Optimist International®

By Jim Miller, Optimist RFL Committee

(In an effort to document the beginning and the continued accomplishments of The Memphis and Shelby County Optimist Respect for Law Committee I have found that this committee has had an ENORMOUS impact within the Memphis area in regards to "Respect for Law". Much of the documentation and information has come from two of the surviving founders, Otis Gray of the Optimist Club of Northeast Memphis and Edward King of the Optimist Club of White Station (Memphis). Much more is stored away in someone's closet and possibly lost forever. One thing not lost, however, is the commitment to the ideas and goals of this committee which was formed over 30 years ago. "Respect for Law" is alive and well in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee.

In the Beginning . . .

Otis Gray
Governor of the Tennessee District of Optimist International (1964-65)

In the early days of January, 1965, Tennessee Governor Otis Gray and Lt. Governor Noble Sharpe discussed implementing the Optimist International suggestion to begin a program to be called "Respect for Law".It was decided that this program could be expanded beyond the position taken by Optimist International. It could be expanded in many facets. It was decided that a Zone meeting be called of all the Optimist Clubs of Memphis. This was done.

In the month of March, 1965, all clubs that were interested sent representatives to this meeting. It was decided by the group that a seperate committee be formed to be called "The Respect for Law Committee". The committee was voted in and activated. Officers were elected.

The Chairman elected was Sam Littleton of the Whitehaven Optimist Club (Memphis). Other officers were elected.

The RESPECT for LAW COMMITTEE of the Optimist Clubs of Memphis was BORN.

At the April (1965) meeting Chairman Littleton resigned. The Northeast Club nominated Jack Stepherson. He was elected.Chairman Stephenson took over the meeting.

The Optimist Clubs of Memphis and their Respect for Law Committee was on their way to a new and exciting program to increase awareness of Respect for Law as a way of life in Memphis.

Speech given by Dr. Carl L Bowen, Past President of Optimist International (1963-64), before the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Miami Beach, FL, Oct. 5, 1965
(This is quite a large GIF file of the original program, but well worth the download time considering the content of this speech).

Letter written by J. Edgar Hoover in 1966 to the RFL Committee
(GIF file of the original letter)