Governor to attend dedication, view new memorial for Waverly flood victims

WAVERLY, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Aug. 21, 2021, floodwaters devastated Waverly, killing 20 people in Humphreys Country and causing widespread destruction to about 800 properties. It’s a day that changed the lives of countless individuals.

Three years later, a new memorial will be dedicated to the victims alongside a candlelight vigil and dedication ceremony. The events will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. on 506 East Main Street in Waverly.

Governor Bill Lee will be in attendance as well as State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield). Before attending the ceremony, Senator Roberts will complete his tradition of biking 100 miles from the Robertson County Courthouse in Springfield to the Humphreys County Courthouse in Waverly.

On his bicycle handlebars will sit a notecard with the names of each flood victim and their ages, ranging from seven months to 67-years-old.

“It’s just a time to reflect on the people who’s lives have been lost, but also to just praise God for his goodness and the good things that have happened,” said Roberts.

Roberts said he remembers how people from near and far showed up for the victims in their greatest time of need and he hopes that that sense of support continues this weekend.

“Sometimes in Tennessee, we just need to let people know we love them,” said Roberts. “It may seem kind of an odd thing to do for somebody to come over there who has no connection, but trust me when I say, it’s something that will be valued by the people there and it’s something that they will appreciate.”

He added that he wants to continue calling attention to the need for rebuilding homes, businesses, bridges, and lives in the area.

“When you keep calling attention to the needs, there’s somebody that owns a business that says, ‘Well, I have that, I can give that,’ so, the benefit comes in various ways,” explained Roberts.

The new memorial is located behind the former Waverly Junior High School along East Main Street. According to Roberts, it’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

“When you go visit Waverly today, it’s very mixed emotions because you see so much new construction and you think, these are homes that have been rebuilt, and hopefully lives and livelihoods that have been rebuilt,” said Roberts. “But then you also see the vacant lot, you see the foundation with no house on it, you know the kids are still meeting in temporary schools.”

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The recovery is long-term.

“There are still people who’s businesses just aren’t what they used to be,” said Roberts.

If anyone is unable to attend the vigil Saturday, Roberts encourages you to visit the official Humphreys County tourism website , stop by local businesses, or donate to the Flood Resources , or mail a check to the United Way of Humphreys County (Box 212, Waverly, TN 37185).

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