Sample Platinum Award Winning Nomination - William W. Davis (2006)

Nominated by: Mary Nell Farmer

WHY MY NOMINEE DESERVES TO WIN…

Accomplishments before 65 - 1986

Born August 23, 1921 in Charlotte, North Carolina; graduated L.S.U. in 1942 (AB Degree) and 1 year law school; served in Army Air Corps, World War II - pilot - rank, Captain; graduated U.T. Law School 1946, 1st in class and editor of law review, Order of Coif, Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa; 1946 - began practice of law with Egerton, McAfee and Armistead (now Egerton, McAffee, Armistead & Davis, P.C.); 1951 - Young Man of the Year - Junior Chamber of Commerce and President of the Knoxville Sertoma Club; 1961 - International President of Sertoma; 1985 - U.T. Development Council and Dabney Society; continues practice of law primarily in field of corporate, business and tax law - was President of his law firm from 1970 to 1990; served on Board of Directors of Home Federal Bank (42 years), Cole Drug Company, Revco Drug, Dick Broadcasting Company, The H.T. Hackney Co. and Cherokee Textile Mills; active in Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church as deacon, elder and Sunday School teacher; he and his wife Nell have been blessed with 63 years of marriage, 5 children, and 11 grandchildren.

How living life to its fullest now after 65 - 1986 to 2006

1. Health and Fitness - physical activity - As he approaches 85 years of age enjoys comparatively good health which he attributes to the grace of God plus an active lifestyle and regular exercise. Although lower back pain (spinal stenosis) forced cessation of weekly tennis matches with Herbert Slatery and others several years ago, still hits golf balls at the practice range and plays an occasional round of golf. Three days a week swims laps for 45 minutes and then works out for 15 minutes on weight machines at Bally Health Club. To counter love of ice cream and other goodies, spends 20 minutes after evening meals on basement treadmill. Then there is the lawn mower and other yard work programmed by Nell - an avid gardener.

2. Artistic Endeavors - For several years as he has put off retirement from law practice, he has also delayed pursuit of a love for painting. As a youth he painted pictures in both charcoal and pastel (one is on the wall of law office). Finally, is actually arranging for private painting lessons, exclaiming: "If Grandma Moses could do it - why not!!"

3. Academic and Intellectual Pursuits - The practice of tax and corporate law for the past 60 years (19 of which were after age 65) requires continuous legal education, both from reading current periodic publications and by attendance at professional seminars such as the New York University Annual Tax Course.

   Many years teaching adults in the Chapel Sunday School Class of Sequoyah Hills Church required substantial bible study - much of it occurring after reaching 65 in 1986. Likewise just a few years ago, completed 50 hours training course in Sequoyah Hills Church's Stephens Ministry program, which equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in the Sequoyah Hills congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

4. Community Involvement and Volunteering (all after attaining 65 in 1986)

   Hillcrest-Beverly Park Nursing Foundation. In 2005 incorporated and qualified as an exempt organization to provide a fundraising vehicle for Hillcrest Nursing Corporation. He serves as a director.

   Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation. In 1996 incorporated and qualified it as an exempt IRS organization to operate the Tennessee Theatre which has friend and client, James Dick, donated the Foundation. He became an officer and director of the Foundation and continues as such today. He worked closely with Bruce Hartmann and others in the Theatre's recent renovation and in obtaining $7,000,000 in historic tax credits as part of the $30,000,000 raised.

   Bijou Theatre Foundation. Has been actively involved with Rajah Jubran, Chris Kinney and others in the renovation of the Bijou and its reopening on June 2, 2006. He currently serves as an officer an director of the exempt foundation.

   Park 40 Club, Inc. Serves on the board of directors of this exempt organization that provides a building for the meeting place of numerous groups of Alcoholic's Anonymous.

   Joy of Music School Corporation. In 2000 incorporated and qualified it as a tax exempt foundation to carry out James Dick's dream of a school to provide free music lessons and instruments for underprivileged children. He continues to serve as officer and director and participated in the acquisition and remodeling of a building for the school. He currently is working on refinancing the school's bank mortgage loan and its overall financial operation.

   Philadelphia Prison Ministry, Inc. Has served many years and still serves as a Director of this exempt foundation organized to minister to prisoners in East Tennessee's two prisons and to operate a half-way house for parolees. He is actively engaged in assisting with the finances of the ministry and obtaining grants and contributions. He frequently accompanies the ministry team on their weekly ministry and music sessions at Bledsoe Prison (near Crossville).

   Stevens Ministry Program of Sequoyah Church (referred to above). Continues this "Care Giving" ministry by meeting every week with his current "care receiver" and will continue as long as needed. Remains an active and supporting member of his Church.

He says that the love of God and his family and caring about and helping others makes life worthwhile and enables him to live life to the fullest today, treasuring every moment with humility and gratitude.