Smyrna Mayor Bob Spivey Resigns; Tony Dover To Be Sworn In

July 29, 2009

blog post photo Smyrna Mayor Bob Spivey has resigned. He officially stepped down Wednesday. He’s been in ill health since suffering a stroke in February. Vice Mayor Tony Dover will be sworn into office as the next Smyrna mayor Thursday afternoon at the Town Hall.

In a letter to Smyrna Town Manager Mark O’Neal, Spivey stated his rehab will keep him from performing the duties of the office and he and his wife Nancy feel it’s the best decision for his family and the city. Spivey has been mayor since 2001. Accomplishments in Smyrna during his tenure include construction of StoneCrest Medical Center and Motlow College.

Rutherford County Commissioner and close friend Mike Sparks, a frequent talk show and blog contributor on WGNS, shares his personal feelings about the mayor on WGNSRadio.com, keyword Spivey.

“You Can Count Him Down, But Don’t Count Him Out” by Mike Sparks

From April 11, 2009

WGNS Smyrna Show w/Mayor Bob Spivey

That was the words of Mr. Ritchie, a gentleman who I met at the YMCA after he asked me how Mayor Bob Spivey was doing prior to going on the air to do the “Smyrna Show” via WGNS 100.5 FM/1450AM with Bryan Barrett last Thursday. Many, if not all who know Mayor Bob Spivey would say he is one tough resilient guy who doesn’t take no for an answer. Over the past couple of years i have watched him cope with his wife Nancy’s stroke yet still trying his best to make a difference in the our Town. Mayor Spivey reminds me of the era of “The Greatest Generation” which exemplified discipline, will power and ability to persevere against great odds. In my opinion, it was the Bob Spiveys of the world that made America the greatest Country on the face of the earth. That generation didn’t ask for government bailouts or handouts, they sacrificed, worked hard, saved and had faith for a better tomorrow. I can remember his optimism and him telling me of the commerce that would come to Smyrna much of it where Target, Kohls, IHop, Sonic and much much more that would all take place and to be honest I thought he was dreaming, because all I could see was a mountain of rock and cedar trees. I recall his conviction for wanting Motlow College to be built, prosper and help our local students. Mayor Spivey is more a dreamer, but a doer. His optimism and rigid determination to save Team Chevrolet and the confidence in his eyes knowing that he could turn the ailing dealership around, save jobs and keep the 60 year old Smyrna business alive is admirable all while GM Dealerships across the Country are closing their doors and GM facing possible bankruptcy.

“Yea Mike-I will go”

Those were the words of Bob Spivey several months ago after a long Smyrna planning committee meeting. I had asked him to come and speak to a few Smyrna High school students and offer them some guidance and words of wisdom. At first the Mayor said he couldn’t and was tired and i stated “but those kids are looking forward to speaking with you” and his response was a kind ”Yea Mike I will go”. He spoke to Ian, Josh and Preston of his life growing up in a hot poor southern Alabama town and his first job of working in a sawmill when he was a young teenager. He spoke of his parents never owning a home and his family being forced to move often due to financial constraints. He told them them of the time they moved into a home that was painted and he thought that was a “neat thing”. We all had a laugh when 18 year old Josh Smith received a phone call from his possessive girlfriend and she asked “Where are you at?” and he said “I’m having dinner with Mayor Bob Spivey” she still didn’t believe him. We had a good time and he spoke with them until 11:15 and Bob even paid the bill. One of my favorite quotes state “You can judge a man’s character by how he treats those who cannot offer them anything in return”. That memorable conversation will stay with those boys the rest of their lives.

One thing I find very ironic is that we wait for others to pass on before we tell them how much we appreciate them and their accomplishments. I have had the opportunity to read “Resolutions of Sympathy” for several people who have made an impact on Smyrna and Rutherford County including both past Nissan and TVA CEO Marvin Runyon and Mayor Sam Ridley.

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