Knoxville Backdrop for Rude Awakening

Rude Awakening

Knoxville

Rising up in the westward shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains and situated at the head of the Tennessee River, lies Knoxville, the third largest city in Tennessee.  Its proximity to the rolling hills and mountain peaks of the Smokies, its abundance of lakes and rivers, and its mild climate make it an ideal venue for those seeking outdoor beauty and adventure. Rich in Appalachian culture and historical legends, locals are proud of their heritage.

Driven by a strong economy, infused with the vitality of a “college town,” Knoxville offers a colorful tapestry of opportunities and entertainment. While offering the amenities of the “big” cities, most natives will tell you Knoxville still possesses a certain “small town charm.” Lifelong resident, Joyce Whedbee, says, “Knoxville offers the best of both worlds, and most people are genuinely friendly.”

First settled in 1786, Knoxville abounds in history.  It was the first capital of Tennessee, and was reported to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. Although the city struggled with geographic isolation, the arrival of the railroad in 1855 helped precipitate an economic boom.  Bitterly divided during the Civil War, Knoxville was occupied by both Union and Confederate armies during the war vying for control of the railroads and waterways. Numerous forts were erected during the war including Fort Dickerson, and Fort Loudon. Probably the most famous was Fort Sanders, named after Union General William P. Sanders who was killed by a sniper’s bullet as he was surveying the battleground in order to develop a strategic plan. The bullet came from a confederate sniper positioned in the bell tower of the Bleak House, headquarters for Confederate Lt. General James Longstreet, one of General Lee’s most trusted commanders.

On November 29, 1863, Longstreet planned and executed an unsuccessful campaign to break through the lines of Union Major General Ambrose Burnsides to provide reinforcements to the Confederate troops in Chattanooga. Longstreet’s siege was ultimately ended when Union Major General William Sherman marched into East Tennessee bringing reinforcements to Burnsides. The Confederates would not regain control of Knoxville for the rest of the war.

Today, a graceful antebellum house, originally known as, Bleak House, overlooks the Tennessee River, and is home to Confederate Hall, a museum of Civil War memorable artifacts.

Established in 1794 as Blount College, the school went on to become the main campus of the University of Tennessee, recognized as the largest research institute in Tennessee. Offering more than 300 degreed programs to its student census of approximately 28,000, UT is especially respected for its agriculture and engineering programs. UT is also home to the Tennessee Volunteers, and Knoxvillians take their football and their beloved “Vols,” as the locals say, with a religious fervor. On game days you can observe rivers of orange flowing through town as students and residents turn out to support their team. UT’s field of play, Neyland Stadium, is the third largest football stadium in the United States with a seating capacity of 102,455.

Knoxville is also home to the Tennessee Valley Authority.  Established in 1933, the TVA began constructing hydroelectric and other power plants which provided flood control and jobs, and provided the area with electricity, making a major impact on industry in Knoxville that continues today.

About 25 miles west of Knoxville sits Oak Ridge, an area, once shrouded in secrecy, chosen by the United States Federal Government in 1942 to be the research facility for the Manhattan Project. The government felt that the location’s accessibility by highway and rail, and readily available water and electricity resources, along with its situation within a long valley made it an ideal facility for the development of the atomic bomb. During the war, more than 70,000 people were brought in to work on the top-secret project.  Today the facility is under civilian control.  According to Wikipedia, “… the Department of Energy runs a nuclear and high-tech research establishment at the site and performs national security work. Tours of parts of the original facility are available to American citizens from June through September. The tour is so popular that there is a waiting list for seats.”

In 1982, Knoxville opened its doors to the world, drawing  more than 11 million visitors as the host of the 1982 World’s Fair. President Ronald Reagan spoke at the opening of the fair,
which was deemed one of the most successful World’s Fairs in history. Its theme, “Energy Turns the World,” underscored Knoxville’s technological prominence. The Sunsphere, built for the fair, still glitters along the horizon of the city.

Kingston Pike is one of the major arteries cross-secting Knoxville, starting out downtown as Main Street, turning to Cumberland, also known as the “strip” which travels through the heart of the University of Tennessee, and continuing through residential and commercial areas all the way to west Knoxville and on into Kingston, Tennessee. A strong network of highways runs through and around Knoxville, including I-40, I-75, and I-640, making it an easy destination for traveler’s from around the southeast.

The diversity and quality of life the city offers seems to rank highest with most folks. One long-time resident was emphatic when she exclaimed, “Knoxville is just an idyllic place to grow up and live.”

Update from Rob/Family Photos

I glanced at the calendar on my desk yesterday, and wondered: Where has the summer gone? We're just one week away from September. The big, yellow school buses are already rolling, and I see the faces of children lined up at the bus stops on my way to the office.

Work is never-ending. My dad is in ill health, and can't put in the hours he would like to. Justin, now 27, passed his insurance exam, and is working hard to put the numbers up on the board. He's doing quite well, and I am proud of him.

There is also a new little fellow at the office...My grandson, Logan, is about eight months old now, and he loves coming to work with Daddy and Mom. He is growing fast, and has recently become a speed crawler. Yes, I am prejudiced, but he is one of the cutest babies I have ever seen. I can't wait until he is old enough for me to teach him how to fish.

Miss Brit is doing well. She has formed a real bond with her nurse, Pam McDonald, and I am grateful for the excellent care she gives Brit.

My parents just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Can you believe it??? Sixty-two years, and they still have a good, loving relationship.

The book is moving along at a good clip now that most of the research has been collected. Sheree spent three weeks here in July, and uncovered a wealth of information critical to the story. She also solved a few mysteries that have been speculated about for 19 years.

Anyway, just wanted to check in. Thanks for your continued support. I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the family album.

CONTEST*CONTEST*CONTEST*CONTEST

So many of you have helped me, more than you can know, with your words of encouragement, and through some of your ideas and comments related to my book. Thank you so much!

 

We'd like to add some quotes to the manuscript proposal, and even though some of you have answered similar questions in the past, we wanted to collect them in one place. SO...

 

The first 25 people to complete the following mini-survey will receive a first edition, autographed copy of my book when it is released. If you'd like to participate, please put your answers in the comment section following this post. Be sure to include your name and email address, and note whether you would rather have your comments posted anonymously. Otherwise your name (not your email) will follow your quote. Also, if you are not comfortable using your email address, just say, "Respond through Facebook." Feel free to add other thoughts or questions you may have. Many thanks.

 

Survey

Name:

Email address:

 

1. What most intrigues/interests you about my story?

2. Would you, and if so, why would you buy this book?

3. What is your preferred reading format? (hard back, paperback, e-books, etc.) 

 

We'll announce the winners next week.

 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ROB WHEDBEE!!

OK, I’m a little late posting this, but it still needs to be said.

From the moment his first child was born, Rob Whedbee loved being a father. When Justin was born, he loved spending time with his baby boy, and could not wait to get home from work to spend time with him. He never minded that his wife insisted he get up with him during the night, to calm his cries or get him a bottle. Rob always says Justin was such an easy child. As he made the transition from baby to little boy, Justin was a good child…well-behaved on public outings, inquisitive about the world, and able to entertain himself when his parents made the long drive to Destin, Florida, their favorite vacation place. Being the first grandchild, Justin never lacked for love or attention, but he loved hanging out with his dad, who taught him to fish and encouraged his curiosity.

When Brittany was born almost four years later, once again the family was ecstatic, especially to have a girl in the family. The day after her birth, the news from the doctor was not good. He believed Brittany was born with Down syndrome, and they would have to do tests. Rob was upset, as any parent would be, but he thought about it and decided they would do whatever was necessary to give his little girl a good life. Through hysterics, his wife, Lisa, asked, “How do we get out of this?” She meant it. Rob calmly responded, “Lisa, I don’t think this is something we can or should get out of.” Right then, Rob stepped up to the plate, and lovingly hugged his little girl. Despite escalating medical problems, and Lisa’s refusal to accept Brittany, Rob was always there, and proudly took his little girl out and about with him. He once said she was going to be the first Miss America with Down syndrome.

After the attempt on his life, Rob became a single father. His parents gave up their retirement years to help him out as best they could, but Rob was there caring for them, watching them grow, and loving them. Of course, there were problems…Justin had some rough years, but they made it through. Brittany required total care, but Rob was always there, and never complained about the sacrifices he had made to meet his children’s needs.

It’s been 19 years since Lisa abandoned her kids. My personal opinion: They are better off.

I just wanted to recognize a good man who is an incredible father.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, ROB!

Strange Moments From the Trial of Michael Frazier

During cross-examination by prosecutor, Bill Crabtree, Michael Frazier admits buying rubber gloves after work on June 7th, in preparation for "helping" Lisa Whedbee that night.

He stated that when he returned to his car, he opened the package and put on the gloves, and wore them until after his struggle with Mr. Whedbee, some eight hours later. The discarded gloves were found in the woods behind the Whedbee house the next day.

(I don't know about you, but rubber gloves always make my hands really sweaty.)

Glimpses From the Family Album

I really appreciate the kind notes I frequently receive from people who have learned about my story. I am often asked how the kids are doing, so I thought you might enjoy some pictures from our family album. Although. Brittany requires constant care because of damage done by the Moya-moya disease and her profound Down Syndrome, she is a happy child who loves her Dad, her Moms and Pops, and her brother, Justin, and still loves to watch Barney. Justin is a grown man who has followed his dad into the insurance business and is doing very well. I am proud of both my children.

All grown up!

Me and the kids in 1992. 

 

 

Brit loves Dad.

 

 

Justin with my parents, Joyce and Lloyd.

Justin and Miss Brit.

Stay tuned for more family photos!

Rude Awakening-Story Overview

 

Rude Awakening
Story Overview

The reporters said it was “a sexy story.” Church, sex, greed, adultery, blood, a defenseless child with Down Syndrome, a geeky journalist and church organist, a manipulative and narcissistic woman, and a well-known and well-liked Knoxville businessman who didn't see it coming...all the elements that garnered column inches and ratings, spurring readership and attracting viewers.

In the early morning hours of June 8, 1994, a flyspeck of a man, dressed in black, covetous and possessed by passion, clutched a knife in his gloved hands and stood above another man who slept quietly in his own bed. In those critical seconds as the knife descended towards its target, the sleeping man suddenly awoke and somehow deflected the blade away from his throat. The cold metal sliced through his earlobe and grazed the side of his neck.

Wide awake and distinctly aware his life was on the line, Rob Whedbee engaged the black figure in a struggle for control of the weapon, and called to his wife for help. He worried, “Was she already dead, and what about his little girl sleeping down the hall?” As the battle ensued, the two rolled to the floor, and Rob, the larger man, was able to maneuver behind his attacker and clutch him by the wrists. Still the man in black continued to swing the knife, cutting and nicking the man he had planned to kill.

When Rob's wife Lisa finally appeared in the doorway to their bedroom, wielding an aluminum softball bat, he felt a moment of relief. He called to her again for help, yet she stood there, silent and ghostly in the dim light of the hallway. His brief sense of relief quickly dissipated as the man he held shouted to her, “You've got to do it. Do it now!” Stunned by disbelief, he clearly understood the betrayal at hand. He was on his own. He also knew that voice and the black figure was no longer a stranger to him.

The morning light revealed the truth of the odd tale. Lisa Outlaw Whedbee and her lover had carefully planned the demise of her husband, Rob. The case was immediately dubbed “The Tennessee Love Triangle,” and the minute it hit the AP wire, the media descended upon the peaceful, Tennessee city of Knoxville. CNN, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and People magazine were just a few of the news outlets vying for interviews with almost anyone who might have a connection to the story.

Even when the O.J. Simpson case hit the news five days later, media interest in the attempted murder of a respected Knoxville business man remained high. Tabloid news shows saw a good story and before long the cameras were rolling for segments on A Current Affair, Hard Copy, Dateline, City Confidential, and Snapped, AND for the first time in Tennessee legal history, the doors of justice swung open for Court TV, and legal pundits were summoned to provide commentary about the convoluted proceedings.

The provocative trial was a fiasco, as a sharp defense attorney vilified the victim and wooed the jury, hoping the lies that were served up would be accepted as the truth. The prosecutor was “old school” and hammered out the facts and evidence over and over. The seven men and five women, called upon to mete out justice, were confused, and after their decision they faced the truth: Maybe they had gotten it wrong. The outcome of the case still has people across the country shaking their heads in disbelief.

It's been 19 years since that night, but native Knoxvillians remember the story. The episodes on City Confidential and Oxygen's Snapped are still broadcast frequently, and the showings always elicit a flurry of emails from across the country, and even some from Europe, all expressing empathy for the man who almost lost his life that night and for the innocent children who were forever abandoned by a cunning woman who did not deserve to be called a mother.

Rude Awakening explores the events leading up to the crime, the bizarre account of the attempted murder, and an in-depth post-mortem of the legal fiasco that followed.