A MEMORIAL FOR THOMAS GUY BEALL

     As I sat and read all the comments for Tommy this morning, I though about how much a part of this family that he was. With mom and dad gone, it just fell into  place to call on Tommy. It is like he was a link to our parents. We didn't depend on him so much for support but just to be our sounding board. What about this and what about that just to keep in touch.. We all promised Evelyn (Mom) that we would take care of him but I think he took care of us. In the past 145 days, we have learned so much about what kind of person he was and is and continues to be as we face saying goodbye. The love that he showed everyone that he met was instilled in him by our parents. I have never seen a family that sticks together like we do. If we ever need an ear to listen or a ride or even just a hug, we have it in our family.      And his music will go on forever. Every time I hear the Lord's Prayer, I will think of him. "I'll Fly Away" has a new meaning.   
     When I read his testimony, I knew that he had a part in so many lives in every walk of life. As a teacher, pupil, mentor, friend, family-you could never have a better person that Thomas Guy Beall. What a legacy-with his faithful friend and companion "Carter". I love you Tommy and I will so miss you.So now we say "Goodnight Tommy, I'll meet you in the morning."      

HOW WE ALL SOMETIMES FORGET WHAT IS IMPORTANT

      While 2011 had some great moments in it, I find it to be one of the most difficult years in my life. In March, my mother lost her battle with cancer. While my family rallied together those last nine weeks of her life, I still find myself feeling out of place at times. 

     The question I ask myself is "What is my purpose in life"? Sometimes I just don't know the answer to that question. I have the greatest friends that people can ask for. I have the greatest family that anyone would ever want. So what is my purpose?

      The only thing I can think of is to ask God to guide me. I have been a Christian for a long time now. I can remember the day that my Pastor, brother Benny Garner gave the invitation to come and ask God to forgive me of my sins. I stepped out immediately and made my way down the aisle. Benny met me with a smile and we prayed together. From that day forward, I knew my life was forever changed. I was Baptized shortly after that.

     God touched my heart that day and I have never let him out of my heart. I was in the 10th grade at the time and even though I was young, I knew that I would spend my eternity in heaven.

     I want to thank Ken Pence for ministering to me. He is the reason God has blessed me with his grace. He shared his testimony to me that Sunday before in Sunday school and he led me to be saved.

    I am not one of those people who can share their feelings. I do not like feeling weak and insecure about things. Like I said, God has blessed me with a wonderful family, the best friends, and a talent that let's me share my love of music. 

     I have been a musician for over 36 years now. God has given me the opportunity to share with thousands of people throughout my life. Some through my life as just a band member, some as soloist. I have had the honor of playing at weddings, funerals, Christmas and Easter Celebrations, community events, Patriotic Celebrations, and last but not least, memorial events.

     Three years ago, I was performing with the 8th Regiment Band in Gettysburg, PA. We were performing at the steps of the Pennsylvania monument. I was at the end of our concert and the sun was just about to go beyond the treeline. Now our concerts are usually very emotional. We like to let people feel the emotions of the period. That is what makes the 8th so special. Our concerts close with three songs that depic the emotions and feelings of what we have thought is the greatest "Epic" of American history.

     We honor all of those men who died in this battle by playing "Eternal Father", "Strong to Save", (The Navy Hymn), "Nearer My God to Thee", and "The Lord's Prayer". I am the soloist for the The Lord's Prayer. 

     After we finished playing and began to pack up, this woman came up to me and thanked me for providing such beautiful music. I humbly responded with gratitude but she also told me she had not been right with God for a long time. Now I didn't need to know why but then what she told me made me smile and thank God for blessing me with the gift of music. She began to cry while holding my hand and she told me that while I was playing The Lord's Prayer, she began praying for the first time in many years. In that prayer, she ask God to forgive her for her sins.

     As I stood there with her, I smiled and told her God was good and that he loved her. As she walked away, I sat down on the bench and thought about what had just happened. I thought about my question of what my purpose in life was. I thought about how wonderful God can be and how sometimes even a small gesture can mean so much.

     I want to thank my family for loving me the way they do. I want my friends to know that I cherish our friendship and even though we don't see or talk to one another all the time, I think of them. You have all touched my life in one way or another. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you for all the blessings that you have given me. You have truly made my life complete. Lastly, to my mom and dad, I miss you oh so much. Thank you for believing in me and raising me to be the person I am today. I will see you again.

Love, Thomas Guy Beall.


.So many people knew Thomas Guy Beall. Whether it was from high school, JSU, work, Church, or just being family. He was well liked & loved by many. 
I knew him from working with him at Walmart. He loved his job there in the vision center. He loved it even more during the holidays. He would bring his trumpet to work with him. Thru out the day he would walk the entire store playing Christmas music. Then at times he would have his music stand & sheets of music there in front of the vision center. Sitting all relaxed & letting the customers & coworkers enjoy the music. He played his heart out every time his touched that trumpet. I don't think he realized how much we did enjoy listening to him. He will forever be missed. His personality alone was amazing. He never met stranger. His smile was very Contagious. He fought a long tough battle these past 145 days. He gave it his all. As like he did playing that trumpet. He never gave no less in his musical career & work. Ours prayers go out to his family,friends & his current coworkers. We'll see you later Tommy as we will meet again. Until then play that trumpet there in Heaven. Rejoice with your family already there. Look upon your loved ones here on earth. Give them signs that you are good. Give them signs that will get them through each day. To his family I encourage you all to talk about Tommy every day. Keep his spirit & memories alive. He may be gone from your presence. But he will always remain in your Heart.
Christy Lewis

     What else is there to say? How does a man I met as a freshman in high school become such a friend? Thomas Guy Beall was one of those guys that just pulled you in. He was such a joy to be around.
His love of music was just as contagious. He was excited about it and he got you excited about it! I was one of very few that had privilege of being one of his students, and the even greater privilege of being one of his drum majors. For this I am most proud.
Although my talent was never great, my love of music was! He nurtured that everyday I was around him. We loved to hear all the great "Southern" stories, and the exploits of he and little brother "Bill".
He loved those who helped him grow as a person and a musician. He loved his family and they loved him. Then of course Dr. Walters. He always made sure if Dr. Walters was around we got to speak to him. He treasured the relationship they maintained over all these years.
He was proud to have over the years to continue to be around his extremely extended "Southern" family. There is probably not a generation of "Southerners" since he graduated that didn't know him. He was always there at the alumni days playing with the band. That made him so happy to share his joy of music with a new crowd, and for those who never heard him play live you missed a treat! (But in this crowd that is few if any.)
Now, back to the original thought. In the brief thoughts above I think I answered that question. It was "LOVE". That's how's he became such a friend. His love showed in everything he did.
Now our friend Tommy rests in the love of our Heavenly Father. Free from pain and suffering, and he would want that for you. He would want you do not know the love of our Savior.
Today he is worshipping the Father as best as he can, likely trumpet in hand! And the angels are probably and proudly shouting "Blow Tommy" and "Blow Southerners"!
CHAD SLATON

As I'm sitting here in the pick up line at school.. I'm praying for the friends and family of a beautiful,talented amazing man who is gone too soon. I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Guy Beall my senior year in high school. He was the trumpet line instructor for band camp that year.
I remember him as an extremely talented person with an incredible personality and a heart of gold. I also attended JSU and had the privilege of hearing him perform with the Southerners.. After losing touch, we reconnected with FB.
We were never really close but I have such an appreciation of him. Music was his life.. He touched so many with it. 
Tommy you will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend. Kristi Hamilton Lindaman

REMEMBERING KAREN LYNETTE JORDAN

    It was the fall of 1962 with all the leaves turning colors of the rainbow in my small home town. My next door neighbor had a newborn that was a delight for me. A beautiful girl that I fell in love with and spent my time spoiling her. Karen Lynette Jordan came into the world on Aug. 23, 1962. Her dad drove a truck for Carolina Freight, so he spent a lot of time on the road. As her mom progressed in her pregnancy, I was designated to drive for the trip to the hospital. I hadn't been around before anyone was  preparing for a baby so I didn't know how to react when Katherine called me  and said she was ready. "Ready for what?" I said. "The baby, of course" was her answer. I flipped. I was more nervous than she was and just about forgot to call the truck terminal to let them know the situation so they could relay the message to Wendell.

     As I walked up and down the halls of Floyd Hospital, I tried to remember all the things Katherine had told me to do in preparation. Call the school so someone could pick up her son, Tony. Call her mom in Dalton at work. Her mom (Ruby Dean) worked at Putnam Chenille, so it was about a 50 mile drive and would take her about an hour and a half to get to Rome. Call the dry cleaner to delay the delivery of her clothes for that day. Cancel the milk delivery for the next morning. Feed her cat. Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck. Finally, a nurse came down the hall and told me that the baby was here, a girl, and said Katherine would be in her room in about an hour after recovery. But I could go to the nursery and view the baby.

     The most beautiful baby that I had ever seen before was brought to the window. Black hair and blue eyes with chubby cheeks and a perfect little mouth. I was in love in that moment. It was a love that lasted forever. When she would look at me, my heart melted. I never knew such a miracle existed. Everyone was in love with this baby. She became such a delight for everyone. A few months later, I became a part of her family by marring her uncle, Marvin Burns.

     By didn't get to see her very much after this time because I moved to Calhoun and she moved to Centre, Alabama. We had visits over the years and she would visit her grandmother for dinners and reunions. Such a beautiful woman that people would just stop to look at her. Her life was struck down suddenly on Feb. 19, 2002. So young to leave us broken hearted. Complications from a gall bladder surgery. She left behind a young son and mother as well as brothers and sisters. But her memories  linger still. I still see her beautiful smile and her eyes, well they are indescribable. Her hair was a mahogany, falling beneath her shoulders.

      As I sang at her going away party, I remembered all the times that I sung to her as a child and rocked her to sleep. Now she is being rocked by angels, sheltered in their loving arms. I still miss you, Karen. "Tadpole"

DANIEL DECATUR EMMETT

Dan Emmet is best remembered today as one of the pioneers of the early Minstrel Shows with his compositions “The Blue Tail Fly”, “My Old Aunt Sally” and most notably, “Dixie”. His own company was instrumental in establishing many of the early minstrel routines and rituals, including the traditional costume of blue, swallow tailcoat, striped calico shirt, and the white pantaloons. A large group of minstrel show competitors were formed due to the great success of his shows. 

Daniel Decatur Emmett was born on October 29, 1815 in Mount Vernon, Ohio and learned to play the violin, as a young boy. At the age of 15, he first performed his composition “Old Dan Tucker” during a Fourth of July celebration on the village green in Mount Vernon. He worked in his father's blacksmith shop and at 17 enlisted in the Army. He was discharged on July 8, 1835 after the Army learned he had falsified his age to enlist. He left home soon after to join the Spalding and Rogers circus as a drummer. It was with the circus that Emmett learned the technique of Negro impersonation and shortly thereafter, he got a job with the Thomas "Daddy" Rice minstrel troupe, in which he played the banjo, and also sang. 

In 1842, Emmett formed his own Virginia Minstrels Troupe, making their debut in New York City's at the Bowery Amphitheater on February 6, 1843. In the year of 1844, "Old Dan Tucker" and "My Old Aunt Sally" were introduced in the Virginia Minstrels troupe. The troupe traveled to England meeting very little success and arrived back in the States, penniless. The troupe broke up and Emmett got a job with the Dan Bryant Minstrels. Emmett married Catherine Rives in 1853 in New York. The couple had no children and Catherine died in 1875. IN 1879, he would remarry Mary Louise Bird, a widow with two daughters. 

Introduced by the Dan Bryant Minstrels in 1859 during a tour of the South, “Dixie” was written as a walk-around. Much to the chagrin of Emmett who was anything but a Southern sympathizer, the song became identified as a Southern anthem and was used as a campaign song against Abraham Lincoln’s run for President and was played by General Pickett during the Confederate charge at Gettysburg. After the South surrendered to the Union, President Lincoln had the song played by the White House band in an effort to support the reunification of the United States. Emmett never capitalized on the popularity of the song after selling all rights to the publisher for $500.00.

Other songs produced in the pre-Civil War era were "The Boatman's Dance," "Jordan Is a Hard Road to Travel," "The Blue-Tail Fly" (a.k.a. “Jimmy Crack Corn") and “Dixie.”

In 1878, Emmett entered semi-retirement and moved back to his hometown of Mount Vernon. He became a chicken farmer and lived of a small pension from the Actors Fund. He occasionally appeared in guest stage appearances and at the age of 80, in 1895, he appeared with the Al G. Fields Minstrels to perform “Dixie”. The appearance was Emmett’s last tour. 

Dan Emmett died on June 28, 1904 in Mount Vernon. In 1943, Paramount Pictures released a film biography of his life starring Bing Crosby, entitled Dixie. The Dan Emmett birthplace is an historic landmark located off South Main Street in Mount Vernon. Established in 1987, the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival is held in Mount Vernon as a celebration of American music commemorating Dan Emmett.

List of songs:

BLUE TAIL FLY, THE

BOATMAN’S DANCE, THE

DIXIE

HIGH DADDY

Jimmie Crack Corn (see BLUE TAIL FLY, THE)

JORDAN IS A HARD ROAD TO TRAVEL

MY OLD AUNT SALLY

OLD DAN TUCKER

OLD ZIP COON

TURKEY IN THE STRAW

Dixie

by Daniel Decatur Emmett of Mount Vernon, Ohio

Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton,

Old times there are not forgotten, ( Alt Original: Cinnamon seed and sandy bottom,)

Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.

In Dixie Land, where I was born in,

early on one frosty mornin', 

Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land. 

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray! 

In Dixie Land I'll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie. 

Away, away, away down south in Dixie. 

Away, away, away down south in Dixie 

Optional Verses

Ole Missus marry "Will the weaver"

Willum was a gay deceiver

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

But when he put his arm around 'er,

He smiled fierce as a forty pounder,

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

His face was sharp as a butcher's cleaver

But that did not seem to grieve 'er

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

Ole Missus acted the foolish part

And died for a man that broke her heart

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

Now here's a health to the next ole Missus

An' all the gals that want to kiss us;

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

But if you want to drive 'way sorrow

Come and hear this song tomorrow

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

There's buckwheat cakes and Injun batter,

Makes you fat or a little fatter

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

Then hoe it down and scratch your gravel,

To Dixie's Land I'm bound to travel,

Look away! Look away! Look away!

Dixie Land

from: SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME
Early American

7 UNBIBLICAL STATEMENTS CHRISTIANS BELIEVE

:

We don’t often stop to consider the magnitude of what the Bible represents. It is literally God revealing Himself and communicating Himself to mankind in written word.

Orthodox Christianity teaches that the Bible was inspired and authored by the Holy Spirit of God using human instruments. And many Christians believe that—in its original languages of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic—it is without error and fault.

However, there are many things that Jesus-following, Church-going, Bible-believing Christians believe that are completely unbiblical. How does this happen? Often, we’ll hear someone quote a statement that sounds nice to us, and we’ll begin repeating it as though it’s biblical truth without ever researching it in Scripture.

Several of these unbiblical statements have gained enough traction that many people believe they’re actually Bible verses. Not only are the statements unbiblical; some of them teach the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

Here are some popular unbiblical statements that Bible-loving Christians tend to believe:

1. GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES:

This statement is actually anti-Gospel. Obviously God gave us gifts and talents that we’re supposed to use, but self-reliance and self-righteousness, or the attitude of trying harder and doing better actually gets in the way of the work of God.

In reality, Jesus saves those who die to themselves: “Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'” (Matthew 16:24).

2. GOD WANTS ME TO BE HAPPY:

It’s a common belief that God exists to be our “personal genie” waiting to give us our every wish. It’s amazing how we will justify our sinful actions by saying, “God just wants me to be happy.”

Happiness is tied to feelings and emotions that are often based on circumstances, and those change all the time. God wants us to be obedient to Him, trust Him and know that everything He does is for our good, even if it doesn’t make us feel “happy” in that moment. 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

3.WE'RE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN

Although God has created everyone, not everyone relationally belongs to Him. Only those who have repented of sin, placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and possess the Holy Spirit of God inside of them can claim Him as their Father: 

“But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:15-16).

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ ... If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26-29, emphasis mine in both verses).


4. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS:

The people around you may appreciate you staying clean, but this is not Scripture. Parents may us this to motivate their kids to clean their rooms. However, I’d suggest using an actual biblical statement: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). (I can’t guarantee that will make your children want to clean up either, though).


5. GOD WON'T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE:

Actually, all of life is more than we can handle. The point of living in a fallen world is not for us to try really hard to carry our heavy burden, but rather realize we can’t do it alone and surrender to God instead. That’s what faith is all about.

Everything is more than I can handle, but not more than Jesus can handle: “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).


6. BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE:

The sentiment of this makes sense, but if we follow it all the way through, the idea of a good person is very subjective. Often, we place ourselves in the judgment seat of what is good and bad, or who is good and bad.

The most popular way to make that judgment is by comparison. For example, Bob is a good guy, because he is not as bad as Sam. However, according to the Bible we’re all on equal ground because none of us is inherently good: “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one’” (Romans 3:10).


7. WHEN YOU DIE, GOD GAINS ANOTHER ANGEL:

Plain and simple. Humans are humans, and angels are angels. This remains so even in eternity. In fact, angels are intrigued by the interaction between God and His “image-bearing” humans: “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:12).

The fact that many Christians believe these unbiblical statements shows our unfortunate overall biblical illiteracy. Instead of swallowing popular statements hook-line-and-sinker, may we be like the Bereans in the Book of Acts. When they heard Paul preach, they wanted to research the Scriptures themselves to authenticate what he was saying: “They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:10-11).


by SHANE PRUITT

Eula Irene Driver Gravitt memorial

Mrs. Eula Irene Driver Gravitt went to be with her heavenly Father on March 21, 2015. She was born on April 19, 1948 in Arley, Alabama. She was of Christian faith. She was the daughter of the late Artis Driver and Alma Horton Driver. She was the youngest of five children. She graduated from West Point High School, Cullman, Alabama. She was a cosmetologist, nursing assistant and former Springs Carpet factory employee. She went Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Calhoun, Georgia and received a certificate for Customer Service and Business Administration. She loved being with family, friends and her church family. She loved the Atlanta Braves. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Spruell; brother in law, Bill McQuillin; nieces, Marcella Driver and Bonita Thompson Keith. She is survived by her husband Oscar; sisters Bonnie McQuillin and Thelma (Joel) Thompson of Vinemont, Alabama; brother, Lehman (Dorothy) of Orlando, Florida; nieces, Katrina (Duane) Ray, Cindy Driver of Orlando Florida, Debbie (Bill) Brumbeloe and Kathryn (Michael Holmes) of Cullman, Alabama; nephews, Russell (Gwen) McQuillin and Joey (Stephanie) Thompson of Cullman, Alabama, and Kevin Driver of Orlando, Florida. Numerous great nieces and nephews also survive. Step Children; Jeffery Gravitt of Tennessee, Laurie Cape of Dalton, Georgia and Becky Hughes of Trenton, Georgia. 

Visitation will be held Monday, March 23, 2015 from noon until 2:00pm at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home in Calhoun, Georgia. The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00pm with Pastor Norris Sexton, Rev. Frank Bramblett, and Rev. Terry Timms officiating. 

Graveside services will be Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 11:00am at Friendship Methodist Church in Vinemont, Alabama with Joel Thompson officiating. Pallbearers serving include Joey Thompson, Eric Brumbeloe, Alex Brumbeloe, Jake McQuillin, Michael Holmes and Millard Mason. Honorary Pallbearers serving include Russelll McQuillin, Doug Rampley, Ken Moorehead, Kenneth Gravitt, Noah Holmes, and Michael Collins. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Diabetic Foundation or Barrett Road Church of God in Calhoun, Georgia.

I worked at Springs with Irene for many years. We inspected, stacked and tagged rugs before we went to work in the dye house. Irene and I were dye weighers for many years working for Jimmy McDearis (dec), Bobby Dixon (dec), Doug Rampley and others. We had good times and bad. We finally advanced to the front office and worked there until I retired. Irene remained for a time. She was always ready with a smile or a grin. Ready to help at any time. She and I crochet many projects even though she was left-handed, they were still beautiful and uniformally made to perfection. She and I found out that we were diabetics about the same time and had to start watching what we ate. I am glad that she married Oscar and was happy at the end of her life.
So long, Irene. You will be missed, my friend.