CLINTON - Legendary football coach Johnny Majors says he definitely has an opinion about the woes swirling around the latest edition of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and their coach, but he's keeping it to himself.

Words like discipline and unity, however, seep into his conversation when Majors, who moved back to Knoxville 13 months ago, discusses football and the Vols.

Majors, 73, took the high road and reflected on the excitement during his 29-year coaching career of being part of rebuilding football programs at Iowa State, Pittsburgh and UT. Majors gave the keynote speech at the Anderson County Hall of Fame event Thursday, the year's biggest fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County.

"I didn't have the luxury of inheriting a football program that was on top," he said, "but it was exciting to be part of building a program."

Majors was the keynote speaker Thursday at an event paying tribute to Anderson County residents, living and departed, for community contributions. Honorees at the second annual event:

n John Rice Irwin, founder of the Museum of Appalachia, musician and author, lifetime achievement.

n Margaret Fox Best, who with her late husband, Gene, launched Fox Toyota, business leader.

n The late William Chesney, longtime Lake City High School principal who died in 1977, educator.

n John W. Clark of Oak Ridge, community volunteer.

n The late Sgt. David Connell Jr. of Lake City, killed in action in May 2007 in Iraq, military.

n John Faris, who with his wife, Sonda, own and operate 17 area McDonald's restaurants, philanthropist.

n Josie Hahn, who excelled in track and field in high school and college and was named 2005 Female Amateur Athlete of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, athletics.

n Charles McRae, who played on Majors' UT teams from 1986-1990, athletics.

n Jerry Shattuck, retired attorney and current vice mayor of Clinton, elected official.

n Jody Wright, assistant principal and athletic director at Fulton High School, coach/youth mentor.

A committee unaffiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of North Anderson County selects inductees, executive director Beth Farrow said. Last year's inaugural event raised $25,000 for the organization, she said.

Bob Fowler, News Sentinel Anderson County editor, may be reached at 865-481-3625.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.