Three local father-son duos reflect on the relationships that shaped their lives

Father’s Day has a way of making us pause and think about the men who helped shape our lives. Few roles in life can shape our memories, values, and identity quite like that of a father.

The word “Dad” carries a unique weight. No matter what a man does for a living, his children don’t call him “Doctor,” “Judge,” or “Coach.” They call him Dad.

But what does it mean to be a dad in 2026? How do fathers build strong relationships with their children in a world constantly competing for their attention? How do you move beyond the title of “father” and cultivate the closeness of a dad?

To explore those questions, I spoke with three father-son duos from the Lakeway Area. Their stories are different, but common themes quickly emerged: faith, consistency, hard work, and presence.

Russell and Cooper Eldridge

Russell and Cooper Eldridge running the Dirt Circuit at Panther Creek State Park Russell Eldridge came to Morristown in 1993 to play baseball at Carson-Newman University. More than three decades later, he and Tina have deep roots in the community, where they raised Madison and Cooper.

Cooper followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Morristown- West High School before continuing his baseball career at Carson-Newman. Today, he and his wife, Megan, make their home near Knoxville.

As the two reflected on their relationship, a common theme quickly emerged: hard work. Russell credits his own father for teaching him the importance of determination, consistency, and work ethic. “My dad is in his 70s and still works so hard,” Russell said. “He taught me that early on.” Cooper says those same lessons were passed down to him. “One lesson my dad taught me is that if you work really hard, you truly can do just about anything.”

The pair share countless memories—from Morristown youth sports and family camping trips at Panther Creek to running races together as avid runners. But beyond the activities, both point to faith as the foundation of their relationship. “We always agree that our faith is the most important thing to us,” Russell said.

Russell believes fatherhood is built on simple but intentional choices. “Half of being a dad is understanding the priority of presence and consistency,” he said. Looking back, he says one of the greatest rewards of parenting has been watching those investments take root. “It is a privilege watching the fruits of your labor as a parent and watching my son turn into a Godly man and lead his family.”

When asked to describe their relationship in a single sentence, Russell didn’t hesitate. “Cooper isn’t just my son,” he said. “He’s my best friend.” Cooper smiled and offered a reflection of his own: “Dad always pushed me—but always because he believed in me.”

Doug and Aaron Jones

Family roots run deep for Doug Jones. A lifelong Hamblen County resident, Morristown-West High School graduate, and local real estate agent, Doug has spent decades building both a career and a family. Today, he and his wife, Jennifer, enjoy watching that legacy continue through his sons, Sean and Aaron, and four grandsons: Ellis, Myles, Reece, and Sam.

When asked about their favorite memories together, both Doug and Aaron quickly pointed to youth sports. “Little League games at Popkin Field,” Aaron said without hesitation. He fondly remembers his dad loading him into the car, blaring music, and getting him excited for the game ahead. “Those are still some of my favorite memories.”

Doug also reflected on those years. While he loved the games, some of his favorite memories happened away from the ballfield. “The football games in the yard and throwing a ball around the living room,” he said. “Just the day-to-day routine of living life together.” As their conversation continued, a common theme emerged: consistency. Doug credits his father, Otis, for teaching him the importance of faith, integrity, and being the same person at home that you are in public.

When asked what he admires most about his father, Aaron didn’t hesitate. “His hard work, the way he invested in me, and the consistency he provides over and over again,” he said.

Today, Aaron is passing many of those same lessons on to others. As head basketball coach at Lakeway Christian Academy, he recently led the Lions to a district championship and Elite Eight appearance. At home, he and his wife, Blayke, are raising their 10-month-old son, Sam, giving Aaron a new appreciation for the sacrifices and investments his own father made.

For both men, faith remains at the center of family life. When asked what he hopes future generations remember, Doug’s answer was simple: “I hope following Christ is still the most important thing, because it’s really all that matters.”

When asked to describe their relationship in a single sentence, Doug answered, “I’m grateful, and I just love him for who he is.”

Bill and Blake Tarr

Bill and Blake Tarr cheering on the Vols Few families have deeper roots in Jefferson County than the Tarrs. Bill and his wife, Deirdre, have continued that legacy while raising their three sons—Blake, Blane, and Brady. Bill’s family has called the area home for more than 200 years.

Today, that legacy continues through the next generation. Blake, the oldest son, is an optometrist at Tarr Eye and Vision Center. He and his wife, Sarah, are raising four children of their own: Cade, Brayden, Summer, and Evan.

When asked about favorite memories, both father and son pointed to the countless hours they spent together. “Dad would work all day and then come home and throw a ball with me,” Blake recalled.

Every year, the Tarr family made time for vacations, whether traveling across the country or camping in the Smoky Mountains. “He gave us his full attention. We played Spades and all kinds of card games. He made being dad fun.”

For Bill, fatherhood has always been centered on what matters most. “Being a father focuses your attention on the things that matter in life and the legacy you will leave,” he said. He considers one of his greatest blessings to be that all three sons love Christ.

Blake says many of his father’s lessons were demonstrated rather than spoken. “Dad taught me that small habits truly make a big impact in life,” he said. Yet among all the memories and lessons, one image stands above the rest. “The most impactful thing I remember about my dad is that he started every day on his knees in prayer,” Blake said. “My brothers and I saw that every day.”

After a lifetime of watching his father lead by example, Blake boiled those lessons down to a few simple words: “Do hard things. Protect each other. Laugh often. Forgive quickly. And put God first.”

As for Bill, his hope for future generations is equally simple. “I hope they remember that Daddy Bill loved the Lord, his wife, his children, their wives, and his grandchildren more than anything else in the world.”

So what does it mean to be a dad in 2026?

If these fathers and sons are any indication, the answer has less to do with having all the right words and more to do with faithfully showing up. It looks like throwing a ball after a long day of work, cheering from the sidelines, praying when no one is watching, and choosing consistency long after the excitement has passed.

Though each family’s story is unique, the values at the center were remarkably similar: faith, hard work, integrity, and presence. Fatherhood may begin at birth, but becoming Dad happens over time— through countless acts of love, sacrifice, consistency, and faithfulness.