Category: Uncategorized

What is your hometown?

My early years were in Milan. My father worked in Jackson and commuted for 16 years. In 1970, we moved to Jackson where I started my sophomore year at Jackson-Central Merry, graduating in 1974. 

What is your profession?

I am the Founder/Owner and President of Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory. I am a Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and a licensed Advance Funeral Planner. I became interested in funeral service at the age of 7 after my grandmother died. Our neighbor, Ralph Jones, owned the funeral home in Milan across the street from my elementary school. After school, I walked across the street and rode home with Ralph. My parents were concerned due to the time spent at the funeral home and took me to a counselor. My mother was told that I “would grow out of it” which in my case, never happened.  After moving to Jackson, I worked for a local funeral home downtown before attending college. In the 1990s I saw the need for a funeral home on the north side of town and opened Arrington Funeral Directors in 1995.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?
I serve as past president of Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Nationally, I was president of the National Funeral Directors Association and am the only Tennessean to hold that title and was chairman for 2 terms for the Funeral Service Foundation. I am in my 11th year as a board member of the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, TX. Locally, I was secretary of the Jackson Country Club for over 20 years. I am a member of the Old Hickory Rotary Club, vice-chairman of the Greater Jackson Chamber Board of Directors, co-chair of Friends of Heart, and on the Ethics Committee for the Jackson-Madison County School System.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?
The people – they are dedicated and committed to this community. Jackson’s location on the corner of I-40 and US Highway 45 is unique. The growth opportunities in the next 2–5 years are beyond comprehension.

Three words that best describe you:

Visionary. Passionate. Thankful.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

Coffee, iced tea, and wet kisses from our dog, Gracie.

I Am Jackson because…

I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!

What is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee. After working in real estate in the Orlando and Memphis areas, I moved back home with my late wife, Courtney, who was an interior designer. Together we worked on several design and construction projects that sparked my love for craftsmanship and creative building. Those early experiences inspired me to start my own construction business and invest in bringing quality, well-designed spaces to my hometown — something that’s grown into a lifelong passion.

What is your profession?

I’m a builder and entrepreneur with a passion for quality craftsmanship and design innovation. My path started in real estate, but over time I found myself drawn to the creative side of construction — taking a design from concept to completion. I’m self-taught in construction and driven by the idea that there’s always a better, easier way to build and create. Today, my wife, Abby, and I continue that shared vision through Builder Finish Products — helping clients bring beautiful, functional homes and spaces to life across West Tennessee. BFP now serves as a one-stop resource for lighting, cabinetry, flooring, tile, hardware, closets, and outdoor products. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

Jackson is home. It’s the people — hardworking, genuine, and family-oriented — who make this town so special. It’s the perfect size to raise a family, grow a business, and still feel connected to your community.

Three words that best describe you:

Intentional. Creative. Determined.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Steakhouse downtown Chicago 

Where is your favorite place for dining or entertainment?

When I’m not on-site or in the showroom, I’m usually outside grilling with family or spending time on the lake with Abby and our kids.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

Good coffee and hard work

I Am Jackson because…

I believe in building better — homes, businesses, and relationships — right here in the community that built me.

What is your hometown?

I am a Jacksonian through and through. My dad, Billy Rauchle, grew up in Trenton, and my mother, Geneva Burns Rauchle, taught Senior English and Spanish at Humboldt High School. I was born in the “fancy hospital” in Jackson and we never looked back. Daddy worked for Sears and was known as the “fence man.” Our simple red brick three-bedroom two-bath home on Coatsland Drive that was once a former lake was the first finished and occupied home on the street. It was where my dreams were made, making life-long friends, playing kick the can, and taking new neighbors (snipe) hunting. My parents and my sister, Gay Fowler, ate together every night. Leave it to Beaver had nothing on us. Great memories that I will always treasure.

Where else have you lived?
At 25 I left for the University of Memphis Law School and lived in Memphis for three years. I never made it through a whole week of summer camp because I was always homesick, and I was homesick my entire law school experience. I did make it through those three difficult years, by the grace of God, moved back to Jackson, married Steve Little, and the rest they say is history.

What is your profession?

I am a lawyer who began my career in downtown Jackson as a self-taught paralegal. Every summer, I typed for attorneys Melvin Rowland and George Googe. I worked with George as an Assistant Public Defender for approximately six years and visited every prison in the state. It was a great courtroom and life experience for my career. In 1998, I ran for General Sessions Court Judge, Division II, Juvenile and Probate. I was blessed to win and have run unopposed in that position for the past four terms. This profession has truly been my life and love, especially any matters that help children who are in trouble or have been abused. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There can be no peace without law.” I chose law because I wanted to make a difference in our community, West Tennessee, and especially for our children. Some days it feels like judges are just educated referees trying to find justice. I will continue to fight that battle as long as I am in this position.

Where have you volunteered in efforts to give back?

I have been involved in so many different prevention programs for children, music, assistance with parents, out of wedlock children, and kindness to others in times of need. Any time I have an opportunity to improve the lives of those in our community I look for ways to fund programs and to improve the lives of the individuals that the program will enhance. My favorite examples are the CASA program that I developed in our county, the Evening Reporting Center, Teen Court, the Summer Jobs Program, and Safe Haven visitation, Truancy Court, Safe Baby Court, Youth Town Wilderness Program, and the Summar House, which gave children a place to live after being removed for abuse or neglect.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

I love all the diversity in Jackson. We are truly a hub city. We have a unique regional musical history from Graceland in Memphis to Hank Williams in Nashville; museums and all forms of recreation that are readily available to our citizens. On the weekends other counties come to join us for food and entertainment, and we join them for some amazing festivals and celebrations. We are truly West Tennessee’s example of working together to enjoy what Tennessee has to offer.

Three words that describe you.

Tenacious, a word given to me by the infamous Tom Hensley. He always said I never took no for an answer. Next would be outspoken. Don’t ask me a question if you don’t want to know a truthful answer. Finally, unique. Music has always been my first love; and I have a love of all things related to clothes, purses, jewelry, and shopping. I love working with children’s programs, public speaking in the community, and enjoying lifelong friends.

I am Jackson because…

There is no place like home!