Community activist M.D. Overton dies at 76
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Moving to McMinnville with his family in 1965, Overton became affiliated with the Early and Daniel Feed Company and shortly afterwards built one of the first automated poultry facilities located in the Rock Island community. In addition to being a leader in poultry production, he was also a leader in the pork industry and was a partner in the largest pork production facility in the state. He was also owner/operator of Valley Feeds, a business he established from the purchase of a small feed manufacturing facility which he expanded to include seed and fertilizer sales.
He was also known for working in the farming industry in Knoxville with John Deere Tractor Company and the Ralston Purina Company.
Along with his business endeavors, Overton was active in community service and was a director of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of Noon Rotary and vice president of Caney Fork & Western Railroad. He was honored as the first recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Chamber.
Overton was active in his church, serving as church treasurer with Central Baptist Church in Bearden. He was ordained as a deacon in 1963. After moving to McMinnville, he became a deacon with First Baptist Church and was elected to serve as church treasurer and trustee.
He was one of the key developers of Eastside Baptist Church in Warren County and in 2001 was honored as Deacon Emeritus by his fellow deacons at First Baptist Church.
His impact also extended beyond Warren County as he led numerous mission work trips to churches in South Dakota and other states.