Roane County celebrated some of its most dedicated citizens in a packed house at last night’s annual Founder’s Day Ceremony, recognizing a remarkable group of individuals whose lives have been defined by service, faith, hard work, and devotion to their community. This year’s event carried special meaning as the county marked its 224th birthday, reflecting on a history rooted at the crossroads of the Tennessee, Clinch, and Emory Rivers, land once shaped by Cherokee treaties, early settlement, and the establishment of Fort Southwest Point in the 1790s.

Roane County was officially founded on November 6, 1801, named for Tennessee’s second governor, Archibald Roane, a Revolutionary War veteran who served at pivotal moments in American history, from Washington’s crossing of the Delaware to the surrender at Yorktown. Under his administration, Tennessee adopted its Great Seal and organized its first Congressional districts. Each year, the Founder’s Day ceremony honors citizens whose lifelong service embodies the values that have guided Roane County since its earliest days.

This year’s honorees, known as Roane County Treasures, were nominated by County Commissioners and represent a legacy of leadership across education, agriculture, public service, military duty, craftsmanship, and ministry.

Roane Golden Treasure Honorees

Nell Willis, born September 16, 1925, of Etowah, Tennessee, was celebrated for her lifetime of teaching, ministry, and community involvement. A Carson-Newman graduate, Nell taught Spanish, Physical Education, and Health for 30 years across Harriman, Blount County, and Roane County beginning in 1966. Alongside her career, she worked extensively on her family farm and poured her heart into youth ministry at Rockwood First Baptist Church and later Clymersville Baptist Church, where she continued leading senior adult ministries well into her nineties. Known for her athletic ability, especially in softball and golf, Nell’s love for both the church and the golf course is legendary. Even now, she is known for her independence, often seen mowing her own yard or driving to Wendy’s for her favorite chili. She encouraged the community to “always be cheerful and approach life with positivity.”

George Edward Pickel, born in 1932, was recognized for a lifetime of faith, agriculture, and community leadership. A Roane County High School graduate and longtime member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, George taught Sunday school for over 20 years and worked in jail ministry and visitation. He and his brother co-founded Pickel Polled Hereford Ranch, earning national acclaim for their prize-winning cattle, including the record-breaking sale of a bull for $55,000, once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. George later worked 18 years with Mayfield Dairies. Married to his wife Shari for over 63 years, he is known for his deep faith, love of Bible study, and dedication to community service.

Roane Treasure Honorees

Lynda Carter, born November 7, 1942, in Rockwood, was honored for her lifelong commitment to public service and civic involvement. A 1961 graduate of Rockwood High School, she furthered her education at ETSU and Cleveland Technical Community College. Lynda’s career spanned hosiery manufacturing, banking, the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, and other local employers. She has served with the Roane County Rescue Squad, West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department, and the Fraternal Order of Police. A woman of many talents, she has pursued drag racing, taxidermy, dog showing, fish pond maintenance, and gardening. She reminded the community that age or gender should never limit what a person can achieve.

William Howard Rose, born October 23, 1952, in Harriman, was recognized for decades of service in construction and Roane County government. A Midway High School graduate, he worked for Hay, Morris & Sutton Construction and served nearly 40 years as a carpenter at ORNL. From 1994–2010, he represented District 7 as a County Commissioner. A devoted member of Salem Baptist Church, William enjoys fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He and his wife, Deborah, have been married for 52 years.

Dr. Steve N. Smith, born March 10, 1955, was honored for his contributions to dentistry, education, military service, and community development. A graduate of Oliver Springs High School, Carson-Newman University, and the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Dr. Smith founded Smith Family Dentistry in 1983 and served families for more than 40 years before retiring in 2024. His service includes 12 years on the Board of Education, co-founding Citizen’s First Bank, and 25 years on its Loan Committee. A committed Christian and veteran, he served as a Captain in the 668th Medical Detachment of the Army National Guard. His passions include beekeeping, gardening, restoring historic homes, and dental mission work. Dr. Smith emphasized that Roane County is “a special place, a true gift of God.”

Henry Lawrence Robinson, born January 1, 1935, in Harriman, was celebrated for his lifelong commitment to family and public service. A 1955 graduate of South Harriman High School, Henry served 11 years in the National Guard and spent 25 years at Roane Electric Furnace as a crane operator. He also worked for Midtown Paving and Roane County’s mowing department. A longtime coach, Civitan Club member, and devoted Piney Grove Baptist Church member for 78 years, Henry has served as Choir Leader, Sunday School teacher, RA leader, and VBS craft instructor. A respected taxidermist for 40 years, he encouraged others to stay active, remain faithful, and keep doing what they love.

Robert Puckett, born August 14, 1950, in Decatur, Alabama, was honored for his decades of leadership in youth baseball and his longstanding support of local industry and education. A 1968 graduate of Roane County High School, he pursued further studies at Roane State and Pellissippi State while serving six years in the Tennessee National Guard. His career included roles at Y-12, K-25, Roane County Schools, and the East Tennessee Technology Park. Known for more than 30 years of coaching, Robert has influenced generations of young athletes as a baseball coach, Optimist Club member, and District 8 assistant director. A dedicated member of New Midway Baptist Church, he shared his guiding message: “The Process Matters,” encouraging perseverance, discipline, and pride.

The 2025 Founder’s Day Ceremony highlighted not only the accomplishments of these extraordinary individuals but also the shared values that have shaped Roane County since its founding – faith, service, resilience, and a deep love of community.