 Meet our First Ever Guest Editor - Melinda Edwards, Award-Winning Realtor© | The Justin Dyar Group | Lake Homes Realty
1. Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and how did you first experience Smith Lake? My family lived in the Crane Hill area and moved to the lake just after it was formed. My granddad lived near where the lake eventually came to be for many years. He was a land buyer for the Leigehber family in Cullman and actually purchased the land where the lake is now located on their behalf, long before the water ever filled in. Later, that land was sold to Shoreline Properties—Billy Williams and Allen Walker—making them the largest lake property owners. My granddad kept about 100 acres for himself. I remember how hard it was for him to pay for that land as a farmer. When the lake first formed, he was selling lots for $500. Years later, his final lots sold for around $200,000. So, we truly were some of the very first people on the lake. Nothing was cleared, and there were trees everywhere. A few families from Birmingham bought lake lots and brought in mobile homes—back then that was considered quite impressive. Boats were rare and you hardly saw anyone at all in those early years. My granddad taught me to fish, and those are some of my favorite childhood memories. We swam, but to us it was just home—not a “vacation spot.” Our family spent a lot of time clearing land, working on our property, and creating what has now become priceless family history. Today, we graze registered Hereford cattle on that same land. My other granddad actually operated the equipment that helped build the dam, so I truly have deep connections to Smith Lake in every sense.
4. How has your personal experience translated to being a successful realtor? Being here my entire life has given me an undeniable advantage. I know the history, the lake locations, the water levels, and the community in a way that simply can’t be learned overnight. I can often tell you whether water is seasonal or year-round just by the address. I know the deep-water areas, where sandbars hide, what homes are located in the flood plain, and who to call for just about anything. There’s simply no way most realtors could have this perspective. After all these years, I can finally say I’m truly an expert in something! 5. What are some interesting things about yourself? Before real estate, I spent 29 years at Wallace State Community College, ultimately serving as Dean. That was my life’s work, and I’m extremely proud of it. I spent the last 13 years caring for my parents as they aged. I sold real estate during those years but had very little time for anything outside of those responsibilities. I initiated the “Best of Smith Lake Awards” because I wanted to recognize and celebrate the businesses that serve lake residents so well. My daughter and I started the Smith Lake Shirts business, which she continues today as The Lake Co—a brand you’ll now find in shops all around the lake. And something many people don’t know—I’ve played piano all my life and served as pianist and organist at Bethany Baptist Church.
7. Do you think the Smith Lake community will continue to grow and thrive? The lake economy is massive now: builders, marinas, restaurants, dock companies, realtors, surveyors, landscapers, furniture, and more. I would love to see a true economic study because I think most surrounding communities have no idea how much revenue Smith Lake brings into the region. Even during recession years, real estate continues to sell here because demand for lake living has never really slowed. 8. Any final notes as our very first Guest Editor? My passions regarding the lake are safety and lake preservation and my love is meeting the people of Smith Lake. I look forward to highlighting more interesting lake residents in the future. I’m honored to be the first Guest Editor. My hope is that through this role, we can continue celebrating the lake, supporting the businesses that make this community special, and reminding everyone just how fortunate we are to call Smith Lake home.
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