Memphis, Tennessee: A Shocking Ordeal for a Houston Preacher
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Memphis turned into a scene of horror for a beloved preacher from Houston, Mississippi. Anyone familiar with the area knows itโs a tight-knit community where people care for one another, making this story all the more shocking. On September 14, Willie Hamblen, who is an 85-year-old minister at the South Jackson Church of Christ, experienced something that no one should ever have to endure.
The Unfortunate Encounter
After attending a funeral in Texas, Willie was making his way back home when he found himself in a situation that escalated quickly. While driving, he accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up stuck on a railroad track in the bustling city of Memphis. It was at this vulnerable moment that his life took a frightening twist.
Willie recalls, โA man walked up to me, asked some questions, and then left. But it wasnโt long before he returned with a second person.โ It quickly became clear to him that this was not a friendly encounter. As he describes, โI can see an assault weapon in his hands, and I knew things were going south.โ
A Violent Attack
Before he could fully realize what was happening, Willie was brutally assaulted by the two individuals. He spent his days recounting the traumatic moments, stating, โHe hit me over the head with the assault rifle, knocked me down on the tracks. My head was bleeding profusely.โ Those horrifying details make it hard to stomach the fact that people can commit such violent acts.
According to reports from the Memphis Police, the gun used during the attack was an AK-47-style weapon. The assailants didnโt stop at the violent beating; they made off with Willieโs belongings, stealing his wallet, which contained an astounding $1,200, as well as his phone and keys. It was a robbery that left Willie not just with physical injuries but also deep psychological scars.
The Aftermath
Even a week later, Willie describes the lingering impact of the attack. โI canโt wake up not thinking about it, and I canโt go to sleep not thinking about it.โ The emotional toll has been just as devastating as the physical injuries he sustained. He mentioned having persistent pain in his ribs and bruises all over his body, including a wound on his arm thatโs โdown to raw flesh.โ But he made it clear that while the physical pain was significant, it was the mental torment that truly affected him.
Gratitude Amidst Trauma
Despite everything heโs been through, Willie says heโs grateful to be alive. โItโs truly a miracle,โ he asserts, reflecting on his close brush with death. Though he hasnโt been able to return to preaching since the incident, he hopes to be back at his church this upcoming Sunday, letting his faith guide him as he recovers from this trauma.
While this incident in Memphis serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in our everyday lives, it also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Willie Hamblen, an 85-year-old man of faith, continues to inspire those around him, all while hoping for a return to normalcy.
As we all continue our daily lives, itโs important to remember the impact that violence can have on individuals and their communities. May this serve as a reminder to look out for one another and to come together in times of need.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
