Club History

A Historical  Overview

The Union City Rotary Club is a service-focused organization of about 140 members from many local businesses and professions, dedicated to the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Since its founding in 1936, under the sponsorship of the Jackson and Trenton Rotary Clubs, Union City Rotarians have viewed their vocations as opportunities to serve, upheld high ethical standards, and supported both local and international goodwill.

Organized at the old City Hall and officially chartered on December 4, 1936, the club began with 30 charter members led by its first president, Gus B. White, Jr., and was designated Club No. 4017 in District 6760. Over the decades, several local families—such as the Whites, Critchlows, and Tanners—have produced multiple generations of Rotarians, past presidents, and Paul Harris Fellows. Two members, Carl Timm and Gus B. White, have gone on to serve as District Governors, and notable honorary members have included Congressman Robert A. “Fats” Everett and ALS advocate James Harris.


Meeting at noon on Fridays at The Hampton Centre, the club has a long record of impactful service. Its projects have ranged from early support of the Crippled Adults Hospital in Memphis and Sheriff’s Youth Town to student and citizen exchange programs, the Rotary Relays high school track meet, significant college and technical scholarships, and the “Obion County Reading Railroad” book program for children from birth to age five. As it approaches a second century of service, the Union City Rotary Club continues to help its community grow, learn, and thrive.

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Want to learn more?

Want to learn more about our club’s story, past presidents, and community impact? Meet Cog, our AI history curator. Just click on his icon in the lower right hand corner and ask Cog a question (about a name, a project, a decade, or a tradition) and it will help you explore the rich history of the Union City Rotary Club and Union City in seconds. Dive into the memories, milestones, and moments that shaped who we are today, all with a friendly guide at your fingertips.

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Want to learn more about Rotary International?

Curious about where Rotary came from and how it grew into a worldwide force for good? Take a moment to read the history on the right. You’ll discover how Rotary International began, how clubs like Union City fit into a global network of service, and why “Service Above Self” continues to change lives every day.

Rotary isn’t just a weekly lunch and a handshake; it’s a global network of leaders, professionals, and neighbors who turn good intentions into real, measurable impact

Since 1985, Rotary has been a driving force in the fight to eradicate polio, helping reduce cases worldwide by more than 99%. Through fundraising, vaccination campaigns, and partnerships with global health organizations, Rotary clubs have helped protect hundreds of millions of children from a disease that once paralyzed thousands every year.

Rotary Helped Bring the World to the Brink of Ending Polio

More than 1.4 million Rotarians in over 46,000 clubs work every day to support education, clean water, peace initiatives, and local service projects. Whether it’s sponsoring scholarships, mentoring youth, or responding to disasters, Rotary creates a bridge between local needs and global resources.

Rotary Clubs Touch Communities in 200+ Countries and Regions

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Business Positive

Union City Rotary brings local professionals together to strengthen our community’s economy and relationships. Through networking, service projects, and shared values, we help good businesses grow—and make sure growth benefits everyone.

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Education Focused

We believe education changes everything, which is why we invest in students, teachers, and learning opportunities right here at home. From scholarships to literacy support, Rotary helps open doors for the next generation in Obion County.

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Setting Goals

Rotary is where good intentions become real plans. We set clear goals, rally the right people, and follow through; because meaningful service takes more than passion; it takes purpose and consistency.


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Leading The Way

Leadership isn’t a title; it’s showing up, stepping in, and doing what needs to be done. Union City Rotary leads by example through hands-on service, community partnerships, and a commitment to making Union City stronger year after year.