Pryor honored with Bell Ringer

Wayne Pryor was presented the 2008 CHEER Mental Health Association Bell Ringer Award at the organization’s annual banquet Thursday night at Central Church of Christ.
Pryor was the 36th recipient of the award, which was established to recognize individuals for their leadership, interest and support of the mental health needs in Warren County and surrounding communities.
In presenting the award, C.N. Womack touted Pryor’s involvement and support of CHEER and local mental health issues.
‘Tonight’s recipient certainly meets each of these qualities,’ Womack said. ‘I have known him for many years and he’s a good friend of mine. I love him and I love his family. I am proud to present this award to Wayne Pryor.’
Pryor was born and reared in the Wayside Community. After high school he attended MTSU and served as a medic in the Navy. He and his wife, Sally, met at church and married in 1956. The couple has three children, Mark, Lesa and Mitch.
Pryor served as a Warren County Commissioner for 16 years. He has been a Boy Scout leader, served on the boards of the Senior Center, American Red Cross and The United Way. He worked as an environmentalist for the health department from 1957 to 1991.
Pryor said he is pleased, but surprised, to receive the award and is honored to be listed among those who have been chosen before him.
‘I was taken aback,’ Pryor said. ‘Every year there’s always someone added on there who has been recognized for their work with CHEER Mental Health, and it’s an impressive group, people who have done so much for the community. Even though I don’t feel that deserving, I really appreciate it and I’m glad to be among that number.’
CHEER board president Harry Dunn acted as emcee. Guest speakers included State Rep. Judd Matheny and Veterans Administration representative Emma Metcalf of the Murfreesboro VA center, who spoke and answered questions about the new VA clinic which is planned be opened here this year.
CHEER director Janie Stewart presented a number of other awards, including Kristi Slatton, Employee of the Year, Dr. Todd Webb, Mental Health Bell, Lawrence Griffin, special thanks, and Lou Shawna Scott, 10 Years.
Nelma Justin presented a special recognition from CHEER to the family of Mr. and Mrs. James Lloyd Eaton, whose son Don became ill at the age of 15 and passed away at 75 in May of this year.
‘CHEER isn’t here just because of Nelma Justin. CHEER is here because of people like Mr. J. Lloyd Eaton,’ Justin said. ‘He had the same need in his family that I had in mine. He had a wonderful, handsome, young 15-year-old son that had the same chemical imbalance in his system as my sister had in hers at 18. He and Mrs. Emma Sue would not give up. They wanted a better life for Don, just as I wanted a better life for Eva. These are people who have gone above and beyond to help and support CHEER, and we want to show our appreciation.’
Those present from the Eaton family included Jane Ann Eaton Pryor, Eloise Eaton, Anne Eaton, Jimmie Eaton, Sarah Eaton Kell and Shirly Eaton Bost. Jimmie Eaton accepted the award plaque for the Eaton family.