Whatever happened to ... Scottie Mayfield turns to woodshop

photo Scottie Mayfield says he's finished with politics and has developed an interest in woodcarving.

Question: Whatever happened to political candidate Scottie Mayfield?

Answer: Former 3rd Congressional District candidate Scottie Mayfield has given up politics for woodworking since losing the 2012 GOP primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.

Mayfield prefers the quiet life on the family farm with his son to the hubbub of political campaigning, he told the Times Free Press last week.

Though he still puts in occasional public relations appearances as president emeritus of Mayfield Dairy Farms, the milk and ice cream scion said he doesn't have the stomach for politics anymore.

"I'm not sure the political world wants anybody that's quite as honest as I am," Mayfield said. "The old saying of the ends justify the means, especially during the campaign, makes it hard for me to want to participate."

In addition to projects like carving 16 walnut and pine pews for a local church, Mayfield also has a project to create a series of unique decorative wood smoking pipes for a friend in New York.

"It's been fun to try to do, and it'll be interesting to see if anybody is interested in buying these things," Mayfield said.

He also works with nonprofit organizations in the Athens, Tenn., area like the United Way, Boy Scouts, Keith United Methodist Church and Tennessee Wesleyan College.

"I had some people ask me to reconsider running for office, but I'm involved in five different charity-type organizations, and that takes a fair amount of time," Mayfield Said.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing what those organizations are able to accomplish, so I feel pretty good about where I am and what I'm doing."

This update was written by staff writer Ellis Smith. Contact him at esmith@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6315.

To suggest a topic for Whatever Happened To, email news@ timesfreepress.com.

Upcoming Events