A century of resilience: Celebrating William Matthew Trammell’s 100 years
Published 4:52 pm Thursday, November 21, 2024
William Trammell
William Trammell will turn 100 years old on Dec. 7.
William and his fishing buddies.
William and Louise
William Trammell at the Ark Encounter.
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By C.Y. Peters
On Dec. 7, 2024, William Matthew Trammell will achieve the extraordinary milestone of turning 100 years old. Born on Dec. 7, 1924, in the Bean Creek community of Sautee Nacoochee, White County, Georgia, Trammell’s life is a testament to hard work, family values, and unwavering community spirit.
Early Life and Work
William is the son of Estella Green Trammell, lovingly known as “Mama Stella,” a midwife and a nurturing mother to the community. His father, Joseph Wiley James Herbert Trammell, worked tirelessly for the Southern Railroad and later for a farmer Trammell recalls as “Old Man West.” Together, they instilled in him a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his remarkable life.
At just 15 years old, William began working at Greer’s Lodge in Helen, Georgia, where he learned to cook – a skill that would serve him well in later years. His ambition soon led him to a sawmill, where he mastered carpentry and began laying the foundation for a lifetime of craftsmanship.
In 1940, just shy of his 17th birthday, William joined President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Although the program was intended for men aged 17 to 28, William “fudged” his age to join early. Earning $30 a month, of which $24 was sent home, he contributed significantly to his family’s well-being. His mother saved the money he sent, and with it, William purchased land for her to build a house – a testament to his dedication and love for family.
At age 18, William became a cook for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Fontana, North Carolina, contributing to the construction of the Fontana Dam, a project critical to powering Oak Ridge during the development of the atomic bomb. By 1945, TVA transferred him to Elizabethton, Tennessee, where he worked on the Watauga and South Holston dams. It was in Elizabethton that he met Louise Stover, whom he married in 1948. Together, they raised five children: Mary Sue, Maxine, Gwendolyn Elaine, William Matthew Jr., and Edward Keith. He also had seven siblings.
A Legacy of Hard Work
In 1955, William left TVA to join the Elizabethton City School System as a janitor at Douglas School, later becoming involved in citywide school maintenance. Following the closure of Douglas High School due to desegregation in 1965, he transitioned to work at North American Rayon Corporation and Beaunit Fibers for nearly a decade.
In 1975, William began a new chapter at Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin, Tennessee, where he worked as a safety tamper, recording processing data. He retired in 1990 after 15 years of dedicated service.
Family and Community
William and Louise’s 65-year marriage was built on mutual respect and shared values. Together, they ensured their children had the opportunity for higher education and taught them essential life skills. William’s influence extended beyond his immediate family, as he became a pillar of strength for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who continue to look up to him as a role model.
In the Douglas community of Elizabethton, William, affectionately known as “Mac,” became a trusted handyman. Whether it was fixing a burst pipe or repairing a furnace, his skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electricity made him invaluable to neighbors of all backgrounds.
William also served his community in various leadership roles. He was the equipment manager for the Elizabethton Blue Grays, a semi-pro Negro baseball team, and a Boy Scout leader. He managed the Douglas Community swimming pool, served as treasurer of the local Black Masonic Lodge, and was a board member of the Douglas Alumni Association.
Faith and Fellowship
A devoted member of Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church, William has been a deacon and leader for decades. He co-founded the Phillippi Men’s Chorus and remained active in the church choir, singing bass, until recent years. One of his favorite traditions was performing during the Covered Bridge Days festival, a cherished event in Elizabethton.
Hobbies and Adventures
When not working or serving his community, William enjoyed rabbit hunting and fishing. He often gifted his game to friends, as Louise refused to clean or cook it. However, he kept the fish, which became the highlight of many deep-sea fishing trips to Florida with his son-in-law, nephews, and friends.
One memorable hunting trip in 1960 coincided with the birth of his first son on Thanksgiving Day, a story that has become a family legend.
A Century of Impact
As William prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, his legacy is felt far and wide. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, generosity, and love. Whether through his contributions to major infrastructure projects like the Fontana and Watauga dams, his service to the Elizabethton community, or his role as a family patriarch, William’s impact is immeasurable.
Even at 100, William’s dedication to faith, family, and community continues to inspire. He remains a beloved figure in Elizabethton, where his presence at Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church every Sunday serves as a testament to his enduring spirit.
On Dec. 7, as family, friends, and the community gather to celebrate this incredible milestone, they will not only honor a century of life but also a legacy of unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Happy 100th birthday, William Matthew Trammell – a man whose life has been a blessing to all who know him.
