Opinion: My journey into this year will be different

Two of Georgia’s greatest visionaries were H.G. (Pat) Pattillo and Dr. J.W. Fanning, co-founders of Leadership Georgia. Both men inspired me to think beyond “my small world.” On New Year’s Eve 1992, the pair visited my office. Dr. Fanning’s (seated) motto was “May you stay alive as long as you live.” When we rode horses in Costa Rica, Pat would challenge me, “Ride hard or eat my dust.” (Submitted Photo)

On James Harper’s 90th birthday, I was able to embrace two of my hometown heroes, James, left, and Jimmy Sullivan, right. James, a businessman and community volunteer, proved that you didn’t need to be 9 feet tall to be a giant. Jimmy, an iconic Jesup merchant, was a humble servant leader and a pillar of First Baptist Church. His advice: “Give all you can, but you can’t outgive God.” (Submitted Photo)

My friendship with Dr. Lanier Harrell began when he was my boyhood doctor. He was an early business partner. When my dad died, Doc became a father figure. His mind was encyclopedic. Here, we were looking at Georgia Bulldog photos on my phone. Doc’s last words to me were, “About that ballgame (Georgia losing to Bama), it’s not the end of the world.” Wise words. Georgia then beat FSU 63-3. (Submitted Photo)

William Henry NeSmith, aka Big Dink, gave me more than my name. He was my role model. I wrote a book: “The Last Man to Let You Down, My Daddy the Undertaker.” The title has a double meaning. Big Dink wouldn’t let you down, because he believed a promise was a debt unpaid. He died debt-free. “Always put your best foot forward,” he preached. The first step was polished shoes. (Submitted Photo)