Thacker turns 100
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Most people can only imagine making it to 100, but for Raymon Thacker, that milestone becomes reality this week. Scottsville’s mayor emeritus, Thacker, who’s lived in the tiny Albemarle County hamlet for the past 98 years and served as mayor for 30 of those, is not just turning 100 this weekend– he’s doing it in style by throwing a party for hundreds on Sunday, October 11.
“I’m anticipating a really big turn-out,” says Thacker, who sent out 500 invitations and is also welcoming the general public. “I wanted to invite everyone, whether you’re good, bad or indifferent, and just show them a good time,” he explains.
Thacker first moved to Scottsville at age two. He graduated from Scottsville School, attended Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in Tennessee, then returned home to open Thacker Bros. Funeral Home, which he operated until his retirement in 1998. Thacker served on Scottsville Town Council for eight years before taking the position of mayor. During his three-decade tenure as mayor– and following severe flooding of downtown Scottsville– he spearheaded construction of a dam and levee now named for him.
“I’m very happy with the things I was able to accomplish as Mayor,” says Thacker, who attributes much of his success to his long-time relationships and friendships in the town. “I’ve always loved Scottsville,” he says, “and continue to look for a nice future for the attractive city.”
“Raymon has given a lot of support to the people in Scottsville,” says Thacker pal Denise Davis. “He’s treated everyone with the same kindness, and I think that’s why so many people respect and admire him,” she says. Evidence of that warm regard: more than 100 people have volunteered to help set-up for the event, says Davis, which will feature a performance by the Ronnie Johnson Band. Guests are invited to bring small covered pot-luck dishes, she notes, but gifts are unnecessary.
Thacker’s party takes place Sunday, October 11 from 1-5pm in the old Scottsville High School auditorium. For more information on the event or to volunteer call 434-286-2891.
Nearly three years after opening a full-scale fitness center in downtown Charlottesville to join its 64,000 square-foot flagship location at Albemarle Square Shopping Center, ACAC is expanding again with the opening of a smaller Crozet gym in the Old Trail Development. At a preview on Thursday October 8, according to ACAC VP of development Chris Craytor, approximately 300 people showed up to check out the 8,500 square-foot space located under Old Trail’s clock tower.
Great man! Scottsville has been very fortunate to have him around for so long and his working so hard for them.
I recall way back when, Raymon attempted to join the Navy. He was ineligible for active service because he was 1/2 pound underweight!!! Can you imagine that? Obviously, it was the Navy’s loss.
How wonderful to have so many friends to help celebrate a long, happy and blessed life. Many congratulations!
you going to the party Steve?
He’s a prince of a man - they just don’t come any more gracious than Raymon Thacker.