Local family loses home to fire

CULLMAN, Ala. – A local couple with deep ties to the community lost their home, cars and belongings in a house fire on Thursday, March 13, in the Hidden Lake subdivision in Cullman County.

Rick and Draima Whitmire owned the home, and their daughter Meaghan Long said the house was a total loss, but thankfully her dad and stepmom got out.

“Stuff is stuff. We are very thankful they were able to get out safely, but they have truly lost everything,” Long said. “On behalf of so many people in our family, we want to say thank you to the UPS driver, all the first responders, neighbors, friends and so many others who have helped, called, prayed, donated items or sent monetary donations already.”

Rick Whitmire was a band director at Vinemont High School and moved to Sardis for several years before he retired. 

“He had played in the Cullman Community Band since it started and now is the band president,” Long said. “He has always been the band guy and will forever be.”

If you feel led to donate to the family:

Long’s Venmo is @maeghan-whitmire. The last four digits of the phone number are 3785.

Clothing needs:

Women’s tops (large), pants (large), shoes (8.5) and scarves or head coverings

Men’s T-shirts (extra-large), button-down shirts (large), pants (34×29), shoes (8.5)