Luther, the Legend
Among those participating in the recent unveiling of the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Tennessee Music Pathways marker was Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, pictured at right in this photo.
Commissioner Ezell is a member of the Ezell family of Nashville, the founding family of what is now Purity Dairy. His grandfather, who founded the dairy in 1925, communicated to his family that their real purpose in life was to honor God by serving others.
Mr. Ezell was the last member of the Ezell family to lead Purity Dairy. I was very impressed when the director of our local chamber of Commerce told me that he was the person who came up with the dairy industry’s “Got Milk?” campaign. That is the kind of mind Tennessee wants to promote our tourism!
The Ezell family recently donated artifacts from the company’s history to the Granville Farm-to-Table Museum.
Ray alongside a Purity milk delivery truck
As we looked at the Purity exhibit at the museum during the festival, I thought about my great uncle Luther, who was one of my paternal grandmother Mama Sue’s eight brothers. Uncle Luther worked at Purity Dairy.
After the marker was unveiled, I introduced myself to Mr. Ezell and mentioned that I had a great uncle who worked there. He asked what his name was. When I responded with Luther Head, Mr. Ezell’s face brightened and he said, “He was a legend!”
What a delight that was to me. Not only do I remember well my Uncle Luther, who passed away decades ago, but I also remember my grandmother talking about “Luther and Louise.” You know how some couples seem almost always to be an entity, and you rarely hear one mentioned without the other. To me Luther and Louise were such a pair. They even matched, both being short, very plump, and adorable. Aunt Louise was a crafter. I have a set of dolls she made out of dishwashing detergent bottles.
Here I go reminiscing again. I loved my childhood, and I love remembering it now. Like Commissioner Ezell, I am thankful for a family heritage of faith.
For He established a testimony in Jacob
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded our fathers
That they should teach them to their children,
That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,
That they may arise and tell them to their children,
That they should put their confidence in God
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments . . .
Psalm 78:5-7