By Ruth Ford
Tommy came to Wellborn from the big city of Tampa 62 years ago when he was fifteen. He came with his Pa, a few belongings and a mule. They stopped at the Blake Lowe store for something for supper. As Tommy waited for his Pa, he looked out over this “town” with the pigs and cattle roaming the dirt streets (no fencing then), and he thought, “Pa has truly lost his mind.”
They continued on to their new home - a hundred acre farm just north of Wellborn (the old Salis Richardson farm) where these “big city” folks were soon joined by Tommy’s mother and two sisters to begin their new life as farmers. They succeeded beyond all expectations (certainly beyond 15-year-old Tommy’s expectations) prospering and helping the community.
Shortly after their arrival, as Tommy was working on the farm, a Buick convertible drove by with a beautiful girl in the back seat (Patricia Poucher). Tommy fell in love at first sight and said to himself, “I’m going to marry that girl.” (She was 13 and he was 15). When school started in Wellborn, Tommy enrolled in the 9th grade. That same girl was in his class — school was great!
After graduating, Tommy was called by “Uncle Sam’s draft” to serve our country. He helped finish the tobacco crop and joined the Navy. The United States was involved in the Korean conflict at that time. While in the Navy, he lost contact with his love.... but he couldn’t forget her and was compelled to find her again. Finally, with the help of his sister he found her, and they were married in 1955.
Tommy’s love was a Christian girl. Through her, he was introduced to the Christian life and eventually became a preacher. He was happiest when he was moving around, preaching in different churches, but finally he was called to preach at Pinemount in McAlpin, and was there for six years. He is now actively serving the Lord as a retired preacher at the Wellborn Baptist Church.
During these years, in addition to farming, Tommy’s father had started a construction business. Tommy worked with his father and became a licensed builder, which eventually led him to the Building Department of Suwannee County where he spent 17 years in service to our County.
Tommy and Pat had three children, two girls (Teresa and Mickey) and a boy (Tommy III), and they all eventually moved into the Town of Wellborn where Tommy still lives. Tommy lived with his love for 43 years and five months. They were finally parted a few years ago by Pat’s moving to her heavenly home — ‘until they find each other again.’
Tommy has been a good, loyal Wellborn resident — he enjoys the good church, our good community, the good people, good family.... His mother was very active in the Wellborn Community Association and made it possible for the Association to buy the land where the Andrews Square is located. It is so named in honor of Tommy’s father. Tommy will honor Wellborn by serving as the Grand Marshall of the 16th Blueberry Parade. As you enjoy the Wellborn Blueberry Festival at Andrews Square (June 5 & 6), take a moment to reflect on the Andrews family and be thankful for the contribution the Andrews have made to the Town of Wellborn since Tommy’s Pa “lost his mind” and moved his family here.
