Larry J. Smith
I first met Thomas (Tommy) Hill in the early 1980s when he became the second superintendent of newly created Shelby Farms. He helped set the stage and prepare the way, for what we all know and love as Shelby Farms Park, today. It was his idea to build Patriot Lake and begin the process of installing picnic areas around what is now the children’s playground and the horse stables. Tommy set the tone for Shelby Farms being a place for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and a great park. Under his watch the Lucius Burch Natural Area was established along the Wolf River which he supported whole heartedly. He also helped establish some of the first boat ramps to the Wolf River with the aid Wolf River Conservancy and TWRA. He touched the lives of so many people who will never know what he helped build for everyone. I will miss him greatly. Larry J. Smith