A Sneed Hill star familiar to long-time Carter Countians but hidden by over a decade’s overgrowth is aglow again.
The 35-foot tall star shone for years during the holidays on Paul Storie’s property, but since his passing in 2000, it was only lit for two Christmas seasons.
His sons Steve and Scott and their friends Jeff Pugh and Peanut Whitehead spent four days clearing brush and trees and installing 142 new bulbs. The last time it was lit, it shone red, white and blue, and this year is will shine true blue in honor of Paul.
“He loved Carter County and was a very patriotic man,” said Steve.
The star was originally installed in the early 1990s by students from Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Elizabethton. Steve said it was an idea of his father’s to give students an opportunity to construct this beacon for the community to enjoy.
Over the years, Steve said it has been expensive to maintain and that the weather has been tough on it, but this year, while thinking about Christmas in the past, he wanted to light it again for his father.
Paul was a member of Victory Baptist in Roan Mountain, where his family lived for many years, and he frequented Watauga Lake each summer. He worked with his brother Floyd in the roofing business, and Steve said he has never heard anyone say a negative thing about him.
“His roots run deep here and this would really mean a lot to him,” he said. “He was a fine fellow.”