Is there such a thing as a bad day on the golf course?
Jerry: According to Mark Twain,“ Golf is a good walk spoiled.” It is a very difficult game at any level, but I never let it spoil my day. Years ago, I teed off in Norman, Oklahoma, when it was 19 degrees with snow and ice on the ground. We only played nine holes. My day wasn’ t spoiled, but I wouldn’ t do that again.
Tommie: I didn’ t know there were bad days on the golf course until he came home after a bad round.
Just what qualities make someone a good“ First Lady” of Greenville?
Jerry: Tommie Lynn is a beautiful person inside and out. She has lifetime friends. Tommie has a photographic memory that nullifies my excuses and she has won spelling bees. She has started two successful businesses –“ Tommie’ s Dog Grooming” and, her current business, Tommie’ s Sweet Treats.” Both businesses rely on her artistic ability, especially her cookie business, where she prints specialized cookie cutters and uses color combinations of icings to decorate cookies. Importantly, the cookies are really good too.
Tommie: I’ m not sure I’ m a good“ First Lady,” but I do enjoy giving back to the community.
Is it a good thing sometimes when mayoral duties take Jerry away from the house?
Jerry: The Mayor’ s job is very time-consuming. Tommie started her cookie business because I was away from home often and she needed something to do.
Tommie: The Mayor’ s job keeps Jerry very busy most days, which allows me alone time to focus on my business.
The political limelight is about to be toned down. What are your plans for staying involved in the community?
Jerry: Living and locating my business in Greenville was always a choice for me. We love Greenville and have both been involved in the community for many years. We will continue our work with various Foundations, the Boys and Girls Club, Northern Texas PGA Junior Programs, University of Oklahoma Golf Programs and others.
Do you both have the same retirement plans, such as a dream vacation, or just how you want to go about your day-to-day?
Jerry: I haven’ t discussed a dream vacation, but Tommie does have a bucket list: Kentucky Derby, beach vacation, perhaps a cruise, National Finals Rodeo, visit Washington D. C., etc.
Tommie: I am currently planning a dream beach summer vacation. We do have a bucket list of places to visit.
What makes you look at the other and think to yourself,“ yep, that’ s why I married her / him and that’ s why I stick around?"
Jerry: Tommie is an incredible person. We’ ve been together over 15 years. She’ s my best friend. I love hanging out with her. That’ s just a start of some of the reasons“ I stick around.”
Tommie: Jerry is the most genuine, caring and compassionate person I have ever met. He loves his friends and is proud of Greenville. As Mayor, he has sleepless nights over tough decisions he makes for the city. He doesn’ t keep me around for my cooking, just my baking skills.
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