Bill and Carol Latimer’s generosity made Latimer Reservation on the Cumberland Plateau a reality in 2007.  The 1,550-acre property is surrounded by more than 50,000 acres of public wilderness in the heart of east central Tennessee. Mr. Latimer has lived in all his life in Obion County, and describes himself as a “small town person.” He was born in 1938 and attended UT Knoxville earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Along with his wife Carol, he operates Bill Latimer Investments. Additionally, he is currently a shareholder of Obion Grain Company Inc., Mayfield Grain Company, Burgess Brothers Grain Company and the Dyersburg Elevator Co. Mr. Latimer has held positions such as trustee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, chairman of the Administration Board of First United Methodist Church and member of the Union City School Board for three four-year terms. “We try to do things that will make a significant difference in whatever we do,” said Latimer. “God has blessed me much more than I ever expected and much, much more than I deserve.” Latimer Reservation has formed partnerships with the Tennessee State Parks Division, Tennessee State Forestry Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency to provide visitors with complete access to the surrounding wilderness, including the Bee Creek Basin of Scott Gulf to the east, Scott Pinnacle to the northwest, the Caney Fork River, the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness Area to the north and Fall Creek Falls State Park to the south.

Richard “Ted” and Gloria LaRoche through their LaRoche Family Foundation, made the initial grant to the Council’s proposed purchase of 1,550 acres on the Cumberland Plateau, connecting Fall Creek Falls State Park with the TWRA’s 50,000 acre Wildlife Management Area. What became the entrance and heart of Latimer High-Adventure Wilderness Reservation was named Camp Percy E. Dempsey at the request of the LaRoches. Percy Dempsey had been Ted’s Scoutmaster in Troop 259 in Murfreesboro. The LaRoche Family Foundation also funded the hand-built log cabin at Latimer as well as the construction and equipping of the Camp Dempsey Dining Hall.

Ted received his Eagle at age 13, two Palms and OA shortly thereafter, and Gloria earned her GSA Curved Bar. As a Scout Ted attended Boxwell at both its 3rd and current location and the 1960 World Jamboree. As an adult, Ted was active in Trail of Tears fundraising and Gloria served as a Den Mother. Ted also received the Long Rifle Award, the Silver Beaver, and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by National BSA. He served as a MTC board member.

Joseph A. Long was the fifth Scout Executive of the Middle Tennessee Council serving from 1995-2008. In addition to spearheading the search for, and purchase of, Latimer Reservation he also oversaw the campaign to renovate Jet Potter Service Center.