Tim’s Corner gets an unexpected surprise
JACKSON, Tenn. – Tim Coats started out his Tuesday like any normal day.
The die-hard St. Louis Cardinals’ fan has been a resident at Brookdale Jackson Oaks for nearly 20 years.
Every day for nearly eight hours, passersby can see Tim waving from his gazebo at North Highland and West University Parkway, better known as “Tim’s Corner.” 
“He’s a celebrity in Jackson,” said Brookdale Jackson Oaks Sales and Marketing Director Angie Powers. “I tell people where I work, and everyone says is that where Tim sits out on the corner and waives at everybody.”
This afternoon was different for Tim, who was born with cerebral palsy.
He unexpectedly had to leave his corner early around noon.
“You know who that is. It’s Mike Matheny. He’s coming to town and you’re going to come see him,” said Michael Richerson, the founder of Special Needs Athletics.
Tim still couldn’t believe it was true after smiling ear to ear. The 60-year-old was getting a chance to hear and meet the St. Louis Cardinals manager in person.
Matheny is speaking on Friday at Carl Perkins Civic Center to raise money for SNA.
“I knew we needed to find a way to get him a ticket to the event,” Richerson said. “To be confined to a wheel chair and have that joy, just speaks volumes of who Tim is.”
Richerson is one of many people who have received joy from Tim. He’s happy he could return the favor.
“I’ve never seen him not have a smile on his face,” Richerson added. “I wish I had the joy he has each and every day.”
“You don’t have to feel sorry for Tim,” Powers explained. “He is on top of the world. He is always smiling and a really happy guy.”
Friday’s SNA event begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at specialneedsathletics.org.
