Founder
**The complete history of the complex grassroots effort of CORA, led by Judge Asbury, can be found in the book : “CORA Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association 30 Year History, Saving Our Mountains For Public Use” by Jocelyn Woods Griffo. Copyright 2019 ISBN 978-1-7331776-0-3.
1987: Following Worldwide Purchasing’s acquisition of the Koppers Royal Blue tract, a beloved parcel on which generations of mountain folk had enjoyed access to roam, Worldwide Purchasing announced they would sell or lease the land in 500 acre tracts, or in totality. CORA was born out of the desire to preserve “our” mountains for future access.
CORA Founder and President: Judge Wesley Lee Asbury, selected quotes from his time capsule letter written in 1996.
“This group spent five years and roughly a quarter million dollars leasing this tract for public use, as well as lobbying the State of Tennessee to buy it. This huge, rugged mountain tract is passed on to future generations and ultimately to you. It represents the blood, sweat, tears, money and total dedication of outdoor recreation lovers, who were determined to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. When it comes your time to enjoy it, please treat it with proper respect, improve it any way you can, and pass it on just as we pass It on to you.”
Original Officers: Vice President Harry Burden, Ray Wilson Treasurer, James Cotton Jr. Secretary.
Original Board: Harry Burden Chairman, Robert Burden, Bill Bruce, J.C. Carden, Tom Connor, Gene Hinds, Ray Ivey, Reed W. May, Mike McAfee, Jim Rains, Hubert Y. Rollen, Jimmy Shetterly, Charles Vincent, Fred Walker, Frank LaGreca, and Tom West.
After the grassroots organization leased the original 43,000 acres of Royal Blue for several years, and the route to long-term public ownership and access had been mapped out, “Executive Director Gary Myers of TWRA made the long-awaited announcement that by mid-September (1991), the much-coveted Koppers property in Campbell/Scott Counties would be owned by the State of Tennessee and managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. ‘It isn’t every day that the TWRA comes into possession of 43,000 acres of land. I congratulate Judge Asbury and the many local people who never lost faith and who provided the essential grass roots support for this acquisition.’ The price for the original 43,000 acres, of what has now morphed into over 250,000 acres of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area and its associated units, (Tackett Creek aka Ed Carter Unit , Sundquist Unit , Highcliff Unit, and New River Unit) was $3,685,702.00. Officially named the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area, the area was to be managed under the multiple use concept: hunters, hikers, wildlife watchers, off- road riders, etc., a pledge made by TWRA Director Gary Myers that Royal Blue would not be a ‘cookie cutter’ WMA.
Wesley Asbury Obituary
ASBURY, WESLEY LEE –(Born November 8 th , 1933) age 72 of Speedwell, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2006, at U.T. Medical Center of Knoxville. He was a well-known Attorney, a retired Criminal Court Judge of the 8th Judicial District and an avid outdoorsman. A member of Caryville United Methodist Church and Caryville Masonic Lodge #665 . Preceded in death by: parents, Lee Roy & Mamie Shultz Asbury. Survivors: wife, Joan Asbury; children, Wesley Lee Asbury, Jr. & wife Sarah of Wytheville, VA, Elizabeth Asbury Lawson & husband Ron of Caryville, TN; Rob Asbury & wife Laura of Speedwell, TN; grandchildren, Katherine Asbury, William Asbury, Matthew Lawson, Alex Lawson, Brett Asbury; many friends & relatives. Funeral service
10 a.m. Friday at Jacksboro United Methodist Church with Reverend Lyle White and Reverend Buddy Butler officiating. Campbell County Outdoor Recreation Association and Campbell County Bar Association will be speaking. Interment Carey Cemetery in Caryville following funeral service. Pallbearers: Robert Massengill, Glen Massengill, Mike McAfee, Kyle Asbury, Walter Asbury, Charles &"Scoby" Asbury. Honorary pallbearers: James Disney and Richard McAfee. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Family will receive friends 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Jacksboro United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Cross
Funeral Home, LaFollette.