sevierville chamber, city honor two posthumously

trees planted, awards given in their names

Seymour Herald/Kim Steele

Members of Clyde Ownby's family view the tree planted in his name outside the Sevierville Visitors Center.

published: December 06 2008 07:17 PM updated:: December 08 2008 06:30 PM

By Kim Steele

SEVIERVILLE – Two long-time Sevierville residents were posthumously honored recently by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce with an award for their contributions to the community.

Clyde Ownby, founder of Ownby Insurance Service in Sevierville, and Glenda McCarter Johnson, a part of McCarter Real Estate & Auction, received the first John Sevier Award during a ceremony at the Sevierville Visitor Center.

A tree was planted at the visitor center in their honor, as well.

“We had a lot of ideas about how to honor these people, but we thought the best one was to plant trees in their memory,” said Brenda McCroskey, chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce.

“These trees will make the community a better place, just like they did. The trees are symbolic and they’re everlasting.”

Ownby, who died June 25, was a founding board member of Tennessee State Bank and First Federal Savings and Loan Association. He was a member and lifetime deacon at First Baptist Church in Sevierville, and was a board member of Home Federal Bank.

McCarter, who died May 12, served in numerous positions on the Board of the National Auctioneers Association Auxiliary, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. She was a teacher and director of the Sunday School class for 4-year-olds at First Baptist Church of Sevierville for 25 years.

Her work with the 4-H Clubs of East Tennessee raised funds for future 4-H students in Sevier County, and she received state and national awards for her participation and service to the organization.

Steve Ownby remembered his father as a man who loved God, his family and his community. Ownby said there was nothing pretentious about his father, who cared about people and believed in being true to his word.

Charlie Johnson said his wife loved people and believed everyone was special, and wherever she went, she talked about her love for Sevierville and its people.

“This was her home and she was proud of it,” Charlie Johnson said. “I’m so honored that she was chosen for this award.”

Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley remembered both recipients as hard-workers and friends. “These are two people who meant so much to others and touched so many lives,” he said. “We’ll never forget them.”