The Greeneville Energy Authority board met Tuesday morning for their monthly meeting for the first time without board member Jim Emory. Emory passed away on July 8th at the age of 91. He served the Greeneville Community for decades and was on the GEA board for 33 consecutive years. A discussion to look for another board member was not discussed during the meeting.
Board member Willie Anderson started Tuesday morning with some words about Emory and a prayer. He said Emory was like former President Chuck Bowlin when it came to being a genuine person with a good heart. Anderson shared with the board that it was a difficult morning and an odd feeling when he looked at the corner of the table and didn’t see Bowlin or Emory seated. He added Bowlin and Emory were two people who had touched his soul; you don’t come around many like that in the world we live in today. The board meetings have not been the same since April after Bowlin’s passing.
Chairwoman Sarah Webster said Emory would be missed and that she appreciated his way of thinking, as well as the knowledge he brought to the board. She expressed that his years of experience was an asset to the board. Vice-chair Tim Teague said Emory was a pillar of this community. He told Radio Greeneville News that the board still needs time to process Emory’s death. The selection of a new board member will be discussed in a future meeting and is not the board’s biggest concern at the moment.
