We used to go to Abbey’s all the time between 79 and 83. I always wondered what happened to that place, do you have an address I can search it out on Google Maps, for nostalgia sake? Thanks, Todd
Read every word
Smiling and sometimes laughing at your description of what I KNOW to be true.
Agrdst tribute to your father who was a good friend and neighbor as well.
Well done Bill
Daddy Doc, as the grandkids fondly called him was extended family to me as were all of you! You captured him well and he would be so proud, as would Ms. Jackie , of your literary skills and even more so of the witty, fun, talented chef, and especially the awesome father, husband, uncle and friend you are to so many!! I babysat you and your siblings in Senatobia, MS. Our parents became best friends and we spent every Christmas Eve with the Garner’s. Dad loved fishing and hunting with you, Matt and your dad. Our parents shared stories of crazy, fun things they did as couples including enjoying Bloody Mary’s , tailgating at the Grove, Ole Miss football, and stunts they pulled like when they were in Memphis partying and learning there were no seats, your mother telling Peabody maitre de that my dad was a senator and they soon found seats for them near the dance floor. I recall hearing stories of your dad delivering babies, interrupting our parent’s bridge games, and how Dad went along as your dad brought another baby into this world. When y’all moved to Jonesboro our meshed families remained extended family. Blessed am I to have grown up in a time to know and love both your parents and ALL of you!!!
Daddy Doc, as the grandkids fondly called him was extended family to me as were all of you! You captured him well and he would be so proud, as would Ms. Jackie , of your literary skills and even more so of the witty, fun, talented chef, and especially the awesome father, husband, uncle and friend you are to so many!! I babysat you and your siblings in Senatobia, MS. Our parents became best friends and we spent every Christmas Eve with the Garner’s. Dad loved fishing and hunting with you, Matt and your dad. Our parents shared stories of crazy, fun things they did as couples including enjoying Bloody Mary’s , tailgating at the Grove, Ole Miss football, and stunts they pulled like when they were in Memphis partying and learning there were no seats, your mother telling Peabody maitre de that my dad was a senator and they soon found seats for them near the dance floor. I recall hearing stories of your dad delivering babies, interrupting our parent’s bridge games, and how Dad went along as your dad brought another baby into this world. When y’all moved to Jonesboro our meshed families remained extended family. Blessed am I to have grown up in a time to know and love both your parents and ALL of you!!!
I responded with a lengthy comment that went poof when I was entering the requested information. I used auto fill and when I tapped post, it said post already made. I still have not seen my post. Could you please assist me in reviving my post? Thank you in advance! It is important to me that Bill read my comments!!
I had a wonderful and slightly flawed father myself . And I was a little bit the wild child too. I thank you for this. I miss him .
I have been addicted to the written word for as long as I can remember and I must say that you are good read. You are well spoken but real. If you put it out there, I’ll give it a try .
Bill, you captured perfectly the love of your parents. I have heard how they met before but nothing compares to your description!! I hope a book of your short stories and memories is in the making!!! Looking forward to your second book!! Isn’t this month the target date for release?
I read my friends copy of ‘Me, Boo and the Goob’. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its a laugh out loud read. I will be purchasing my own copy this book.
Love reading your posts and remember Ralph, the fried quail, and your mom’s BIG cooking. It was the first quail I had ever eaten. Because I was there so much, I often stayed for dinner. Such great memories and glad ya’ll are continuing the tradition! Merry Christmas
“The Abbey” was my favorite Oxford bar.. One of the bartenders at the Abbey, an undergraduate student who worked there (I don’t recall her name), was shot and killed by another student during the late 1970s. Shortly thereafter, it was reported in The Daily Mississippian” that he was caught by police following a high-speed chase, resulting in the single-vehicle accident in which he was severely injured.
I have likely forgotten more memories in that wonderful edifice, than I would remember in any other bar. -And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve had my share of favorite watering holes over the years.
Loved playing Music There in the late 70s and early 80s. I was the original drummer of the White Animals at the time then started my own band Joe Loftis & The Pinks in the 80s. Great memories. Awesome place to play. Great people. Long Live the Rock Club memories!
Love that area of Texas, been to Garrison Brothers and Luckenbach a few times. Like you, Jerry Jeff and the cast of characters that make up outlaw country music have become my soundtrack of life. Devils Back bone tavern is on my to do list next time I am in the area.
We built our house on Thrush in 1968, and lived there for nearly 40 years. A wonderful place to live…Everything was close by. The neighbors were wonderful,
It was truly the best of times.
Great remembrance . Grew up on Cobb Street where my great grandfather bought the land in 1876
Of course the whole neighborhood is gone replaced by Dr offices and a giant parking lot for the hospital. The memories are still fresh in my mind. Jim
Cobb
Thanks for sharing. It seems like yesterday. I was born in the late 50s and still remember the Parker’s Inn, the log house/building on the corner of Nettleton and Carraway. That’s all was there at the time. From there back to your house, to the College was mostly woods, and driving down Nettleton this time of year was like driving through a tunnel for the big overhanging oak trees on the shoulders of Nettleton Road. Remembering the brown derby from Tastee freeze brought back memories like going to Roy Garrett‘s restaurant just down the street was a treat that we would look forward to going to all week. I met Matt in the early to mid-70s at basketball camp and became friends with he and the rest of the basketball players at Jonesboro high school that graduated between 75 and 77 and would play basketball any given day we can muster up more than four guys to play with. I still see him every once in a while, and he and his son used to lease Duck blinds from me for several years between Valley View and Weiner. Thanks again for the sharing of the memories. I will hold them in my heart forever. Your message touched many hearts today and on behalf of the rest that are reading, thank you for taking the time to do so.
Birdland is still one of the best neighborhoods in town.
I can proudly say there have been several front yard football games, my boys and tons of others have continued that tradition. As with any neighborhood in any town new changes are made which never erase those wonderful memories, but plan for new memories. Even though I no longer live in Birdland, I know without a doubt it will continue to have kids making memories in front yards and new construction or remodels only improve the neighborhood.
For some reason my last post didn’t publish…
Birdland is one of the best neighborhoods in Jonesboro still today. Kids do still play football in the front yards, my boys were part of that tradition too!!
Changes always happen and Birdland is going through some great changes now. Looking forward to the next traditions and memories being made for sure.
Thank you Bill. They said they were not tearing down the house or I would have backed out. There are many memories with my family even though we had only been there since 2012. The loads of trash I picked up after being at the weekend at the lake or after vacations were a testimate to the children having fun in my yard and in my trees.
It’s so sad that the heritage of 1101 Robin Road is gone but never forgotten by those of us who appreciate and remember.
Bill you captured our childhood lives so perfectly! Living in the “weird” house on Cardinal Rd was one of the happiest times of my life. Life was so simple, and full of great neighbors. You boys had fun but so did we girls! Had a neighborhood-wide Barbie wedding in a vacant lot down the street from our house. Also a pet show at same locale. Night time activity of kick the can was “ coed” however. Some days Mom did not even know where we had lunch! She just knew some great nice neighbor would feed us. Whew you really bright back memories Bill. Many thanks!
Thank-you to Bill and everyone for sharing these great memories. It is heart warming that so many people have fond memories of our family home and Country Club Heights AKA “Birdland.” When my mother was late in life, the kids referred to the magnolia tree as “Heaven” and I know that title gave my mother a feeling of peace. Birdland continues to be one of Jonesboro’s most desirable neighborhoods with many people constantly renovating and improving homes. A relatively new tradition in the 2000’s was the 4th of July golf cart parade to the tune of “Rockin on Robin.” There have been several people who left Birdland, only to return years later. Examples include Ronnie Hedger, Mike Brooks, Barry and Kitty Ledbetter, Angie Stone (I think) and me. (after being gone 18 years). The cannon is still shot for “marryins and buryins,” most recently at Matt, Jr’s wedding at a venue west of Rogers, Arkansas. Keep the post coming. Best to all! Matt Parker
My husband, John Sifford, grew up at 1109 Thrush, where his 90 year old father, Dewey Sifford still resides. John was there from 1968-1999. He has awesome memories of the Birdland neighborhood. Including the Clarks, Abbotts, Beadles, McKinneys, Kirkpatricks, Snodgrass family, Stepkas, General Wood’s family, Clairdays, Rossas, Dowdys, Hedgers, and Burl Brown family. After Tastee Freeze it was the Kirkpatrick Drive Inn where Bill Clark and one of the McAughn brothers would dance to Carl Douglass’ – “Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting”. Several doctors have come out of that neighborhood.
What a great read & even better memory Bill! Thank you for laughter & wonderful memories. Every July 4th we heard the cannon boom! Christmas & New Years too as I recall. Although we were in different age groups, you & your family as our back yard neighbors were awesome ones to have. Daddy & Mother had opened Lucky’s Supermarket & soon followed our move from Glenwood Dr across town to Robin Road. Our home sat in between the homes of ASU Artist extrodinaire Prof Dan Howard & home of Geoffrey Pugh. My lil brudder Stacy played with his /your age groups of guys, Matt & Bert, Marilyn Hummelstein’s lil brother, plus Steve Emerson & Earl Bell were always in our home ~ trying really hard to pester me to death .I can remember hosing you guys off outside, removing mud from giggling little boys who’d played all afternoon long in great games. Our home on Robin Rd saw plenty of activities with Little League fun & yearly team bus trips to watch a StL Cardinal’s game, matchbox car races, go cart racing up /down Robin Road & basketballs all over our enlarged driveway. Plenty of fire baton twirling & early morning twirling practice occurred 1965-70 during hot summers in my JHS years & 1st ASU year. Dr Simpson’s daughter, Anne, came down the hill from your street to practice with her “majorette sisters”, ie, all of us in my front yard. Many times all 9-10 JHS Majorettes practiced in the street in afternoon cool shade of those gorgeous tall trees growing in yards of Grimes & Stone & Brown homes. I married in ‘69 leaving BirdLand., taking with me marvelous wonderful memories of a lifetime! One of last memories there was when Mike’s & my 2 yr old son spiked 105 temp in middle of the night & went into a temperature seizure. Daddy took off running across our backyard to grab your dad., jumping chain link fence next to you. Dr Garner jumped with him, running back in his pj’s & robe, your mom standing on carport shouting positive words of encouragement to all of us. Jackie was awesome. The phone was right there by his bed yet, that’s the kind of quick response interaction people had with neighbors in BirdLand. We were a complementary compassionate community fully prepared to try in providing whatever assistance was necessary as need arose for our neighbors of BirdLand. Bless your dad for coming that night. He stilled our fears as our son did grow out of those seizures. My parents & I were always so thankful Jerry Spurlock & Marie Parker told us about 1202 being “for sale” long ago. Childhood of a lifetime ♥️ Hugs,
Dana Greene Finan
Well written Bill, you should write a book! LOL! I think Fred Rorex & I will show up at the Trout mansion on Friday. On top of the tornado blowing the high school away, & going to trailers/curtained rooms for essentially the full 3 years of my JHS years, I had a nice slice of darkness left in my life on July 1, 1973. I think of Phillip often. Now with my current health deteriorating, it has brought a real sense of Love of life, & sadness that Phillip did not get to experience it, as I have! It is my burden I have had to bear throughout my life! I have done the best I could have, maybe not as well as others could have, maybe better than others could have. I am not sure, but that is not for me to determine, as I will be judged by a power greater than us all. Looking forward to this weekend, & seeing a few old friends! Later, Winston
I’m not in the class of 76, but I am class of 83, a d I remember being horrified that the school wouldn’t be built in time for me to go, a f I would have to endure the Heifer High, I always felt so bad for you all, “timing” “fate”. ? Definitely enjoyed reading the stories, thanks for posting it.
This post took me back to so many wonderful memories. 7:00 class, taking Roy’s car, with Maleia’ s help, driving to our favorite Pizza Drive-In with the gigantic 75 cent slice, and back to school before Roy ever knew his car was missing. Miller ponies, great music, first love, and so many incredible people. Thank you, Bill, for sharing a short but very special time of our life. Cheers to our Heifer High classmates! See you again in 5!
Loved your post. Thanks for the summation of Heifer High. Not sure we learned much academically but our social bonds were strong
Thanks Winston for the memories of Philip Shepard. That’s a night none of us will ever forget❤️
I was also in the Towers – 1972-1974. Your ‘experiences’ closely mimic mine. Too f’ funny. Tell me, did you or one of your clan initiate a panty raid (by throwing chains on the wires at the Athletic Dorm)?
Lived in 416 West Tower in 1970 and 1971. 1972 and 1973 lived in Barr B across from the old cafeteria. 1974 moved up to Garland. Those were the days. The bottle rocket, roman candle war is still fresh in my mind. It was East vs West in1970. Campus security was not impressed with East or West Tower.
Tornado in ‘73 shifted our house around and only spent one semester at the fairgrounds before moving to Nettleton, so never had the opportunity to get to know you, Bill. Flunked first period myself, through no fault of my own, mind ya-duck hunting before school. Still can’t fathom how three tardies equates to an absence. Regardless, I too, survived.
Is a bit refreshing to read of one’s parents so fondly recalled. Not so common a practice in this #Imavictimtoo world. Great read, Bill, and well done.
So good to read your words, savor memories & laugh out loud. Ahhhh, for the love of fathers! And great neighborhoods like ours in BirdLand. Back door neighbors found us enjoying each other’s family as occasions arose. Your parents were great customers of our Lucky Supermarket. Our moms were friends & dads as well. Growing up a bit before Sweet Pea & you guys, I only babysat y’all one evening while your brilliant dad was working & your hysterically sweet mom, beloved Ms Jackie needed me. After I married, it was no accident that in middle of night, my very young 1st born son, (Mike’s & mine) lay feverish & lethargic in my parent’s bed…probly 50’ from your pool edge. Pediatrician seen earlier in day as our son’s fever continued to spike from a virus. As thermometer rose above 105, my dad began racing thru the house ~ me asking where was he going at this late hour? “Goin to get our backyard Doc”!! Looking out a bedroom window, I watched Daddy somehow leap a chain link fence behind our home going to wake up your dad. Then watched them BOTH in unison jump same fence/ our dads & your Doc’s bag flying into the midnight air. How they didn’t hurt themselves I’ll never know…adrenaline was surely in gear. Our son is 50 this year, all in great part due to our dads working together to bring down & save a small toddler from hellish fever. While they were jumping fences, our son went into a terrifying fever seizures, something that continued to plague him as a toddler finally outgrew as adult. Your dad acted so gently, easily, immediately & thankfully brought down our son’s temp in a cool shower, then using iced towels surrounded him with coolness adjacent to his body. Draping warmer towels ( which cooled off quickly) over his torso so as not to shock his frail body. I’ll never forget the care your dad focused on our son at a frightening time. He knew exactly what to do. My husband was at UAMS Little Rock training to be Ob-Gyn at time, now devoting 40+ years to excellence in Board Certified medicine ~ holds an Arkansas record of delivering most babies in one year of around 333….just as your dad before him. Love how you knew your dad’s love trumped all. My personal opinion from experience is “their great love” of Faith & Family is where all our dad’s unconditional love & 2nd chances come from. Your dad & mine saved Doc Mike’s & my son that night. We are forever grateful to Garners moving to Jonesboro & into our neighborhood. Our son’s three sons thank Dr Garner as well. Love you!!!
In 1960, my family, husband Edward Holder and daughters, Sharon and Beverly, moved to Jonesboro and soon thereafter, I began using Dr. Garner as my doctor. I loved him. In 1965, I had a minor surgery that normally entailed an overnight stay in the hospital. He allowed me to stay at home, trusted me to go through the rules of “no fluids after midnight” and go to the hospital early the next morning. Then after surgery, he permitted me to go home from the hospital before I had gone to the bathroom much to the consternation of the lady in the other bed. He was very special doctor to me. I was disappointed when he went into radiology and would no longer be my doctor, a great loss to me. I will not forget him. Joyce Holder
Bill this piece best exemplifies the aura that Christmas wafts through the entire home. It’s fine and at the same time fills each of our families with love.
Abbie and Gary Wilson
An awesome read! Thanks again for sharing it with Your Neighborhood! Once those homes full of wonderful parents & kiddos were found in BirdLand…and now throughout the world. Hugs to you & yours! Merry Christmas!
I lived right across the street in the Hippie Hotel before it was so named with a continuous stream of students also visiting the Ice House and James Barr so they could ice down hot beer.
Another memory of growing up in Jtown perfectly expressed by my fave author, Bill Garner, Jr. It took me back in the day with thoughts of fun times shared with friends!!
Like you, I was acquainted with and influenced by Dr O’Neal in my younger years. My grandfather and dad knew Doc and invited him to our hunting camp in SE Arkansas. That’s where I first met him. This was in the early 70’s and I was just a teenage kid. For whatever reason, he took an interest in me and we struck up a friendship of sorts. I decided shortly afterwards that I was going to be a dentist. He hunted with us for several years at our camp. Good times that I will always be thankful for.
I spent many days at his office observing him working. You’re right about Doc, he could gain your trust. Influence you. Make you want to just be in his company whenever you could. A good man with a big heart. I got my dental degree several years later from the University of Tennessee, same as Dr O’Neal.
My wife found your story ‘The Jube’ and sent me the link to your website. I’m so glad she did! I’ve read several so far, and when I read this one I had to leave a comment. I grew up in Bono. My family were farmers at Bono and Egypt, so I’m very familiar with a lot of your writings. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work!
I bartended there until it closed. Jimmy Craig was the manager and Russ Owens and I bartended. We had a very professional wait staff. To this day, it was one of the coolest bar/restaurants I’ve been in.
Bill, your article was wonderful! I am a 1964 graduate of JHS and a 1968 ASU grad (and Sigma Pi). I can’t tell you how many good nights us guys spent at “Uncle” Roy’s. At that time ladies did not go to Roy’s, they might come to the parking lot and send someone in to retrieve their boyfriend, fiancé, or husband for a long ride home. (I have personal experience with that). I remember those crowds there with many of future Jonesboro movers and shakers, ASU athlete’s, future ASU Board of Director’s, and perhaps a non-drinking future Governor. Not to mention future high school and college coaching greats.
I am told Roy’s has closed permanently now. Very sad, but it was never the same after Roy, Tex, and James weren’t there anymore.
You are right about the original name of the pizza place. It was Ricco’s pizza. That was the first real pizza I ever tasted. And I’m sure there were many others in Jonesboro, Arkansas that was their first. O my goodness was it delicious!!
I went to Pizza Drive Inn for lunch almost every day when we were going to high school at h the fairgrounds . Vicki Gray, Ginny Jayroe and I would go together . Amazing pizza . Guy named Jason worked there . I think he later became a policeman with JPD. Great memories of great pizza . Loved the reminiscing , Bill.
I think Joe Riccio was from Chicago and was married to a woman from Bay. We could eat lunch there in the 60s for, I think, 36 cents. One slice of cheese pizza, one bag of chips and a Coke. The Arkansas State football players were regular customers. My aunt made the statement: it must have been the hairs off Pizza Joe’s arms, as he threw the dough in the air, that added to the goodness of the pizzas. . Oh yes, before this time, Dean Martin had a song about “a big pizza pie” and we all thought he was singing “a big piece of pie” as we had never heard of pizza pie. Although I am older than you, I enjoy your writings; and enjoyed your dad being my doctor and your mom working along side of him!
Spot On! Once again you’ve succeeded in describing our best pizza secrets of all times. Yep, kids of my 60’s will ALWAYS remember Riccio’s sights & sounds & aroma of the 1st pizza pie we’d ever experienced!
I left Jonesboro in the spring of 1966. I never had the pleasure of pizza at Riccio’s, but shortly after moving (to Illinois) I enjoy my first pizza at a similar small local place. The memories are etched in my mind as Riccio’s are in yours. You ar e a great writer!
Fall of 1978.. I arrived in Oxford via the Southern Airways commuter from Memphis. I was 17 and somehow had convinced my parents to let me leave our little town in Florida and enroll in Ole Miss. A few weeks earlier at pre-college, I had met ‘the one’, along with a handful of other freshmen women who helped me navigate those first few weeks. In short order, I experienced The Gin, The Warehouse, the Steak House out in the woods and The Gumbo Co. (among others). It was my intro to wonderful, exquisite, magical Oxford & Ole Miss. Thank you for yet another trip back in time.
Just stumbled into your blog & it hit me in my feelings.. Spent many an evening at The Gin, The Hoka & the Roundhouses….& yes, there are songs that take me right back to those very fine days.
Great writing. I’ll look forward to the next.
Hotty Toddy
I had a 1970 Jeep Commando and your description is accurate! It had Coop/Unico Grip Spur tires. The tire roar rendered the radio just extra weight. My companion for many duck and deer hunting trips. Thanks for the memories!
I have enjoyed reading your comments. Your Dad was my doctor, along with Dr Wisdom. As to the mention of Gasaways Grocery, at intersection of Flint, Wood Street and College, Pete Gasaway’s Dad, Ed Gasaway, had a small neighborhood grocery at the corner of Flint and Strawn Street. My parents traded there. Mr Gasaway would “carry “ farmers’ grocery bills in the wintertime. After their crops were over, they would pay up their balance.
Oh my gosh! Our family doctor was Dr. Wisdom. He came to our house on January 10, 1964 to be with us as my dad died of cancer. Are you related to Bob Scallions? He was married to Viola Jeans. She was my mom, Edith, sister.
I love reading your stories. I remember this all well. My family moved in the Mrs. Mackey house/school for a time. I loved that house but I had a couple strange experiences there too.
She had left a bunch of her photo albums there in a closet- I saw pics of friends from pre/k, kindergarten and before. Sara Raney, maybe Sara Burns- many more- thought that was cool!
The house sat up on a hill and one night John came in late after driving moms car, left it in gear, and the next morning we found it across the street. It had rolled backwards across Church and into the ditch across the street.
I love going back in time with you. Thanks for sharing these great memories!
Well written coverage of My home town a few years after I left. Jonesboro was (in reflection) a magical place to grow up. Fisher Street Methodist was where my family worshipped….My grandmother (Ollie Nichols) was a charter member…..West School, Annie Camp Jr High (Ms Camp scared us all in 7th grade) and finally JHS…..I always remember our typing class with “Hoot” Gibson ….”Sit right to type write”….Our grocery was June Dacus store…….My best to all who remember “back in the Day”
I loved growing up in Jonesboro. It was truly a magical time but we didn’t know that then. Your beautiful writing takes me back to that carefree, lovely time. Thank you for sharing your gift.
I’m back living in Jonesboro. I just found your work. I am friends with the Facebook page, “If you grew up in Jonesboro and surrounding area….”. I have read your stories since about 6:30 this morning. I’ve shared some with my husband. His dad got his law degree from Ole Miss and Mark attended there until he transferred to Mississippi State. I am 68 and after living in several different states, I am home. I was raised at the foot of Bono on a 40 acre cotton patch. Please keep writing. We have enjoyed them so much. I would love to have the information about your book and keep up with your writings. Thanks.
There are many songs that remind me of years gone by. In 1970 stationed in Guantanamo Bay I listened to music every night by putting a stack of albums on my turntable and letting them play as I went to sleep. This was a year after missing out of going to Woodstock and I listened to all different genre of music and still do. Thank you for your stories and the time you take to share them!!
Bill I worked as an X-Ray aide at St Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro while going to High School and thereafter. Your world know me as Kay Turnbow
I can’t tell you how many times since then I’ve reflected on those early years and the same picture comes to mind. Your dad. He was an amazing leader in our department.
This one particular evening he came in to work dressed in a black suit and black bow tie that was unraveled and a very nice crisp white button down shirt. It looked like he had been to a party that night. I thought how sad to have to leave a celebration to come in to work. Immediately I thought how dedicated he was to his work and I wanted to be just like him some day.
He asked me to get the stack Ready to Read. I had prepared it earlier for the following day’s early morning dictation. As I hung them up folder after folder and organizing them for quick read. He began to dictate all preop chest X-rays. When he finished the stack he asked if there were anymore and so I quickly pulled the next stack that I prepared the next morning’s dictation. I listened to his every word as I would prepare the next and take down the ones he had finished.
Sometimes I would look over to him for approval and he would nod and keep going. He was good to work with. Kind and patient.
Every once in while I would wait and just watch him dictate. I thought to myself if it were possible I would love to do his job One day. He was very inspiring to me and I wanted to work hard for him. He taught me a work ethic that has stayed with me all my life.
He was admired and highly respected amongst his peers Bill.
Sorry to hear this wonderful human passed. He was a great man to many of us in his field.
I know he would be very happy with how you’ve turned out.
Your story could be the beginnings of a great movie. I very much enjoyed your humor and the “Realness” of your life. Easy to read and I smiled the whole time when I read it.
RIP Dr Garner
Thank you for your inspiration and patience. God bless you.
Excellent story writings, guys. These have brought back so many memories. Class of ’74’ here and we will be celebrating our 50th next year. We were great in our time and I still say, we had the best music!
William L Gardner
You flew over my farm today. Looked up the owner from Flight radar 24. Always interesting people with this app. Great story. Glass raised!
Thanks for a much longed for morning laugh! Loved your Mom & Dad + SweetPea, loved Coach & Dot & love Ouida the most! Tolerated you young neighborhood backyard guys n brothers …lol. Sitting here laughing so hard & tears rolling down my face. Jackie’s laugh was real & unforgettably contagious. Our lil area had some spectacular mothers (& a few who could only be tolerated a few moments) who watched out for everyone’s kiddos. Bless all their hearts, missing my mom the most. Happy Mothers Day, to my Mother, Jackie, Dot, SweetPea & Ouida.
Dana, I m just now seeing your response to Bill’s story. Isn’t he an awesome author and friend? I’ve heard the story about my dad, Senator Jackson and Jackie’s ingenious way of obtaining seating immediately at the Rivermont. No one tells it better than Bill! I hope your Mother’s Day was as special as you are to me!
Ah heck. I finally signed up for the newsletter. Your stories always make me feel better, even when I “feel your pain” as I did with your knee story. Keep writing, Bill!
We used to go to Abbey’s all the time between 79 and 83. I always wondered what happened to that place, do you have an address I can search it out on Google Maps, for nostalgia sake? Thanks, Todd
Reminds me of a certain place a short time ago we used to entertain, The good old days.
Another winner by my favorite author!!!
Read every word
Smiling and sometimes laughing at your description of what I KNOW to be true.
Agrdst tribute to your father who was a good friend and neighbor as well.
Well done Bill
Joe Brooks would be the correct spelling
Daddy Doc, as the grandkids fondly called him was extended family to me as were all of you! You captured him well and he would be so proud, as would Ms. Jackie , of your literary skills and even more so of the witty, fun, talented chef, and especially the awesome father, husband, uncle and friend you are to so many!! I babysat you and your siblings in Senatobia, MS. Our parents became best friends and we spent every Christmas Eve with the Garner’s. Dad loved fishing and hunting with you, Matt and your dad. Our parents shared stories of crazy, fun things they did as couples including enjoying Bloody Mary’s , tailgating at the Grove, Ole Miss football, and stunts they pulled like when they were in Memphis partying and learning there were no seats, your mother telling Peabody maitre de that my dad was a senator and they soon found seats for them near the dance floor. I recall hearing stories of your dad delivering babies, interrupting our parent’s bridge games, and how Dad went along as your dad brought another baby into this world. When y’all moved to Jonesboro our meshed families remained extended family. Blessed am I to have grown up in a time to know and love both your parents and ALL of you!!!
Daddy Doc, as the grandkids fondly called him was extended family to me as were all of you! You captured him well and he would be so proud, as would Ms. Jackie , of your literary skills and even more so of the witty, fun, talented chef, and especially the awesome father, husband, uncle and friend you are to so many!! I babysat you and your siblings in Senatobia, MS. Our parents became best friends and we spent every Christmas Eve with the Garner’s. Dad loved fishing and hunting with you, Matt and your dad. Our parents shared stories of crazy, fun things they did as couples including enjoying Bloody Mary’s , tailgating at the Grove, Ole Miss football, and stunts they pulled like when they were in Memphis partying and learning there were no seats, your mother telling Peabody maitre de that my dad was a senator and they soon found seats for them near the dance floor. I recall hearing stories of your dad delivering babies, interrupting our parent’s bridge games, and how Dad went along as your dad brought another baby into this world. When y’all moved to Jonesboro our meshed families remained extended family. Blessed am I to have grown up in a time to know and love both your parents and ALL of you!!!
I responded with a lengthy comment that went poof when I was entering the requested information. I used auto fill and when I tapped post, it said post already made. I still have not seen my post. Could you please assist me in reviving my post? Thank you in advance! It is important to me that Bill read my comments!!
I had a wonderful and slightly flawed father myself . And I was a little bit the wild child too. I thank you for this. I miss him .
I have been addicted to the written word for as long as I can remember and I must say that you are good read. You are well spoken but real. If you put it out there, I’ll give it a try .
Now that gives new meaning to “pants on fire”. Very funny…per usual
So they had heard about you ? Wow.
Wow. Oxpatch will never be the same without The Gin! Fond memories…
Greatest bar Oxford ever had.
Bill, you captured perfectly the love of your parents. I have heard how they met before but nothing compares to your description!! I hope a book of your short stories and memories is in the making!!! Looking forward to your second book!! Isn’t this month the target date for release?
Lovely site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also. Frayda Winn Armitage
I read my friends copy of ‘Me, Boo and the Goob’. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its a laugh out loud read. I will be purchasing my own copy this book.
Love reading your posts and remember Ralph, the fried quail, and your mom’s BIG cooking. It was the first quail I had ever eaten. Because I was there so much, I often stayed for dinner. Such great memories and glad ya’ll are continuing the tradition! Merry Christmas
Saved as a fɑvorite, I love your web sitе!
Would have loved for you to fix this up for me years ago on a boss!
HILLARIOUS!
Sounds like she had an “ID Ten T” error lol
I remember. 25 raw oysters and $3.00 pitchers of beer
The darts. You forgot about the darts.
In the late 70’s the Abby had rooms for rent upstairs.
“The Abbey” was my favorite Oxford bar.. One of the bartenders at the Abbey, an undergraduate student who worked there (I don’t recall her name), was shot and killed by another student during the late 1970s. Shortly thereafter, it was reported in The Daily Mississippian” that he was caught by police following a high-speed chase, resulting in the single-vehicle accident in which he was severely injured.
I have likely forgotten more memories in that wonderful edifice, than I would remember in any other bar. -And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve had my share of favorite watering holes over the years.
Some of the best memories.. best was when locals came home for holidays and we would go straight to Gin to see everyone
So many great memories and friends. Thanks for sharing
Great article!!!!
Bill you always tell a great story. So many memories all good
Well written, enjoyed reading this.
Thank you for the great story. I’ve had some great times and made some great friends in Roy’s, I hoping they open back up soon!
Loved playing Music There in the late 70s and early 80s. I was the original drummer of the White Animals at the time then started my own band Joe Loftis & The Pinks in the 80s. Great memories. Awesome place to play. Great people. Long Live the Rock Club memories!
Love that area of Texas, been to Garrison Brothers and Luckenbach a few times. Like you, Jerry Jeff and the cast of characters that make up outlaw country music have become my soundtrack of life. Devils Back bone tavern is on my to do list next time I am in the area.
Makes you stop, think then send it out avery loud
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICES TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE AND FREE!?!!
I loved reading this! You are spot on and your memory is still serving you well. Thank you for sharing and recreating fun times back in the day!
We built our house on Thrush in 1968, and lived there for nearly 40 years. A wonderful place to live…Everything was close by. The neighbors were wonderful,
It was truly the best of times.
Thanks for the memories ✌
Great remembrance . Grew up on Cobb Street where my great grandfather bought the land in 1876
Of course the whole neighborhood is gone replaced by Dr offices and a giant parking lot for the hospital. The memories are still fresh in my mind. Jim
Cobb
Thanks for sharing. It seems like yesterday. I was born in the late 50s and still remember the Parker’s Inn, the log house/building on the corner of Nettleton and Carraway. That’s all was there at the time. From there back to your house, to the College was mostly woods, and driving down Nettleton this time of year was like driving through a tunnel for the big overhanging oak trees on the shoulders of Nettleton Road. Remembering the brown derby from Tastee freeze brought back memories like going to Roy Garrett‘s restaurant just down the street was a treat that we would look forward to going to all week. I met Matt in the early to mid-70s at basketball camp and became friends with he and the rest of the basketball players at Jonesboro high school that graduated between 75 and 77 and would play basketball any given day we can muster up more than four guys to play with. I still see him every once in a while, and he and his son used to lease Duck blinds from me for several years between Valley View and Weiner. Thanks again for the sharing of the memories. I will hold them in my heart forever. Your message touched many hearts today and on behalf of the rest that are reading, thank you for taking the time to do so.
That was awesome!
Birdland is still one of the best neighborhoods in town.
I can proudly say there have been several front yard football games, my boys and tons of others have continued that tradition. As with any neighborhood in any town new changes are made which never erase those wonderful memories, but plan for new memories. Even though I no longer live in Birdland, I know without a doubt it will continue to have kids making memories in front yards and new construction or remodels only improve the neighborhood.
For some reason my last post didn’t publish…
Birdland is one of the best neighborhoods in Jonesboro still today. Kids do still play football in the front yards, my boys were part of that tradition too!!
Changes always happen and Birdland is going through some great changes now. Looking forward to the next traditions and memories being made for sure.
Thank you Bill. They said they were not tearing down the house or I would have backed out. There are many memories with my family even though we had only been there since 2012. The loads of trash I picked up after being at the weekend at the lake or after vacations were a testimate to the children having fun in my yard and in my trees.
It’s so sad that the heritage of 1101 Robin Road is gone but never forgotten by those of us who appreciate and remember.
Well said my friend.
Julia C Martin Robinson
Love this, brought back so many wonderful memories. Birdland was the best neighborhood EVER !!!
Bill you captured our childhood lives so perfectly! Living in the “weird” house on Cardinal Rd was one of the happiest times of my life. Life was so simple, and full of great neighbors. You boys had fun but so did we girls! Had a neighborhood-wide Barbie wedding in a vacant lot down the street from our house. Also a pet show at same locale. Night time activity of kick the can was “ coed” however. Some days Mom did not even know where we had lunch! She just knew some great nice neighbor would feed us. Whew you really bright back memories Bill. Many thanks!
Meant Jennifer Phillips!
Thank-you to Bill and everyone for sharing these great memories. It is heart warming that so many people have fond memories of our family home and Country Club Heights AKA “Birdland.” When my mother was late in life, the kids referred to the magnolia tree as “Heaven” and I know that title gave my mother a feeling of peace. Birdland continues to be one of Jonesboro’s most desirable neighborhoods with many people constantly renovating and improving homes. A relatively new tradition in the 2000’s was the 4th of July golf cart parade to the tune of “Rockin on Robin.” There have been several people who left Birdland, only to return years later. Examples include Ronnie Hedger, Mike Brooks, Barry and Kitty Ledbetter, Angie Stone (I think) and me. (after being gone 18 years). The cannon is still shot for “marryins and buryins,” most recently at Matt, Jr’s wedding at a venue west of Rogers, Arkansas. Keep the post coming. Best to all! Matt Parker
My husband, John Sifford, grew up at 1109 Thrush, where his 90 year old father, Dewey Sifford still resides. John was there from 1968-1999. He has awesome memories of the Birdland neighborhood. Including the Clarks, Abbotts, Beadles, McKinneys, Kirkpatricks, Snodgrass family, Stepkas, General Wood’s family, Clairdays, Rossas, Dowdys, Hedgers, and Burl Brown family. After Tastee Freeze it was the Kirkpatrick Drive Inn where Bill Clark and one of the McAughn brothers would dance to Carl Douglass’ – “Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting”. Several doctors have come out of that neighborhood.
What a great read & even better memory Bill! Thank you for laughter & wonderful memories. Every July 4th we heard the cannon boom! Christmas & New Years too as I recall. Although we were in different age groups, you & your family as our back yard neighbors were awesome ones to have. Daddy & Mother had opened Lucky’s Supermarket & soon followed our move from Glenwood Dr across town to Robin Road. Our home sat in between the homes of ASU Artist extrodinaire Prof Dan Howard & home of Geoffrey Pugh. My lil brudder Stacy played with his /your age groups of guys, Matt & Bert, Marilyn Hummelstein’s lil brother, plus Steve Emerson & Earl Bell were always in our home ~ trying really hard to pester me to death .I can remember hosing you guys off outside, removing mud from giggling little boys who’d played all afternoon long in great games. Our home on Robin Rd saw plenty of activities with Little League fun & yearly team bus trips to watch a StL Cardinal’s game, matchbox car races, go cart racing up /down Robin Road & basketballs all over our enlarged driveway. Plenty of fire baton twirling & early morning twirling practice occurred 1965-70 during hot summers in my JHS years & 1st ASU year. Dr Simpson’s daughter, Anne, came down the hill from your street to practice with her “majorette sisters”, ie, all of us in my front yard. Many times all 9-10 JHS Majorettes practiced in the street in afternoon cool shade of those gorgeous tall trees growing in yards of Grimes & Stone & Brown homes. I married in ‘69 leaving BirdLand., taking with me marvelous wonderful memories of a lifetime! One of last memories there was when Mike’s & my 2 yr old son spiked 105 temp in middle of the night & went into a temperature seizure. Daddy took off running across our backyard to grab your dad., jumping chain link fence next to you. Dr Garner jumped with him, running back in his pj’s & robe, your mom standing on carport shouting positive words of encouragement to all of us. Jackie was awesome. The phone was right there by his bed yet, that’s the kind of quick response interaction people had with neighbors in BirdLand. We were a complementary compassionate community fully prepared to try in providing whatever assistance was necessary as need arose for our neighbors of BirdLand. Bless your dad for coming that night. He stilled our fears as our son did grow out of those seizures. My parents & I were always so thankful Jerry Spurlock & Marie Parker told us about 1202 being “for sale” long ago. Childhood of a lifetime ♥️ Hugs,
Dana Greene Finan
Bill – Thanks for the great memories. – John(ny) Phillips
Well written Bill, you should write a book! LOL! I think Fred Rorex & I will show up at the Trout mansion on Friday. On top of the tornado blowing the high school away, & going to trailers/curtained rooms for essentially the full 3 years of my JHS years, I had a nice slice of darkness left in my life on July 1, 1973. I think of Phillip often. Now with my current health deteriorating, it has brought a real sense of Love of life, & sadness that Phillip did not get to experience it, as I have! It is my burden I have had to bear throughout my life! I have done the best I could have, maybe not as well as others could have, maybe better than others could have. I am not sure, but that is not for me to determine, as I will be judged by a power greater than us all. Looking forward to this weekend, & seeing a few old friends! Later, Winston
Bill, you are super talented writer. Stay on your course. A joyful experience for many , particularly-me.
Best,
David
I’m not in the class of 76, but I am class of 83, a d I remember being horrified that the school wouldn’t be built in time for me to go, a f I would have to endure the Heifer High, I always felt so bad for you all, “timing” “fate”. ? Definitely enjoyed reading the stories, thanks for posting it.
This post took me back to so many wonderful memories. 7:00 class, taking Roy’s car, with Maleia’ s help, driving to our favorite Pizza Drive-In with the gigantic 75 cent slice, and back to school before Roy ever knew his car was missing. Miller ponies, great music, first love, and so many incredible people. Thank you, Bill, for sharing a short but very special time of our life. Cheers to our Heifer High classmates! See you again in 5!
Loved your post. Thanks for the summation of Heifer High. Not sure we learned much academically but our social bonds were strong
Thanks Winston for the memories of Philip Shepard. That’s a night none of us will ever forget❤️
I loved it Laughed through it. Only you, Bill, only you!!!! ✌♥️ To you & Lanie
I was also in the Towers – 1972-1974. Your ‘experiences’ closely mimic mine. Too f’ funny. Tell me, did you or one of your clan initiate a panty raid (by throwing chains on the wires at the Athletic Dorm)?
Thanks for the memories…
I wasn’t involved in that event, but I know who was. 🙂
Lived in 416 West Tower in 1970 and 1971. 1972 and 1973 lived in Barr B across from the old cafeteria. 1974 moved up to Garland. Those were the days. The bottle rocket, roman candle war is still fresh in my mind. It was East vs West in1970. Campus security was not impressed with East or West Tower.
Tornado in ‘73 shifted our house around and only spent one semester at the fairgrounds before moving to Nettleton, so never had the opportunity to get to know you, Bill. Flunked first period myself, through no fault of my own, mind ya-duck hunting before school. Still can’t fathom how three tardies equates to an absence. Regardless, I too, survived.
Is a bit refreshing to read of one’s parents so fondly recalled. Not so common a practice in this #Imavictimtoo world. Great read, Bill, and well done.
Michael Bosche
So good to read your words, savor memories & laugh out loud. Ahhhh, for the love of fathers! And great neighborhoods like ours in BirdLand. Back door neighbors found us enjoying each other’s family as occasions arose. Your parents were great customers of our Lucky Supermarket. Our moms were friends & dads as well. Growing up a bit before Sweet Pea & you guys, I only babysat y’all one evening while your brilliant dad was working & your hysterically sweet mom, beloved Ms Jackie needed me. After I married, it was no accident that in middle of night, my very young 1st born son, (Mike’s & mine) lay feverish & lethargic in my parent’s bed…probly 50’ from your pool edge. Pediatrician seen earlier in day as our son’s fever continued to spike from a virus. As thermometer rose above 105, my dad began racing thru the house ~ me asking where was he going at this late hour? “Goin to get our backyard Doc”!! Looking out a bedroom window, I watched Daddy somehow leap a chain link fence behind our home going to wake up your dad. Then watched them BOTH in unison jump same fence/ our dads & your Doc’s bag flying into the midnight air. How they didn’t hurt themselves I’ll never know…adrenaline was surely in gear. Our son is 50 this year, all in great part due to our dads working together to bring down & save a small toddler from hellish fever. While they were jumping fences, our son went into a terrifying fever seizures, something that continued to plague him as a toddler finally outgrew as adult. Your dad acted so gently, easily, immediately & thankfully brought down our son’s temp in a cool shower, then using iced towels surrounded him with coolness adjacent to his body. Draping warmer towels ( which cooled off quickly) over his torso so as not to shock his frail body. I’ll never forget the care your dad focused on our son at a frightening time. He knew exactly what to do. My husband was at UAMS Little Rock training to be Ob-Gyn at time, now devoting 40+ years to excellence in Board Certified medicine ~ holds an Arkansas record of delivering most babies in one year of around 333….just as your dad before him. Love how you knew your dad’s love trumped all. My personal opinion from experience is “their great love” of Faith & Family is where all our dad’s unconditional love & 2nd chances come from. Your dad & mine saved Doc Mike’s & my son that night. We are forever grateful to Garners moving to Jonesboro & into our neighborhood. Our son’s three sons thank Dr Garner as well. Love you!!!
In 1960, my family, husband Edward Holder and daughters, Sharon and Beverly, moved to Jonesboro and soon thereafter, I began using Dr. Garner as my doctor. I loved him. In 1965, I had a minor surgery that normally entailed an overnight stay in the hospital. He allowed me to stay at home, trusted me to go through the rules of “no fluids after midnight” and go to the hospital early the next morning. Then after surgery, he permitted me to go home from the hospital before I had gone to the bathroom much to the consternation of the lady in the other bed. He was very special doctor to me. I was disappointed when he went into radiology and would no longer be my doctor, a great loss to me. I will not forget him. Joyce Holder
Love this‼️ My favorite author kills it again with another awesome read.
Bill this piece best exemplifies the aura that Christmas wafts through the entire home. It’s fine and at the same time fills each of our families with love.
Abbie and Gary Wilson
What a wonderful read!! Thank you! Made me tear up.
An awesome read! Thanks again for sharing it with Your Neighborhood! Once those homes full of wonderful parents & kiddos were found in BirdLand…and now throughout the world. Hugs to you & yours! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, I enjoy your stories very much!
I lived right across the street in the Hippie Hotel before it was so named with a continuous stream of students also visiting the Ice House and James Barr so they could ice down hot beer.
You certainly entertaining❗️
Loved your memories of the Jube . Wasn’t John Heringer open the Irigunal owner of the Jube
Another memory of growing up in Jtown perfectly expressed by my fave author, Bill Garner, Jr. It took me back in the day with thoughts of fun times shared with friends!!
Like you, I was acquainted with and influenced by Dr O’Neal in my younger years. My grandfather and dad knew Doc and invited him to our hunting camp in SE Arkansas. That’s where I first met him. This was in the early 70’s and I was just a teenage kid. For whatever reason, he took an interest in me and we struck up a friendship of sorts. I decided shortly afterwards that I was going to be a dentist. He hunted with us for several years at our camp. Good times that I will always be thankful for.
I spent many days at his office observing him working. You’re right about Doc, he could gain your trust. Influence you. Make you want to just be in his company whenever you could. A good man with a big heart. I got my dental degree several years later from the University of Tennessee, same as Dr O’Neal.
My wife found your story ‘The Jube’ and sent me the link to your website. I’m so glad she did! I’ve read several so far, and when I read this one I had to leave a comment. I grew up in Bono. My family were farmers at Bono and Egypt, so I’m very familiar with a lot of your writings. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work!
Waited tables there in 88-89. Great times and great memories. Thanks for the memories!!
I bartended there until it closed. Jimmy Craig was the manager and Russ Owens and I bartended. We had a very professional wait staff. To this day, it was one of the coolest bar/restaurants I’ve been in.
What about Clovis Sweeney..Howard Bobbitt..Crowbar Russell…Terry “said it ” Wood. One of the last places you could run a tab
Johnny Herringer’s Jumpin’ Jube! Good memories there!
Bill, your article was wonderful! I am a 1964 graduate of JHS and a 1968 ASU grad (and Sigma Pi). I can’t tell you how many good nights us guys spent at “Uncle” Roy’s. At that time ladies did not go to Roy’s, they might come to the parking lot and send someone in to retrieve their boyfriend, fiancé, or husband for a long ride home. (I have personal experience with that). I remember those crowds there with many of future Jonesboro movers and shakers, ASU athlete’s, future ASU Board of Director’s, and perhaps a non-drinking future Governor. Not to mention future high school and college coaching greats.
I am told Roy’s has closed permanently now. Very sad, but it was never the same after Roy, Tex, and James weren’t there anymore.
The place to be! Enough said!
Always there! The coolest place to be. Especially in the Don Johnson fashion days lol
The Jube was like no other. Lots of fun memories there!!!
Great story Bill. I recall Landi, but had no idea of the fun details. Dan
You are right about the original name of the pizza place. It was Ricco’s pizza. That was the first real pizza I ever tasted. And I’m sure there were many others in Jonesboro, Arkansas that was their first. O my goodness was it delicious!!
My brother took me there for my first slice around 1960! I oohed , maybe moaned a little. My big brother thought it was funny!
I went to Pizza Drive Inn for lunch almost every day when we were going to high school at h the fairgrounds . Vicki Gray, Ginny Jayroe and I would go together . Amazing pizza . Guy named Jason worked there . I think he later became a policeman with JPD. Great memories of great pizza . Loved the reminiscing , Bill.
I grew up in Leachville but my cousin Ronnie & Dale Barnes lived on Jefferson St & they took me there when we were teenagers. So good.
I think Joe Riccio was from Chicago and was married to a woman from Bay. We could eat lunch there in the 60s for, I think, 36 cents. One slice of cheese pizza, one bag of chips and a Coke. The Arkansas State football players were regular customers. My aunt made the statement: it must have been the hairs off Pizza Joe’s arms, as he threw the dough in the air, that added to the goodness of the pizzas. . Oh yes, before this time, Dean Martin had a song about “a big pizza pie” and we all thought he was singing “a big piece of pie” as we had never heard of pizza pie. Although I am older than you, I enjoy your writings; and enjoyed your dad being my doctor and your mom working along side of him!
Spot On! Once again you’ve succeeded in describing our best pizza secrets of all times. Yep, kids of my 60’s will ALWAYS remember Riccio’s sights & sounds & aroma of the 1st pizza pie we’d ever experienced!
I left Jonesboro in the spring of 1966. I never had the pleasure of pizza at Riccio’s, but shortly after moving (to Illinois) I enjoy my first pizza at a similar small local place. The memories are etched in my mind as Riccio’s are in yours. You ar e a great writer!
Dammit Bill! Why you wanna make me cry??
Fall of 1978.. I arrived in Oxford via the Southern Airways commuter from Memphis. I was 17 and somehow had convinced my parents to let me leave our little town in Florida and enroll in Ole Miss. A few weeks earlier at pre-college, I had met ‘the one’, along with a handful of other freshmen women who helped me navigate those first few weeks. In short order, I experienced The Gin, The Warehouse, the Steak House out in the woods and The Gumbo Co. (among others). It was my intro to wonderful, exquisite, magical Oxford & Ole Miss. Thank you for yet another trip back in time.
Just stumbled into your blog & it hit me in my feelings.. Spent many an evening at The Gin, The Hoka & the Roundhouses….& yes, there are songs that take me right back to those very fine days.
Great writing. I’ll look forward to the next.
Hotty Toddy
I had a 1970 Jeep Commando and your description is accurate! It had Coop/Unico Grip Spur tires. The tire roar rendered the radio just extra weight. My companion for many duck and deer hunting trips. Thanks for the memories!
Reminds me of childhood wonders that all of us really believed in!
I worked the Front Door in 1986-87……
….was a blast!
You are a good writer. I sure enjoy you bringing the past back to life.
Amen♥️‼️As always, really have enjoyed these stories!! Nothing better than small town life!
I have enjoyed reading your comments. Your Dad was my doctor, along with Dr Wisdom. As to the mention of Gasaways Grocery, at intersection of Flint, Wood Street and College, Pete Gasaway’s Dad, Ed Gasaway, had a small neighborhood grocery at the corner of Flint and Strawn Street. My parents traded there. Mr Gasaway would “carry “ farmers’ grocery bills in the wintertime. After their crops were over, they would pay up their balance.
Oh my gosh! Our family doctor was Dr. Wisdom. He came to our house on January 10, 1964 to be with us as my dad died of cancer. Are you related to Bob Scallions? He was married to Viola Jeans. She was my mom, Edith, sister.
I love reading your stories. I remember this all well. My family moved in the Mrs. Mackey house/school for a time. I loved that house but I had a couple strange experiences there too.
She had left a bunch of her photo albums there in a closet- I saw pics of friends from pre/k, kindergarten and before. Sara Raney, maybe Sara Burns- many more- thought that was cool!
The house sat up on a hill and one night John came in late after driving moms car, left it in gear, and the next morning we found it across the street. It had rolled backwards across Church and into the ditch across the street.
I love going back in time with you. Thanks for sharing these great memories!
Well written coverage of My home town a few years after I left. Jonesboro was (in reflection) a magical place to grow up. Fisher Street Methodist was where my family worshipped….My grandmother (Ollie Nichols) was a charter member…..West School, Annie Camp Jr High (Ms Camp scared us all in 7th grade) and finally JHS…..I always remember our typing class with “Hoot” Gibson ….”Sit right to type write”….Our grocery was June Dacus store…….My best to all who remember “back in the Day”
I loved growing up in Jonesboro. It was truly a magical time but we didn’t know that then. Your beautiful writing takes me back to that carefree, lovely time. Thank you for sharing your gift.
I’m back living in Jonesboro. I just found your work. I am friends with the Facebook page, “If you grew up in Jonesboro and surrounding area….”. I have read your stories since about 6:30 this morning. I’ve shared some with my husband. His dad got his law degree from Ole Miss and Mark attended there until he transferred to Mississippi State. I am 68 and after living in several different states, I am home. I was raised at the foot of Bono on a 40 acre cotton patch. Please keep writing. We have enjoyed them so much. I would love to have the information about your book and keep up with your writings. Thanks.
You have a wonderful way of storytelling and I enjoy every single one of them.
There are many songs that remind me of years gone by. In 1970 stationed in Guantanamo Bay I listened to music every night by putting a stack of albums on my turntable and letting them play as I went to sleep. This was a year after missing out of going to Woodstock and I listened to all different genre of music and still do. Thank you for your stories and the time you take to share them!!
I’d be honored to buy your 1st book of short stories. You do have a way.
Hi Allen,
Shoot me an email at wlgarner@williamlgarner.com and I’ll give you some options.
I’m glad you enjoy my writings.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill I worked as an X-Ray aide at St Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro while going to High School and thereafter. Your world know me as Kay Turnbow
I can’t tell you how many times since then I’ve reflected on those early years and the same picture comes to mind. Your dad. He was an amazing leader in our department.
This one particular evening he came in to work dressed in a black suit and black bow tie that was unraveled and a very nice crisp white button down shirt. It looked like he had been to a party that night. I thought how sad to have to leave a celebration to come in to work. Immediately I thought how dedicated he was to his work and I wanted to be just like him some day.
He asked me to get the stack Ready to Read. I had prepared it earlier for the following day’s early morning dictation. As I hung them up folder after folder and organizing them for quick read. He began to dictate all preop chest X-rays. When he finished the stack he asked if there were anymore and so I quickly pulled the next stack that I prepared the next morning’s dictation. I listened to his every word as I would prepare the next and take down the ones he had finished.
Sometimes I would look over to him for approval and he would nod and keep going. He was good to work with. Kind and patient.
Every once in while I would wait and just watch him dictate. I thought to myself if it were possible I would love to do his job One day. He was very inspiring to me and I wanted to work hard for him. He taught me a work ethic that has stayed with me all my life.
He was admired and highly respected amongst his peers Bill.
Sorry to hear this wonderful human passed. He was a great man to many of us in his field.
I know he would be very happy with how you’ve turned out.
Your story could be the beginnings of a great movie. I very much enjoyed your humor and the “Realness” of your life. Easy to read and I smiled the whole time when I read it.
RIP Dr Garner
Thank you for your inspiration and patience. God bless you.
Always a good read, keep up the wonderful stories!!
Wish u well…
Love the comment about Mrs.Aston & Seaton….
’73-75 were great years!
Being very familiar with the antics during that time, I can’t wait! Good luck, my friend. Thanks for making us laugh!
Excellent story writings, guys. These have brought back so many memories. Class of ’74’ here and we will be celebrating our 50th next year. We were great in our time and I still say, we had the best music!
William L Gardner
You flew over my farm today. Looked up the owner from Flight radar 24. Always interesting people with this app. Great story. Glass raised!
Have you tried contacting him through the WWE?
No, but I will.
I love your stories. Those brighten my day.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
The Jube holds lots of fun, special memories!!
Met my wife there while playing shuffleboard in the back room. A very special place
Thanks for a much longed for morning laugh! Loved your Mom & Dad + SweetPea, loved Coach & Dot & love Ouida the most! Tolerated you young neighborhood backyard guys n brothers …lol. Sitting here laughing so hard & tears rolling down my face. Jackie’s laugh was real & unforgettably contagious. Our lil area had some spectacular mothers (& a few who could only be tolerated a few moments) who watched out for everyone’s kiddos. Bless all their hearts, missing my mom the most. Happy Mothers Day, to my Mother, Jackie, Dot, SweetPea & Ouida.
Dana, I m just now seeing your response to Bill’s story. Isn’t he an awesome author and friend? I’ve heard the story about my dad, Senator Jackson and Jackie’s ingenious way of obtaining seating immediately at the Rivermont. No one tells it better than Bill! I hope your Mother’s Day was as special as you are to me!
Excellent read! Thanks for posting!
Ah heck. I finally signed up for the newsletter. Your stories always make me feel better, even when I “feel your pain” as I did with your knee story. Keep writing, Bill!