Larry holds a Knoxville Raiders jacket as his wife, Brenda, looks on.
The Sock Hops were on stage at the Kerbela Shrine Temple last Friday performing “You Are My Special Angel” and other hits from that era. Folks were on the dance floor alternating between the fox trot and the jitterbug. And the birthday boy unwrapped a letter jacket from the 1956 Knoxville Raiders youth football team. I picked up my phone and tweeted (just to prove to myself that I was, indeed, still in 2012!): I feel like Rip Van Winkle — in reverse!
The occasion was a celebration of Larry Cox’s 70th birthday. You know Larry. He is a former City Councilman, owner of Chicken City, Fulton High School graduate and part-time aide to Congressman Jimmy Duncan. I was at the festivities not only because of my friendship with Larry and his wife, Brenda, but because my husband, Alan Carmichael, is in a golf foursome with Larry, Congressman Duncan and retired lobbyist Bill Vaughan. We wouldn’t have missed this celebration for the world.
The truth is that some of Larry’s friends had talked about having a surprise party to mark his 70th, but Larry got wind of it and, to head those plans off, decided to throw a party himself. He doesn’t like surprises.
A lot of fun and interesting folks showed up to raise a glass to Larry on this occasion. Here are a few snapshots. If you’d like a sampling of The Sock Hops, click here for an audio recording off their website.
Although I have lived in Knoxville 32 years, this was my first visit to the Kerbela Shrine Temple. Apparently everyone who grew up anywhere near here has gone to school dances there.
The mascot for the Shriners is a camel. Alan patiently posed beside this one in the lobby.
From left, Alan Carmichael, Hallie Duncan, Larry Cox and Zane Duncan
Congressman Jimmy Duncan, left, with his top aide Bob Griffitts and Bob's wife, Barbara
Knox County Trustee John Duncan III and his girlfriend, Jennifer Rhodes
She matched the birthday cake!
The Sock Hops
Larry dancing with his cousin, Barbara Owen
Susan and Arthur Seymour cutting a rug -- and singing along!
Bill and Judy Vaughan on the floor
Warren and Kathy Payne
Municipal Judge John Rosson was having a good time.
Stevie Phillips and City Councilman Marshall Stair
From left, Brooke Cox Coffin, her dad Larry, Victor and Joan Ashe
Larry greets Ernestine Purkey, the famous owner of the former Corner Lounge in Happy Holler.
Ernestine with her date for the evening, Con Hunley. Hunley got his start at "The Corner."
Other than Larry, Ernestine may have been the most popular person at the party! Here she is with former Vice Mayor Jack Sharp.
Brenda and Billy Tindell
Mike and Michele Carringer
Former Vice Mayors Mark Brown, left, now a judge, and Joe Bailey
Awww! Jimmy and Lynn Duncan
From left, Doris Sharp, Ron Mills and former City Council member Jean Teague
Toni and David Swanner
From left, former City Council members Bob Booker, Ivan Harmon and Jack Sharp
Melissa Peters, left, and Susan Wilson of City Council's office
From left, Susan Seymour, former City Councilman Gary Underwood, Karen Schnupp, and Arthur Seymour Jr.
Victor Ashe, left, and Bill Warwick
Larry shared the spotlight with former Knoxville Fire Chief Bruce Cureton, also celebrating his 70th birthday.
Congressman Duncan shared some funny stories.
From left, Jack Sharp, Ivan Harmon and Larry Cox listening to Duncan. Jack read a proclamation from Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett decreeing "Larry Cox Day" in Knox County.
Brenda Cox looks on as her husband opens a gift.
Beverly and Bob Kerr. They gave Larry the Knoxville Raiders jacket.
Moxley Carmichael designed the invitation to the event as a gift to Larry. Love that photo! Happy birthday, Larry Cox!
Happy birthday to my friend Larry, who can not only can remember the names of childhood friends but also the positions they played in youth league football.
I’ve never been to Kerbela either. Looks like a rockin’ place for this party. Love the invitation!
Thanks, Gay! You have not been there because you didn’t go to high school around here. At least that’s what I’m guessing! It was a trip, for sure. Fun, though!
Way to go big guy. It just wasn’t possible for me to attend. I could have shared some neat stories with the crowd.
A great event for a great cousin. Once again I wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Larry, hope you had a great time at the party, I just know you had a hell of a time! I’ll have to give you your gift whenever I see you again, stay out of trouble till then! Love/DD
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