Carl Levi arrives for party
Getting kisses from Fran Simmons and Sabrena Smedley
Birthday cake
Senator Bo Watson stopped by
Senator Todd Gardenhire attended
Retired Det. Donut Williams with Carl Levi
With Ray Adkins and Alden Perry
Earl Freudenberg, Linda Moss Mines and Carl Levi
Capt. Mickey McCamish attended
Several dozen friends surprised retired Chattanooga City Treasurer and Hamilton County Trustee Carl Levi with a birthday luncheon Friday at Wally’s on McCallie Avenue.
Chattanooga Mayor Rudy Olgiati gave Mr. Levi a job in the city treasurer’s office where he remained for 45 years. He also served two terms as Hamilton County Trustee.
Mr. Levi is best known as a Veterans advocate. He joined the National Guard in the 50’s to earn some extra money while in school. He was promoted from the rank of corporal to Brigadier General. The National Guard Armory on Holtzclaw Avenue bears his name.
Mr. Levi is co-founder of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council and has been active in American Legion Post 14 most of his life. He raised half a million dollars to build the Veterans Pavilion, a tribute to the men and women who have served, at the Chattanooga VA National Cemetery.
Mr. Levi was greeted by a host of friends including retired Chattanooga Police Detective Doughnut Williams. Both went to work for the city about the same time.
Both Tennessee State Senators Todd Gardenhire and Bo Watson, stopped by to wish Mr. Levi “Happy Birthday.”
Fran Simmons, Soldier and Family Assistant at the National Guard Armory, and former Hamilton County Commission Chairperson Sabrena Smedley surprised the General with unforgettable birthday kisses.
Hamilton County Historian Linda Moss Mines said General Levi has written a lot of local history with his life and it’s an honor to be able to celebrate with him his 92nd birthday.