Columnists, EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
7:47 am Friday, July 12, 2019

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

A lot of people made their way to Franklin County last week to attend the big Fourth of July celebration. I did not get to attend, but from what I have been told it was one of the largest gathering so far to celebrate Independence Day.

A full array of entertainment was scheduled for the day, beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the Fourth and continuing throughout the day. The celebration ended with a great fireworks display. What’s the Fourth without fireworks?

Many thanks for those responsible for putting this event together.

Next month another big event will take place in downtown Russellville with the 39th Annual Watermelon Festival. Please mark your calendars and be ready to attend this great event.

Many years ago, I remember my friend Wayne Parker saying, “We need something to bring folks to our neck of the woods.” I wish Wayne was still around to see the big crowds that flock to Franklin County for these events.

Last week I traveled to Columbia, Tenn., and I passed a Parker’s Discount on Highway 43 north of Lawrenceburg, and my mind went back to my friend Wayne. He would be so proud to see what his family has done to keep that business going. For many years Wayne was a butcher for a grocery store in Russellville. Then he started a little Saturday night auction, and it certainly proved to be a great success.

I can think of so many good things Wayne did for people. He was a very genuine person, and I know many acts of kindness that he did for families that were in need. Those acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

He always had a Christmas present for me, and he got a big laugh every time he made his delivery. I still have these gifts; one was a pair of Liberty overalls, size 60. He told me to keep eating and one day they would be a perfect fit.

It’s so wonderful to have the good memories of people who have made a great input on our county, and Wayne Parker was one of the best.

Till next time,

Your friend,

Bobby


Thought for the Day

Friends are like the stars: We don’t always see them, but we know they are always there.

Also on Franklin County Times
Main Street gets new director
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — New Main Street Director Erica Childers said she hopes to build momentum downtown through community events, business cooperation and in...
Legion will dispose of old flags
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properl...
Red Bay OKs website redesign
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while help...
Grand jury charges 2 in child porn case
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The next time Abigail Roberts enters a courtroom will be to say whether she is guilty or not guilty of charges ranging from first-degre...
Sentencing for Dowdy is set for Aug. 4
News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Almost nine months after being convicted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Brandy Dowdy will finally learn how long sh...
Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Columnists, Opinion
June 10, 2026
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of...
Study club prepares for next chapter
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
June 10, 2026
The May dinner meeting of Book Lovers Study Club featured guest speaker Cynthia Geis, GFWC Alabama North District director. Geis and I have been frien...
Bendall takes role in ‘Waiting for Godot’
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
Konner Bendall has been chasing the stage since he first put on a Santa suit for a school program at seven years old. Now, the Russellville native is ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *