Wythe man receives regional award

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Howard R. “Spud” Chrisley never let the affects of polio stop him from leading an active life. The Max Meadows resident married, fathered two children and held a steady job for 30 years.
Chrisley was recently named Participant of the Year by the Appalachian Independence Center Inc., which promotes full participation in society by people with disabilities. He was chosen for exemplifying the spirit of independent living.
“It was an honor,” Chrisley stated earlier this week by phone. “I wasn’t expecting it.”
As a member of the AIC Board of Directors for several years, he attends regular meetings and provides input on topical issues.
The AIC works to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities in the six counties and two cities in Southwest Virginia that it serves. The nonprofit center receives some of its funding from the state and the United Way.
With a main office in Abingdon, the AIC has branch offices in Wytheville, Galax and Bristol. The Wytheville branch office is housed in the HOPE Ministry Center.
In 1950 at the age of 5, Chrisley was stricken with polio. He was left paralyzed in both legs requiring him to wear braces and walk with crutches.
While growing up in Pulaski County, Chrisley attended Dublin High School. He later went to work at Jefferson Mills in Pulaski and stayed there for 30 years.
“I retired on disability in 1997,” Chrisley said. “I was having back problems and had to have back surgery. I have post-polio syndrome, too.”
His marriage in 1970 produced two children, Sherri C. Williams of Barren Springs and Juston Chrisley of the Piney community. Chrisley has four grandchildren.
“My granddaughter Lauren Williams is 13 and she cleans for me,” noted Chrisley, who is divorced. “I do everything else.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .