The DeKalb County High School Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th reunion on August 28, 2021 at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center. A total of 39 people attended. Several class members were unable to attend due to concerns about COVID, but those who came had a terrific time reminiscing together.
Upon entry, each classmate received a folder including a class directory, program, and various games to stimulate the brain. A Find-a-Word game of all class mates last names, match the song to the artist, events that happened in the 1960’s and a word jumble of music artists of the 60’s was included along with words to songs that were rewritten to tell stories about the class and their antics. These were to the tunes of Alan Jackson’s “Remember When”, Peaches and Herb’s song “Reunited (And It Feels So Good), and Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana”. There was also a poem written entitled “Twas the Night before Graduation”. They also received a goody bag filled with pencils, pen, koozie, bookmark, keyring, bottle opener, and candy all with the Class of 1971 and the date embossed. A coaster with a class logo made by Jean Meyers was also given to all classmates.
The school colors of black and gold were used throughout the venue. Display tables highlighted fashions from the 60’s, toys the class members played with in their childhoods, and candies they loved to enjoy throughout their school years. There was also a table of memorabilia and painted décor. The dinner tables were covered in gold cloths with centerpieces of greenery and sunflowers and lights. A stuffed tiger was also beside each arrangement. Cracker Barrel catered the tasty evening meal and delicious desserts were provided by the reunion committee members.
The class had the notoriety of having had the only float that was ever banned from the Homecoming parade so for the 50th reunion the float was recreated and parked outside so a photo could be made with those members attending. Following the photo, everyone came inside and was welcomed by Jean Meyers and the invocation was given by Wendell Judkins. Following the meal, the special songs were shared and a Memorial Tribute to those class members who have passed away was given by video and lighting of candles. Those remembered were Randall Adcock, Wesley Agnew, Joe Bond, Randy Brown, Douglas Chapman, Betty Jo Elledge, Barbara Ellis Carter, Kenneth Corley, Betty Fisher Fisk, Teddy Foutch, Shelia Frazier Whitford, Patsy Fults Prince, Mike Grandstaff, Ricky Hayes, Debra Hedgepath, Jerry Kent, Barry Love, Billy Malone, Louie McDowell, Jr., Earl Dean Rankhorn, Billy Ray Scott, Regina Cantrell Bates, Margaret Taylor Judkins, Clara Mai Hale Wilkey, Freddy Wright, and Mary Jane Young Bretz. The reunion was dedicated to the memory of class sponsor, beloved teacher and mentor, Tommy Gray (Fessor) Webb.
A 50th reunion take on The Newlywed Game known as The Elderlywed Game was played by couples who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries this year. The game was hosted by Doug “Bob Eubanks” Vandergriff. After a tie, Doris and Wayne Malone won by answering the bonus question correctly. They received an Echo Audio. Following this game, classmate Bobbie Nixon Murphy gave a video and spoken tribute to Mr. Webb and later shared many funny memories from this most creative and fun-loving class. This presentation brought so many laughs from the crowd. After a poem written by Jean Meyers was read and a song shared, the class was surprised with a “Visitor From The East”. Roger Tramel took on the persona of Ed McMahon and Rick Cantrell portrayed Johnny Carson as Carnac, the Magnificent. All of the answers and questions were written about class mates and fun memories and it was a hit!
Class awards were given for a variety of categories and all of the prizes were food items related to the category. The winners were:
First to Register for the Reunion – Barbara Smith Wall, who received Jiffy Pop popcorn.
Last to Register for the Reunion – Kathy Moore Hale, who received a box of Turtles.
Tallest Male and Female of the Class - Stephen White and Genrose Rowland Davis, who received Fruit by the Foot.
Longest Lineage – Wayne and Doris Taylor Malone, who received Good & Plenty.
Highest Degree Earned – Gayle Herman Redmon and Vanissa Braswell Murphy, who received Smarties and Nerds.
Longtime Farmer – John David Foutch, who received Jolly Ranchers, Cow Tales, and a Cow Pie.
Traveled the Farthest to Reunion – Kathy Moore Hale, who received Orbit gum.
Class Clown – Rick Cantrell, who received Laffy Taffy and Chuckles.
Married the Longest – Wayne and Doris Taylor Malone, who received Sweetarts.
Newlywed Award – Wendell and Cheryl England Judkins, who received Ring Pops.
First to Retire – Vicky Terrell, who received $100,000 Grand.
Changed the Least – Faye Hendrixson Hall, who received Outrageous bars.
Names the Same Award – Linda Murphy Waggoner, Vanissa Braswell Murphy, and Bobbie Nixon Murphy, who received M&M’s.
Most White Hair Award – Donnie Davis, Rick Cantrell, Barbara Smith Wall and Barbara Grandstaff Cantrell, who received Lindt All White Chocolate Truffles.
Newest Grandparents – David and Vicky Pirtle Terrell expecting a granddaughter in November, received Now & Later candy.
Best Aged Male – John David Foutch, who received Hubba Bubba gum and a Big Hunk candy bar.
Best Aged Female – Vicky Pirtle Terrell, who received Red Hots and Chick-a-Stick.
Official Welcome certificates were presented to classmates attending their first ever reunion. They were Peggy Redmon Barrett, Vanissa Braswell Murphy, Alene Shelton, and Doris Taylor Malone. Ten classmates received certificates of “Perfect Attendance” for attending all seven reunions the class has celebrated. They were Beth Goodwin Newkirk, John David Foutch, Joyce Vanatta Foutch, Donnie Davis, Genrose Rowland Davis, Bobbie Nixon Murphy, Vicky Pirtle Terrell, Jean Meyers, Barbara Grandstaff Cantrell, and Gayle Herman Redmon. Many nice door prizes were given away to lucky winners. Special thank you gifts were given to those who helped with set-up and skits: John David Foutch, Wendell Judkins, Linda Murphy Waggoner, Gayle Herman Redmon, Rick Cantrell and the committee members. The committee for the 50th reunion consisted of Beth Goodwin Newkirk, Rita Wright Deaver, Bobbie Nixon Murphy, Roger Tramel, Barbara Smith Wall, Vicky Pirtle Terrell and Jean Meyers.
