thought for the week: God wants you to experience the kind of spiritual abundance that only he can provide. When you stay focused on his will, he will provide for your needs.

I love it when I hear of friends who are celebrating their 100th (or more) birthday. 

We recently celebrated Elbert Heithcock, on his 104th, and then I learned that Lottie Haffner celebrated her 101st. 

But today I want to salute a special World War II veteran, and friend, who will celebrate his 100th on Saturday. He is Dick Guttridge of Spring Hill. 

He was a sergeant in the 100th division of the Army. He fought in the Battle of the Budge and received two Bronze Stars while serving our country. 

Family members and friends will be helping him celebrate, after church services, on Sunday. (They are still social distancing, so festivities will take place in the church’s parking lot.) 

When Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens had its Veterans Day program to honor all veterans, it would always honor the oldest veteran with a gift. Most of the years, Dick walked away with this honor. 

Of course, Dick would like to give praise to his wife, Billie, whom he has been married to for 73 years. They have truly taken their marriage vows regarding “in sickness and in health” to heart. 

Dick, I would personally like to say thank you for your years of service. We love and appreciate you. (Russell and I became friends with Dick and Billie through their daughter, Debbie (Joe) James. She and I taught school together at Franklin Elementary School.)

So much has happened since I wrote my last column. 

We enjoyed a fantastic evening with 2Country4Nashville performing to a sold- out crowd at the Ryman and then at Rory Feek’s Homestead Concert Hall. 

Unfortunately, during that evening, heavy rains came and flooded Williamson County as well as other parts of Tennessee. So many people were affected. 

We realized that we were so blessed after we saw pictures of people going to rescue others as well as help their friends and neighbors with cleanup, etc. 

We need to be called the “volunteer county.”

Congratulations to Kayla and Justin Maxwell upon the arrival of their daughter. Kinsley Layne Maxwell weighed in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21½ inches at birth. She was welcomed home by her older brother and sister.

Our hearts were broken when we learned of the tragic car accident that took the lives of Charlotte and Ed House on Easter Sunday. 

Our deepest sympathy is extended to their son, Eddie and his family, as well as all of their family members. May God be with each of you as you face the days ahead.

The Buttercup Festival is set for Saturday in Nolensville. It will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. This free event has lots of great family activities.

I hope that you have marked your calendar for the 19th annual Kars4Kids show, which will be April 17 at the Elks Lodge at 485 Oak Meadow Drive in Franklin.

 Registration, which is $20 onsite, will begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit summer activity programs at Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. 

For more information, call Paul Collins at 615-642-5822.

Mayor Rogers Anderson has challenged county residents to boost membership in our county’s public library system. You can go by any of our libraries to apply for a library card. You need to have proof of residency as well as a photo ID. 

Register for prizes as well. First prize is a Nintendo Switch Lite. Second prize is a $50 Visa gift card. Third prize is a $25 Visa gift card. 

We have six convenient locations. Of course, we have the main library, in Franklin, and branches here in Bethesda as well as in College Grove, Fairview, Leiper’s Fork and Nolensville. 

Don’t miss out on all the library has to offer as well as a chance to win one of the three prizes.

Since my column will not be printed until after Delores Lynch competes in the Ms. Senior Tennessee America Pageant, I want to take this opportunity to wish her the best. 

The event is set for April 17 in Crossville. I know that she is going to have a lot of followers there to cheer her on. Good luck, Dee! We love you and know you will do well.

So many of our friends and loved ones continue to battle COVID-19 as well as cancer, etc. Please continue to remember these as well as others. 

We’re praying for Howard Fore, Jimmy Thompson, Lincoln Benefield, Mary Jean Pratt, Joel Pedrick, Karrie Smith Scott, Randy York, David and Delores Gilreath, Judy and Ronnie Pitt, Billie and Katie Giles, Libby Padgett, Emy Joe Bilbrey, Jessie and Charlie Bennett, Connie Marlin, Nellie Stephens, Geneva Stephens and Donnie Cameron. 

Please let me know if you know of someone who we need to add to the list.

There is such sadness when we lose a friend or a very close loved one. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families of Charlotte and Ed House, Danny Stewart, Kyle Pitt, Rick Buerger, Gene Hood, Evelyn McMillan, Harry Dugan, Dr. Eddie Hunt, Ann Hardison, Mary Kay Barrass (sister-in-law of Betsy Norris), Earl Sullivan and Reedy Law, Linda Garner, Martha Ann Hazelwood and Gary Denton, as well as others.

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