how we got our name

Mr. Rice was advertising editor for a newspaper based in Shelbyville, TN. Even more importantly to us, and how we came to be, Mr. Rice was a self-confessed alcoholic. In 1958, everything changed.

Tony was on his way to New York City, where there was a newspaper convention to be held. It was during this business event that what some might call a “chance event” most of us recovery would consider Tony’s Higher Power doing for him, what he simply could not do for himself. During the convention, Tony was approached by several of his colleagues, concerned about his drinking they asked him if he would be willing- to attend his first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Thankfully for all of us, he agreed.

It was at this very meeting in NYC that he happened to meet one of the Co-Founders of AA, Bill Wilson. Following his exposure to what recovery could look and feel like, Tony went on to start this journey of sobriety for himself. Upon his return to Shelbyville, having had the message carried to him, he decided to start the very first group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Shelbyville (some believe in this area of Middle TN). He was joined in this endeavor by Mr. Bob Wilkes, a very interesting character in that though he was totally blind, ran a successful snack stand on the 1st floor of the Bedford County Courthouse. He was known for his uncanny ability to determine the denomination of paper currency simply by feeling it. He and Tony developed a great friendship and would travel to other meetings in the surrounding areas 3 to 4 nights a week. In the early goings they were the only two. By early 1959 they would be joined by Mr. Robert Williams, Marlin Rogers and Earl “Can Man” Harris who derived his nickname from his business of refurbishing 55-gallon drums and reselling them.

Two women joined them later on Ms. Margaret Thronberry, and Ms. Ethel May Judd. By the early 1990s, there was an AA meeting in Shelbyville nearly every night of the week. Tony and the other early members of his group remained in recovery for the rest of their lives, truly dedicating every day to sharing their experience, strength and hope at every opportunity. Tony truly carried the message of recovery that had been so freely given to him.

The Tony Rice Center opened on July 1st, 1990, and was lovingly named after Tony Rice at the suggestion of Robert Williams who used Tony as his sponsor.

Since that day, we have strived to carry the message that has been so freely given to us. Most of our employees here having came through the program ourselves, understanding what it feels like to walk through our doors for the first time. We will remain a beacon of hope in Tennessee, offering our help when we can… Just like Tony would.