Carson-Newman University president Charles Fowler, left, greets 2025 Eagle Award recipient Harry Smith, a longtime member of Union University’s Board of Trustees. Fowler was provost of Union and Smith board chairman in 2008 when an EF-4 tornado struck the university, significantly damaging dormitories and injuring students. — Photos by Jim Veneman
JACKSON — While Summit 2025 was anchored around the recognition of three major milestones — the centennial anniversaries of the Cooperative Program, Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Baptist Faith and Message — the event also included another significant milemarker: The 10th presentation of the Eagle Award.
The award is given annually to a Tennessee Baptist layperson who has made significant contributions in serving Tennessee Baptists. This year’s honoree was Harry Smith, a respected business leader in West Tennessee known for his strong work ethic and strategic leadership.
Smith said he was “thankful” and “humbled” to receive the award, which was presented to him during Sunday night’s worship service that opened this year’s Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church.
TBMB president and executive director Randy C. Davis presents the Eagle Award to Smith.
Smith encouraged attendees at the service to be involved in their local church, especially the children’s ministries.
He said that during his childhood, “the church was my family” and said the same can be true for children today. “Be a dad (or a mom) to those who need one,” he said.
The presentation of the Eagle Award dates back to 2016, when the late Ken Sparks, former football coach at Carson-Newman University, was selected as the inaugural honoree.
The Eagle Award: Through the years
The 2025 Summit marked the 10th presentation of the Eagle Award, an honor given annually to a Tennessee Baptist layperson who has made significant contributions in serving Tennessee Baptists. Listed below a year-by-year look at all the honorees:
2025 — Harry Smith. A respected business leader in West Tennessee, Smith is known for a career that was defined by strong work ethic and strategic leadership. Deeply connected to the Memphis community, he served on the boards of more than 30 non-profit organizations and was heavily involved at Union University.
2024 — Don and Ann Davis. The couple, who received the award posthumously, was dedicated to sharing the gospel across the globe, having served on more than 90 mission trips, while also working with disaster relief teams and the Rescue Mission during their years of ministry. They also donated property to the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board that is now home to the Missions Mobilization Center. Their daughter, Kathy Fields, accepted the award on their behalf.
2023 — DR volunteers. Six couples with longtime Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer backgrounds were honored with the Eagle Award in 2023 for their tireless efforts in bringing healing and hope to those impacted by disasters. The six recipients of the award were Don and Nonnie Owen, First Baptist Church, Morristown; John and Kay Thomas, First Baptist Church, Sevierville; Murray and Marjorie Johnson, First Baptist Church, Hendersonville; Chuck and Gerri Thacker, First Baptist Church, Gallatin; Butch and Faye Porch, Woodland Baptist Church, Brownsville.
2022 — Doug Duncan. Duncan, of Dyersburg was recognized for this evangelism efforts and dedication to being the hands and feet of Jesus for his community and beyond.
2021 — James P. Guenther. Having served as general counsel for the TBMB and the Southern Baptist Convention for more than 50 years, Guenther was choosen for the award in 2021. Guenther is a member of First Baptist Church, Nashville.
2020 — Jason Little. A layman from Germantown Baptist Church, Germantown and president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health Care in Memphis, Little was the 2020 recipient for “getting beyond the walls of the church and making a Great Commission impact.”
2019 — John D. Wallace. Known for his generosity, with both his time and money, Wallace was honored for the kingdom impact he made during his lifetime.
2018 — Betty Wiseman. A member of Brentwood Baptist Church, Wiseman is a former basketball coach at Belmont. Earning the nickname “Belmont Betty” because of her passion for the school and athletics, Wiseman is a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
2017 — Col. James Hardin. A member of First Baptist Church, Huntingdon, Hardin, USAF, retired, was honored for his dedication to sharing the gospel and influencing others to be like Jesus.
2016 — Ken Sparks. A Hall of Fame football coach, Sparks is known as “the Billy Graham of coaches.” Sparks led the Carson-Newman football team to five national championships and a 338-99-2 record, retiring fifth in all-time NCAA wins. He was an active member of Manley Baptist Church in Morristown. B&R
