A large crowd was on hand June 12th to celebrate the ministry of Dr. Robert M. Puckett. Bob is retiring after a long and distinguished career in ministry that was culminated in the birth of the Community Church at Tellico Village. While Bob was serving as pastor of the Norris Religious Fellowship in Norris, TN, he learned of TVA's plans to sell the shoreline along Tellico Lake to Cooper Communities. He then wrote a letter to Cooper proposing the establishment of an interdenominational Community Church in the planned "Tellico Village" development. Cooper agreed to set aside land for such a church if there was interest on the part of the residents who would locate there. Bob then went to work, visiting the first residents and convincing them that such a church would be a great thing for the Village. At the same time, Bob convinced his dear friend Carl Burke to become the Founding Pastor.

The first worship service was held on Palm Sunday in 1988. Eleven people attended. Over the next six years, the church membership grew substantially, and in March of 1994 groundbreaking was made for the church's first sanctuary. Following his retirement from Norris Religious Fellowship, Bob and his wife Jane moved to the Village. Bob became a part-time pastoral assistant. Later, under the pastorate of Rev. Martin Singley, Bob became known as "the friendliest man in Tellico Village" - the church's official greeter.

Dr. Puckett's 25-year long association with the Community Church has resulted in many dear friendships. Now - at 85-years of age - Bob has decided it is time to conclude his ministry. On Pentecost Sunday, the members and friends of the Community Church at Tellico Village honored Bob with words, music and gifts. A beautiful quilt crafted by church member Carol Domans was presented as a gift from the congregation.