Day to be devoted to Ashe

Wilson County's favorite son will be honored Monday by the people he served for more than 30 years, when the county turns out to celebrate "Terry Ashe Day."

Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President Sue Vanatta is a longtime friend of Ashe, and she is one of the people responsible for making Terry Ashe Day a reality.

"A bunch of his friends got together and decided we needed to do something for him," Vanatta said. "When I called the sheriff's department, they said they were thinking the same thing. Long story short, some of us got together to make Terry Ashe Day, so we set it for Oct. 29 and invited everyone to come out."

She expects attendees to include everyone from Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto and Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead, who will officially proclaim Terry Ashe Day, to people from every walk of life who know the 30-year veteran sheriff.

"It's a chance greet Terry and thank him for the work he's done, and proclamations will be presented to him," she said.

The event will be from 4:30-7 p.m. at the East-West Building of the Ag Center at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.

Vanatta said this won't be the last time she calls on Ashe.

"He's going to be the grand marshal at the Christmas Parade this year," she said. "I called him and told him I need a favor. He said he wouldn't be Santa again, but he was tickled to be the grand marshal."  

Hutto said we all owe a lot to Ashe.

"For more than 30 years Mr. Ashe has given Wilson County citizens his all. He has been totally devoted to serving the citizens of this county, giving of himself and his personal time for public service," Hutto said. "When he was sheriff his day didn't start at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. The least we can do is name a day in his honor for all the days he sacrificed for us."

Ashe announced his retirement in September to become the executive director of the Tennessee Sheriff's Association, which is headquartered in Lebanon. Elected for eight consecutive terms, Ashe is a popular figure in the county and his recently released autobiography has become a best seller. He remains the recognized face of Wilson County.

After the announcement that he would be stepping down, many in the city and county praised his service and called for a day to be set aside to honor him. Lebanon Councilor Rob Cesternino urged the council to recognize Ashe.

"I think as he is one of the longest serving sheriffs in the state, we should do something," Cesternino said at a recent council meeting.

He said Friday he would love to be there but will be out of town on Monday.

"I think it's an awesome day, and there's no one more deserving," Cesternino said.

Evidently, a lot of people agreed with that assessment.

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 45 or maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.