In the weeks leading up to Dyersburg City Schools’ Hall of Honor program, slated for September 24, Dyersburg City Schools will be publishing a feature on each honoree. This week’s honoree is John Gauldin III, Class of 1950.

Gauldin was Vice President of the Dyersburg High School Class of 1950. After attending the University of Tennessee, he graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned into the United States Air Force where he served his country as a pilot, instructor pilot senior pilot, and flight test pilot from 1955-1965, achieving the rank of Captain. He even achieved the world altitude record.

Upon leaving the Air Force, he moved back to Dyersburg and was eventually the CEO of First Tennessee Bank. He served on the DCS School Board, Methodist Hospital Dyersburg Board, Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce Board as President, the Dyersburg Kiwanis Club and many more worthy organizations. He was also devoted to his church, First Baptist Dyersburg, where he held many leadership positions such as deacon, chairman of the building committee, and teacher of the teenage boys' Sunday School class. Gauldin was also proud of his family land and it's Century Farm recognition.