15th Anniversary Of Greene County Tornados Marked At County Commission Meeting

The tornado outbreak that claimed eight lives and destroyed dozens of homes in the Camp Creek and Horse Creek communities in 2011 was marked at Monday night’s Greene County Commission meeting.

Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison presented Tim Smithson, a 45-year member of the Camp Creek Ruritan Club and a current County Commissioner, a proclamation commemorating the 15th anniversary of the event.

Smithson spoke briefly upon accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Camp Creek community, and said that the southern Greene County community was thankful for all the support that was given during the aftermath of the storms. He noted that he had friends and neighbors who died during the tornadoes, and others that lost homes.

The proclamation given in remembrance of the tornado outbreak can be found below.

WHEREAS, on April 27, 2011, Greene County, Tennessee, endured one of the most
devastating severe weather events in our region’s history, as part of a historic tornado outbreak
that produced 62 tornadoes across East Tennessee and 106 statewide, resulting in widespread
destruction, loss of life, and long-lasting community impact; and

WHEREAS, the tornadoes that struck Greene County left a profound mark on our people-
destroying homes, farms, churches, and businesses; altering landscapes; and forever shaping
the memories of families who lived through that night; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that we pause to remember the events of April 2011, and to honor the lives of eight beloved members of our community that lost their lives in the storms, and we honor them by name: Bobby Gene Harrison, Jeffery Brian McGill, Shirley Sachie McKinney, Brenda Gail and Marty Joe Myers, Douglas Penley, Bessie Lynn Rice and J.L. Richesin; and

WHEREAS, in the immediate aftermath, the people of Greene County demonstrated
extraordinary courage, compassion, and resilience. Neighbors rescued neighbors, churches
opened their doors, first responders worked tirelessly, and volunteers from across Tennessee
and the nation came to our aid; and

WHEREAS, the strength of Greene County was revealed not only in our response, but in our
recovery. Over the past fifteen years, our community has rebuilt with determination, honoring
those we lost and supporting those whose lives were forever changed; and

WHEREAS, this anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the power of nature, the
importance of preparedness, and the enduring spirit of the people of Greene County; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I , Kevin C . Morrison, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of  Greene
County, Tennessee, along with the Twenty-One Greene County Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim April 27, 2026, as A Day of Remembrance and Resilience 15th Anniversary of the 2011 Tornadoes
in Greene County, Tennessee, and encourage all citizens to join in honoring the memory of
those affected, expressing gratitude for the helpers and heroes who served, always
remembering those we lost and reflecting on the unity that was born and continues to carry our
community forward.