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Paintsville Herald October 25, 2025

Appalachia's coal heritage captured in new book by Eastern Kentucky pharmacist

By Mycca Decker  ·  Paintsville Herald

Eastern Kentucky pharmacist John Chaney pens a heartfelt tribute to Appalachian coal heritage through Big Mabel, a story inspired by the real women — including his wife Velma — who kept mountain families going through the hard years of the coalfields. The article explores how Big John draws on his deep roots in Eastern Kentucky to give voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.

Big Mabel
John Chaney holding his book Big Mabel at Cumberland Drug

John Chaney at Cumberland Drug — Paintsville Herald photo

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LifeRich Publishing — Official Author Profile

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