Catching Up With…
(Coach) Mr. Brad Smith
Question
#1: What was your position at Towering Oaks and how long did you
work there?
In 1976 I had just graduated from Union University and had no clue what I was going to do. I received a call from one of my professors at Union that there was a job opening teaching Bible and coaching at a private Christian school in Memphis. He mentioned my name to the Headmaster, Fred Yancey, who was one of my former coaches at Overton HS and everything fell into place. I got the chance to join with Coach Yancey and Coach Roger Yancey, and Steve Wherry who I known for years and also got to work with Coach Gary Murphy. I was the Bible Teacher for 7th and 12th grade. Assistant Jr Hi Football Coach, 9th grade girls basketball coach and high school tennis coach for1976 to 77 school year. My greatest accomplishment was helping to get my friend Rob Pearigen hired!
Question #2: Please tell us how you are doing and about your life today.
With my wife Cathy of 23 years, we have a son, Kurt, a White Station HS graduate who be attending Auburn University beginning 2004 onanacademicscholarship.And a second son, Kevin, an 8th grader at White Station Middle School. We attend Grace Evangelical Church and spend what free time we have at Pickwick.
I own an insurance agency that my father started in 1968 named Cecil Smith Insurance Agency, Inc and we have been in this business since 1979. We write all types of insurance and have several former TO students as clients. My wife also works here part time.
I have also been involved with football officiating since 1979. I have been
refereeing college football for 19 years now and Division 1 football since
1991. I have been working games for Conference USA since the league began.
This association has allowed us to see some great football events all over
the country and some tremendous players. Some of you have probably booed me
on TV without even knowing it!
Question #3: Fill us in on what you have done over the years since your days at TO.
After my one year at TO, I joined the staff at Glenmore Academy coaching
HS Basketball and Baseball for 2 years. I joined my dad’s insurance
agency after that and have been here since 1979. I began officiating High
School Football the same year and these 2 occupations keep us pretty busy.
I also am involved with the Liberty Bowl and chair a luncheon for the bowl
each December. And last I stay involved with my industry trade association,
the Insurors of TN, currently serving as a Vice President of that organization
which involves travel across the state.
Question #4: What are your favorite memories from TO?
There are 4. First, Debra Parchman, enough said. Second, it has to be the
super folks we had a chance to work with, the Yancey’s, Coach Murphy
and so many terrific teachers. Next it was taking the seniors to Acapulco.
I was way too young to be in charge of a group like you guys but what a great
bunch to be associated with. And last, that 9th grade girl’s basketball
team I had the privilege to coach taught me so much and gave me so many good
memories, their loyalty was undeserved.
Question #5: Is there a message to the alumni of TO that
you would like for us to pass along?
Thanks for being part of my memories and the wonderful road GOD has lead us down. My prayer is that you will honor what Towering Oaks stood for and that is to Honor and Glorify GOD in all that we do.
I would love to hear from any of you at brad@csiainc.com and pray GOD’s blessings on you all. And thank you Billy for tracking me down.
Thank you Coach Smith. We'll look for you on TV this fall and promise not
to boo. (that is, unless you make a bad call against the team we are rooting
for!)
Billy Briggs
