Retired Chancery Court Chancellor Vernon Neal of Cookeville, who served this area as a state legislator and then as a judge in the 13th Judicial District (which includes DeKalb County) for many years, died Friday at the age of 85.
IN MEMORY OF CHANCELLOR NEAL, CHANCERY COURT AND ALL CLERK AND MASTERS OFFICES FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT INCLUDING DEKALB COUNTY WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, MARCH 7.
According to the Herald-Citizen, Neal suffered a stroke on February 23 just as he finished his daily three-mile walk in his neighborhood. He was taken to Cookeville Regional Hospital, where he died eight days later surrounded by his family.
Neal, a native of Pickett County, was a graduate of Tennessee Tech and of the University of Tennessee College of Law. He was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1962 and then to the Tennessee Senate in 1966 and served there until 1978. In his legislative career, he was known for his vigorous support of public education, state parks and natural resources, and public health services, among many other efforts and accomplishments.
His work in the House of Representatives and later in the Senate included bills that allowed for the election, rather than appointment, of county school board members and county road supervisors, bills providing training for the mentally and physically disabled and for the funding of Plateau Mental Health Institute, funding for a public educational television station for this area, and funding for establishing Edgar Evins State Park and Burgess Falls State Park. In 1980, he began a second career upon being elected chancellor in the Chancery Court for this judicial district. He retired from the bench in 2006.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 11 a.m. at Cookeville First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time for the service at the church.
Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Neal was born October 10, 1931 in Byrdstown, TN to Mary Cope and Levi Pearson Neal. In the summer of 1957, he met his future wife Mona Mahan while she visited family in Cookeville. They were married at Algood First Baptist Church on February 16, 1958.
Chancellor Neal is survived by his wife Mona: daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Belinda Neal Mandrell (Tim) of Memphis, son and daughter-in-law, Jeff Neal (Leana) of Chattanooga and daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Neal Gogonelis (Paul) of Memphis. Five grandchildren: David Neal and Annie Grace Mandrell, Taylor Marie and Ryan Oakley Neal, and Christopher Paul Gogonelis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Levi Neal and his sister Delcie Neal Wright and nephews Doyle and Charles Wright.
Chancellor Neal graduated from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in 1952, earning a degree in education and business. Following graduation, he worked for two years as a salesman for Spur Oil Company. He then attended the University Of Tennessee College Of Law and in 1956 obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In 1957, he returned to Cookeville and began his career and passion for the legal profession.
In 1962, Judge Neal ran his first political race as Direct Representative of Putnam County, now known as state House of Representatives. During two terms as representative, he sponsored legislation permitting counties to elect school board members and road supervisor, strengthened laws that made it more difficult for public figures to mishandle public funds and supported area training for the mentally and physically disabled.
In 1966, Representative Neal became State Senator, representing the 14th State Senate District. During his first term, Senator Neal introduced a resolution designating the Edgar Evins State Park honoring the late father of Congressman Joe L Evins. Senator Neal was a champion for mental health services and obtained funding for the establishment of Plateau Mental Health Institute and supported education and training for those with intellectual and physical disabilities, serving on the Boards of Pacesetters and the Board of State Vocational Training. During his third term, Senator Neal expanded state funding for local state parks, and obtained state funding for an educational television station for the Upper Cumberland (WCTE), strengthened drunken driving legislation and increased retirement for teachers and state employees. During his final term, Senator Neal was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to the State Calendar Committee, which mandates resolutions allowed to move forward to the senate floor, he served as secretary of the state education committee, member of the judiciary committee and general welfare and environment committee. Senator Neal sponsored legislation requiring all newborns to be screened for PKU for prevention of mental disability and with his colleague Representative Tommy Burks, acquired state funding for Burgess Falls State Park and expansion of Tennessee Technological University including Tucker Stadium, Hooper Eblen Center and Bryant Fine Arts. At the conclusion of this state service, Senator Neal was honored by the “Friends of Education” and during the dinner, TTU President Roaden stated “Senator Neal’s leadership can be described as being a committed states man with faith in our future.” Dr. Roaden further stated, “One of the mountains in the Upper Cumberland should be named Mt. Vernon.”
In 1980, retired State Senator Neal was elected as Chancellor of the 13th Judicial District and served in this capacity for 26 years. “I’d like to think I made a difference in people’s lives.” During Chancellor Neal’s tenure, he was estimated to have heard over 35,000 cases. In an interview at the time of his retirement, Chancellor Neal stated, “We are blessed with outstanding lawyers in the 13th Judicial District, and I believe they compare with lawyers anywhere in the state; good lawyers make a judge’s job so much easier.”
Chancellor Neal had a Life Well-Lived and always prioritized his life accordingly: God, family and career. His first priority was his faith and service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He first attended Algood First Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and Training Union Director. He went on to be an organizing member of Midway Baptist Church where he continued to serve in leadership roles including deacon and Sunday school teacher. He and Mona attended Cookeville First Baptist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher and was recently appointed to the personnel committee. He so loved his First Baptist Church community where he loved traveling with the “Happy Travelers” and was known as the Candy Man to those that sat with him during church service.
His children have great memories of campaigning for their father, time on the family boat at Center Hill Lake, family vacations “sponsored by papa” and UT football. He was a Volunteer for Life and loved Rocky Top. Although he and Mona traveled and visited all states, his favorite place was at home in Cookeville and visiting his family and friends in Pickett County.
In retirement, Chancellor Neal woke at 4:45am: begin his day with prayer and reading the Bible, check the commodity futures for the day, prepare his computer, pen with pad for commodity trading, but not until he made his three mile walk. At 5:15am he started his walk with his dear friends Jean and Bobby Davis and Alda Levenvosky. The Judge would give Bobby the commodities report, while Alda would give him an update on Chancery Court. Chancellor Neal was a strongly regimented man with his exercise and diet, adding vitamin supplements according to latest reports from his Harvard Health and Mayo Clinic Newsletters. In the afternoon, he would break from his commodity and stock calculations and would treat himself to black coffee and one circus peanut. Two mornings each week Judge Neal would break from his breakfast routine, on Wednesday mornings he joined his First Baptist Men’s Prayer Breakfast and on Friday he and Mona routinely met lifelong friends, Charlene and Bill Huddleston. Judge Neal and Mona were known to frequent the local restaurants for lunch during the week and dinner every Friday night. And in keeping with his healthy lifestyle, he would always eat the grilled fish or salmon. Everyone knew where to find the Judge and Mona, according to the day of the week. Judge Neal loved lunch dates with retired lawyers and judges and affectionately referred to the group as, “Old Codgers.” Every Friday morning, Judge Neal made his weekly visit to Citizens Bank where he also served on the Board of Directors. His energy, passion to serve and zest for life will be missed by all of those that knew this wonderful man. As Judge Neal always told his children, “If you act enthusiastic, then you will be enthusiastic.” May we use Judge Neal’s life example in showing his same enthusiasm in service to the Lord and others as we move forward.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Judges and Attorneys of the Upper Cumberland Bar Association, Gertis Carr, William Huddleston, and Gib Taylor.
Active Pallbearers will be Dr. Scott Copeland, Dr. Bobby Davis, Russ Quay, Ryan Neal, Paul Gogonelis, Christopher Gogonelis, Neal Mandrell and Dr. Tim Mandrell.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child: Samaritans’ Purse. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Peace and “Talley Ho!”.
Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.

More than 350 people turned out for the 2nd Annual Family Literacy Night at DeKalb West School. The event’s coordinator, Librarian Amanda Mullinax, says “Camp Read S’More” was a great success.
“The night itself was fabulous,” Mullinax said. “Workers and participants looked like they were having fun while learning. The DWS faculty and staff as well as [Central Office personnel] Michelle Burklow and Dr. Danielle Collins went above and beyond to turn the school into “camp” and to provide an enjoyable experience for our “campers.” [Children’s author] Michael Shoulders was entertaining, as always. The night was definitely everything I was hoping it would be and more!”
Several books were given away to help promote literacy through events like the Book Walk, the county’s Book Bus, and the freebies table. A book came to life in Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Acre Woods, scary stories were shared around the campfire, and Park Rangers Carter Robinson and Sarah Peace taught students at Camp Learn S’More.
“I feel so very blessed to be a part of a community that values the education of its children,” Mullinax said. “The number of participants this year was more than expected, which is absolutely fantastic! To see that many people turn out to support our children truly warmed my heart! “
Students also displayed their work at the Literacy Fair to family and friends.
“The quality of their projects was very impressive,” says Teacher/Academic Coach Lori Pryor, who oversaw the Literacy Fair. “They were judged on creativity, adherence to the rules, and the ability to relate the book’s theme to the public. DWS students continue to amaze me with their dedication.”
Check out the list of winners below.
2nd Annual DWS Family Literacy Winners
PreK-1st Grade
Family Fiction:
1st- Bane Averitte
2nd- Rena Willoughby’s Kindergarten “Walk to Learn” group
3rd- Haley McKeown
Family Non-Fiction:
1st- Kaden Mullinax
2nd-Bill Conger’s Kindergarten “Walk to Learn” group
2nd-4th Grade
Individual/Group Fiction:
1st- Bryna Pelham/Bradley Pelham (tie)
2nd-Kenson Moss
3rd- Emily Young
Family/Class Fiction:
1st- Regina Kent’s classroom
2nd- Emily Fry
3rd- Hannah Brown
Individual/Group Non-Fiction:
1st-Thomas Damron
2nd-Caroline Crook
3rd- Evan Prichard
Family Non-Fiction:
1st- Izzy Prichard
2nd- Jesse Foutch
5th-7th Grade
Individual/Group Fiction:
1st- Zoi Hale
2nd-Brayden Antoniak
3rd-Jaxon Humphrey & Alex Antoniak
Individual/Group Non-Fiction:
1st-Rebecca Lawrence
2nd- Dawson Bandy
3rd- Nathaniel Crook
Family Non-Fiction:
1st- Jathan & Lydia Willoughby
8th Grade Author Study:
1st-Emma Damron, Lydia Davenport, Riley Overstreet, Abby Lawson
2nd-Cody Woodham and Cassie Maxwell
3rd- Lynsey Ellis and Gracie Griffin

Hundreds of clothing items were given away to students in need at DCHS Friday during the second “Tiger Boutique” organized by the Climate Crew.
Members of the Climate Crew collected donations of name brand clothes and set up shop for one day only in the DCHS library for other students to take advantage of for free.
Sarah Halliburton, a DCHS Biology Teacher who came up with the idea for serving students in this way, said the response to Friday’s “Tiger Boutique” was probably twice as large as the first one held during the fall. “This is the second one we’ve done this year. It’s twice the size it was in the fall and the clothes are moving. Last fall we gave away 1600 items of clothing and it’s probably been double this time. The donations came from other kids and other counties. We just put it on facebook and people responded . They have just given and given. It’s awesome,” Halliburton told WJLE Friday.
The DCHS Climate Crew, also started by Halliburton, is made up of students who have a desire to change the school culture at DCHS. “The DCHS Climate Crew is a group of kids that I started a couple of years ago that just want to make a positive impact here at DCHS. We saw a need for students to have clothing,” she said.
Plans are for the “Tiger Boutique” to become a twice a year event from now on.

The Smithville Walmart store has re-opened after an electrical fire Friday night which created smoke in the building and forced an evacuation of customers and employees. No one was injured. The store was closed overnight and part of Saturday morning.
Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker told WJLE that the fire started in an electrical panel. “One of the main electrical panels shorted out and burned. It caused some smoke in the building and everyone was evacuated. The fire was contained to the electrical panel,” said Chief Parker.
911 received the fire call at 6:11 p.m.

Former major league baseball pitcher Aaron Small will be the guest speaker for the annual DCHS baseball chili supper and silent auction fundraiser Saturday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. the county complex.
Family tickets are $25.00 which feeds the immediate family and makes the ticket holder eligible for a reverse drawing for prizes including cash awards of $125, $250, $500, and $1,000. Single tickets are $5.00 each. Purchase your tickets at the door or from any DCHS baseball player.
Small played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves during his professional career
According to Wikipedia, Small was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 22nd round of the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft. He debuted for the Blue Jays in 1994, but was traded to the Florida Marlins in 1995. Over the next ten years, Small would split most of his time between Triple-A and the majors, with major league appearances for the Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and a second stint with the Marlins, before joining the Yankees.
In addition, Small was also a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Colorado Rockies and Anaheim Angels organizations, though he never pitched in the major leagues for those teams.
In 2005, Small played in the Yankees minor league system, pitching for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Columbus. Due to injuries, he was called up to the Yankees to fill in, making his first start on July 20, which he won.
Small recorded 10 major league victories without a loss. Small recorded his first major league complete game shutout, which came against the Oakland Athletics on September 3, 2005. Small was the first Yankees pitcher to win his first 9 decisions since Tommy John in 1979, and became just the fourth pitcher in history to win at least 10 games without a loss, joining Tom Zachary, Dennis Lamp, and Howie Krist. He finished the 2005 season 10–0 with a 3.20 earned run average and 37 strikeouts. He was re-signed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract during the off-season.
During 2006 spring training, Small injured his right hamstring. He missed the start of the season, but returned to the team on April 30, 2006.
On June 17, 2006, Small was designated for assignment by the Yankees and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.
On January 23, 2007, Small signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. However, on May 18, 2007, he announced his retirement after being released by the Mariners.
On August 2, 2008, Small took part in the 62nd Annual Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium. Six weeks prior, Small survived a bout with encephalitis that included a medically induced coma lasting eight days. He was again honored by the New York Yankees at Old Timers’ Day on June 26, 2011 and July 1, 2012.
Small, along with his wife Macy, is a devout Christian. He is active in his church, Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater, Tennessee, where he and his wife are involved in ministry to students.

Walmart in Smithville will soon begin selling wine.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has added the Smithville Walmart to the list of retail food stores in the state which have been approved for a license for off premises consumption.
In 2014 Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill into law that allows wine sales in Tennessee grocery stores. There was a provision of the bill that allowed voters in individual cities and counties a referendum to decide on the issue locally.
In November, 2016 Smithville voters approved a referendum authorizing the legal sale of wine at retail food stores in the City of Smithville. The vote was 691 to 515. In a separate referendum that day, city voters also approved the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises in the City of Smithville (Liquor By The Drink). It passed 665 to 597.
In an effort not to harm liquor stores, the Tennessee wine in grocery stores law permits liquor stores to sell numerous items that were previously prohibited, including publications related to alcoholic beverages or food, cigarettes, lottery tickets, mixers, corkscrews and other supplies related to alcoholic beverages, nonalcoholic beverages, gift cards, products related to beer and wine-making, snack foods, fruit and other food used in making alcoholic beverages, ice, coolers, party supplies, greeting cards and articles of clothing bearing messages related to alcoholic beverages. In addition, package stores may also sell beer kegs and growlers.
Smithville has two retail liquor stores.