History
Noble Caudill was born in Franklin, Kentucky on June 2, 1906. He was the son of Benjamin F. and Dora Alice (Slack) Caudill. He received his education at Franklin High School in Kentucky and the Bowling Green Business University at Bowling Green, Kentucky. On February 18, 1931, Treasurer Caudill married Venorice Warren from Nashville, Tennessee and they had one son, Noble Christopher.
Treasurer Caudill started his business career as a clerk in the Fourth and First Bank of Nashville and eventually left that position to become a teller at the First American National Bank. After working as a teller, he transitioned to a new job as a clerk in the purchasing department of General Shoe Corporation. Over time, Treasurer Caudill rose through the ranks at the company and held positions such as Assistant Treasurer, Vice President, and eventually Director of Genesco (formerly General Shoe Corporation).
In addition to his work with the Genesco Company, Treasurer Caudill was involved in many other organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Belmont College, he was a member of the Board of the Southern Baptist Foundation and a founding trustee member of the State Board of Education. In addition, Treasurer Caudill was a member of the Tennessee Committee for Human Development, General Chairman for UGF of Nashville, a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Tennessee in Nashville and a member of the Board for the Salvation Army. He was also a founder and President of the Frank G. Clement Memorial Foundation and the Estes Kefauver Memorial Foundation.
While Treasurer Caudill was active in many organizations, he also became involved in politics. During the 1950s, Treasurer Caudill served as State Finance Chairman for Senator Estes Kefauver’s Tennessee Senate campaigns and as U.S. National Finance Chairman for Senator Kefauver’s presidential campaigns. From 1962 to 1966, Treasurer Caudill served in Governor Frank Clement’s Cabinet in a variety of roles. He served as Welfare Commissioner, State Treasurer, and Administrative Assistant to the Governor. In addition to his governmental roles, Treasurer Caudill served as Chairman of Fund Raising for the Governor’s 1966 U.S. Senate Campaign. After many years of working in politics and business, Treasurer Caudill died on April 1, 1985.
Reference: Frank E. Bass, Who’s Who in Tennessee: A Reference Edition Recording the Biographies of Contemporary Leaders in Tennessee with Special Emphasis on Their Achievements in Making the Volunteer State One of America’s Greatest (Hopkinsville, KY: Historical Record Association, 1961); “Caudill Holdings: Tribute” http://www.caudillholdings.com/Tribute.htm; Ray Hill, “The Greatest Campaigner of Them All: Senator Estes Kefauver, Part Twelve,” http://www.knoxfocus.com/2014/03/the-greatest-campaigner-of-them-all-senator-estes-kefauver-part-twelve/