Echoes of Appalachia

In the summer of 1938, in a small community of Tennessee, Felix “Bush” Breazeale decided he wasn’t going to wait until death to hear what people thought of him. The elderly farmer made up his mind to attend his own funeral, and in doing so, created one of the most extraordinary social gatherings in Tennessee history.

The idea sparked after a simple conversation with a local businessman. Breazeale, who had lived most of his life as a solitary figure, wondered aloud what people might say about him after he was gone. Rather than wait to find out, he chose to be there in person.

With the determination that marked his character, Breazeale set about preparing for his own send-off. He cut down a massive black walnut tree from his property, had it milled into boards, and crafted his own coffin. This wasn’t just any box – it was a testament to his craftsmanship and foresight, built to last until he would need it for real.

Word of the “living funeral” spread like wildfire through neighboring states. On June 26, 1938, crowds began pouring into the small Tennessee community. They came by car, wagon, and on foot – 8,000 strong from four different states. The gathering transformed the quiet countryside into a scene that rivaled the biggest social events of the era.

As Breazeale sat among the living, he listened to his own eulogy, watched the reactions of the gathered crowds, and experienced something few others ever have – the chance to witness the impact of his life while still living it. The man who had spent years avoiding crowds found himself at the center of one of the largest gatherings the region had ever seen.

The story of Uncle Bush’s living funeral transcended local legend to become a testament to the human spirit. Here was a man who chose to rewrite the rules, turning a somber tradition into a celebration of life. His tale later caught Hollywood’s attention, inspiring the 2010 film “Get Low,” with Robert Duvall portraying the unconventional farmer who dared to attend his own farewell.

As documented in Scott Seeke’s book “Uncle Bush’s Live Funeral,” this remarkable event proved that it’s never too late to change how the world sees you – or how you see yourself. Breazeale transformed from a local recluse into a man who brought thousands together, proving that every life has the potential for an extraordinary chapter, even at its supposed end.

The true power of Uncle Bush’s story lies not just in its uniqueness, but in its message: sometimes the best way to face the mysteries of life and death is to meet them on your own terms, with your eyes wide open and your boots still on.

-Tim Carmichael