May, 2007 Neighbor of the Month Fred and Linda Gatewood - Polk Place Drive

            Fred and Linda Gatewood, Polk Place residents for four years, have been active Franklin citizens for two decades. Fred moved to Franklin from LaGrange, Georgia, where he was in the clothing business, twenty-two years ago. Not long after relocating here, he bought Holiday Wines and Spirits from Wilson Herbert and Carolyn Dotson. Twenty years later he sold the company. As he is simply not the “retiring” type, he and wife Linda chose to partner with Gary and Chris Campbell to form Gatewood Realty, based in Spring Hill, in March of 2006.
            Linda Gatewood moved to Franklin 18 years ago from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. She worked as an insurance agent until she met Fred, moved to Franklin and became a registered dental assistant. She has enjoyed a career in this field for more than sixteen years, the last three of which have been spent as office manager at Dental Bliss in Franklin. She has previous experience in the pediatric and orthodontic dental fields. “It is amazing to see how a new smile changes people’s lives. I love being a part of that,” Linda says.
            “We really enjoy living in Franklin. We love all of the things that go on in (the historic) downtown (area) on Main Street, etc. Everything is so convenient. We have met so many nice and friendly people since we moved here,” Linda says.
            “Our neighbors are the best. We love it when we are out walking Mr. Barkley (their gorgeous black and white shih-tzu) and all of the neighbors are out visiting and come over to talk to us (and Barkley, too). Seems like everyone knows Barkley,” Linda adds.

When asked if there was anything she and Fred would change about our subdivision, Linda says she would like “a larger, nicer pool, away from the trees. Our pool seems so small and crowded. Also, we would like to see speed bumps put in at the stop signs, especially on Polk Place Drive. We can sit on our porch and sometimes count over twenty children playing in the yards or the street. Over half of the people run the stop sign right in front of our house. We are so afraid that one of the kids is going to get run over.”
            “I enjoy my career and when at home, I enjoy working in the yard, decorating the house, and spending time with Fred and Barkley. I love to decorate for the holidays. I am the one who always decorates way too early for the holidays. I do it because of all the nice compliments I get from the neighbors. Everyone seems to look forward to seeing what’s next,” she says.
            Fred’s passions include “golf with old friends, being around people, making real estate deals and drinking good Scotch Whiskey.” He also helps Linda in the yard on occasion and enjoys walking his “best bud,” Barkley.
            “We want to thank everyone for everything they did while Fred was recovering; the food, all the well wishes and even the potty chair from Bobby and Elaine. Everyone was so thoughtful,” Linda says.

April Neighbor of the Month
March Neighbor of the Month