CARTHAGE, Tenn.—Two more stretches of roadway in Smith County were dedicated in memory of notable county citizens on the morning of Friday, August 24, 2018.
These dedications are two of several bridge and roadway dedications that have taken place in Smith County in the month of August.
The first of Friday’s dedications occurred at the intersection of Highway 80 and Highway 85, better known as the Four Way Inn community. This stretch of road leading to Defeated is now named the “Bobby ‘Bear’ Hackett and Chris D. Anderson Memorial Highway.”
Bobby “Bear” Hackett and Chris D. Anderson were important figures in the Four Way Inn Community, so it seemed fitting that the County Commission pass a resolution to name the stretch of roadway in their honor. As County Mayor Michael Nesbitt read the official resolution, he recalled stories about the two men, and Mr. Anderson’s and Mr. Hackett’s family members were given the chance to speak.
The second dedication of the day took place just past Martin’s Grocery in Defeated. The stretch of Defeated Creek Highway that passes by the store was named in honor of former Martin’s Grocery owner and United States veteran, Jackie Martin.
Mr. Martin’s children and family gathered outside the store as Mayor Nesbitt read the resolution passed by the Smith County Commission. Mr. Martin’s family members also spoke and shared stories that emphasized his humor and selfless character.
After the ceremony, Coca-Cola provided free drinks, chips, and hotdogs to those in attendance.
At both ceremonies, State Senator Mark Pody presented the honorees’ families with copies of the state legislation that acknowledged the bridge dedications, as well as copies of the green signs that now decorate these Smith County roadways.
These newly named bridges and roadways serve as a testament to the legacies that the honorees leave behind in their respective communities and in Smith County as a whole. These dedications help ensure that their stories will continue to be passed on for generations to come.
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