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We remember the one-of-a-kind Walt Goins today
By Jim Freeman
The first half of this story first appeared on WLAF in August 2022.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The morning air had a hint of coolness to it as Walt Goins pulled his little teal colored pick-up truck beside the curb in front of the Royal Lunch & Billiards this morning. His bed full of watermelons was drawing folks to pull over including me.
“This is probably the last run for this season,” said the 90-something Goins. Over the years, this spot on North Tennessee Avenue has become Walt’s peddling place for his tasty produce.
Thanks for the melons, Walt!
And as the late Walt Martin used to sing on Channel 10 back in the day, “They’re thumpin’ good.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/13/2022-9AM)
Walt Goins passed away on Monday, and as I heard the news this watermelon story from that August day came to mind. Then it was the memory of the big box of sweet potatoes Walt sent me later that fall.
He was a lifelong farmer in addition to being a lifelong difference maker in his community. That may best be evidenced when you walk inside the Valley View School Gymnasium named in his honor. Walt served six terms, 24 years, on the board of education, often times as chairman.
Goins calling card was the silver dollar. He joyed in seeing children succeed, and for many years he gifted Valley View students with a silver dollars. However, to earn one of those silver dollars, students much have perfect attendance.
Walter D. Goins was 96 years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/06/2024-6AM)
Walter Goins gardening skills are uncanny.
He is up and out at daylight most days.
He is an amazing man. I have never seen anyone with such a capacity to work, and he loves every minute of it.