Life
PUBLISHER
The Bingham Group
President
Lisa Atkins Bingham
Art Director
Brett Hawkins
Graphic Designer
Brett Hawkins
Lisa Atkins Bingham
Contributing Writers
CeCe Owens
Chris Kittrell
Gayle Fisher
Jennifer Porterfield
Sydnee Brashears
Contributing Photographers
Brett Hawkins
Cody Galbraith
Lisa Bingham
Robert Burleson
Wes Wheeler
Advertising Sales
Mignonne Alman
Tel: 865.523.5999
mignonne@binghamgroup.com
Chris McLaren
Tel: 865.523.5999
chris@binghamgroup.com
Subscription or Editorial Inquiries
Tel: 865.523.5999
www.monroelife.com
The Bingham Group, Inc.
11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201
Knoxville, Tennessee 37934
www.binghamgroup.com
www.monroelife.com
It’s an old saying: “Aim towards the light, and the shadows will fall behind you.” Watching
the blazing sun rise over the crashing waves and blackness of night was a reminder that
our All Powerful God is the Creator of All, and that no matter the chaos, the pain, the
uncertainty we may feel at times, the sun will always rise, a new day will always begin, and
God will always destroy the darkness and the pestilence that stalks at night with His Light.
- Facebook post from David Johnson Wood.
truly consider the triumphant story of
David Johnson Wood a gift for the holiday
season to anyone who has been in pain and
is starting life anew. There is always a new
day, and The Bingham Group is privileged
to be able to share David’s story of how his
fall from grace led to a rebirth in Christ and a
spectacularly successful career.
We are also proud to feature another veteran
in this issue: Charlie Brakebill. Locals might
know him as die-hard Volunteer and former
head of fundraising for the University of
Tennessee, but he was also a war veteran
with many stories to tell. Within these pages,
you will learn more about his life and legacy.
There is so much to do in East Tennessee
over the holidays. Discover Christmas
festivals, get inspired with decorating ideas
and find opportunities to be generous with
your donations. Christmas truly is a season
of giving, and it is always good to share a bit
of the Christmas spirit with those who are
less fortunate.
As always, I am incredibly grateful for our
advertisers – without you, we would not
be able to share these incredible stories.
And as the holidays approach, I am also
grateful for time spent with my precious
daughters. Merry Christmas from all of us at
The Bingham Group.
I
From the Publisher
Lisa Atkins-Bingham
THE CHRISTMAS AMARYLLIS ON THE COVER IS IN HONOR OF
Betty Smallin-Roberts
1936-2019
My Aunt Betty spent her
life creating beautiful floral
arrangements and bouquets.
She warmed our hearts
in many ways.
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