“As I got older, the hard work set in. From cutting, hanging, and stripping tobacco, it became clear that this was no easy job, but it sure would make you a man, I can tell you that. The long hours spent in the field, the heat of the summer sun, and the tough work—there was nothing easy about it. But there was also something about the work that brought a sense of accomplishment, something I carry with me today.”
– Wendell Townsend
It was out of the hardscrabble soil of Logan County, Kentucky where Wendell Townsend’s mom and dad scraped out a living for their family that included Wendell and his two sisters.
“Dad did not have many opportunities as an African American in the rural South, but he made sure we knew what work was about. He raised tobacco and it was in those fields outside of Adairville where I developed an appreciation for my parents. We didn’t have a lot, but we didn’t want for anything. I had a good upbringing,” Wendell remembers fondly.
Wendell attended the segregated Adairville Training School through the eighth grade. With the integration of the schools in 1956, he went on to attend Adairville High School.
“I have fond memories of high school. Our principal Mr. Richards was fair and supported all the students.” One memorable incident involved Coach Ralph Sharpe, the basketball coach.
“Coach Sharpe had a policy that when the team traveled, we would eat together, no exceptions. I remember clearly, we stopped at the Green Meadows restaurant in Russellville, Kentucky. In the window a sign said no Blacks allowed. Coach Sharp marched right into the restaurant and informed the owner what was about to happen in no uncertain terms. That was my first experience eating in an integrated restaurant. I have never forgotten coach Sharpe for what he did and the example he set,” Wendell remembers.
Reflecting back Wendell notes, “All those people – parents, teachers, coaches all had a positive influence on me. It was all good and with a broad smile adds, “I think I made the most of it, too.” Realizing I didn’t want to farm, I took a friend’s advice after high school and moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University.
During his first year of college Wendell was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. “I was trying to figure all this out, what the future looked like when I saw a poster for the Air Force. The recruiter suggested I take an aptitude test for the Air Force technical school. I scored high and decided to join the Air Force.”
After basic training, Wendell was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base outside of San Antonio, Texas. For the next six months Wendell underwent aircraft communications training. Wendell was then assigned to the 34th Air Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska.
“I had not been there too long when the commander asked if I would be interested in joining Operation Looking Glass. This was the height of the Cold War, and the assignment would be a great opportunity, so I signed up. “Operation Looking Glass” was a mission to provide command and control to US nuclear forces in case of a failure of ground command centers. Aircraft were in the air 24/7. Each plane carried a battle staff of approximately twenty people, one of which was Wendell who was responsible for the operation of the aircraft communication systems.
“At the time I did not realize that what we were doing was historic in its nature and scope. Reflecting on my military career now, I can say I am proud to have been part of that history,” and with a big smile, adding “relieved we avoided nuclear war.”
“After the Air Force, I was motivated to pursue a career in the business world, and I enrolled at Western Kentucky University. I graduated in 1968 with a degree in accounting. I interviewed with three companies and received job offers from all three. I decided General Electric was the best fit for me.”
Wendell’s first stop with GE was in Cincinnati at their Aerospace Division that provides jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. Wendell obtained his MBA at Xavier University while in Cincinnati. After six years he moved to GE’s Lynchburg, Virginia communication systems plant.
“I was in Lynchburg for about six years when I had the opportunity to return to Kentucky at the GE Appliance Park here in Louisville where I would finish my career with GE after 34 years.
I mentioned to Wendell that his parents had to be proud of what he had accomplished. “Oh, they were, enormously proud of both me and my two sisters who were both teachers. You know my parents provided very well for us. We always had clean clothes, good meals, and a great home life.” Wendell pauses for a minute thinking about those times, smiles and says, “You know it was all good.”
After his dad’s passing Wendell’s mom decided she wanted to move from Russellville to Louisville, to be closer to Wendell and his sisters. “I was able after some time to arrange for her to move into the Episcopal Church Home on Herr Lane, where she spent the last six years of her life. It was great that she was close to family.”
Wendell worked with several national accounts and buying groups at his time with GE in Louisville. “GE was a great company; good benefits and it allowed me to support my family.” Wendell’s wife Angela was a teacher, a good teacher, Wendell remembers, adding “I am especially proud of our two daughters, Jacinda who graduated from Harvard and Duke Law School and is a professor on the east coast and Akisha who graduated from Stanford and Georgetown Law.” Akisha is now in Bowling Green.
After retiring from GE Wendell did not slow down, however. For a few years Wendell did project work for Ernst & Young Accounting and soon thereafter, Governor Steve Beshear appointed Wendell to the Department for Local Government where he worked with cities and counties to advise and assist on budget and personnel matters.
As Wendell was busy writing this chapter in his life’s story, the narrative changed. In 2019 during a routine physical exam and on further examination by an oncologist Wendell received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells. These cancerous plasma cells build up in the bone marrow where they crowd out the healthy blood cells, leading to complications. Referred to Vanderbilt on June 19, 2020, Wendell underwent a stem cell transplant that proved successful.
Looking back over the years, Wendell says, “I consider myself blessed. As an example, while looking for a church home, I discovered Beargrass Church.”
“I was immediately impressed with how welcoming the members were at Beargrass. And in particular the membership’s intention is to look outside the walls, to help others. That says a great deal about the church, and I thought this is something I can be a part of. You know, I think all of us who have been blessed have a responsibility to look out for others, it may be as simple as having a conversation, but giving back, that’s Beargrass.”
“When I was undergoing cancer treatment, I cannot say enough about the support I received from so many people at Beargrass. I attend the Fellowship Sunday School Class. I am so appreciative of their love and support.” Wendell specifically recalls his many conversations with Susan Lowe.
“Susan was patient, she listened, and she really cared. She would reach out and genuinely want to know what was going on, how I was doing. She shared her personal journey and was an incredible support to me. I am so very grateful to Susan,” and with a big smile, adds, “she’s on it!”
Through the years, Wendell has always participated in community service. Whether it was being a Big Brother to a young boy in Virginia, or the Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever’s program for area youth, he believes in giving back.
In Louisville Wendell served on Mayor Greg Fischer’s Human Relations Commission and the Mayor’s Ethics Commission along with serving on the board of Lighthouse Academy in Newburg. The mission of Lighthouse Academy is to provide youth in our community with a safe place to learn and grow through educational, spiritual, and economic programs. Beargrass has long been a supporter.
“I’ve enjoyed volunteering at the Center for Performing Arts and a great thrill for me was being a marshal for the Ryder Cup here at Valhalla when the United States team won.”
Talking with Wendell you are immediately drawn into his easy-going charm and big smile. A window opens into a depth of character that comes from the hard work in the tobacco fields. He is like a knife’s edge, honed and refined by the example of his parents and teachers, his convictions sharpened by life’s experiences.
Wendell will tell you that he always had faith that things would work out and with a twinkle in his eye, he adds proudly, “Through hard work and perseverance, and as the song goes, with a little help from my friends, I believe they did!”
We Are One Together is a new monthly news feature by and about church members that celebrates the beautiful, diverse stories that make up our Beargrass family.
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of We Are One Together or would like to recommend one of our members to be included please contact Bob Morris at 270-316-1267 or by email at bm*********@***oo.com.