by Ralphine Major | Nov 12, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major A journey that began in rural East Tennessee led the aspiring doctor far from his Grainger County home. It was during the early 1930s when Alvis David Simmons enrolled at The University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis. While there, Simmons...
by Ralphine Major | Nov 5, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major “When he was at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), he was able to run track. He ran so fast, he was nicknamed Phantom,” Rada said. She was referring to her father, the late Dr. A. D. Simmons, who would eventually become the only medical doctor in...
by Ralphine Major | Oct 29, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major He was the only doctor in our rural community; he was kind; and he was Rada’s dad. Rada was my childhood friend from first grade through high school. The country doctor’s qualifications were sufficient for me. Now, it is truly fascinating to learn...
by Ralphine Major | Oct 22, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major It was on a Sunday morning at church when she became sick. It had been a difficult pregnancy. The young couple left church and headed up the highway to the doctor’s home. The year was 1954, and Dr. A. D. Simmons was a young, country doctor. The...
by Ralphine Major | Oct 15, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major “I’ll be glad when Christmas is over;” he said. His words were followed by his familiar smile. A soft chuckle hovered over the congregation, many obviously identifying with his words. He continued. “Do you realize how that sounds for a Christian...
by Ralphine Major | Oct 8, 2018 | Columnist, Major
By Ralphine Major Summer days seem to have disappeared so quickly, I scarcely saw Fall’s arrival! But once again, Fall is here with all of her beauty and busy days. Fall paints our landscapes with bluer skies and fluffier clouds, colorful leaves, and huge...
