Charles B. Honeycutt
July 18, 1926 ~ December 2, 2004
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Charles Bethel Honeycutt, 78, former Mayor of Glasgow, died Thursday, December 02, 2004, at the Medical Center at Bowling Green. Born July 18, 1926, he was the son of the late Wendell Holmes Honeycutt and Mary Bethel Payne Honeycutt.
Charles Bethel Honeycutt would have graduated from Glasgow High School in June of 1945, but had already entered the army during the final year of World War II. His father would accept his diploma for him at the graduation ceremony; while Charlie served in the Pacific Theatre.
Charlie Honeycutt’s early entry into the U.S. Military was the first public step in a life that can be characterized by one simple, two-syllable word that is often over used and under valued. That word is “service.” The contributions of Charles Bethel Honeycutt to his country, his community, and the children of that community set a high standard and redefined the word “service” for future generations.
Following his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force, Charlie pursued his education, graduating from Transylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later receiving his Master of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky . He completed additional graduate studies at Florida State University and Western Kentucky University as he furthered his career in education.
After a three year stay at Benham High School , Charlie returned to his hometown to serve as Director of the Glasgow Scottie Band. His legendary leadership of that organization transformed the band into a symbol of excellence and pride for the entire community. Few members of our city and county, regardless of high school affiliation, were not moved by the sight of the mighty Scottie Band marching with pride in their trademark kilts and military jackets. The rhythm of the drum cadence and the power of the music caused many citizens to stand tall in pride and admiration.
That admiration was not just felt locally. The Glasgow Scottie Band became the famed Glasgow Scottie Band under Charlie Honeycutt’s leadership. He taught lessons of pride, dignity, and discipline for 20 years to musicians and students at Glasgow High School . The standard of excellence established by Charlie Honeycutt during his tenure as Director of the Glasgow Scottie Band remains with that extraordinary organization to this day.
Much to the angst of many, Charlie Honeycutt chose to step down as the Scottie Band Director to pursue a career as a school administrator, holding the positions of Assistant Principal, High School Principal, and Director of Pupil Personnel. Without question, the influence of Charlie Honeycutt’s service to the children of our community has been and will continue to be felt for generations.
While serving as an educator, Charlie expanded his career in public service as Chief of the Glasgow Auxiliary Police Department and on the Glasgow City Council for 13 years before retiring to run for mayor. Election of Charlie Honeycutt as Mayor of Glasgow began a new chapter in his life of service, and a new chapter in the history of Glasgow . In an address to Europe bound troops at the Brooklyn Naval Yard in 1914, Woodrow Wilson described service in this way:
We are expected to put the utmost energy, of every power that we have, into the service of our fellow men, never sparing ourselves, not condescending to think of what is going to happen to ourselves, but ready, if need be, to go to the utter length of self-sacrifice.
With the same spirit of determination, leadership, and patriotism gained through his personal military service, Charlie Honeycutt went to battle for his home community–putting utmost energy into the service of his fellow man. What a difference Charles Bethel Honeycutt made to the future of this community.
Aggressive initiatives developed by Mayor Honeycutt, building upon the strong foundations laid by his predecessor Mayor Luska Twyman, propelled this community into an unheralded period of economic growth and expansion, enhanced educational opportunities, development of highly trained and equipped public service agencies, recognition and appreciation of community history and historical landmarks, civic pride and cooperation. Some have called the 17 year period of Charles Honeycutt’s leadership as mayor, Glasgow ’s “Golden-Age.” Mayor Honeycutt would be the first to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding community leaders who preceded him and worked alongside him. However, for many, it is impossible to overstate the importance, impact, and success of Charles Honeycutt’s tenure as Mayor of Glasgow. This community could not have enjoyed a better end to the 20th century, or better launch into the 21st.
That outstanding service was recognized multiple times by organizations across our state. Most notably, Mayor Honeycutt served as President of the Kentucky League of Cities, and received the William H. Natcher Award for Excellence in Local Government.
After 17 years at the helm of Glasgow’s leadership, Charlie Honeycutt entered what he called retirement, but might be called a third career for most. He was a passionate leader for renovating the Plaza Theatre into a community performing arts center. He continued his dedication to building an economic future for our community by serving on the IDEA Board; and in the spirit of “what goes around comes around,” he led many former pupils and other community musicians as Director of the Glasgow Community Band.
Charlie was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Glasgow , where he served in many capacities. He served for many years as Choir Director; was the first Director of the handbell choir; served as both Deacon and Elder; and was a member of the Coombs-Dickinson Bible Class.
The Glasgow community has lost a distinguished leader and public servant fervently committed to the betterment of us all.
Survivors include two sons, Wendell Harris Honeycutt of Glasgow, and Charles Wayne Honeycutt of Glenburn, Maine; their mother, Barbara Jones Honeycutt of Glasgow; four grandchildren, Lesley Honeycutt Oliver of Bowling Green, William Charles Honeycutt, Daniel James Honeycutt and Matthew Lawrence Holmes all of Glenburn, ME; one step-son, James Robert “Jim Bob” Clement of Glasgow; two step-grandchildren, Tara Beth Clement and Jon-Michael Clement both of Scottsville; one step-great-grandchild, Kenley Kirk; two cousins, Mary Bethel Payne Robinette of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Billy Payne of Glasgow. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Dianne Bradberry Honeycutt on November 22, 2004, and a brother, William Burton Honeycutt.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2004, at the First Christian Church in Glasgow . Burial, with military honors provided by Glasgow Chapter 20 DAV, will be in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery . Visitation will be after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home and after 12 noon Monday at the church.
Alternate expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the “Buying of Seats” at the Plaza Theater Project. Contributions may be mailed to the Plaza Seat Project, c/o Glasgow City Hall, 126 East Public Square, Glasgow, KY 42141. You may follow this link for the web site for this project where you will find information along with a donation form you may download for your personal use.
