The VirtualBoxwell Team recently learned of the passing of Parnell staff member James “Jimmy” Wakefield. Jimmy joined the Parnell staff in 1962 and as far as we know, only worked the one summer. As Greg Tucker explained, “Wakefield shared a tent with Johnny Roe and Greg Tucker. Every Saturday AM Jimmy would pack dirty clothes in a relatively new-looking suitcase, put on a full Scout uniform, and hitchhike to his home in Fayetteville TN. He would return to camp on Sunday AM by the same means. Only once was he late returning. (“I can’t believe no one would pick me up.”) Wakefield was an Eagle Scout and was active as an adult leader in Knoxville where he was a prosperous building contractor. He earned a BA from UT.”

Married for 47 years, Wakefield served as a State and Local member of the Associated General Contractors and the Knoxville Planning Commission. He was active in church as well as other philanthropic organizations. Wakefield passed away in Knoxville on February 15, 2016. He was 69 years old.

The VirtualBoxwell Team is sad to report the passing of Janice (Cowden) Oakes, wife of long-time professional Scouter and former Camp Director Ron Oakes.

http://www.forestparkfh.com/obituary/Janice-Oakes

VirtualBoxwell is sad to announce the passing of Charlie Ray Smith. Smith was a Parnell and Stahlman staff member, serving most notably on both Waterfronts in the 1960s. He was waterfront director at Stahlman in 1966, 1967, and 1970. He joined the ranks of the professional Scouting staff shortly thereafter and returned to Parnell as Camp Director in 1973. After camp, he worked for Williamson County Juvenile Services until his retirement after 41 years in 2016. He remained active in Scouting both officially and unofficially. Indeed, Smith was part of a “renegade” group that dubbed themselves the “XDEs” (ex-District Executives) who were responsible for the Q-ball plaque in Stahlman, the history tables at Craig, and the first two staff reunions in 1983 and 1989. Smith was an Eagle Scout and was awarded the District Award for Merit, the Long Rifle Award, and the Silver Beaver. He was married and had two sons, one of who was also a Boxwell Staff member.

Charlie Ray Smith passed away on July 28, 2022 at the age of 76 after a long battle with cancer.

Service and memorial information may be found below.

https://www.williamsonherald.com/obituaries/obituary-charlie-ray-smith/article_70d07686-0ee2-11ed-b0dc-176e3c448167.html