Couple marks 50th year

Mary Helen Neal and B.F. Daniel began their life together following a small wedding ceremony taking place May 9, 1953 at Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their marriage occurred three weeks after Daniel, then 22, returned from two years of service in the Korean War as an Army Sergeant. He was a resident of Woodbury.

The Rev. Paul McReynolds, the bride’s future brother-in-law, joined the couple in matrimony. Maid of honor was Ruth Neal, the bride’s sister, and Wayne Newby of Woodbury served as best man.

Baskets of wildflowers were used as the room d?cor.

The 20-year-old bride wore a two-pieced, periwinkle blue suit with a white hat and gloves. She carried a white orchid on a white Bible. A white carnation boutonniere was pinned to the bridegroom’s suit lapel.

Ruby Davenport (Newby), friend of the bride, was also in attendance. Rayford Davis was the photographer.

The newlyweds traveled to Detroit, Mich., for their honeymoon.

Daniel is a retired sewing machine mechanic and worked most recently at Findlay in McMinnville. In addition, he was employed at Levi’s, Formfit Rogers and Colonial Industries in Manchester.

Mrs. Daniel retired from B & P Lamp Supply as a glass decorator. She also worked for many years at Formfit Rogers.

The couple has three daughters and son-in-laws, Janice and Mack Willhite of Sparta, Lesa and Mike Medley of Knoxville and Leslie and Kiliaen Ludlow of Milton, Mass. They have six grandchildren; Danielle, Janielle and Coady Willhite; Daniel and Zachary Medley; and Grayce Ludlow.

The anniversary celebrants still resides in McMinnville and enjoy gardening and playing with their grandchildren.