C R Tinsley

Tragedy in Small Town TN C R Tinsley

It happened so very quickly, yet, the memories of this event have lingered for decades. For those who were there, the event plays over-and-over in their mind, sometimes in slow-motion where they can still see each freeze-frame moment just as it occurred. For loved ones who were not there, their vision of what occurred plays over-and over, haunting their dreams both day and night. The date was Sunday, June 26, 1977. It was a hot 90 degrees and most of the residents of the small town of Columbia, TN were taking part in church functions, spending the day with family, hanging out at the pool, or taking a pleasant afternoon nap. Little did anyone know that our town was mere moments from an epic disaster. A disaster that would leave its weighty mark on every member of this community, for years to come. The worst jail fire in the history of Tennessee, both then and now.