Due to his legacy of service, leadership, and mentorship, Terry Smith will receive the Billy Schrivner Distinguished Award when the 40th annual Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame ceremony is held at 6 p.m., April 16, 2026 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Brett Barry, Kayla Beaver, Carita Cole, Davon DeMoss and Tarius Johnson will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.

Bob Kesling, who was the play-by-play voice for University of Tennessee football and basketball on the 70 plus stations on the Vol Network for 26 years before announcing his retirement following the 2025 basketball season – will be the guest speaker.

Question: First, a little background information – where are you originally from, family, education, career?

Answer: I’m originally from Brownsville, and a 1974 graduate of Haywood High School. My wife is Gertie Smith, and we have two daughters – Terica Smith and Tiffany Smith. We also have a grandson, Bruce Shanks III.

I attended Lambuth College from 1974 to 1978.

Early in my career, I was with Bendix Brakes, Lee Jeans, and General Cable – all while working in manufacturing during that time. I maintained parttime employment working in the evening at T.R. White Sportsplex from 1980 until 2008.  

In 2008, I became the fulltime Director of the T.R. White Sportsplex.

Question: What were your thoughts when you were first told you had been selected to receive the Billy Schrivner Distinguished Award at the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame?

Answer: WOW! I was shocked! Why me? I am extremely honored. After the call with (board member) Jody Pickens ended, I reflected on what the award means and realized that it is about more than sports – it’s about my impact on so many through sports.

Question: You are recognized by your accomplishments of service, leadership, and mentoring in sports, but would you also tell us about your high school and collegiate athletic career?

Answer: I made early marks as a player on the 1974 State Championship runner-up Haywood High School Tomcats basketball team where I played point guard. I averaged 12 points, eight assists, five steals per game, and held titles as All-District, All-Regional, All-State and high school All-American High School.

My love for the game took me to Lambuth College in 1974, where I continued to play as a point guard and made first-team all-defensive player for all four years of my college career.    

Question: After your playing days ended, you turned your attention to activities that included coordinating recreational leagues, referring basketball games and volunteering as a coach.

What was – and what is – it like to use your time and energy to organize events instead of playing the game yourself?

Answer: It brings me joy to organize basketball and baseball leagues for the community – interact with players, coaches, and parents and being able to see the finished product.

I am happy to share my experience and knowledge with the youth and community. It has never felt like a job and it has filled l my life with purpose and allows to be a blessing to those who I come in contact with every day.

When past players come back to visit T.R. White, they let me know the impact I had on their lives – and that inspires me to keep on going.

For tickets and reservations for the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame event, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.

(PHOTO: Terry Smith)