Former News-Free Press sports writers are, front row, left to right, Don Harris, Sam Woolwine and Paul Payne. Back row, Greg Carter, Eddie Baker, Mark McCarter, Ron Bush, James Beach and Paul Schulz.
photo by Donna Woolwine
Sam Woolwine at birthday party
Sam Woolwine and Doris Ellis, who had a long career at WDEF
photo by Donna Woolwine
Sam Woolwine and Judge Clarence Shattuck
photo by Donna Woolwine
At the party
photo by Donna Woolwine
Sam Woolwine's party
photo by Donna Woolwine
Sam Woolwine and Billy Buchanan, golf pro
photo by Donna Woolwine
Longtime News-Free Press sports writer Sam Woolwine greeted a host of friends at his 80th birthday party at Lookout Valley Baptist Church.
When he was named to the Tennessee Sportswriters Hall of Fame, it was noted that "For more than 40 years sports writer Sam Woolwine has honored and given recognition to hundreds of athletes and coaches and their accomplishments through the printed word.
"Tonight at Cumberland University (Lebanon, Tenn.) the Tennessee Sportswriters Association will honor Woolwine, a former sports editor with the Chattanooga Free Press, by induction into its hall of fame along with Ron Higgins (Memphis Commercial-Appeal), Marion Wilhoite (Columbia Daily Journal) and the late Tom Anderson (Knoxville Journal)."
He said at the time, “I have never entered writing contests or sought awards, but have used my talents as a writer to give athletes and coaches the important platform of the newspaper to make others aware of their talents and accomplishments.
Mr. Woolwine is also a member of the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame.
He was long involved with Bethel Bible Village. Jerry Wilson, emcee at the birthday party, read a card from Pat Boone, who for many years performed at a Bethel fundraising event.