By Steve Hunley
The news that former Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler passed away came just as last week’s edition of The Focus was going to press. Tom Spangler enjoyed a lengthy career as a professional law enforcement officer, both in Knox County as well as Blount County. Tom belonged to the band of blue brothers and sisters, heart and soul. Nothing could cause him to move an inch away from his commitment to his fellow law enforcement officers. Spangler could not be deterred from trying to raise pay and benefits for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees, which he succeeded in doing through working with then-Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
Tom Spangler was no politician; he was a law enforcement officer who rose through the ranks through hard work, absolute dedication and doing what he believed was right. Known affectionately as “Spanky” inside the sheriff’s office, Spangler started at the bottom and worked his way to the very top of his sheriff’s office, which he knew inside and out.
Personally, he was a kind, thoughtful, loyal and thoroughly good man, which voters recognized to elect him twice by overwhelming majorities. Twice Spangler encountered stiff opposition at the polls, only to win landslide victories in the GOP primaries.
Sheriff Spangler was well-liked and respected by everyone who knew him. Even when one disagreed with Spangler, nobody I know doubted his sincerity in what he believed. Never once in his long career was his reputation for honesty and integrity ever questioned. Tom Spangler was an ethical man. The tributes have been pouring in since his passing and nobody ever deserved them more. Sheriff Spangler was a true public servant who wanted to do the best for his office and the people of our community. His passing is a terrible loss to law enforcement and Knox County. I am proud that Tom Spangler was my friend and it has been a tremendous blessing to have known him.
Remembering my friend, Herman Goddard
Knoxville and Knox County lost one of our greatest citizens last week with the passing of Herman Goddard. A member of one of the oldest pioneer families of South Knox County, Herman was a familiar face to literally thousands of people. Herman was one of those rare people who made a success out of every aspect of his life; he was a devoted family man, a prosperous small businessman and a legendary racer. Perhaps most importantly, Herman was a man of steadfast faith in Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ. There was no more loyal friend than Herman Goddard, and he mentored hundreds and was always ready to offer a helping hand to those who needed it.
Racing Pro Media pointed out Herman “stood in Victory Lane” no less than 500 times and was “a familiar and beloved name in dirt-track racing.” Herman’s racing career began in 1955, and he competed until he was 75 years old. Herman won championships at Atomic Speedway in 1972 and Volunteer Speedway in 1990. In 1996, Herman Goddard was inducted into the Smoky Mountain Speedway Hall of Fame; in 2004, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, Herman was inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. It was through racing that I came to know Herman Goddard as I was district manager of Kendall Oil as we sponsored racers like Herman. I’ve known Herman since 1976, and there never was a finer man anywhere.
Our resident historian, Ray Hill, has been a longtime warm friend of Herman Goddard, recalling that the first time he attended a Knox County Republican convention was 1978 and the Bonny Kate precinct committee was “almost entirely composed of Goddards.” In fact, Herman’s uncle, Howard, was the chairman of the Bonny Kate precinct committee.
Herman Goddard was a man who drew people to him due to his outgoing but humble nature. Through his innate wisdom and his inherent kindness, Herman had friends everywhere. No matter how successful he became, he always looked after those friends whom he valued so much. Herman was the very definition of a good man by any standard.
Herman was blessed to live a long life, 90 years, yet he looked and acted many years younger. His mind was active and alert until his sudden passing. Herman was blessed throughout his life with a beautiful and loving family, staunch and devoted friends, and success in all he did. Yet, he bestowed blessings upon all those lucky enough to know Herman Goddard. His name should be enshrined in the Hall of Fame of Living a Good Life.
The entire Focus family and I mourn the loss of our friend Herman Goddard and pray for his wonderful family. It was a blessing to know Herman, and words cannot express how much all of us will miss him.
