Catching Up With George Bove
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
I’ve known George Bove for several years and always found him open, courteous and very active in community and organizational events. He has relocated to Loudon County from Knoxville and is the author of UT-related children’s books. His children’s books featuring characters in and around the University of Tennessee have become very popular.
Lots of information about Bove and his books are available online at www.littleoranget.com and on Facebook.
We featured Bove in a story several years ago but, with that new book and his continuous participation in local events, it’s time to catch up with him again. We asked him several questions to bring you up to date with him.
Tell us about your new book.
“Rocky’s Top Tennessee Wish” is based solely on the greatest song ever written, sung or recorded… “Rocky Top!” Our main character, Ol’Rocky, a resident of Cades Cove holler, steps out into the still moonshine and makes a heartfelt Tennessee wish! What happens next is pure Tennessee magic including supporting characters know as Soda Pop, Wild Mink, Smoggy Smoke, Two Strangers and Mr. Quackers (a duck trapped in a pen)!
How did you get into writing children’s books?
The very idea of a children’s book frightened me until I spoke about it to my amazing wife. I sincerely asked her, “Sweetie, do you think I am goofy enough or corny enough to write a successful children’s book?”
Janet Sparky Bove answered quickly and confidently, “Yup, you got this,” and now I stand silly and wacky as the author of my third children’s book based on Tennessee themes.
What’s the UT reception of your book themes?
Our characters have been adopted and received with open arms by the Tennessee Volunteer community. University of Tennessee has included “The Little Orange T” and “The Little Orange T’s Great Tennessee Adventure” into its VOLSHOP both in store and online. The late, great Coach Johnny Majors even read our “Little Orange T” online in 2020 (Google search Johnny Majors Little Orange T for the video feature).
Bring us up on your current professional position.
I had graduated to the opportunity to retire from BESCO around March of 2020 and thought then, wow this is perfect, but something even more incredible happened. It was a call from a friend-to-all in East Tennessee named Bill Steverson, president of MBI (aka Michael Brady) asking, “What are you doing?”
I told Bill the absolute truth, “Just watching Westerns,” and Bill said, “No more.”
So, now it is my pleasure to serve MBI as a consultant and team member. I still enjoy my Westerns!
Do you have any local political ambition or plans?
I have been asked quite a bit over the past five years about participating in local politics and running for Lenoir City / Loudon County office and that request has piqued my interest.
The commitment to serve is not be taken lightly and, as for us, we pray for wisdom and guidance moving forward.
How are you finding Lenoir City?
Janet and I loaded up the truck and moved out deep west (Lenoir City). Instantaneously we found the community and the people inviting and inclusive. We immediately grafted our love for East Tennessee into our 37771 / 37772 neighbors.
What are your future plans?
Please look for us as we continue to work and serve in the East Tennessee / Lenoir City communities, Kerbela Shrine, MBI companies and the Tennessee Volunteer nation. How incredibly blessed we all are to live in the greater Knoxville region. Go VOLS!
