Wlaf1450By Jim Freeman
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – A woman who quietly changed Campbell County for the betterment of every citizen has died. Madeline Fields, the wife and business partner of the late Paul Fields, passed away last Thursday.
At Paul Fields celebration of life event nearly five years ago, Betty Snodderly said, “The three biggest things to ever happen to Campbell County were Norris Lake, I-75 and Paul Fields.” No one would ever argue that. Though without Madeline Fields, the founder of Fields Real Estate, Paul Fields dreams would most likely have never taken flight. She was the linchpin.
Certainly, Madeline and Paul’s vision and unmatched drive to see it become a reality benefitted them. However, in the process, the Fields’ vision of creating a retirement and resort community for this area has single handedly impacted the lives of every Campbell Countian.
Norris Lake was never the same after Madeline and Paul moved here from Hindman, Kentucky, and purchased Springs Dock in 1976. Springs Dock served as the springboard of what would become a life and county changing investment in Campbell County.
The world now comes to Campbell County because of the Fields’ dream. Madeline and Paul developed Springs Dock, Alder Springs Village, Jellico Ford, Deerfield Resort, Shanghai Landing and McCloud Mountain.
A celebration of life for Madeline Fields is Saturday at the La Follette United Methodist Church from noon to 2 pm.
Madeline Combs Fields was 78-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/11/2021-6AM)