The Burkhead Society

Webb School established The Burkhead Society to recognize the generosity of alumni, parents and friends who have made provisions for Webb in their estate plans. The School named this Society in honor of Commander Lingurn Burkhead '21, whose bequest of over $1 million made a tremendous impact on the growth and success of the School.

When you include Webb in your will, you can play a significant role in helping future generations of Webb students. At the same time, by taking advantage of tax laws that encourage philanthropy, making a bequest to Webb can help significantly reduce estate tax burdens.

Making estate plans is vital for ensuring provisions for the people and organizations you care most about so they benefit from your generosity. Please consider your options with careful thought and the help of a financial advisor. Many options may exist that fit perfectly into your personal financial plans. However, choosing the vehicle by which you make a planned gift is only part of the process. Gifts come from the heart and are shaped by your experience and values. Making an estate plan may be one of the most important things you do on this earth to record your unique existence.

Bena and Jac Chambliss '27

The following is the story of Bena and Jac Chambliss who chose to honor Webb School through their estate plans. Through their planned gift, they have outlined what they want to tell the future about their lives and what was important.

"I graduated in the Webb Class of 1927. I had entered Webb in 1924 at the age of thirteen as a "Caesar" (a sophomore) and developed a talent for languages and literature--Latin, Greek and, of course, English," says Jac.

"Upon graduation from Cumberland Law School, I joined the family law firm founded by my two grandfathers in Chattanooga. Except for two years as a navy gunnery officer in World War II, I have practiced law ever since."

"Bena McVea and I were married in 1934 and have lived our lives together in Chattanooga. We have raised three children and now have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild who light up our lives. I have been active in the business community of Chattanooga, and Bena and I have both participated in the civic and religious life of our city. I have served Webb as a Trustee since 1953."

"All three of my brothers attended Webb as well as our son, John. Bena's father, Dr. Charles McVea, Sr., who died when she was eight, attended Webb at Culleoka and followed it to Bell Buckle--but withdrew because of his own father's premature death. Dr. McVea completed his education in Louisiana. Four of our nephews also studied at Webb."

Jac says of his days in Bell Buckle, "Webb's greatest gift to me was teaching the discipline of study and the ideals of integrity, perseverance and self-reliance. Webb School means a lot to me and my wife."

In 1980, Bena and I decided that because of the ties both of our families have with Webb - both her father and I knew Old Sawney - we wanted to honor her father and Webb School. A charitable remainder unitrust appealed to us as the type of gift to meet our needs. We know this gift will be to the benefit and well-being of Webb School as, eventually, the unitrust will fund the Charles McVea 1887 Scholarship Fund."

To qualify for membership you may make:

• A bequest by will or living trust
• Name Webb as owner/beneficiary of a life insurance policy
• Establish a Trust to benefit Webb
• Some other form of estate or planned gift

To become a member you may advise the School by completing the Membership Registration Form including the nature of the bequest or planned gift. (You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the registration form.)

Click here to view the membership registration form.
Many individuals supply a copy of the specific section of the will or trust document relating to the commitment. For future planning purposes an indication of value would be helpful but neither of these items is required for membership.

For more information about gifts to Webb, such as bequests, or if you would like more information about the Burkhead Society, please contact Lou Randall, Director of Development. All inquiries are confidential.