News

Actions

Franklin High School alumn reunited with class ring after 42 years

thumbnail_image0.jpg
Posted at 3:42 PM, Oct 06, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-07 11:20:23-04

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — They’re calling it a miracle in Franklin when a class ring finally reappeared 42 years after it went missing.

Terry Bruce, a Franklin High School alumnus, says he couldn’t be more grateful for those who made this day possible.

Bruce gave up looking for the ring years ago, but every time he stopped by the same park, he had a feeling it was still out there. Although, he never once thought the ring would find him.

No matter how long it’s been, some memories of days past just stick with you. For Bruce, it was the day this ring slipped from his finger at Percy Warner Park back in 1979.

Bruce says on his last throw, the frisbee went one way and his class ring went the other. He and his friends searched everywhere and eventually gave up.

"Needless to say, we were on our hands and knees the rest of the day until dark trying to find it. No luck at all," Bruce said.

It's how this ring made it back that's just as remarkable as its return. Courtney Eoff, a volunteer with Franklin High School, has had this ring in her home for the last eight years. Her husband found it one day buried seven inches underground in the same park.

This is her first year serving as a volunteer at the high school, so she used her resources to track down the alum behind the class ring.

"Last Thursday, came in, pulled a yearbook and within 30 minutes we found the owner," Eoff said.

It turns out only one other person from the graduating class of 1978 had the initials T.A.B and only one was missing a ring.

"She said you're not going to believe this, but I think I have your ring," Bruce said.

thumbnail_image4.jpg
Those who found the ring traced the three initials inside to Terry Bruce who couldn’t believe the discovery after 42 years.

Bruce was able to describe in detail the ring over the phone before visiting the high school and claiming what was rightfully his. The moment was captured by FHS Media and later shared on YouTube.

"Even though he had his mask on, you could just totally see it in his eyes that he was so appreciative," Eoff said.

For being buried underground for all these years, Bruce says the ring is still in really good shape. He plans to have the ring cleaned and detailed, so he can continue sharing the story with family.

This time, with a much happier ending.