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Memphis Central High School
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Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who supported the Central Baseball team with donations this year.
The team had a good year with a 17 and 5 record. We lost to Houston High School in the regionals.
Attached is a picture of my son Jerry pitching at Auto Zone Park against Indian Springs High School in Alabama.
Again thanks to everyone.
Jerry Tatum (1976) |
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Another teacher from Central during our time there has passed away... Charles O. Barrett Sr. 82 of Memphis, affectionately known by some as "Big Daddy" and a profile of courage by friends and family. Charles was a retired Master Sergant and retired ROTC instructor for the Memphis Board of Education passed away Peacefully on April 30, 2009 at Memphis Veterans Medical Center. Mr. Barrett began his teaching Career in 1968 at Carver High, Central, White Staion and retired from Overton High school in 1991. He was a Korean War Veteran and served his country in the Army for 21 years. He was an active member of Greater Middle Baptist Church for over 39 years under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin L. Hook where he was a Sunday School Teacher President of City,State and Local Usher Board, a Trustee and Deacon. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his homegoing; six sons; Jerome Barrett, Charles Barrett, Edward Barrett, Michael Barrett, Currie Barrett, Tarus Bounds; three daughters; Phyllis Barrett-Johnson, Gwendolyn Barrett-Lewis, and Candace Barrett; one sister, Bernice Barrett-Booth. He also leaves 27 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Arrangements entrusted to R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 374 Vance Avenue, Memphis. The family will recieve friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, at R.S. Lewis Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at Greater Middle Baptist Church 4982 Road, at 12 Noon, Friday May 8, 2009 with Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks officiating. Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. (From the Commercial Appeal, May 6, 2009).
Peggie Murphree Holley (1976) |
Rise Ramsey Maxwell (1977)
Memphis - May 06, 2009
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Here's Jack Miller with Mr. Chulos from the reunion, with Jack's original evaluation.
Note the score -- I sure hope he's gotten better at driving in a straight line!
April 15, 2009 |
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Dear Alumni of Central High School
My name is Coach Gaston and I am the new football coach at Central High School. In my new role I want to bring that Warrior pride back to our football program. By doing this I am asking Central Alumni to become active participants and to be more involved in our program.
Click here to see the donation letter
to help our team acquire the necessary resources to start the journey of bringing the pride back to the Warrior name.
I am asking if you would pledge a donation to our program as well as forward the attached letter to your fellow Warrior classmates. Thank you for your support and help in rebuilding the Central High School Warrior football program.
Coach Rod Gaston |
-- This was posted by Danny Wahlquist (CHS 74) on the Facebook group page for "Memphis Central High Alumni of the 1970's".
Larry Holder (1977)
lholder at utm dot edu
Martin - March 20, 2009
 Dan, Laura, Ron Lessard |
My house caught fire back on the 18th. It burned up my bedroom and bathroom pretty good. I lost most of my clothes and all my tv's and dvd's. Since no one would give me insurance because the house was too old I guess I'm kinda screwed at the moment. I do have an apartment now at the Gilmore. I'll be there while I figure out what to do with the house. At Least I still got a job for a little while longer.
Ron Lessard (1976) |
| For anyone on Facebook now, there's a group "Memphis Central High Alumni of the 1970's". It will be a good place to share stuff (upload photos, send messages, etc) in addition to info shared here. I'll try to copy any important stuff over to here for those not on Facebook yet. Go Warriors!!!
Larry Holder (1977) |
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I just now saw the post about Mrs. Long. I went to school with her son Carl for years. She was a great teacher! I loved her English and Writing classes at Central. It's where I was inspried to major in journalism at Memphis State. If Carl sees this post I am so sorry about the loss of your mother! God Bless, Laura
Laura "Morris" Truitt (1978) |
| I voted! And watched. Alexis was great. The judges really seemed to like her.
Brucie Wells (1977) |
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| UPDATE: The Commercial Appeal today has a front-page feature of Andrea (Gentry) Perry's daughter (and Paul Gentry's niece),
who is still in the running for American Idol. The article can be found online here:
(click here).
(Or today, just go to commercialappeal.com and the story starts on the front page).
The article includes this: "And now Grace joins the 36 contestants entering the call-in voting portion of the popular talent search on Fox. On Tuesday night (Feb 17), she'll be among the first dozen performers to face the public." So, if you're watching and are able to
call in a vote, here's your chance to support her quest and spread the word. If anyone else has bragging rights, send them in, or post them here in the Guestbook. Thanks, Andrea, for letting us know about Alexis.
Go Warriors!
Larry Holder (1977) |
 Alexis Grace (Middleton) | My daughter, Alexis Middleton auditioned for American Idol last Summer and did very well.
She made it to the next round in Hollywood and has gotten a lot of positive feedback via internet, local news and national news.
If there is a distribution list, I would like to send out a little something to everyone (who’s interested) to watch for her when Hollywood Week comes on. If there’s a newsletter that goes out, I think it would make a great personal interest section. We could add other things about all of our (and our children’s) accomplishments.
Andrea (Gentry) Perry (1977) |
| Martha Lucille (Whitehead) Long, age 75, of Memphis,
formerly of West Helena, Arkansas, died at her residence
on Wednesday, January 28. She was a teacher in the Memphis City Schools for 31 years, the last 17 years she taught honors English and Journalism at Central High School. She was the faculty advisor for numerous award-winning publications, including yearbooks, literary magazines and was the advisor for 15 years of the Central High "Warrior" newspaper, which consistently won top honors in state and national competitions. After retiring, she taught English at Memphis State University for 4 years. She was a Realtor with Crye-Leike Realtors since 1990. She graduated as valedictorian from Central High School in Helena, Arkansas in 1951. She received her BA degree in Journalism, from the University of Arkansas, at Fayetteville in 1956, where she was a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, journalism honor society, as well as Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She received her MA in English and Education from Memphis State University in 1960, and her EdD in English Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1971. Having an avid interest in historical homes, she and her family lived for 25 years in the historical Vance-Norfleet home on S. Belvedere. In 1983 she and her family bought and restored the historical Abraham Lowenstein home on N. Waldran, making it into a bed and breakfast, and offering it for weddings and receptions. She leaves three sons: Eddie, Carl, and Walter, all of Memphis, and two grandchildren, Dominey Long and Will Long. Visitation will be Saturday from 10-12 at Roller Family Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. at Crittenden Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion Arkansas. The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital for Children. Roller Family Funeral Home 901-371-9500 January 25, 1934 - January 28, 2009 |
| Hello Warriors, I went to see Clint Eastwood's new movie in Bartlett Sunday.
After paying the young girl through the window slot I thought, that was cheap? I looked at my receipt,
with my glasses, and she had given me the "Senior discount". It was a big blow. The movie was good! Chris M
Chris McGoldrick (1977) |
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| This is a sad note. Just wanted to let you all know of another fallen Warriors. Alberta Cathey (76).
This was in the Memphis Commerical Appeal on January 16. She died January 14.
M.J. Edwards Airways, 901-327-9360. The Funeral is today January 19 at 11:00.
Sorry I did not let you know earlier but I was out of town until Sunday the 18th.
Peggie Murphree Holley (1976) |
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Here are photos of Lillie Chin's and William Chin's families from Christmas break.
Jeannie Russell (1976) |
| Leigh and I ran into David Mah at The Cove on Broad just after the New Year began!
He is teaching art at Idlewild Elementary School. Great to see him.
Jeannie Russell (1976) |
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Larry Holder (1977)
lholder at utm dot edu
Martin - January 09, 2009
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Thanks to the website,
I discovered LaMargera Rivers was also in the Boston area, contacted her, and as you can see, we had a reunion downtown!
Happy new year!
Magda Jabbour McCormick (1977) |
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Dear fellow Centralites, Dec 27 update: Lillie was planning to be here after Christmas; she will be here on Dec. 29th. The get-together that Edward is having is limited to family and close friends, which is about 50-60 people, already. So, if anyone wants to see Lillie or William (Frank is unable to make it), you'll have to contact them. I have their home phone numbers. I will also see them and get contact information for all of them. Thank all of you who expressed an interest in seeing them. Maybe, after the get-together they will be able to meet up with others. I'll let you know as I find out myself.
I heard from Lillie Chin, recently, and the entire family is planning to be here in Memphis at Edward Chin's house, after Christmas. I have Edward's phone number and plan to contact him after Christmas to see exactly when everyone is coming. It would be great if we could all get together and give them a "welcome home". Some of you probably heard from Lillie, also. If anyone is interested in contacting them after they get to Memphis, let me know. Otherwise, the directory has their phone numbers, where they are now. Hope we can get together. I can't wait to see them all. Lillie has twin 13 year-old girls and an 11 year old son...
Jeannie Russell (1976) |
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Thanks to all who came to the 50-year birthday get-together at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis on December 13. Thanks to Paul Gentry for bringing the cake! We had about 18 including guests. Warriors included: from 1977: Chris McGoldrick, Paul Gentry, Larry Holder, Rise Ramsey. From 1976: Jeannie Russell, Rachel Scott, Dan Fitzgerald, Vasilios Semos, Carla Smith, and Luther Bradfute. To all, HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY!
Larry Holder (1977) |  |
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I turn 50 December 10! Thanks for the party. Thank you also for all the work that went into the reunion, website, etc. Even though I haven't responded before now (I really prefer not to have my senior picture displayed any more than necessary.) I have enjoyed the times I have been able to check and see what everyone has been up to. Rachel Scott Woodall (1976) |
Paul C. Hyrka, 49, of Knoxville, passed away suddenly Monday, November 17, 2008 while playing basketball. He was a loving husband and devoted father who was very proud of each of his four beautiful children. Born and raised in Memphis, Paul was a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Memphis and a graduate of Memphis Catholic High School. He was an avid sports fan who cheered for the Vols and loved the Memphis Tigers. He also loved all things Memphis - blues, barbeque, and Beale Street. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Hyrka and brothers, Michael and Andrew. His survivors include his wife, Claire; children, Matthew, Joseph, Ellen, and Laura; his mother Victoria; brothers, Peter, Joseph, and Nick; sisters, Vicki, Stephanie, and Teresa. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Rites of Christian Burial in Calvary Cemetery. www.rosemortuary.com
Phillip Webster (1977)
pwpwebster at gmail dot com
Memphis - November 23, 2008
Larry Holder (1977)
lholder at utm dot edu
Martin - November 14, 2008
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Thanx to all that attended. What fun...finding memories...God we r 50.....sheeeeez.......I really enjoyed the opportunity 2 MC. Last, let me say, the gurls aged better than the men.
W W w A r r I I..I O R S.... W A R R I O R S.... Gooooooooo Warriors. luv 2 my hi skool frienzz
Phillip Webster (1977) |
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It has been almost 3 weeks since the reunion and Larry deserves a huge thanks for keeping that most memorable evening alive through this website. Thanks to all who sent pictures also. I had a wonderful time and have been homesick for my fellow warriors/friends in Memphis since returning to Indiana. It was great seeing everyone. Reunion Committee you did a fantastic job.
Melinda Adams Kintzele (1976) |
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Thanks to everyone who's sent in photos! So far, Paul Gentry, KC (Kathy) Skinner, Rey Gonzalez, and
Jeannie Russell have sent in
photos from the game, Tsunami, lunch, and evening
for the photos page (Jeannie sent the one shown here).
There's still room to add yours! I also need help tagging some of the photos, so check 'em out and
send in any missing names or corrections. Also, photos or scans of your CHS memorabalia are also welcome.
Thanks again!
Larry Holder (1977) |
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I got an email from Magda Jabbour regarding
me sending a picture. My schedule has been insane and I am still a
bit overwhelmed with my schedule and now, I am applying for a
promotion as well. Sorry I missed the reunion. Hopefully, my life will
calm down and I will be able to go to these events soon.
Much Love, |
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I attended the celebration for the class reunion and I had a great time at the picnic at the school (the barbeque was great), the gala at Holiday Inn was wonderful. There was plenty of good food and I was glad to see all the 3 classes of old classmates. Everyone had a good time dancing, taking pictures
and I cannot wait to get the Class Group Photograph that everyone took as I did order one. I also signed the Poster and I am so proud that I attended Central High School as was in the Class of 1977.
It was very good seeing Coach Adams, Coach Cate, and driver's education instructor, Mr. Chulos. I hope we have another reunion in the next 5 years, not 30 years. I did spot myself on 1 phtograph at the gala sitting at the dinner table with fellow classmates, Vanessa Townsend, Norma Robinson, and danced with Leon Smith. It was a great evening and I am still looking in my directory at all the classmates to keep in touch with everyone. Great Job, Larry Holder and all the other committee members.
Catherine L. Jackson (1977) |
| Here's a flashback! Found this buried in a box in storage. I believe it was from Young Life.
Left to right: Jon Wells, Joe Wallace, Jack Miller, Jim Welsh.
Jon Wells (1976) |
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 Front: Laura Rowe, Melinda Adams Back: Jeannie Russell, Sherry Wentworth, Jenny Patterson, Marion Goode |
"WOW" seems to be the word for the weekend! Wish I could have been there for more of the events, but Saturday night was unbelievable! It was so good to see people that I hadn't seen in 32 years and to even meet people that I never knew @ Central. I feel the same as Brucie does about not getting to talk to enough people and not long enough to those that I did talk to. Thank you, Larry for such hard work and long hours and it seems to be ongoing........! Thanks to the band --- ya'll were GREAT!! We have to get together, again, soon. Fall is my favorite time of the year --- anyone willing to have a hayride/barn party, somewhere???? My daughter is getting MARRIED on Oct. 25, but after that, I'm game for doing something. Jimmy, I can't believe that Deanna and I sat at the same table months ago, and now I find out that she's your wife---it is a small world.
Jeannie Russell Craig (1976) |
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WOW! What a great weekend! I had so-o-o much fun!! I'm sure we all wish it had been longer...I think we could have danced all night! A big thank you to everyone who helped with anything... even if you just "found" a lost warrior.
I am looking forward to staying in touch in the future...
why don't we do something every couple of years that doesn't require as much work?
Sherry Wentworth Anders (1976) |
 Sherry (on right) and others at lunch |
 Lou Bradfute, Carla Hughes, Jon Wells, Waterman Kirby |
Wow! That was an amazing weekend! Thanks to everyone for pulling this all together.
I was sorry to see it end. And a special thanks to the committee for letting the band
have it's own reunion, I can't think of a better place to have had it. I had forgotten how
many great friends I had and have lost touch with over the years but the reunion brought it all
back. Again my thanks to all. If you ever come to Vegas look me up.
Jon Wells (1976) jonathanwells1 at mac dot com |
Dale McKay (1976)
netgurus at nycap dot rr dot com
Watervliet NY - October 15, 2008
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It was great seeing everyone at the game and Bonzo you havn't changed at all and it was great catching up with you. Thanks for everyone who contributed to the Warrior baseball team and remember we still have a long way to go to reach our goal to take the kids to Cocoa Beach to play teams around the country. So please if you can help please send
any donation to Warrior Bullpen, 1729 Tutwiler, Memphis, TN 38107. Again it was great seeing all the
ones I did and I'm sorry on all the ones I didn't get to see. Take care Warriors.
Jerry Tatum (1976) |
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It was a blast and somewhat surreal seeing everyone again. I feel like I didn't talk to enough people. Let's do this more often. If anyone is ever coming through the Kansas City area please be sure to give me a ring. I would love to show you around. Thanks again for everyone who pulled this together. Brucie
Brucie Wells (1977) |
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What a great time!!!!! It was so great to see old friends and to truly
reconnect with some of you. Larry, Chris, Paul and the whole committee, THANK YOU!!!
Your efforts gave me this opportunity.
I PROMISE it won't be 30 years until I see some of you again.
Dale McKay (1976) |
 Dale with Coach Adams and Jack Miller, cafeteria at CHS |
 Chris with Mr. Chulos, lunch at CHS |
What a fun time! Sure hope we can stay it touch. Thanks to the gang that stayed so long in the lobby and that had breakfast. Thanks to everyone that signed my shirt. Thanks to all that helped with Larry's plaque. I know it touched him and I think without his efforts things might not have been so grand. Thanks Larry!
I have one regret now in High school I didn't hang out with Bonzo enough. I think there is a chair
missing from 833! Thanks again everyone. Let's do it again. What a Fun time!! Can't wait to see the Pictures!
WOW!
Chris McGoldrick (1977) |
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I'm so sorry I had to miss the reunion. I love reading the comments from everyone and can't wait to see the pictures! I'm living in Chattanooga with my husband of 24 years, John, and our 3 children, Courtney 20, and twins John and Barton 18. My brother John (yes there are a lot of Johns in my life!) has sent me a couple of pictures and kept me up to date on the weekend. It's a blast going down memory lane. I look forward to catching up with my classmates. I love the convenience of email!
Debbie Gill Berg (1978) |
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To all of the organizers: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I had a wonderful time, laughing,
sharing moments of past and present and of course music and dancing. It was a blessing and a gift
to be together again and I will cherish the memory forever.
Love to all,
Jane R. McCormick McHann (1978) |
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Hello everyone. I didn't attend any of the formal events for the reunions, but got a chance to see and catch up with some old friends/classmates. It was wonderful to see 30 years of progress from such an outstanding group as the class of 1978. I currently live in Memphis and work as an Information Architect for Hilton Hotels, Inc. In other words, I'm an internet specialist.
Teresa Draper (1978) |
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I agree with Paul - WOW! Or like they used to say on the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together!" Words can't fully express my appreciation not only to Chris, Paul, Bonzo, and everyone else on the planning team,
but also to every single one of you who helped spread the word and joined in sharing this 30-year reunion.
Luther, Jon, and bandmates, you totally Rocked!!! Brucie, it was a stroke of genious for you to get them back together.
Bonzo, you get an A++ for emcee'ing. What more can I say? To all, from my heart to yours, love and peace always for the next 30 years! Photos to come! We'll figure out a way to collect photos from everyone, but in the meantime, feel free to email me your favorites to post. God bless all. Go Warriors!!!
Larry Holder (1977) |
 Jody and Tim Webster, Larry Holder, Teresa and Paul Gentry, Phillip Waldrup, Andrea Gentry Perry |
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I've got one word for our reunion. WOW!!!! Loved the time at the football game and Tsunami afterwards.
The lunch and tour were great blasts from the past. The highlight was the dinner Saturday and seeing
everybody and hearing the band as they had a 30 year reunion of their own.
Thanks to everybody for participating and making this a wonderful memory.
Paul Gentry (1977) |
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Just wanted to post a comment about the reunion. I had a wonderful time. There were so many people that
showed up that I was amazed. It's weird how people can just come up to you and say hello and know who you
are and you don't know who they are unless you read their name tags. But once you do that you feel like
you remeber everything, NOT!! I must bed getting old. But I do want to thank all the committee that did
put this together. The group picture that was taken won't be ready for 3 weeks, so maybe someone can scan
it and put it on this website. Thanks again.
Debbie Hendrick Cornelius (1977) |
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visits since Sept 25, 2008
Guestbook/scripts by or based on those created by
Matt Wright.
Central High yearbook photos used with the generous permission of Jimmy Alford Studios, Memphis.
Prior clearance of all other photos are the responsibility of the sender.
Any disputed photos will be properly credited, or removed, by request of the owner.
