Member Finds

Pictured above: Mr. Willis holding the class ring (Left) and Danny Buckner (Right)

November 17th, 2003 Danny Buckner and John Weakly went metal detecting at an old home site north of I-40 near Newfound Rd. It was an unseasonably warm day for November in the 60's. We had hunted the site for about an hour and found little more than cans and junk.

Mr. Willis lives near the home place and saw Danny detecting. Mr. Willis told Danny about Mike E. Willis, Mr. Willis' son, having lost his class ring from high school about 27 years ago not far from where the truck was parked in the nearby field. Mr. Willis told Danny that another person with a detector had looked for the ring but could not find it. He asked Danny to keep an eye out for it.

A short time later, Danny, using his new White's MXT detector got a solid hit. The MXT said it was jewelry about 4" down. With excitement Danny began to dig. In no time, Danny uncovered the Class Ring that belongs to Mike Willis. The ring was dated 1976 with a dark blue stone and engraved with Mike's name on the inside of the band. It was in perfect condition.

Danny and I present the ring to Mr. Willis. He was so surprised and happy his eyes began to well up almost to tears. The ring had been missing for about 27 years. His son, Mike had the ring for about two weeks before it was lost. Mike was standing near the truck parking area and while swatting a bee, the ring flew off his hand.

Danny and I agreed that this is what metal detecting is all about. The joy in Mr. Willis' eyes gave us a really good feeling. The rest of the hunt was pretty much uneventful. But, today we will all remember for years to come.

Needless to say Danny loves his new White's MXT detector. Contact Danny at danno4253@yahoo.com if you would like to ask him more about his finds.