Community dedicates highway in memory of Noah Chamberlin

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — It was a day full of tears, hugs and memories as a community came together Friday to honor the life of Noah Chamberlin.

The 2-year-old went missing in January, prompting an eight-day search ending when he was found just outside the original search grid overcome by hypothermia.

“He left a great legacy out here,” State Rep. Jimmy Eldridge said. “He left the community united, pulled together.”

A two-mile stretch of Highway 45 South was dedicated Friday in his memory.

Eldridge said he wanted to make sure West Tennessee would not forget a little boy who brought great unity.

“I really want people to think about the life that this young man left and how important it is to stay close to our children — we love one another, we all come together,” Eldridge said.

The part of 45 South that’s dedicated to Noah Chamberlin starts at Bear Creek Road and runs all the way down to Wilson School Road.

Parents Jacob and Destiny Chamberlain say it’s been hard but the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“Our son has a highway named after him. You just don’t ever think that it will ever happen to you, and for people to reach out to make this possible,” Destiny Chamberlin said.

And the effort helps the memories of their little boy live on.

“I was thinking about how I used to ride around on my motorcycle and he would look back at me and look up at me with this smile, just a simple little smile, then look back forward again,” Jacob Chamberlain said.

“I just miss having to chase him around and tell him to stop doing that, don’t do that,” Destiny Chamberlain said.