NASHVILLE, TN – March 7, 2024 – Nashville area tennis player, coach, and official Thay Butchee has been named as a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Thay Butchee has enjoyed a phenomenal career as a tennis player, and he has devoted his life to growing the game he loves and passing it on to generations of tennis players,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to induct Thay Butchee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Thay Butchee began his tennis career as a member of the Fairpark High School tennis team in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was there that he set the foundation for his future in the sport. From 1959-1962, Thay continued to excel at Louisiana Tech, as he represented the university in #1 singles for three consecutive years and helped lead the team to the Gulf State Conference team championship in 1962. Additionally, Thay claimed both the individual singles championship and the doubles championship.
After serving our country in the US Marine Corps, Thay became the head tennis pro at the Lakewood Country Club in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1966. During that time, Thay developed a junior tennis program that produced numerous standout college and professional men’s and women’s tennis players.
In 1970, Thay Butchee became the head tennis pro at Belle Meade Country Club, where he made significant contributions to the growth of tennis. Thay Butchee served in this capacity for 41 years, from 1970-2011. During this time, Thay also served as the tournament director for the Boys 16 Nationals during its 20 year run at Belle Meade Country Club.
During his time at Belle Meade Country Club, Thay Butchee continued to compete in the sport. During his career, he won nine United States Professional Tennis Registry singles championships and four doubles championships. He was ranked #1 by the Southern Tennis Association in his age division seven times and was a member of five winning Southern Senior Cup Championship teams.
Butchee joins Millington business owner and philanthropist, the late W.S. “Babe” Howard, ETSU Golf Coaching legend Fred Warren, the late Charlie Bayless, longtime basketball coach at Happy Valley High School, Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer, Memphis champion racquetball player and coach Larry Liles, and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The full 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of
Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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