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Friday Evening Connections and Reflections for 9/25/20

Josh Oldfield (JUTN '05) was recently selected to compete on a fight card for Tap Cancer Out (TCO) on October 24, 2020, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a grappling match (no strikes) that will end with a submission (Tap Out) or a judge's decision at the end of 7 minutes. Competitors raise funds to help TCO conribute more than $1,000,000 to beneficiary organizations like Alex's Lemonade Stand, American Cancer Society, and others. Josh has participated with this cause for the last few years and is impressed with TCO's transparency and integrity.

When asked to name someone to fight for, Josh remembered David "Doc" Reece (JUTN '70, former faculty) as one of the more indomitable men he'd ever known. Doc's loss this year was a blow to so many in the Johnson Family. So, with Cindy's and Sarah's blessing, Josh is hoping to honor Doc's memory with his efforts in the octagon. You can learn more at https://wecan.tapcancerout.org/fighting-for-Doc.

Mike (JUTN '15 & '17) Jones and his family recently moved to Maryville, Tennessee, where Mike has accepted the call to pastoral ministry with Mountain View Church of Christ. Former alumni ministers of Mountain View include Benic Hampton (JUTN '68) and Jonathan Westerfield (JUTN '14).  

On July 1, 2020, Shane Rayford ('98) took on the role of Director of Learning, Talent, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion with Visionworks of America in San Antonio, Texas.

On July 19, 2019, Rachel Hale (JUFL '17) married John Allan Albert Jesubakthan. They make their home in Orlando, Florida, where Rachel serves as the Children's Minister with Grace Orlando.

Stanton Smith (JUTN '17) married the former Emily Crout on September 5, 2020 at Mustard Seed Hill Event Center in Millersburg, Kentucky. The bride and groom make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

Dorothy "Dot" Gilmore (JUTN '55) of Kingsport, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, September 20, after a lengthy illness. She was 88 years old.

James "Jim" Bealle (Former Trustee, 1976-2006) passed away on September 15, 2020.  Jim and his wife, Janice, have been such wonderful co-workers, friends, and supporters over the years.  They received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2001. A scholarship fund in honor of Jim and Janice Bealle has been established by the family and they request gifts to this fund in lieu of flowers.  Cards may be sent to Janice at 5300 Zebulon Rd., Room 123, Macon GA 31210. View the JamesWilliam Bealle Obituary here.

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