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Tom Orr Day to celebrate life, legacy of community pillar

October 16, 2021

Family and friends of Tom Orr will celebrate the late educator, historian and playwright on Saturday, Oct. 16.

The Hendersonville native taught English and theater at Hendersonville High for 32 years before retiring in 1994. He died in January at the age of 81.

Virginia Gambill’s idea for Tom Orr Day will be celebrate Orr’s life and contributions to the community. The celebration will begin at 12 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse Plaza on Main Street in Hendersonville.

Pat and John Shepherd will provide entertainment from 12-1 p.m., followed by opening remarks from Hilliard Staton.

Matthew Rogers will sing the national anthem and the Orr family will be introduced.

Orr was working on putting together a book of his Times-News “Ridge Lines” columns. The cover of the book, titled the same as the column, will be introduced and discussed by Robert Morgan, Steve Carlisle and McCray Benson. Pre-orders for the book will be taken during the celebration.

Gary Jones will speak on Orr’s many friendships, followed by Judy Abrell, who will talk about Orr’s role in saving the Historic Courthouse and opening the Heritage Museum inside.

David Drake, Hendersonville High class of 1967 alumnus, will talk about what it was like to be a student of Orr’s, and Kaye Youngblood will share her thoughts and memories of what it was like to teach alongside Orr.

Ronnie Pepper will talk about Orr’s role with The Walk of Fame, and Pat Shepherd will speak about Orr’s plays, dramas and events.

Attendees should bring their own chairs.

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October 16, 2021
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