Mom and I enjoyed our brief breaks and talking to Mr. Herschel at the State Fair as we helped in the Rabbit Display. I wish I could quote his story about the price of his first tractor -- that corn was what price then, and hogs brought 34cents per pound in 1938. 50 years later corn costs had risen, the new tractor cost $___ and hogs brought 34cents per lb. I bet he is mustering an army to fix a few things down here... Thank You for the memories, the Tennessee Farmer's Co-Op magazine had a nice piece on him a couple of years ago.

My sympathy goes out to Jim and his family on the loss of his father.  I met Mr. Herschel at the Tennessee State Fair around 1973 and we talked about pigs, mules,and other Ligon's. 
That day was a nice day because of Mr. Herschel!

Herschel and Lillie were good friends of Doc and I. They traded at our service station. I am glad that I was able to do things for Lillie when she was not able to drive. She loved to play bridge and I do too but in her last years it was hard for her to see the cards.Doc says that one day he was fixing a split ring tire for his truck and the ring came off and busted him in the nose and to this day,he still has the mark. Herschel was a hard working man and was up sometimes before dawn and worked after dark.He has helped a lot of young men by working for him.Wages weren't high and farmers didn't make that much in those days. He always used the vehicles till they were not fixable. He has lived a long life and now he is in no more pain. He was a man who was proud of his heritage and the service that he gave to his country. You don't find many people  like that anymore.  Doc and Betty Adams Neighbors and friends

I grew up in the Highland Estates subdivision near Mr Ligon's property.  I was not much of a 'country or farm' girl.  Mr Ligon, however, let me ride the tractor with him a few times and gave me great childhood memories from that.  I also remember going on our Kindegarten field trip to his farm to watch him shear the sheep.  I will always cherish those memories & I think of them every week when I drive past his home & farm.

The best I can remember I first met Mr. Ligon around 1978 when I was eight years old. I had wandered off to the farm and stumbled upon Mr. Ligon shaving cedar poles to be used for fencing just outside of the barn. That day started a relationship that I will always cherish. You see, it was a partnership, he needed a helper and I needed a baby-sitter. Little did I know this friendship would instill a work ethic that would go unmatched! The idea to work hard and work smart to feel a sense of pride in an honest living, to appreciate God's creations, to have dignity, to never put a price on something you believe in. Yep, you can't go to school for those things. I'll never forget the hours of conversation, letting me drive to the CO-OP when I was 10 or 12 in that Travelall that was a 3 speed on the column, the big tree on Tate's Lane that he pointed out that you could see from Lebanon, the cattle trail to fresh pastures in Clover Ridge meant it was Spring, grinding and mixing feed, going to hog killings, millions of acres of fencing (with post hole diggers buddy!), dove hunts, classroom lectures about Reagan-nomics (that we didn't understand as 6th graders but you better believe we were on his side), multiple work breaks to watch UT football games including "Miracle in Southbend", lunch at Snow White -and I quote "get all you want, but eat all you get", and countless other life lessons, sayings, and memories. My fondest was sitting around the table having wonderful conversations with Mrs. Lilly as Mr. Ligon made me a good 'ole peanutbutter and mayonnaise sandwich. I've never met any two people that I respect more than Mr. and Mrs. Herschel Ligon. May the two of you rest in peace, and may the community keep in their memory a real life hero and role model. For the family, don't hesitate to call if you ever need anything. God Bless-  Mike Foust

Herschel was a fine gentleman farmer that took pride in his ability to have a working farm.  He was a good neighbor and was happy to talk about his accomplishments. He'll be missed.  My condolences to the family. (from a former Mt.Juliet neighbor)

I first met Herschel in 1970 when I moved my family from New York City to Medearis Drive in Old Hickory. Passed his farm many times during the day. He was always working and keeping things together and very proud of his Fair awards and especially of his historical background and the achievements of his children. One story he told me has always stayed with me. He had Poland China written on his barn roof. My dear mother, who passed his farm many a time by walking from her home on Grandview Circle to mine on Medearis Drive,  and who also was born in Poland. once approached him while he was feeding his hogs at the fence line of Lebanon Road and asked whether he would show her his dishes from Poland as she was Polish and very interested in seeing what he had. He delighted in telling me that story but was very gracious to my mom and explained to her that it was a Prize winning line of hogs he was breeding. Herschel Ligon was a true patriot and we lost one of a dying breed of farmers and patriots. May he now "Requiescat in Pace" (Rest in Peace).

OBITUARY

Herschel Cloyd Ligon

January 24, 1918 – March 11, 2010

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services