On the twenty-third day of November last, the people of Union County were saddened when they learned of the death of Roy Acuff, to whom I shall refer affectionately, in this discussion, "Roy". It was permitted to him to live out more than his "three score years and ten", and his passing ended a career which spanned nearly sixty years in music and business.
He was born in Maynardville, the county seat of Union County, on September 15, 1903. During his childhood, he attended public school at Maynardville; and when, in 1916, his family moved to Fountain City, he was enrolled in Fountain City School, and, in 1920, in Central High School, from which he was graduated in 1924. Here his musical talents were recognized by the venerable principal, Miss Hassie K. Cresham. She requested that, in chapel, Roy direct the singing of the student body. This he did with enthusiasm and success. For this special recognition and for her many kind words of encouragement, offered in conversation, he carried throughout the remaining years of his life a grateful heart. Roy was interested, too, in athletics, and at Central he became a "three-star letterman", a designation which excited his fondest memories of happy associations at school.
Roy was endowed with no ordinary mind. Nature had bestowed upon him rare intellectual powers and vast musical talents, which would not brook the restraints and fetters of adversity. He was reenforced with an aspiring ambition and an indomitable will, which were destined to conquer opposing circumstances and create opportunities.
His distinguished work in the Grand Ole Opry well deserves the title, King of Country Music! His many musical performances and his astute business ability brought to him both fame and fortune. Despite, however, his singular and noteworthy accomplishments, pomp and circumstance meant little to him, but the amenities of life meant everything. He was a man of high ideals and irreproachable character, and he possessed a courtesy and kindness of heart which despoke the true gentleman. No word of commendation of Roy can fail to elicite, therefore, my cordial approbation, for all that has been said in praise of him has been richly deserved.
The last conversation I ever had with Roy was in his dressing room at the Opry. In that conversation he and I discussed several of our mutual friends in Union County, and I told him that, for his generous gifts to the Baptist Church in Maynardville and the Union County Historical Society and for his many contributions to his state and nation, his friends in Union County would ever hold him in lasting esteem and affectionate remembrance. He received my remarks graciously, but modestly, and reflected in his words and manner that grand and glorious rule of conduct, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.
To his son, his daughter, and his grandchildren, he has left a noble and beautiful legacy, which they can cherish and hold in grateful remembrance always. we extend to them our heartfelt sympathy in this time of bereavement.
Roy Acuff, truly an ambassador of good will, gladdened the hearts of his fellow men both in song and story, in which he revealed his faith in a Supreme Ruler. He believed that man was born for a higher purpose than that of earth and that, at the close of his mortal life, he was not to sink into darkness, but was to live still in that wondrous land where sing the angels of glory and "bask forever in the sunshine of the love of God."
"With us his name shall live
Through long succeeding years,
Embalmed with all our hearts can give
Our praises and our tears."
-WGT
For more information on this article or any article or publication of the Union County Historical Society please write them at:
Union County Historical Society
P.O. Box 95
Maynardville, TN 37807
Or
E-mail the Union County Historical
Society.
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