By Mike Sparks
Carolyn Peebles’ Legacy of Service and Vision for the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry: Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II
The Smyrna community lost one of its brightest lights on October 26, 2024, when longtime Rotarian and community champion Carolyn E. Peebles passed away at age 75. This beloved leader left behind a remarkable legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication to honoring history through the Smyrna Rotary Club’s signature Wings of Freedom Fish Fry. Her passing marks the end of an era of selfless service that touched countless lives throughout Smyrna, Rutherford County, and across Tennessee.
The Wings of Freedom Legacy
Perhaps nowhere was Carolyn’s commitment to service more evident than in her passionate support of the Smyrna Rotary Club’s Wings of Freedom Fish Fry. Working alongside Master of Ceremonies Neil Orne, Carolyn was instrumental in building this event into something truly special—a celebration that has raised more than $2 million for nonprofits throughout Rutherford County while honoring the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The Wings of Freedom Fish Fry represents everything Carolyn believed in: community coming together, honoring our heroes, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
The event’s dedication to the Tuskegee Airmen—those courageous African American pilots who broke barriers and fought for freedom during World War II—aligned perfectly with Carolyn’s lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and recognizing the contributions of all Americans.
Continuing the Mission: September 13, 2025
The Tuskegee Airmen: Breaking Barriers in the Sky
The Tuskegee Airmen, known as the “Red Tails” of the 332nd Fighter Group, were African American military pilots who served in segregated units during World War II. This group included not only pilots but also navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, and other support personnel.
Created in 1941 after President Roosevelt promised Black flying units to secure African American votes, the 99th Pursuit Squadron began with 33 pilots. Despite facing racial discrimination, these servicemen remained determined to serve their country. As Lieutenant Colonel William H. Holloman III said, “I really didn’t care whether it was a segregated unit or non-segregated. I wanted to fly.”
From 1941-1946, over 1,000 airmen graduated from Tuskegee and flew 1,578 missions. They destroyed 400 enemy aircraft and maintained the lowest loss record of all fighter escort groups. Their exceptional performance made them highly sought after by Allied bomber units.
The Tuskegee Airmen’s success directly contributed to the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948 through Executive Order 9981. Their achievements proved that merit, not race, should determine military service opportunities.
In 2007, Congress honored the surviving Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing their “unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.” Their legacy demonstrates how courage and determination can break barriers and create lasting change.
Carolyn joined WGNS Radio Roundtable with Rick Hall and Wayne Blair
Carolyn was one of the most organized individuals I’ve ever met, bringing her God-given talents to everything she did at the Smyrna Rotary Club. It is often said that God gives us all a talent. Carolyn certainly was granted more than one. I loved her quote she was known for: “Govern yourselves accordingly.” Like many Rotarians, she didn’t just quote the Four-Way Test—she lived it daily.
The famous Rotary Four-Way Test was created by Herbert J. Taylor, the Four-Way Test serves as a moral compass for Rotarians in all their decisions:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
This simple yet powerful guide, officially called “The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do,” shaped how Carolyn approached every project and relationship. Her life exemplified these principles, making her not just an exceptional organizer, but a true example of Rotary’s values living out in action.
“If people would practice that and live by it, our world would be a much better place.” The late Smyrna Mayor Bob Spivey
It was twenty-four years ago I had the privilege of sitting next to the late Smyrna Mayor Bob Spivey, who became my mentor when he asked me to join the Smyrna Rotary Club. After reciting the Four-Way Test, he would often say, “If people would practice that and live by it, our world would be a much better place.”
Bob believed strongly in service through Smyrna Rotary, where he served as past president. It seems like yesterday when he told me with characteristic determination, “Mike, I’m going to bring a college to Smyrna. These young students in Smyrna and La Vergne need access to higher education right here in their community.”
It seems like yesterday that I recall touring the McMinnville Tennessee College of Applied Technology with Bob when former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen called him. During that conversation, Bob shared his ambitious vision with me: he was determined to bring a college to Smyrna and La Vergne, ensuring that local students would have access to higher education in their own community.
Bob’s unwavering commitment to education and community development would eventually become reality, transforming his bold promise into the thriving Motlow State Community College campus that serves the region today.
True to his word, Bob worked tirelessly to help navigate Motlow State Community College’s path to establishing a campus in Smyrna. His vision and dedication transformed what began as a dream into the thriving educational center that serves our community today. The 82,000 square foot Hiatt-Spivey Center stands as a lasting testament to his commitment to improving the lives of others—a perfect embodiment of the Rotary principles he held so dear.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Carolyn Peebles embodied the very essence of community service. As she once said when receiving the Town of Smyrna’s Victory Lifetime Service Award in 2022, “I believe we were all created to serve, to give back,” adding that true happiness comes to those who have figured out how best to serve others. This philosophy wasn’t just words for Carolyn—it was the driving force behind every aspect of her remarkable life.
Her impact on the community was immeasurable. From co-founding what is now the Nourish Food Bank to serving in leadership roles with the Smyrna Jaycees and Smyrna Rotary Club, Carolyn’s fingerprints can be found on virtually every major community initiative in Smyrna over the past three decades. She served on the Rutherford County Election Commission, chaired the Town of Smyrna Historical Commission, led the Smyrna Library board, and coordinated the annual Back to School Bash that provided essential supplies and services to local schoolchildren.
Apostle Amos Howard and Dr. Yolanda Howard of Smyrna’s Living Truth Christian Center, where Carolyn served faithfully
for more than 30 years, captured her essence perfectly: “She lived and breathed every moment with purpose, bringing warmth, kindness, and strength to everyone she encountered. Carolyn was more than a partner; she was a spiritual daughter, family member, and a beacon of unwavering faith who loved deeply, believed fully, and served with all her heart.”
HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rutherford County Election Commission Carolyn served as a Rutherford County Election Commissioner after being appointed to the commission in 2011. Her expertise and integrity in election administration were so highly regarded that she was later appointed by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to serve on a national election board, extending her influence in protecting democratic processes far beyond the local level.
Tributes Pour In:
Tre Hargett sent his condolences to Carolyn’s family and Rotary members.
As longtime Nourish Food Bank Executive Director Ladawna Parham reflected, “I cannot express the impact this lovely woman had on her community, but I know that the world is dimmer for her loss… A million meals a year, lives changed, families surviving, children thriving, hope offered … that is her legacy and each generation to come after that has been touched by it is better for her and the life she gave away to others every day.”
“Time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance. Use it wisely.”
— In memory of Carolyn Peebles, who used her time wisely
“When she asked you to do something, you did it. When she told you to do something, you did it. That was simply who Carolyn was—someone whose requests carried the weight of genuine care and purpose.
I still miss her phone calls, her emails, and her presence at Rotary meetings. But what I treasure most are those conversations we shared as I helped her to her car afterward. Whether we discussed the most pressing community matters or the simplest everyday concerns, those moments represented quality time in its purest form.
She would sometimes introduce me as “The Hart of Rotary,” a play on my last name that never failed to make me smile. Little did she know that she was truly the Heart of Rotary—the one who gave our organization its pulse and purpose.
After learning of Carolyn’s passing, I came across a statement that struck me with unexpected truth: “Time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance. Use it wisely.”
She did just that.
— Sean D. Hart
“The Tuskegee Airmen exhibit was a vision Miss Carolyn had to make our Wings of Freedom Fish Fry one to remember. She knew the importance of the airmen’s role in WWII not only in their stellar performances but also in promoting equality. She wanted that history to be shared with all but especially the school age children,” Jerome Dempsey, Smyrna Town Councilman.
“Carolyn Peebles was such a wonderful person. We joined Smyrna Rotary at the same time and worked closely over the years. She was very helpful during my year as club president and knew every detail about the fish fry and general club operations. She is definitely missed!” Rep. Robert Stevens.
“Carolyn was such a special person and the community was lucky to have her as a part of it,” Jeff Hollingshead, President of SRM Concrete.
