Spring 2008

Hello Central '56 Classmates!
 
It's been months since we have "talked." I’ve been accumulating information that you have sent in, but have not acted on it. Some of the news is not good, which deters me, though I should communicate deaths to you as soon as I hear. I'll do better!
      
Moose Bruce has been playing around with some of us online, questioning our memory and referring to us as "seniors". He says he can't remember these things:

• where our graduation took place
• where we had our prom. Can you remember?
• Did you go alone, or with a date, or with a group? Who?
• And if you know whom Moose went with, please let him know!

He keeps hearing Graduation Day on WMPS. Does that ring a bell for you?
 
Jack Hoelscher sent in this note of interest:

Billy,
      As we discussed, please send to our 1956 Central class [information on] the novel I have just read, "The Last Reunion" by James Ross. He is a good friend of mine & is a retired periodontist living in Collierville, TN. It is about his 50th reunion from his class of 1952 from Elizabethton, TN.

His class was about the same size as ours was & he relates so many of the same things we experienced that it could have been written about our class. I ordered it from Borders in paper back for $12.95. It is very light reading, but highly enjoyable. Kind regards for all the fond memories that we share from our class of Central High 1956.

Jack Hoelscher
 
 
Betty Farris Russell has a new email address: bettyrussell3@aol.com
 
Pete Summers son sent me his dad's Email address, thinking Pete might like to hear from one of us. I wrote him but received no response. Jack Hoelscher also made a run at eliciting a response. Nothing. If any of you can help, go for it. The address I have is: peteandmaria@hotmail.com
 
I'm sorry to report that two of our classmates died since the last newsletter
 
Norma Jean Burrus Smith

		Norma Jean Burrus Smith, 69, of Memphis died on Saturday, December 15, 2007. Born in Memphis, on May 18, 1938, she was the only daughter, of Norma McMillan Burrus and Thelmer Thomas Burrus. She graduated from Central High School where she was a
cheerleader and a tap dancer.

Jean went to work for the Memphis Urology Group (now known as The Conrad Pearson Group) on August 1, 1960. She was a tireless and loyal employee for 43 years, retiring in August 2003. She was loved by everyone; employers, co-workers and especially the patients. Many patients would stop by just to sit, talk, or enjoy a cup of coffee.

She was a longtime church member of Speedway Terrace Baptist Church and Whitten Road Baptist Church. Working with the church youth groups was always her passion. Many a teenager was set on the right path through Jean’s influence, values, morals, and her religious faith. She had a special relationship with kids and teenagers that will be greatly missed. Mrs. Smith leaves two children, Joe Steven Smith of Southaven, MS and Susan Knight of Memphis; six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

Paul Thomas Hicks

Paul Hicks, 70, died at St. Francis Hospital Bartlett on April 18, 2008. He was born January 12, 1938 to Thomas Albert and Lizzie Bell Miles Hicks, who preceded him in death.

A native Memphian, Paul graduated from Central High School, Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern), and University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State). He also attended Auburn University. He was the author of four books pertaining to the history of Methodist churches in Memphis, and wrote and published Christian music.

Paul was a member of the West Tennessee Historical Society, Examination Organizer of the American Guild of Organists, Memphis Chapter, member of the Beethoven Club, and organist for the Memphis Theological Seminary. He has served as organist and/or choir director for Underwood UMC, St. Luke's UMC, Trinity UMC, and First UMC (for 34 years). He was the interim organist and also played the Carollier bells at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.

Paul is survived by his sisters, Mary (Jack) Overby of Lakeland, TN, Martha Oschner of Cordova, TN, and a brother, George (Pat) Hicks of Collierville. Services were held Monday, April 21 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
 
All of us extend our thoughts and sympathy to the families and friends of these two classmates who were proud Central High graduates.

Class of '56 Website
 
 I hope that everyone remembers that we have a website up and running for our reference and enjoyment. This newsletter will be posted there, along with lots of memories of our reunions and information on our future meetings and events. The address is still: www.memphiscentralhigh56.com
 
Our class leader now is Sophie Theodore, whom, as you all know, retired from school teaching/administering last year. What's next for us Sophie? There's TWO more years until our 55th – can't wait that long to meet and greet!
 
Well, that's all the news that is news! I hope each of you finds time every day for a smile and some kind words for those around you. Let me know if you have something to share with your Central classmates and I will do my best to get the word out. Cheers……
 
      Billy Schaefer
      wwsgoat@aol.com
        or
    40879 N. 107th Way
    Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Oh yes, our class website is still up and running!
It's a great place for occasional bragging.