Letter: Bill Smith deserving of honor

To the Editor,

I was excited to see the new list of Cannon Countians that have been voted to the Cannon Courier Sports Hall of Fame. I know all these people and think they are very deserving.

I remember as a child attending basketball and football games with my parents. One person I always remember in attendance was Mr. Bill Smith. He knew everyone at the games and everyone there knew him. He has always had a great interest in Cannon County Sports and Cannon County players. He has always been a great contributor to the teams and events that were always in need of funds.

I remember once when Coach Bobby Parker sent some of the other players and me to see community leaders to ask for help with some of the basketball team's needs. I do not remember what we needed, but we felt it was important. We first stopped at the Bank of Commerce and asked to see Mr. Bill. He graciously asked us to his office and then proceeded to ask what he could do for us. We told him we seeking funds for a project and he asked how much money we needed. He called one of his assistants and asked them to write us a check. We expected it to be for part of the total amount we needed. When he handed us the check we saw that it was for the full amount. We did not have to ask any other of the town's business leaders for a donation. He had given us all we needed to complete our goal. This is who he is. He is generous to all, always has been and always will be.

Mr. Bill Smith; Thanks from the players of my era. I am sure that the players that came before me and the ones that followed could tell similar stories. Thank you for all that you have done through the years and may you be able to continue for many more.

I am glad to call you my friend.

Thanks for everything.
Bruce Todd
Murfreesboro, TN