FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Communities filled with interesting people
Joyce Jones – Longtime For several years now, a weekly feature of the Tri County Leader has been the Friends and Neighbors spotlight. Each week, readers have the opportunity to get to know people in their communities a little bit better, and perhaps to be inspired by the ones who exemplify community service.

Briefly, here are “friends and neighbors” featured in 2006:

Tony Soderstrom – This native of Sweden operates East Texas Karate and TMS Fitness and has been around the world as a Merchant Marines sea captain.

Troup cafeteria worker loves her job and spending time with her friends.

Jim Linney – Retiree keeps busy with volunteer work, helping others.

Mona Osborn – Self-described late bloomer earns degrees, begins teaching career at age 37.

Dr. Rodney Wiseman – Whitehouse physician fulfills dream of being doctor, combines medicine with love of sports.

John Cox – Veteran newsman, former radio and sports

announcer, ‘the Old Irishman” briefly covers local sports for newspaper.

Doug Mullings – Troup pharmacist dispenses medicine and good advice

Denny Whitley -- A former citizen of the year, this Wildcat band director has a 13-year sweepstakes record with one of East Texas’ largest bands.

Gladys Fields – Troup’s “UT Lady” nourishes body and spirit for long and healthy life.

Father Dan Daugherty – Prince of Peace priest remembers moment of conversion. Ray Toole – Troup farmboy

becomes major player on international business scene, but stays true to his roots

Rev. Dennis Cable – Faith guides Oregon native through important decisions in life, leads him to Whitehouse Bible Wesleyan Church

Dianne Hamilton – Former Troup curriculum director saw the school through the “educational crisis” in the ‘80s and the beginning of the grant system.

Tom Carpenter – Back home after a life of success.

Gabriela Salinas – Mexican immigrant and Troup graduate pursues nursing degree, participates

in week-long Guatemalan mission of mercy

Mary Martin – WISD’s assistant to athletic director Randy McFarlin is indespensable.

Aida Lacy – Private daycare owner earns Teacher of the Year after joining forces with Troup’s afterschool program.

Eddie Ray – Former teacher fulfills variety of community service roles, including Keep Whitehouse Beautiful.

Cindy Marcoux – Vermont native adopts Troup as new home, enjoys job interacting with others

Hugh Hall and Franklin Altmeyer – Oakbrook residents and friends share love of gardening, similar life experiences.

Lula Washington – Helping others makes this Meals on Wheels volunteer happy, and an upbeat personality makes her a favorite with her Troup neighbors.

Susan Shivers -- Busy mom devotes time to community, including special causes YesterYear and Whitehouse Women’s Civic League.

Michael and Belinda Riddle - - Couple administrates Tyler Metro Church’s Stone Fort Camp and play key role in Troup Athletic Booster Club.

Shane Chambless -- Brookshire’s employee finds time for coaching youth sports.

Pam Jenkinson -- Small-town life suits this native of York, England, who says Troup has a “hard to beat personality.”

Ray Terry -- A member of the “greatest generation,” this World War II vet loves his country and his community.

D.L. Hicks -- The chief of the Cherokees in Texas answered his call to be a warrior through military service.

Dr. Janet Hurley -- Pennsylvania native scraps plans to study accounting and becomes a doctor, with a family practice at Trinity Clinic in Whitehouse.

Josh Tollett -- In the state where football is a religion, Troup senior has a passion for God and the gridiron.

Matt Hancock -- WHS students popular with peers and coworkers at Brookshire’s.

Mark and Sue Lawler -- Motorcycle enthusiasts and multiple business owners find time for personal causes.

Dewayne Brown -- The director of support ser vices for Troup ISD guided by a strong worth ethic.

Barbara Barton --This “jane of all trades” takes the long road to becoming a teacher, but finds strength in the journey.

Kay Graham -- Customers find this Medicine Shoppe employee’s smile has healing powers.

Cassie Schmidt -- Dance instructor touches the lives of many young girls.

June Gillis -- Despite life’s travels, there’s no place like home for this Troup graduate.

Richard Thompson -- The owner of Bubba’s Billiards brings an artist’s touch to the world of pool.

Doris Mathis -- The president of the Family and Friends group at Oakbrook Health Care Center makes a difference in the lives of the residents.

Mike Cline -- One man of God serves two churches.

Dave Terre -- The director of the East Texas Regional Fisheries lands his dream job.

Linda Griffin -- Wife of “the coach in the hat,” this children’s advocate shines in her own right.

Stanley and Ann Walker -- Whitehouse couple face life’s triumphs, difficulties together.

Dr. Brady P. Swinney -- Dentist’s roots run deep in East Texas and longtime Troup practice.

John Moore -- Former morning deejay serves as public information officer for Trinity Mother Frances.

Dale Riggs and Jake Shuttlesworth -- Troup duo join with third amigo to participate in Mexican road race.

Bobbie Bowie -- From the Stanton School to the Whitehouse Junior High office, she welcomes visitors and callers.

Bill Lacy -- A “home-grown” boy makes a difference with his job and community service.

Jim and Jordan Jackson -- Daughter shares dad’s interest in photography and faith.

Mary Anne Coney -- Longtime Tri County Leader employee prepares for retirement.

Christi, Ami and Brandi McLarty -- Triplets prepare for sweet 16 celebration.