Inaugural Board: James Leath President, Jeff Syracuse Vice President, Laure Ford Treasure, Jana Baber Secretary, Directors Jeff Gregg, April Benson, Marylee Locey and Sasan Atkins
For additional information on the history of the Donelson area go to https://www.rememberwhen-nashville.com
Street Sign Replacement Project
Our Street Sign Replacement Project has been a big part of our neighborhood beautification and preservation. “Heritage Neighbors” are those who have lived here for many years. Some of them, since the beginning, helped create memories and a sense of community that makes this a great place to live today. In helping to preserve our 70+ year old neighborhood and honor our “Heritage Neighbors”, four of our street signs close to where these neighbors lived or are living, have been dedicated in their names.
Hoyte Eakes (dedicated street sign at the corner of Brookview Drive and Barker Road)
Hoyte was a 1948 graduate of East Nashville High School. He married Jane in 1950 and the built their first home on Lumar Lane in Donelson where their daughter Laurie was born in 1959. They bought their farm at the end of Barker Road in 1963. Hoyte retired as Master Sgt. after 23 years of service with the Tennessee National Guard as Drum Major of the 30th Division Band. He owned and operated Super Drive Drive-Ins, Inc. (SDI Markets) for 25 years. He was a founding member and member of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Grocers Association. After selling SDI, he spent his full time on his passion of Tennessee Walking Horses, developed his own blood line, won many championships, and was known throughout the industry. He was inducted into the Tennessee Walking Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bobby Stowers (dedicated street sign at the corner or Theodore Road and Graeme Drive)
James Robert “Bobby” Stowers was a native of Nashville who grew up in the Waverly/Belmont area, now known as the 12th South District. He graduated from West High School and soon joined the Army to serve during the Korean War. After the war, Bobby joined and retired from the Army National Guard. Bobby moved to Donelson Hills on Graeme Drive in 1968 with his wife Betty and three children, Richard, Debbie, and John. He also worked and retired from South Central Bell serving in the supply division and as an over the road driver across the state. Bobby was not an idle man. He also worked part-time for several local towing companies and once retired, went to work for C&D, a company that stripes roadways. Bobby loved camping and he and Betty spent many days and nights at Hermitage Landing Campground before it was sold and became Nashville Shores. This was the perfect place to raise their granddaughter, Candace. For years Bobby would join the gentlemen’s group that gathered at Mrs. Winners for morning coffee and share the “goings on” in Donelson. Bobby passed away October 30th, 2012 and his smile and good nature is sadly missed.
William: “Bill” and June McBride (dedicated street sign at the corner of Dellrose Drive and Cottage Lane)
The street sign at Dellrose Drive and Cottage Lane is dedicated to William Marion “Bill” McBride and his wife June. Billy was a long-time resident of Donelson Hills. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving in WWII. He retired from Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan after working 36 years as a Credit Manager and an Appraiser. He was also a long-time member of Donelson Church of Christ.
Michelle (Hightower) Crawford shared the following:
Mac was the BEST next-door neighbor ever! I grew up next door to Mac, Mrs. June, & Princess and so many of my childhood memories involve Mac- his woodwork, his play office, tree swings, bunny babysitting, lawnmower rides and so much more. My heart goes out to Mrs. June and the family. much love to all.
Jan Taylor: Susan Atkins donated the street sign at the corner of Donelson Hills Drive and June Drive in memory of Jan Taylor.
Cassie Neeley share the following:
Jan Taylor was born in North Carolina and traveled the world with her military family before making Nashville her home. She was a graduate of Trevecca University and went on to further her education with an additional degree in massage therapy. Jan loved her neighbors and being part of the Donelson community. She never met a stranger and her favorite thing to ask someone was “What’s the best thing that happened to you today?”
Special thanks to Film Maker Jamie Jean for the production of the documentary “The History of Donelson Hills”. Check it out. https://vimeo.com/jamiejean/donelsonhills
March 20 2012 First Official Meeting of the Donelson Hills Neighborhood Association.
Installation of Officers 2012
