Biker Lifestyle Oct 1987

#2 was done in a much more professional manner with judges, a time for samples, classes and categories. Although no money was given out, the air of competition was great, with the winners’ names being forgotten by this writer; the winners will always remember winning C C  #2.

#3 was almost the same. The main difference was Roscoe's new 40X80 tent for the cooks which became a Godsend when the rains rolled in. The most memorable thing about this was the Mud Drags, as one writer stated ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE.

#4 When the main sponsor felt that buying patches and a $1000.00 purse was too much expense Roscoe's MeeMaw came to the rescue by insuring the expenses would be paid. Remember, at the time beer was free so the flyer was printed up "free beer free 1,000 patches and $1,000.00 purse." More than a thousand people attended, with England, France, and Canada represented, making the Chili Challenge an international event.

My Meemaw

By Dave Tomlin

When you think of "Roscoe's Chili Challenge" you naturally think of "Roscoe" however there was special person that was also responsible for the success of this huge event and without her, it would never happened. I’m referring to my “Great Grandmother”, my father's grandmother, “Memaw” Annis Tomlin Hall. When my dad asked me to write something in honor of Memaw after her passing in 1999 I knew I could never share or express enough who Memaw really was. I personally believe when reference the word "Woman" in the dictionary Memaw’s picture should be next to the word for illustrating what the word would look like.

Memaw was and will always be the definition of the word to me. So let me start by share this. In her prime and even in her silver years there wasn't a woman, man or child that could outwork, out fish or outdo Memaw. So, with this introduction let me tell you a little about her.

Memaw was born June 2 1906 in Yancey County, North Carolina. Annis was just baby only two months old when the family made a decision to move to Melvin Hill North Carolina. Then at the age eight, in 1914 Memaw’s family packed up their belongings again and moved to a small town called Kathleen Florida. Memaw’s father had the first general store in the small town back then. She lived her youthful years in Kathleen and so Memaw found love with a man named Laurel Crews and was married. It was October 24, 1926 at 12am in the morning (remember this time and date it will have a significant meaning later on). Memaw birthed her first and only biological child Winy Flory Crews everyone called her “Flow” however she was always “Granny Flory” to me.

Memaw’s daughter Flory was young, beautiful girl and she too found love with a man named James Palmer and she too was married at a young age. It was on March 12^th 1940 Flory birthed her first and only biological child William Roscoe Tomlin. Memaw always called dad “Rock”. I’m sure it was because dad was Memaw’s “ROCK” Roscoe (dad) was just six months old when Memaw took on the responsibility to legally adopting dad calling him her son. From the day dad was born I'm sure Memaw knew that she would have her challenges ahead for raising another child and had her work cut out turning him into a fine young man.

Memaw had a passion for several things in life. The one passion that comes to my mind first, was fishing. Memaw could sit for hours and hours on end, just enjoying the days and life however she took her fishing very serious. Let me assure all of this. You never wanted to challenge her on who could catch the most fish that day. Memaw could and would always bring home the largest string of fish to feed her family and let me share this too. Never ever skip rocks over the water in her fishing hole while she was fishing. You could never be too far away from her ten foot cane pole (if you know what I mean?) She'd whack you over the head with that 10’ cane pole if you dared to test her. I share this with experience.

Other pleasures of Memaw’s were her family, church and friends. She always made sure everyone was fed and filled like a tick on a hound dog and she would always give to her church and to others in need. Her passion was seeing others enjoy themselves when she could give. You would always see Memaw smiling, laughing and enjoying the people at Dirt Drags and Harley Drags dad would promote and put on over the years.

In the infant years of RCC there were a few dark times that could have jeopardized RCC from even happing however Memaw would always came to the rescue those times. Being the loving, giving person she was Memaw trusted dad’s vision of RCC. So she invested in the Chili Challenge and by all means was and is the cornerstone of what Roscoe’s Chili Challenge is today.

Dad and I always knew Memaw was her happiest when we’d see her smiling, joking and laughing with all the personalities during the event that were dancing, stumbling and carrying on in those early year. Things really haven’t changed much now days regarding the people and personalities but we know Memaw wouldn't wanted it any other way. Memaw made sure to always attend the Chili Challenge and she always loved the attention she received from all folks that would stop and give her hugs and kissed just saying, "Hey Meemaw".

The 13^th annual Chili challenge in 1999 was Memaw's last party with us.  Memaw always wished we’d built a grandstand stage so that everyone had the perfect view of the entertainment. We finally did build that stage however Memaw never got the chance to see it. In honor of Memaw we named the stage after her. 

On October 24, 1999 at 12AM in the morning, the same day at the same hour that Winy Flory Memaw’s 1st child was born, she passed away and all who was dear to her was there with her at her house. Memaw always said. “When GOD calls me back to my “real home” I want to be in this house in my bed when I leave this earth” and so he did and so it was.

Dad, Liz Miller and I miss her so very much, but we know she will always be in our hearts.

My dad and I would like to thank Contoes, principle of Crossroads Magazine for giving us the opportunity to share with the subscribers of Crossroads about Memaw, an Icon in the biker lifestyle. Thank you to everyone that has ever helped with Roscoe’s Chili Challenge and continues to help with the event every year. Thank you dad for allowing me to share with everyone the women we admire and love, Annis Tomlin Hall “Memaw”.

Thank you all for all for your sympathy and support, and God bless you all.

David R Tomlin

Dear Memaw,

The years have passed since you've gone home. Not a day has passed without thinking of you. I still smile, and I still cry silently. Not a week has passed without thinking of you. You’ve let me know you are still my Memaw in my dreams. I thank God for time he’s given me with you and I thank him for the vivid images I experience as I sleep.

Somehow these dreams make it a little easier till I see you again. I thank you for the love you’ve shared and given me. I know life does not cease, it evolves. Each day I live is a day closer to you. I love you and I miss you so very much. I know we will see each other again. . .