Don Gullett, Local Hero, Memorialized
Charles Romans
The Ashland Beacon
On October 12, 2024, the Industrial Parkway (KY 67) running from US 23 in Greenup to
I-64 in Carter County added a new name amongst its ranks. Members of local and state government as well as local residents turned out for a short ceremony where the well-traveled road was dedicated to the memory of local sports hero Don Gullett. Members of Gullett’s family attended the ceremony, as were numerous friends of Gullett and his family.
Kentucky State Representative Danny Bentley (District 98) was the guest speaker at the event, and shared many stories of Don Gullett, who was a lifelong friend. Doctor Bentley told those assembled that he wasn’t going to revisit the career statistics that had made Gullett a baseball legend because most of those in attendance already knew them by heart. What Bentley did share was the private side of Gullett that, in his opinion, made Gullett a role model, mentor, and friend to those who had known him.
Bentley’s sentiments were shared by others at the ceremony, notably Bob ‘Shag’ Bryson. Bryson, a close friend and classmate of Gullett, pointed out how unique Gullett was, a genuine man in a world of celebrities. “I could see Don in the wintertime after he had won the World Series, and he was the same old country boy I knew in high school. He was humble to a fault, and he would do anything to help you out. He loved helping people.” Bryson noted.
State Representative Scott Sharp (District 100) told the crowd that Don Gullett was one of his childhood heroes. Sharp said that he was glad to support the change of name for the Industrial Parkway and that he had been on board with the idea since Dr. Bentley had proposed it.
State Senator Robin Webb (District 18) shared Sharp’s sentiments as well. “I remember when Danny had this idea and he came to talk to me about it and it’s an honor to be here today,” Webb said to see that idea come to fruition. “I appreciate his (Bentley’s) thoughtfulness on this.” The process involved in naming roads requires that both chambers of government agree, and Webb gave credit to Bentley for seeing that process through.
The Industrial Parkway was officially changed to the Don Gullett Memorial Highway on Saturday, as a show of gratitude for Gullett’s long history of commitment to his community as much as his world class athletic ability.
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