Cooleemee’s annual Fourth of July parade had record attendance this year despite the very high temperatures and humidity.
Spectators lined the sidewalks, beginning at the shade line, while some brave souls stood in the direct sunlight. Honestly, I don’t know how they withstood such heat.
As we know, however, the parades in Cooleemee don’t last very long—just ten minutes this year.
As soon as the parade ended, everyone headed to the Zachary House for grilled hot dogs, water, watermelon, freeze pops, an 18-foot water slide, and a smaller slide for the younger children.
Benita Finney sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and everyone joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Honoring Grand Marshal David “Dude” Jordan
This year’s Grand Marshal was David “Dude” Jordan.
Jordan has remained an active member of the Civitan Club since its founding 33 years ago. He has served as president for many years, helped build wheelchair ramps for community residents, and participated in the club’s efforts to provide free books to elementary school students.
The Civitan Club supports children’s homes, Victory Junction, and a center for children with disabilities in Rosewater, Alabama. Members also have the opportunity to use the Civitan building on U.S. 601 in Cooleemee free of charge for personal events such as parties and family reunions.
How “Dude” Got His Name
David received the nickname “Dude” from his cousin Kenny, who couldn’t pronounce “David.” He has carried that nickname throughout his life.
Calling Dude an all-around good guy is certainly true, but he’s much more than that. He was a strong leader of the Royal Ambassadors (RAs) at First Baptist Church, where he remains a faithful member.
Family and Career
He married the beautiful Linda Chappell Jordan, who was beautiful both inside and out. The couple had three sons: Mark, Ronnie, and Carl.
His parents were the late Loman and Blanche Jordan. The family included two sons, Johnny and Joe, and two daughters, Joyce and the late Kathy Jordan.
At the age of 19, Jordan married Linda in South Carolina. Their wedding witnesses were Bob and Dreama Spillman, and when the Spillmans were married, the Jordans served as witnesses for them.
Jordan worked at the mill for six years before accepting a position at Cellanese, where he retired after 33 years of service.
A Lifetime of Memories in Cooleemee
Jordan was a member of the first freshman class at Davie High School. He played Little League, Pony League, and American Legion baseball in Davie County. Over the years, he has also spent countless hours enjoying the game of golf.
His first car was a black 1955 Ford convertible, and his favorite Christmas gift was a Gene Autry guitar. He treasures memories of spending time with friends at the Recreation Center and admits to getting into trouble more than once by sneaking off to the Bull Hole.
A True Cooleemee Original
Dude is a true Cooleemee original. He is one of the many residents who found new employment after the mill closed, allowing him to continue living in his mill house. His story represents the resilience of so many men who grew up in Cooleemee—a true good ol’ boy.
Today, Jordan enjoys spending time with his two grandchildren, Danielle and Dustin, and his great-grandson, Elijah.
Feel free to contact me atwww.cooleemeenews@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
The last name Parker is easily recognized in Davie County in particular because of the well-known coach, teacher, ball player and mentor, the late Grimes “Bimmie” Parker. Now it’s time we got to know about the other half, Grimes’ wife, Fran Parker.
A Florida Girl
Fran started her new role as a Cooleemite when she was 19, but grew up in Clearwater, Florida, with her mother, Doris Logan, father, Charley Logan, and her sister, Sarah McDaniel.
Cooleemee, being such a small town, with less than one thousand residents, makes us wonder how anyone from another state finds Cooleemee as their home. Usually they say on the internet, but Fran’s story is much different.
Fran’s father was originally from Alabama, and she claimed he was so nice and smart. She and her sister got one spanking from him. After Sarah threw her father’s keys away and wouldn’t say where, younger sister Fran tried to save her from trouble by slipping off her brand-new shoes and letting water run over them in the sink. Well, her father wasn’t at all happy with her decision, so both got a slight spanking.
Fran took after her mother, who was feisty, an extrovert, and very friendly, but her father was an introvert. When her parents got married, they eloped.
Fran had accumulated the necessary credits during her senior year and obtained a part-time job at the local courthouse due to her studies in business. That clerk’s office position turned full-time when she graduated.
The Grimes Parker family: (L to R) Lauren Brooks, Cameron Brooks, Parker Brooks, Greg Brooks, Blakely Brooks, Fran Parker, Alicia Johnson, Bodie Parker, Steven Parker, Dana Parker, Brooks Johnson with Catherine, Owen Parker, Crosby Parker. Not pictured are Drue Parker and Somer Johnson
Love at First Sight
John Parker, Grimes’ brother, signed with the Phillies. Since the Phillies trained in Clearwater, Fran had a chance to meet him. They were dating and flew to Cooleemee, NC, to meet his parents, and Fran dragged her sister Sarah along.
When they entered the house, that was the first time Grimes and Fran met.
“I can’t explain it. When Grimes and I laid eyes on each other, I thought, ‘What am I doing?’ I just couldn’t stop looking at him; it was like something was between us; I don’t know what it was.”
Grimes’ father ordered from U-Stop-In-Grill and told “Bimmie” to go and get the food. He asked Fran if she wanted to go.
“If John Doesn’t Marry You, I Will”
Grimes talked a lot on the short drive there and, in a joking way, said to Fran, “I’m going to tell you one thing, you know what, girl, if John doesn’t marry you, I will.”
After John was assigned to Wytheville, VA, she and John fizzled out.
When Grimes found that out, he wanted Fran to come up to see him, and she did. Since Sarah and she were going to West Virginia to see a friend, they stopped by NC on the way home.
Grimes went to Florida to see Fran and took his good buddy, Donnie Everhardt, with him.
A Ballpark Proposal
Fran took three days off work, and on the third day, Grimes was headed back home. Grimes pulled into a ballpark and said, “I can’t leave without you. You’re just going to have to go with me.”
Fran, of course, didn’t want him to go back either.
“Will you marry me?” he said, and Fran said, “I sure will.”
Grimes stayed in the car while Fran went in and told her parents they were going to elope.
Her dad tried to talk her out of leaving, but Fran reminded him that he and her mother did the same thing.
“I know this is right for me; I know it is.”
He said, “OK.”
After getting her birth certificate and a few clothes, they left. What a surprise in Gaffney, SC, when they learned they had to wait 24 hours after getting the license to marry.
What do you do when you don’t have any money to stay somewhere, and you don’t want to go home?
A rest area was a perfect place to eat KFC, then they slept in the car, all three of them, Fran with her future husband and his best friend.
At 9:00 the next morning, they were married.
Grimes called his dad, and he said, “I told you, Daddy, I was going to marry that girl; I told you.”
Fran stands behind her love story: “It was love at first sight.”
Cooleemee Mayor Jeff Smith and Fran Parker
Making Cooleemee Home
Cooleemee looked different from Florida. Fran lived with Grimes’ parents while he was at Appalachian all week and came home on weekends.
Grimes told her that people at the shopping center said she was kind of stuck up.
She said she didn’t know anybody.
He encouraged her to speak to everyone, and she did.
Building a Family
After Grimes graduated, Fran worked really hard to find him a job. She had three good ones, one of which had a good salary, and the house would be provided.
Grimes was very leery about having to go and do interviews with all of them, and out of the blue that night, the Principal at Cooleemee Elementary School, Mr. V.G. Prim, called. Joan King was going out on maternity leave, and he needed a replacement.
“I’ll take it,” Grimes told him.
Grimes walked to his house that night, signed the paperwork, and that was that.
Being pregnant with Alicia, Fran got a job at Erwin Mills in Cooleemee. She worked second shift in the lab, and not long after that, the mill closed.
Fran said, “I had a house that was furnished, a baby and a husband all in the same week.”
Money was tight, and with her determination, she got a job at the bank in Mocksville. She got pregnant with her son Steven after about two years, and she couldn’t stay on her feet but for so long. Part-time put her to work on Mondays and Fridays, the worst two days of the week.
The house Fran lives in now is where they moved to for a better home and larger space.
The children were dragged to every ball game because Fran wanted to see Grimes and she liked the sports.
Steven turned five years old and was ready for kindergarten, but he was so attached to his mother that he wouldn’t stay with anyone.
“You can beat me to death, Daddy, but I’m not going to stay with anybody but Mama.”
But then came along Lisa Osborne, and she went to Fran’s house to keep Steven, and the ease of separation worked. He was ready for kindergarten.
A Career and a Calling
Fran worked at Ingersoll Rand for about 8½ years. Forgetting she had applied to the school system, she got a call for an interview for the finance department.
Even though she loved her job at Ingersoll, she decided the hours would be ideal for her son who wanted to be involved in sports.
She worked for four superintendents, five finance officers, and then she retired for a total of 25 years.
Life After Retirement
Finally, after Grimes had been retired for about six years, Fran was now retired, and they could be together again.
“We had the best time together.”
Fran reflects on what her mother taught her.
“You need to work hard; when you find someone, you need to love hard, and all this time you need to be kind.”
Keeping Grimes’ Legacy Alive
Oddly enough, Fran was told by her aunt while standing at her father’s casket that her father was a very good basketball player and he loved it. Fran never knew that.
Basketball is in Fran’s blood and she plays an important role in the Grimes Parker Basketball Camp each year. There are specific roles that are consistently filled with the same volunteers each year. This is a great relief to Fran.
Fran handles all the financing, donations, and sending emails to remind parents about the camp. Being present at the camp is a constant reminder of Grimes not being there. It’s only been two years since his passing, so being in the same home where all the memories are is where she wants to be.
Fran is always thinking of ways to make the camp better, and her main concern is for the campers to learn good basketball skills, to have fun, and to keep the fee low so any child who wants to attend can come. Scholarships are also available. She hopes to get new Nike shoes for the campers again.
A Heart for Cooleemee
Fran is one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. She has a big heart, is very sincere, and is definitely making a huge difference in the lives of those kids who come each year to the camp.
Fran is a true master of Cooleemee, and we are so happy we can call her our neighbor.
The Town of Cooleemee recently recognized Town Attorney Wendy Terry for her six years of dedicated service to the community as she prepares to begin a new chapter as a District Court Judge.
During the June 8 Town Board meeting, Mayor Jeff Smith and the Town Board members honored Terry and expressed their appreciation for the guidance, professionalism, and friendship she has provided throughout her tenure with the town.
“While we are saddened to see Wendy leave her role as town attorney, we are excited for her as she takes this well-deserved next step in her career,” said Smith. “Our loss is truly the public’s gain.”
Over the past six years, Terry has served as a trusted legal advisor and valued partner to the Town of Cooleemee. Her commitment to the town extended beyond her professional responsibilities, as she frequently shared her love for the community and its people.
The Town of Cooleemee extends its sincere gratitude to Terry for her years of service and wishes her continued success as she begins her new role on the bench.
Congratulations, Judge Terry, and thank you for all you have done for Cooleemee.
The Town of Cooleemee mourns the passing of former Mayor Lynn Rumley, who passed away on February 11, 2026.
Lynn served as Mayor of Cooleemee from 2010 to 2015, providing thoughtful leadership and steadfast dedication to the community she loved. Prior to her time as mayor, she served as a town commissioner, always working to strengthen and preserve the town’s heritage and future.
An advocate for local history, Lynn was responsible for the creation of the Cooleemee Historical Association. Alongside her late husband, Jim Rumley, she played a vital role in the creation of the Cooleemee Mill Museum and the Mill House Museum. These landmarks continue to serve as educational spaces, welcoming local elementary school students and community members to learn about Cooleemee’s rich history.
Lynn’s legacy is one of service, preservation, and community pride. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the town and the generations who benefit from her dedication.
The Town of Cooleemee extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her life and service.
Vice President of Wreaths for Veterans Mike Satterfield lays wreaths at veterans’ graves with Winnie Mosher.
On Saturday, December 13th, a large group of volunteers gathered with respectful hearts to place wreaths on the graves of all 163 veterans who have been laid to rest at the Legion Memorial Park Cemetery located on 801 South, Cooleemee, NC.
Honoring Generations of Service
Commander Seamon of Cooleemee – Mocksville VFW Post 1119 confirmed that there are 4 Civil War Veterans, also WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and War on Terror veterans buried there. Tammy Williamson, Commander of the NC Veterans Council, was present, and it was her first time being involved.
Wayne Depres, commander of American Legion Post #54, chartered in 1943.
How a Child’s Question Sparked a Movement
Vice President of Wreaths for Veterans Mike Satterfield explained that 8 years ago, he had an opportunity to lay a ceremonial wreath at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Salisbury Annex at the VA. After the ceremony, a little girl approached Satterfield and asked him why her grandfather didn’t get a wreath. They were about seven thousand wreaths short.
Luckily, he had two wreaths in his truck, and he gave the little girl one to put on her grandfather’s grave.
Bud Fritts, a member of the Rolling Thunder Inc., helps place wreaths. Rolling Thunder® Inc. is a U.S. non-profit advocacy group focused on bringing full accountability for Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIAs) from all wars, educating the public, and supporting veterans.
A Local Mission with Community Impact
After Satterfield told the story to Perry Kessler and Jody Pickett, they decided to create a new group called Wreaths for Veterans. This group does the exact same thing as Wreaths Across America, but on a local level. All the money they take in provides wreaths from farms they have partners with in the NC mountains. Fundraisers and any donations are accepted. Contact www.wreathsforveterans.org if interested.
Volunteers place wreaths on the graves of all 163 veterans who have been laid to rest at the Legion Memorial Park Cemetery located on 801 South, Cooleemee, NC.
The Grimes Parker family: (L to R) Lauren Brooks, Cameron Brooks, Parker Brooks, Greg Brooks, Blakely Brooks, Fran Parker, Alicia Johnson, Bodie Parker, Steven Parker, Dana Parker, Brooks Johnson with Catherine, Owen Parker, Crosby Parker. Not pictured are Drue Parker and Somer Johnson
Cooleemee’s First ABC Store Rededicated in Honor of Longtime Board Member and Community Leader
On Saturday, October 4th, Kris Howell, general manager of the Mocksville–Cooleemee ABC Store, officially dedicated the first store in Cooleemee in memory of the late Grimes “Bimmy” Parker. Parker served on the ABC Board for 24 years and played a key role in shaping the local ABC system.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
The Cooleemee ABC store, established in 1987, sold its first bottle in 1988. Grimes Parker was instrumental in hiring Kris Howell, who remembers his mentorship fondly:
“I worked every day like it was my first day and like my life depended on it,” she said.
Parker and Howell shared a vision of expanding services to Mocksville. With Parker’s encouragement, Howell proposed the idea to town leaders. That vision came to life in 2018 when the ABC store relocated to Mocksville, a milestone both were proud of.
“I kept my promise,” Howell stated, referring to her commitment to ensure Cooleemee would continue to be well-served.
Employees of the Cooleemee ABC Store (L to R) Cooper Wall (store manager), Cathy Belluchi, Gina Smith, Bodie Parker, Kris Howell, Kathy Short, John Bivins
Community Events and Giving Back
Today, the Cooleemee store is managed by Cooper Wall and remains an active part of the community. One of its hallmark events is the annual liquor lottery held on the second Saturday of December, drawing nearly 400 attendees last year. The event offers rare and hard-to-find bottles, along with specially designed T-shirts.
Proceeds from the event support local causes dear to Parker’s heart, including the Grimes Parker Basketball Camp, the Vernon Thompson Scholarship Fund, and the Dragonfly House.
Cooleemee Mayor Jeff Smith and Fran Parker Fran Parker and Kris Howell
A Lasting Tribute
The dedication event drew a large and heartfelt crowd—friends, family, and community members who shared personal stories and paid tribute to Parker’s life and legacy.
The commemorative plaque reads:
Grimes “Bimmy” Parker A lifelong resident of Cooleemee, North Carolina. He was an educator, athletics coach in Davie County for over 40 years, as well as a member of the ABC Board for over 20 years. He was instrumental in bringing ABC stores to both Cooleemee and Mocksville. Above all, he was a beloved member of the community, a friend and mentor to all.
Feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call at 336.250.1133.
We have a new fire chief in town, and her name is Velvet Hackett. Hackett has been involved in the fire service for ten years in Davidson County. Four years ago, she joined the Cooleemee Fire Department and advanced to Captain; this past February, she was promoted to Chief.
Learning the Ropes of Leadership
The ins and outs of Fire Chief presented a learning curve that included budgets and grants, and making sure the firefighters have top-of-the-line equipment. The drive behind that focus is always for the benefit of the citizens.
Building a Strong Leadership Team
Captain Ryan Hall, after serving ten years in Iredell County, came to Davie County, where it felt like a large family right away. Hall started serving Cooleemee earlier this year and was recently promoted to captain. His job is focusing on personnel and training to provide the best for the citizens of Cooleemee and the surrounding areas.
Lieutenant Ryan Hepler has served in the fire department for 15 years, with the last four years serving part-time in Cooleemee. His focus is on making sure the building and trucks are in good working order.
(L to R) Chief Velvet Hackett, Captain Ryan Hall, Captain Michael Galliher Jr., Lieutenant Ryan Hepler, Safety Officer Josh Lyles, Senior Fire Fighter Hunter Cochran, Senior FirefighterDylan Hewkey, Senior Fire Fighter Austin Doby
A Rigorous Promotional Process
Hackett explained that the department has a promotional process in effect. Each firefighter takes a written exam covering policies and procedures, as well as knowledge of the fire service. A panel interview is held by Hackett and the deputy chief. An outsider from the county is included to guard against favoritism.
Hands-on assessments measure practical skills at the training grounds in Mocksville. Running various scenarios tests how they operate on the fire ground.
Hackett chooses her officers based on how well they function. “Officers handle more than just putting out fires,” says Hackett, so the layers of interviewing help her determine who is fit to hold which office.
A Department on the Rise
Thirty people are currently on the roster. Comments from several officers stated that the culture of the department changed greatly when Hackett was promoted to Chief.
Her forward and progressive mindset, how we train in-house, and how we operate on the scene allow us to better ourselves for the benefit of our citizens.
Hackett’s presence at the firehouse—helping with training, handling grants, purchasing equipment, and responding to calls—makes a significant difference.
A Tireless Commitment
Hackett has a full-time job with the EMS Emergency Call Center. She spends about two hours at her home and the rest at the fire department. Her presence has created a high level of respect.
Hackett explains that structural calls get five departments. Statistics show that if a firefighter is trapped, it takes 12 to 21 people to rescue them from the building. Mutual aid partners are very important, and that’s vital for all departments to succeed.
Firehouse Family
They have a saying at their department, “If you work at a fire station, I’m sorry, but if you work at the firehouse, congratulations.” This is their home away from home. They take care of each other and spend a lot of time together.
Congratulations, Chief Hackett, we are happy to have you here serving our citizens.
(L to R) Anapaula Iturralde from Ecuador, lives in Clemmons; Michelle Cameron, Cooleemee; Kienan Beasley, Mocksville; Tina Boughton from Colorado; Brian Boughton from Colorado; Cecil Cameron, Cooleemee
While walking one morning, enjoying the cool crisp air, I decided to walk over and meet the people who were playing pickleball. As I got closer, they stopped playing and I said, “We have an ordinance in this town that prohibits playing pickleball on Sundays.”
Even though we were outside, you could still hear a pin drop.
I quickly told them I was joking, and I was so happy to see them taking advantage of what we have to offer our community. Thank goodness we all laughed.
They were happy to hear that the old, outdated fence will soon be replaced with a new black one, and the borders for the pickleball perimeters will be painted properly.
Pickleball is known as the number one growing sport, and most communities are including these courts for exercise of all ages. We are proud to announce our new addition on our website and encourage all visitors to share it with friends and family.
July 4th was on a Friday this year and having Judy Webb as our Grand Marshall made it one of the best. Judy is very well known in this little town of ours. Not only has she spent many hours raising money by selling fundraiser tickets for good causes, but she has also consistently taken care of the elderly on a regular schedule by going to their home to do whatever was needed.
Judy started the Senior Christmas Party in memory of her parents and had been organizing it for 32 years until her recent retirement. When I think of Judy, said Mayor Jeff Smith, I think of her hands. She’s always ready to serve, she’s simply the face of our town and that’s a good thing.”
Judy is someone you can’t turn down, she’s a short ball of energy, with a sweet voice and a great smile to complete the package. Every town needs a Judy like we have and we so appreciate her selfless nature.
The parade had a special energy, so many smiling faces, more entries than we have ever had and it was all around a great day. Feel free to contact KC at cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call me at (336) 250-1133.
Hey, who is that guy? Here he comes again. This time I hollered at him, and he turned around. I’ve been seeing this man riding down the sidewalk in front of my house on Marginal Street almost daily.
He rides one of those electric bikes. He doesn’t go by real fast, and guess what? He doesn’t ride alone. Standing on the middle bar right up against him is a 4-year-old girl with blonde curly hair. She holds onto the handlebars, and there is always a small bag hanging on it, too.
I told him who I was and I asked if he was from Cooleemee. He said, “Yes ma’am, right down here on Davie Street.”The man’s name is Drew Cline, and the cute little girl who rides along is Bristol, his granddaughter.
You’re probably thinking, well I see people riding bikes all day every day. But this ride is different. Not only is the ride consistent, but there’s always a quiet and sweet conversation between the two. The grandfather comes across as attentive and has a soft voice, one that you would expect from a grandfather. Cline said she loved riding the bike; “It’s what she likes to do. She probably really likes stopping to get a few things, too, at the store.”
I thought, surely sometime later in life, she was going to reflect on those sweet, hot summer bike rides down Marginal Street with her grandfather and how happy she was. Picking Bristol a small bouquet of daisies from my floral garden was a given because she makes me stop and say, “Ahhh” every week.
Please feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com, or call at 336.250.1133, I’d love to hear from you.
