In 1989, when Milford 'Mousey' Brown accepted the job of plant manager at the recently reopened U.S. Reduction, Brown's return to work at the non-union facility didn't sit well with many of his former co-workers and friends.
After union workers at the facility went on strike in the mid 1980s, the company closed the plant and reopened a few years later as a non-union facility. There were legal challenges, but ultimately, a federal court said the company could reopen, and when presented with the opportunity to serve as plant manager with a significant increase in income, Brown made a decision he believed best for his family. But it came with consequences, as he endured vandalism to his car, received threats and some nasty phone calls and lost some lifelong friendships.
“When I went back to U.S. Reduction, I was not thought of too highly by some people because I went back,” Brown, who was active in the union before the plant closed, said. “But he stuck with me. You find out who your friends are when you do something that's not too popular and he was one who always stood beside me.”
The 'he' Brown referenced was his best friend, Ray Fretwell. Friends since high school, Brown and Fretwell worked together for more than two decades at U.S. Reduction. They played softball against each other and they shared their passion for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
And when many folks in Brown's life jumped ship, Ray stayed the course, and that friendship continued to last a lifetime, until Fretwell's passing on October 16, 2024.
“When you run into problems in life you know who your true friends are. Some drop you like a wet duck. They'll turn you loose in a hurry, but Ray stuck with me and was always a friend through everything in our lives,” Brown said.
Sometimes quick tempered but fiercely loyal to his family and friends, Fretwell's legacy lives on beyond his life, especially in his two oldest grandchildren, Adam and Alex McCluskey. Tina Murray, their mother, sees many of her father's attributes in her twin sons.
“They were daddy's heart and soul. They were his first grandchildren and twins on top of that,” Murray said. “He raised them like they were his. Daddy and J.L. McCluskey (the twins' other grandfather), made sure the boys achieved all their dreams and always made sure they understood right from wrong.
“My mom (Betty Jean Taylor Fretwell) and dad would take them on vacations somewhere every year. My mom and dad taught the boys how to respect people and always put their families first. The boys loved my mom and dad beyond words,” she added.
Faith and family were at the heart of Ray Fretwell's life. Fretwell was one of 12 children born to James Bascomb and Lassie (Smith) Fretwell. Five of those brothers and sisters are still alive, including Benny, Gary, Ronald, Randy and Denise Pounders.
Ray and Betty had two children, Tina Murray (Jeff) and Chris Fretwell (Kari), and a total of 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including: Grandchildren, Christopher Fretwell, Haven Fretwell, Jacob Fretwell, Adam McCluskey (Paige), Alex McCluskey (Lauren), Mason Willingham, Morgan Willingham (Braden), Maggie Willingham Moore (Logan) and Hunter Murray. Great-grandchildren, Samuel McCluskey, Caroline McCluskey, Hudson Murray, Mercy Murray, A.J. McCluskey, Indy Mitchell and Kipp Hester.
Fretwell also had a core of customers at the convenience stores/gas stations he owned and managed for more than two decades.
After his union at U.S. Reduction went on strike, Fretwell bought his first store, Ray's Southside Grocery on U.S. 43 South, in the mid-80s. And it was a true family affair. Both Tina and Chris worked at the store, as did four of his brothers and sisters. And, of course, his grandsons Adam and Alex spent a lot of time at Ray's store as well.
Fretwell built many new friendships working at his various stores in Vina, Red Bay and Russellville. More often than not, Mousey Brown could be found at Ray's Southside, just spending time with his friend.
“We could always be honest with each other and we didn't have to agree on everything. Ray was the neatest dressed person I know. He never had a hair out of place. I think he could have worked in a coal mine with a starched white shirt on and he'd come out at the end of the day without a mark on it,” Brown joked.
When Brown was diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatments, not a day went by without Ray calling or visiting to see how his friend was doing.
Fretwell coached youth sports, including some of his son's teams, and he regularly sponsored local sports teams making sure they had the best uniforms possible.
You might not have known Ray Fretwell personally, but there's a good chance you've heard him singing gospel music, either with the Believers in Christ or Heavenly Jubilee. Fretwell was a regular on the Russellville gospel television station in the early 2000s, where he would sing sometimes with his twin grandsons by his side.
While receiving visitors during Ray's visitation, Tina said several people shared stories about her father's music and how it was special to their lives. Whether signing at funerals or on television, Fretwell touched so many through his message of music.
Fretwell loved interacting with his customers, but those who tried to steal from him were introduced to a very different Ray. Tina recalls one time a young man filled up with gas and drove off without paying.
“Daddy grabbed a roll of quarters and chased them toward Spruce Pine Mountain. They stole $50 worth of gas and the boy gave daddy $60. Daddy told him 'thank you and never come back to my store.' The boy asked about his $10 in change and daddy said 'thank you for that. It's for my gas and my time having to chase you.'”
