Joseph "Joe" Richard Adcock

LHS '66

March 7, 1948 - October 6, 2024

Joseph “Joe” Richard Adcock, 76, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on the afternoon of Sunday, October 6, in his home with his loving wife, Alice, by his side.

Joe was born in Huntsville, AL, to Luther Austin and Lillian Estelle Adcock on March 7, 1948. He was a graduate of Lee High School’s Class of 1966. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1970. After graduation, Joe worked as a lab technician for Huntsville Hospital, while attending the hospital’s first training program for medical technologists. He later worked at the Medical Center lab. After earning his MTASCP, the highest medical technologist certification available at that time, he worked as the night manager for Ambulatory Care Center in Huntsville. Joe later worked as a medical sales representative for Miles Laboratories, which became Bayer, for much of his professional career. He won many awards for top salesperson and being in the top percentage for sales throughout his time with Miles. He also worked for Henry Schein, a worldwide distributor of medical and dental supplies.

Joe enjoyed playing tennis for many years before succumbing to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). He was a member of the Huntsville Athletic Club and participated in tennis tournaments, winning local awards. He and his family were also members of Mountain Springs Pool in the Blossomwood neighborhood, where he loved to take his grandchildren and play pool basketball with fellow members. A nature and arts enthusiast, he was a former member of the Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) and the Huntsville Botanical Garden. He also took art classes at HMA. As an animal lover, he supported the World Wildlife Federation with charitable donations, in addition to supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital. On Saturdays in the fall, you would find him watching his favorite football team, Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Joe and his wife attended Trinity United Methodist Church before PD became debilitating for him.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice M. (Etu) Adcock, born in Glens Falls, NY; his two daughters, Stephanie Kelley (husband, Steven Kelley) and Jennifer Quillin (husband, Tee Quillin) of Huntsville; brother, Phillip Adcock, of Huntsville; and two sisters, Rebecca Stinnett of Flintville, TN, and Janet Roof of Moulton, AL; four grandchildren, Amber (Kelley) Sennett of Charlottesville, VA, Anna Katherine Kelley of Huntsville, Holden Roy of Huntsville, and Aidan Roy of Huntsville; one great-grandchild, Daniel Avery Sennett; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Lillian E. (Schmidt) Adcock, brother, Thomas Adcock of Huntsville, and sister, Geraldine Adcock.

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life for Joe in the Trillium Room at Burritt on the Mountain on Monday, October 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A brief program will be held at 5:30.

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, which provided care in the final weeks of Joe’s life.

Virginia Carol Smith Yeager

LHS '64

August 17, 1946 - December 18, 2024

Virginia Carol Yeager, 88, of Newport, Tennessee, sadly passed away on December 18, 2024. She was born on August 17, 1946, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to the late Rebecca Pauline Smith Riddle.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Thomas Riddle; in-laws, Margaret and Hap Yeager; stepson, Chris Yeager; and grandson, Chase Thomas Michael Black.

She is survived by her husband, William Yeager; son, Jaremy Black; stepson; Michael (Victoria) Yeager; granddaughter Taylor (Nick Reid) Neal.

Virginia was an extremely active member of Memorial Baptist Church in Newport. She was a cochair person for the Hands of Ministry. She found joy in working with the youth members at the church. She had a skill for quilting and made quilts for 39 years. This skill led to her even winning awards at the state and county fair. She was very generous with her time and would always be there for you if you needed her. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, and a loving grandmother. She will deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, www.springhillfh.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Virginia Carol Yeager please visit our Sympathy Store.

The Wayback Machine

The Songs of 1964

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

I asked Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence Copilot to write an essay on the songs of 1964. Here is what I received:

Songs of 1964: A Year of Musical Transformation

The number one song in 1964 was "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a defining hit of the year, marking the beginning of Beatlemania in the United States.

The year 1964 stands as a monumental period in the history of popular music, marked by revolutionary changes and the emergence of iconic songs that would leave a lasting impact on future generations. This essay delves into the songs of 1964, exploring how they not only defined the musical landscape of the time but also mirrored the cultural and social shifts occurring during this transformative era.

The Beatles and the British Invasion:

1964 is often remembered as the year of the British Invasion, led by the phenomenal success of The Beatles. Their single "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, epitomized this movement. The song’s infectious melody, harmonious vocals, and youthful energy captured the hearts of millions, marking the beginning of Beatlemania. The Beatles' arrival in America, and their performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," brought an unprecedented wave of excitement and fervor that transformed the American music scene. Other British bands, such as The Rolling Stones and The Animals, also made their mark with hits like "It's All Over Now" and "House of the Rising Sun," respectively, contributing to the cultural exchange between the two nations.

American Hits and Cultural Reflections:

While the British Invasion dominated the charts, American artists continued to produce significant hits that reflected the diverse musical landscape of the United States. The Supremes, part of the Motown label, achieved great success with "Where Did Our Love Go," a song that showcased the label's signature blend of pop and soul. Motown's influence extended to other artists, such as Martha and the Vandellas with their energetic hit "Dancing in the Street," which became an anthem for the civil rights movement.

Folk music also experienced a resurgence in 1964, with Bob Dylan leading the charge. His song "The Times They Are A-Changin'" resonated deeply with the youth and activists of the era, capturing the spirit of social change and challenging the status quo. Similarly, Simon & Garfunkel’s "The Sound of Silence," though not an immediate hit, eventually became one of the most enduring songs of the decade, with its introspective lyrics and haunting melody.

The Rise of Surf Rock and Dance Craze:

Another significant trend in 1964 was the rise of surf rock, a genre characterized by its upbeat, guitar-driven sound. The Beach Boys, with their iconic single "I Get Around," epitomized the carefree, sun-soaked lifestyle of California. Their harmonies and innovative production techniques set a new standard for pop music. Similarly, the dance craze continued to captivate audiences, with songs like Chubby Checker’s "Let’s Twist Again" keeping the momentum of dance-oriented music alive.

Influence on Future Generations:

The songs of 1964 not only defined the musical landscape of the time but also laid the groundwork for future innovations in music. The Beatles' experimentation with different sounds and production techniques would influence countless artists in the years to come. The social consciousness reflected in folk and soul music would inspire future generations to use music as a tool for activism and change. The infectious melodies and rhythms of surf rock and dance tunes would continue to shape pop music’s evolution.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the songs of 1964 represent a pivotal moment in music history, characterized by a diverse array of genres and groundbreaking artists. From the British Invasion to Motown’s soulful sounds, folk music’s introspective lyrics, and surf rock’s energetic vibes, the music of 1964 not only mirrored the cultural and social shifts of the era but also set the stage for future musical revolutions. The enduring legacy of these songs is a testament to their timeless appeal and their profound impact on the world of music.

This week we look back on some of the music of our times. Unlike the later years the songs of 1964 were shared with not only 1964 graduates, but the other classes that were attending Lee High School at the same time. The tunes of 1965 and later became "college" songs for the '64 grads, many of which had left Huntsville for college and military service. 

Here are my thoughts, expressed in my book "A Million Tomorrows - Memories of the Class of '64" about the Beatles appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964:

Of all the events that happened on this date in 1964, only one would have a true place in history.  This was the day that we had all been waiting for.  This was the day when the Beatles would finally be on television.  I don't know how we all knew about it, but we did and there was nothing that would make any of us miss the show.  Their songs had already changed the music of the American teenager.  Because of them anything British was in style.  We loved and craved British music, clothes, cars, and movies.  The Empire was growing again, and the colonialists were surrendering to their invasion.

With any revolution, old is replaced by new.  The invasion of the Beatles and their music was killing off a different style of music.  The folk songs that were shared by the youth group at the church rally, were starting to fall from their crest.  Folk music was about to be buried by a tidal wave of music that was rolling in from the British Isles.  The slow, meaningful music of one man and one guitar was being replaced the group of four who were famous at first for their "Yeah, yeah, yeah."  They sang songs that the kids loved and the parents made fun of.  They were songs which were the source of many arguments between several generations.

"Tonight, we have a reallllly big shoe."  Those lines made Ed Sullivan famous and a lot of impressionists rich.  In those days, everyone did impressions of Ed Sullivan, with his thin cheeks, his grey suit, and his arm movements and facial expressions.  Some teenagers of the day thought he was a little old fashioned.  Most thought he was a lot old fashioned.  He was the person our parents watched on TV.  He had their kind of show, with the Chinese Acrobats and Senior Wenchez or somebody or another with his "Sallright, Sallright."  His show was not normally the show that the younger generation rushed home to watch.  Every once in a while, he surprised us.  He did it with people like Elvis, Buddy Holly, and now the first American network television performance of the Beatles.  This was the night we'd all waited for.  It was our chance to see the Beatles, and most of the teenagers of Huntsville and the rest of the country were sitting in front of the tube waiting.

There were a few other acts on that night, but who they were or what they did will never be remembered.  Finally the words came, "And now, from England . . ." and the "Fab Four" were there on our television sets.  They were there with their hair and their Beatle boots and their suits.  We met John, Paul, George, and Ringo, the Beatles.  The screams were deafening as the cameras zoomed in on them.  The time we had all waited for had finally arrived.  I sat alone in my living room as I watched them on my 21-inch black and white Magnavox television.  I was alone, but I was with millions of other teenagers across the country.  As great as we thought they were on that night, none of us ever really knew the true effect those four singers would have on the music industry and on many other parts of our lives.  In the coming years they would influence hair styles, fashion, music, poetry, politics, and film.  They would pass along to the teenagers who sat in their living rooms that night the undying desire to go to England, and see Carnaby Street and Penny Lane, and Strawberry Fields.

Their first album was a "must have" record for everyone of the day.  I bought mine at Montgomery Wards out at the Parkway Mall.  The one I bought wasn't even stereo.  The stereo album cost a dollar more than I had.  On this night, the world wanted to "hold your hand."  We all wanted that.  My generation sang along with the Beatles.  "She loves you, I saw her standing there, and please, please me."  Those were the phrases that blasted from the radios, poured from juke boxes, and played over and over on our record players.  They had arrived, and we were glad.

That was the night that the Beatles came into our living rooms and our hearts.  John, Paul, George, and Ringo.  Their names would be repeated a million times.  Their music will last forever.

While I was playing with the Artificial Intelligence Copilot, I asked it about Lee's Traveller's readers and received this information back.

Readers of Lee's Traveller cherish the sense of community and connection the newsletter fosters. Many appreciate the trips down memory lane, filled with photos, stories, and updates about their classmates. The editor, Tommy Towery, does a fantastic job of capturing the nostalgia and warmth that come from reminiscing about their high school years.

Readers often contribute their own stories and feedback, making the newsletter a collaborative effort that strengthens their bond. The sense of camaraderie and shared history shines through in every edition, making it a beloved part of their lives.

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Darla Gentry Steinberg , LHS ‘66, "I am a big fan of Willy’s…and “Always on My Mind” is a favorite. I sometimes can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday but I often think of friends from “way back when” and smile. Good times."

Pamela Grooms Smith, LHS ‘65, "Thanks for the memories Tommy; the music was well selected. Keep up the good work."

Jim Jones, LHS ‘67, "Thanks for keeping us in touch.  The songs were perfect. I have enjoyed reading The Traveller over the years."

Michael Crowl, LHS ‘65, "Your song selection was extremely thoughtful. It is very humbling when you see your friends and former classmates passing. We all are blessed to still be given time to correct our wrongs, mentor those around us, mend our differences, and let those among us know they are loved by us. For me Tommy, I love Barbara Streisand and Willie Nelson!"

Jim Betterton, LHS ‘64, "Tommy, I am always grateful for your dedication to this!"

Dink Hollingsworth,  LHS ‘65, "Thank you for the two songs selected in your Tribute. I had forgot about the annual Tribute and played both songs a couple times until my daughter asked why I was playing them over and over. I scrolled the pictures for her while listening and we both had a moment. It is unfair for me to think it is about my loss, many loose a spouse or other loved one daily so it is not about me. Instead my cousin, Dr Gary Hollingsworth, officiated her funeral having known Marty since 1964. One of his first remarks was to ask that anyone at some point had called Marty “Mom”, please stand. I lost count at 12 and I realized it was not my loss, it was everyone who had known her. Thank You."