Robbie Willis:
CLASS OF 1983
Central High SchoolClass of 1983
Englewood, TN
University of ChattanoogaClass of 1992
Chattanooga, TN
Avery County High SchoolClass of 1983
Newland, NC
Newland Elementary SchoolClass of 1979
Newland, NC
Crossnore Elementary SchoolClass of 1979
Crossnore, NC
Robbie's Story
Getting There
Elementary arrived at Mt. View in the eighth grade. Attended First Baptist Etowah and had great times there. Went on to the "Proudest School in Tennessee". Finished there and returned to NC mountains to work. Came back to Englewood/Etowah and started working at Red Food in Athens. Married at 20, divorced at 21. Went to college at UTC and finished after working for Coach Cornwall for almost four years. Moved to WNC mountains. I have a son, River, named mostly due to my memories of the Hiwassee and my love for fishing with my grandfather and uncle. Lost some great friends over the years, but I will always have them in my heart.
High School
Central memories are the best of the best. Could the class of 1983 had any more fun than we did. Probably, but more of us wouldn't have made it. Our senior memories of the great basketball run, the cheering at games, the roadtrips, the parties at Sherae Patterson's grandparents. Did they actually live there? Central's alumni and teachers live forever in my heart.
Anybody think of Mrs. Watts lately. How about Brian Mangrum putting the centerfold on the world map? The best laugh I ever had, and as you all know I've had more than a few!
Post High School
Left for the NC mountains within a week of graduation. Spent a few months deciding not to run in college, then returned to Englewood. Attended Athens Vo Tech and got a degree in Detail Drawing. Worked at T & M structures drawing interstate billboards until the morning the Space Shuttle blew up. For some weird reason that day ended my drafting career. Began working at Goody's warehouse shortly thereafter. By then it was 1986 and I was married and divorced from Peytyn Kiblinger. During this time both Marty Jenkins and Craig Harper remained the best of friends in a changing world. I could never forget my two first and truest friends in Etowah.
College
Decided to begin college seeking a coaching and teaching degree. Entered UT Chattanooga and started a somewhat wild five year run. Ended up completing my education in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Athletics Coaching, and yes, there is such a thing. At exactly the same time I met Tom Brock's older brother at an infamous Randy Lee party. Began a great relationship that in...Expand for more
cluded Craig, Rocky, and then soon thereafter a young James Anderson and Denny Stiles. Spent many great days and nights with this crew. The great thing is we almost made it through that period with the crew intact. Who we lost we'll never leave behind.
Of course during that time I met so many of you through a network of social events (docile title for parties). Even though we all had ups and downs, I hope each of you know how my memories are full of my Central friends, my Englewood friends (who seemed to never sleep), and my Etowah friends (who simply loved being together). Nights spent at White Cliffs around the fire, riding through the Tellico night in the back of a pickup truck, jumping off whatever had water beneath it... just being alive. God, how many nights did we spend on the mountain or by the Hiwassee River watching the moon lift over the crest of the ridge? Endless nights, and memories.
Relationships
Everyone seems to ask about those when they contact me. The main thing everyone needs to remember is each person I ever knew was special to me in one way or the other. I hope you each know that, and I pray you each remember time spent together as special memories, and not just wasted time. I miss each of you, wherever life may have taken you. Be happy now, because we may only have today. After that hopefully we'll all live happily forever in the same place. That would be my lifelong prayer for each of you.
Careers
Let's see, this could be long and tenuous, so I'll list in order of appearance. 79-83 Jerry Richardson Farm Haying 80-83 Alvin Shugart Lawn and Landscape 81-83 Johnson's Department Store 83-85 Red Food Store 85-86 T & M Structures 86-87 Goody's 87 summer Todco Wood Products 87-93 Cornwall Lawncare 92 Bowater summer bull crew 93-01 The Crossnore School 01-02 landscaping 02-04 Bear Den Campground 04-06 Gardner on Lake Wylie, SC 06-present Avery County Parks and Recreation NC
Today
Live your life for now, because there may be no earthly tomorrow. Tell those you love how you feel. Treat people with respect and a smile, because more than likely their life could use a smile and more! If you don't know the great Richard Cory, google it and read it, it's short and worth more than a thought. I love you all!
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Photos
