Fayetteville, Georgia is fortunate to have Derryll Anderson and Charlie Cave as longtime residents. In their part-time roles at Fayetteville City Hall, Derryll and Charlie are more than friendly faces – they offer a deep sense of local pride and connection. Whether greeting visitors, answering phones, or helping during local events, they embody the spirit of Fayetteville. “This is my happy place,” says Derryll, reflecting on the strong bond she shares with the town she’s called home her entire life.
Derryll feels grateful and blessed at age 75. Her father built their family home from scratch using both purchased and handmade bricks. The house still stands today, a testament to her family’s legacy. Her mother, one of the first teachers at Peachtree Elementary, is honored with a photograph in the Fayetteville City Hall. Born in December 1948, Derryll has witnessed the city’s evolution over the decades, from dirt roads to today’s bustling streets.
Charlie, now 84, moved to Fayetteville with his wife after his military service and has watched the town change over time. Reflecting on his early days in Fayetteville, he recalls, “There was just one road in and one road out.” Charlie’s wife sang commercials for Coca-Cola, Ford, Big Bear, and other big names. “She was also the backup singer for one of the country music singers. She was always in high demand." Charlie’s wife passed away after 50 years of marriage.
For both Derryll and Charlie, life in Fayetteville was quite different. Derryll recalls dirt streets, making mud pies with her sisters, and a rural setting where gardens flourished and cotton fields stretched across what is now developed land. Charlie, on the other hand, remembers a quiet town that grew slowly, where community involvement was key, and where he served with local groups like Kiwanis.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was pivotal in Fayetteville's growth, sparking new jobs and opportunities that transformed the area. “The airport put us on the map,” Derryll notes, as schools expanded and the community prospered, helping to shape Fayetteville into the town she and Charlie love.
While Charlie’s journey to Fayetteville came later, he quickly saw how much the town had to offer. The development of Peachtree City and the expansion of the local airport led to a boom in population and diversity, especially among airline employees. Charlie benefited from a 31-year career with Delta, followed by 15 years in banking, several years at The Bear Radio, a job at Fayette County News, substitute teaching at the high school level, and part-time work at Minuteman Press.
Reflecting on Fayetteville in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Charlie says, “Main Street was sleepy,” with businesses like Big Star serving as the equivalent of today’s Kroger, and the arrival of Publix contributing to a shift in the town’s growth. Who knew Fayetteville had a drive-in movie theater? Derryll remembers, “The 85 Drive-In Theatre was the place to be on weekends. It was across from where the pavilion is now, and the pavilion used to be a pecan and bean farm.”
Derryll and Charlie both agree that despite the changes, Fayetteville has kept its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. “Visiting with friends was what we did for enjoyment.” Charlie continues, “People stopped to help strangers, say hello to neighbors, and care for one another.” “We’re fortunate to live here,” Derryll adds. “It’s a safe place where families, single people, and everyone in between can feel at home.”
“It’s a safe place where families, single people, and everyone in between can feel at home.”