September 5, 2019, Scott Broden, The Daily News Journal
LA VERGNE — Former Mayor A.C. Puckett, a founder for the La Vergne government, died Wednesday, the city reported. He was 94.
“His impact on the city is huge, being one of our city’s founding fathers,” Mayor Jason Cole said in the news release. “I deeply valued his friendship and advice, which began when I ran for political office. A.C.’s generosity with his knowledge, insight and time is well known and incredibly helpful.”
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Miracle Baptist Church, 5361 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday the church following a visitation at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gideons International or to the Miracle Baptist Church Golden Offering.
City founder
Puckett was instrumental in the development and incorporation of the city of La Vergne in 1972, according to the news release from spokeswoman Anne Smith. Puckett served as one of the original members of the City Council. He was vice mayor from 1972 until 1980 when he was elected to the office of mayor, which he served in until 1984.
Puckett then remained on the council as a commissioner until the charter was changed in 1988. He then served as vice mayor again until his term ended in 1990.
Former La Vergne Mayor Dennis Waldron recalled Puckett as being the last surviving of the original three elected officials for the city, which includes former Mayor Vester Waldron and Almond Chaney.
“They were raised during the Depression, and they knew the value of the dollar,” said Waldron, a cousin of the founding mayor. “They had very little money, and they ran this city pretty well on no money. They could stretch a dollar longer than anybody could ever see.”
Fellow former La Vergne Mayor Senna Mosley recalled Puckett’s strong involvement with the city.
“I just always had great respect for Mr. Puckett,” Mosley said. “I admired him and his family for giving their time to the La Vergne and the citizens of La Vergne. It’s hard work. Anytime someone runs for office, your family has to sacrifice, as well. I want to say thank you to him and his family. They are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.”
Puckett also was known for serving as La Vergne’s first postmaster in 1952. He retired from the position in 1987.
In addition to his work with the city and his postal career, Puckett served in the Army Reserve from 1944 until 1977, finishing with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also helped form the Smyrna/La Vergne Rotary Club and to establish Miracle Baptist Church.
In 1980, Puckett connected his Tennessee city with La Vergne, a village in southwest France, as part of the Sister Cities program.
Most recently, Puckett served on the La Vergne Housing Authority from 2000 to 2018 and the La Vergne Library Board from 2006 to 2008.
Puckett was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Louise Williams Puckett. He is survived by his sons, Mark and Stephen Anthony, and his six grandchildren.