Transcontinental memories of ’so many fun’ mark the end
Editor’s note: This is Furman Bisher’s final column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Read more:
–Past columns. His last one is below. Read his first one including his moving tribute to his late son and several others.
–Photos of his career. Even one where he’s playing football.
–Video: Bisher reflects on his very first column for the paper
It was April 15, income tax day, in 1950 that this all began. Usually, such a run as this rarely ever carries on this long. Perhaps my act has worn thin. Perhaps I have over-stayed my time. But to an old warrior such as I, it isn’t easy finding an appropriate ending place.
My mind wanders back to the Falcons’ first flirtation with glory. They led the Dallas Cowboys into the shadows of a Sunday afternoon in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, 60,222 fans in a state of exhilaration, a division championship a breath away when the defense broke down. It was over and a city was left heartbroken.
It had been such a colossal event that even Red Smith, the scholarly columnist of the New York Times, had flown in to write of it. After the game, I gave him a lift back to his hotel, and as he collected his tools of trade, and opened the car door, he put a hand on my shoulder and said: “One more day in a cold, dreary press box — God, I love it.”
That said it for a lot of us.
Many a time that memory flashes across my mind, though the number of Sundays has dwindled down, as has the number of columns. Once I wrote six columns a week. I thought I was supposed to. Then five, then four, then three, then down to one. That means I have one day in seven in which to write something that stirs the blood, or something that misses the plate. A stinker. I don’t know that there is a graceful way to take leave. It doesn’t require a lot of space, I know that. (Cheers from the layout editor.)
I do know, as well, that it tugs at the heart. Ye gods, how many of these have I written? So many that many of the keys on this old Royal typing machine are worn thin. (And this column was first given a test run on the machine on which I wrote my first column in 1950.)
How many continents has it been, how many nations, how many flights, how many airports, how many sagging beds in bawdy rooming houses, and how many languages, with or without translation? Oh, and yes, and how many fellow travelers, wonderful friends on all those continents, and on the streets in this town and in my own land?
Then the Olympics, winter and summer, arousing memory of the most excruciating trip of them all, following the Winter Games in France. Catching a train in Notre Dame de Briancon to Chambery, to Geneva, to Frankfurt, to Atlanta, thence to Richmond, then Charlottesville to preside at a dinner. So much for that. I wouldn’t mind doing it again, but my body would disagree.
The Italian heavyweight of some six decades ago, Primo Carnera, known to some as “The Ambling Alp,” returned to the United States for some personal appearances long after he held the title — whose legitimacy was strongly questioned. Nevertheless, he had been the champ. He was a source of much interviewing, of course, during which he was asked what he remembered most pleasantly of his fighting days in this country. “Oh, much good time,” he said, in his fractured English, “so many fun.”
That says it for me in any language. “So many fun.”
Perhaps we shall see each other again at Thanksgiving, or the Masters, but I take my leave today with deep regret. Selah.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
444 comments Add your comment
Slick Willie
October 12th, 2009
8:35 am
Good luck and enjoy your retirement.
Friend Elinor
October 12th, 2009
8:44 am
Enter your comments here–I wish you continued good health and happiness..Thanks for the memories old friend. You should write a book about your personal life–it would be a best seller..I don’t think you have missed a thing–
I look forward to your Thanksgiving column.
GeorgiaDuck
October 12th, 2009
9:02 am
Thanks Furman for all your columns. One column comes to mind when you had to choose to either go to Augusta for the Masters or cover the Atlanta Steeplechase on the same weekend. You are a treasure for Atlanta.
Philip Lee Williams
October 12th, 2009
9:06 am
The idea that I can’t get up on Thanksgiving any more and read Furman’s “I’m thankful for . . .” column is almost too much to bear on a Monday.
What he gave us! I will turn 60 next year and never remember Furman Bisher NOT being there. While I feel sad for myself–and it’s a powerful feeling of loss–I will remember all the wonderful columns and wonderful days. The piece he wrote about the loss of his son was a work of anguished genius.
May he live for decades to come. A great man has put down his pen. All of us who have been steady readers for more than 50 years are standing and applauding.
Roger A. Meyer (ramjet)
October 12th, 2009
9:09 am
Dear Mr. Bisher: There will never, ever be another YOU. As a physician who recently retired after nearly 45 years of practicing surgery, I can readily understand you emotions about leaving a career you so obviously relish. One doesn’t want to try and “hang on” too long and begin to hear the whispers that we are “loosing it.” The ideal is to leave while one is still at the top and still in love with their life’s work. You have done that !! Since I arrived in Atlanta in 1979 to work at Emory University, I have enjoyed your writing immensely. You were always able to evoke emotions and caring about the subjects (mostly, but not always athletes) of your words. In telling us readers your story, you gave us not only the facts, but a history lesson and a point of view that inspired as well as informed. Your sense of history gave us an appreciation for where we had been as well as where we might be headed. You always showed us the “good” in the good old days, without ever being trite, and always to compare with the not always pleasant reality of today. You taught me more about life through sports than any other writer; for that I shall always be greatful. I share your love affair with the typewriter; I learned in high school on an old Underwood, and had aspirations to be a sportswriter as well. Unfortunately, I had no talent in that area. Thanks for many years of enjoyment. I know you will keep writing and look forward to a book or magazine articles in the future. You have many stories yet to tell. God bless you and keep you well. This is not your “30.” Selah (just love that word from Psalms), Roger
Mose
October 12th, 2009
9:11 am
I’m proud to be a Bisher Boy. You gave me a chance and you toughened my journalistic hide. You taught me the value of a good day’s work at the typewriter.
John Lee
October 12th, 2009
9:11 am
Mr. Bisher, you were a lion who walked with lions.
Your writing career included the era of Dodd, Butts, Dooley, Bryant, Rupp, and your friend Jeese Outlar. And that is only to name a few.
You wrote with sense and sentiment. And you wrote with impeccable style. The sports world is poorer place on your retirement. That sense and sentiment gave me endless enjoyment. You may have been a Tar Heel born, but as far as I am concerned you were a Peach of a Georgian. God bless you, Furman Bisher. Selah.
Scott Reynolds
October 12th, 2009
9:14 am
I have read your Thanksgiving column for more years than I can remember,downtown Rich’s is gone, Lewis is not here, Furman is retired and I guess when the Varsity closes that will be it for me. Thanks for a great job over the years, I will miss your writing very much.
Ponce de Leon Ball Park and the magnolia tree
October 12th, 2009
9:16 am
Mr. Bisher, you were the best and still are.You are one of the greatest assets Atlanta ever had. All the really bad Tech, Falcons, and Braves teams were much easier to digest, thanks to YOU!………..I am grateful for all the memories. Retirement is a “state of mind”, have a great one!
Gary
October 12th, 2009
9:18 am
Furman Bisher…..thank you for the years of great columns and turning me into a golf fan. I have enjoyed your columns for many years (even when I disagree) and you are the best at your trade dear sir. Have a happy retirement and try to sneak a column in come Master’s time. Those always get me ready for the best weekend in sports.
Farewell good friend and don’t be a stranger now.
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 12th, 2009
9:21 am
How can the AJC even dare to attempt to print his best?
We all know his best was simply his next.
The Chief
October 12th, 2009
9:22 am
As a baby boomer, Class of 56, I grew up reading Furman Bisher on Sundays. I can remember back in the Dodd error reading about GT victories which were always that much better on Sundays after the Dawgs dropped one. One time back in the 70s, FB expounded on all of the things to be thankful for including seeing long legs stretching out from short mini skirts. Mr. Bisher, you have long been the dean and the gold standard in your craft. Thank you for many years of reading pleasure. You will be missed.
Braves fan since '66
October 12th, 2009
9:22 am
I’ve enjoyed reading your columns since the 50’s. You are a good man and deserve all of the comments that are being passed along to you today.
Michael Rothschild
October 12th, 2009
9:25 am
Thanks Furman, for a great career and so much inspirational writing. Enjoy your retirement too!
BihserFan
October 12th, 2009
9:25 am
Enter your comments here
Best wihses, Mr. Bisher. This is a sad day for true sports fans and fans of well written articles. Like so many others I have followed you for years and always looked forward to your reporting and analysis. I hope that somehow there will be more to come.
jconservative
October 12th, 2009
9:26 am
Your last column just matched your career. Nice job.
With this column, and your career, you gave us all a lesson in class.
Not bad for a lefty.
Reid in EAV
October 12th, 2009
9:26 am
As a 38-year-old youngster, I have never known an AJC without Furman Bisher. And I’ve long been in denial that such a thing would ever exist. Alas, time has come to face reality, and take comfort that the old warrior has chosen his moment wisely and well. Selah.
SEC
October 12th, 2009
9:30 am
There is a lot more to the Furman Bisher/Bear Bryant matter. For those of you not old enough to remember, Bisher was the “journalist” who wrote an article that accused Coach Bryant and Wally Butts of rigging a game. The article appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. Bryant and Butts subsequently filed suit and were awared a sizable verdict (I believe it was in the neighborhood of $400,000 in 1960’s dollars). Bisher’s article was totally discredited. It appears he has not gotten any sharper with the passing years.
Seriously, Wally Butts was the head coach at Georgia from 1939 to 1960. Bisher’s accusations involved both coaches (admittedly, it would probably be more difficult for one coach to rig a game, though I suppose it is possible). Coach Bryant’s case was tried in federal court in Atlanta. It did not turn out well for the Post. I have always assumed Bisher’s continued employment was attributable to being married to the publisher’s daughter or some similar circumstance.
Hank Long
October 12th, 2009
9:30 am
Mr. Bisher, we all knew this day would come, but did not look forward to it. While I have not lived in Atlanta since 1976, I have been able to get your columns thanks to the internet. I will miss most your reminding me of what I am thankful for at Thanksgiving, both in the sports world and in life. Please consider making an appearance at least once a year. Godspeed.
Ostrich Racer
October 12th, 2009
9:33 am
Sir-
Thank you for helping teach me to read, and to love the written word, and to respect greatness and goodness alike. A sad Thanksgiving just got a little sadder.
MAJ B. Parker
Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan
George
October 12th, 2009
9:33 am
Furman, “Say it ant’ so”…. Thank you for all your valuable insight into the world of Atlanta Sports, from the Crackers to the Gwinnett Braves, From the Chiefs to the Silverbacks, From your heart to ours…Best wishes to you as you continue Lifes journey…
gt
October 12th, 2009
9:33 am
Mr. Bisher,
I have read you since I was about 10, in 1960. You are the best.Ma you have a happy and healthy retirement. You have brought insight and joy to many.
Hope you will write oone more “I’M Thankful” article.
Hope to talk with you in jheaven one day-but not soon.God bless.
alan eiger
October 12th, 2009
9:34 am
Mr. Bisher, I’m going to miss your stories in the AJC. Your stories are some of the best I’ve read. Your knowledge and depth of sports are tremendous. Your columns have kept me reading the AJC. I grew up in NYC and my favorites were Jimmy Cannon and Dan Parker. I’m old enough to remember reading Grantland Rice as a youth. Your columns will be remembered, I don’t see sports columnists of your calibere anymore..
Enjoy your retirement.
ontheflats
October 12th, 2009
9:35 am
Mr. Bisher,
Thank you!
c hall
October 12th, 2009
9:35 am
Having llived in Atlanta for six years in the 80s and most of the rest of my life in Dayton, Ohio; I have had the pleasure of reading two of the greatest sportswriters ever, Si Burick and Furman Bisher.
"Right" in Georgia
October 12th, 2009
9:36 am
Congrats and best wishes, Mr. Bisher. I still have the original copy of a tribute to Coach Jim Cavan in the ’70’s or ’80’s. What a column and what a columnist! I always looked forward to your “For What It’s
Worth” columns. Great humor! You’ll be missed! Hope your retirement
is very enjoyable!
Carl
October 12th, 2009
9:42 am
Thanks for trying to ruin the career of the greatest college football coach to ever walk the earth, Bear Bryant. You should’ve been fired for that 40 years ago. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.
Smith
October 12th, 2009
9:43 am
Thanks Mr. Bisher-Your are a classic!!!
There have been many great journalists at AJC such as Outlar, Cunningham, Grizzard and Newman
Chip Towers
October 12th, 2009
9:45 am
Simply the greatest. Thanks showing us how it’s done, Furman! I’ll miss you.
Dorothy Clark
October 12th, 2009
9:48 am
Mr. Bisher — I am Charlie Roberts’ niece (his sister’s daughter). If Charlie were here today, he would comment on what a wonderful colleague you were. He and all my family thought the world of you and spoke of you with deepest respect. Thank you for all your years of service to Atlanta and for the dignity with which you reported the sports news to us. Best wishes in your retirement!
–Dorothy Clark
howie
October 12th, 2009
9:49 am
Mr. Bisher-
You have enlightened and created sports debate amoung Atlanta sports fans for almost 3 generations and your legacy will live on long after your last column.
Thank you for being there for us.
P.S. Did you ever dream your last column would be a blog?
Harris
October 12th, 2009
9:50 am
Reading the Sports section without Furman Bisher will be even worse than trying to read the Sports via a computer. Without the folding of the pages, without Furman Bisher, something rea and wonderful is lost. Thank you, sir for all those years.
Chris Howell
October 12th, 2009
9:50 am
I’ve been reading your articles my entire 43-year-old life. You are an Atlanta icon, a timeless, steady hand at the AJC sports ship, waxing eloquent about so many things, and the connectedness between life and sports. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us for all these many years. You will be dearly missed.
blazerdawg
October 12th, 2009
9:52 am
Mr. Bisher,
Your efforts and columns have been a great inspiration to me, and your perspective has been a very positive influence on Atlanta.
Congratulations on your retirement; best wishes to you!
andy
October 12th, 2009
9:53 am
Thank you Mr. Bisher for your insight on life. As much as I have enjoyed your sport writngs over the years, I enjoyed your Thanksgiving column more. I looked forward to it. Those writings were life’s simple lessons. My only regret is that I did not save all of them. I hope I can look forward to a lot more Thanksgiving thoughts from you.
Buzzed
October 12th, 2009
9:54 am
Thank you. Not for so many words, so much. But for the wonderful images they would conjure up!
Jeremiah
October 12th, 2009
9:56 am
Thank you Mr. Bisher,
I’ve been reading your articles about my favorite Atlanta Teams all my life. Newspapers will never be the same, what with the internet age, and you are one of the final chapters to an entire way of life. You will truly be missed. You wrote with class, integrity, and balance. Thanks for that. I truly enjoyed all of your work. I wish the best to you and your family and I hope you enjoy your retirement!
Rick
October 12th, 2009
9:59 am
Thanks for your writing Furman. You are a legend. I enjoyed reading your columns over the past 26 years.
K.Hassell
October 12th, 2009
10:00 am
I was 60 days old when your first column appeared. MY how time flies.
From one to another; Tar Heel Born and Tar Heel Bred…Mr. Bisher, you’re first class all the way…like ChooChoo.
Your AJC work is legendary, but I’m looking forward to “Unleashed” and the books I know are coming. It’s a loooong time before this legend fades away. You’ve got work to do.
As Mr. Hope said…Thanks for the memories.
George P. Burdell
October 12th, 2009
10:02 am
We may have the internet and all imaginable information available with just a few clicks, but it will always lack the insight and details you brought to us in your columns. Your columns always showed great appreciation for the historical significance of the sports we all love. You always made an interesting points and showed it to us from a unique perspective. Truly one of the best the business has ever seen. Enjoy your retirement and know that you will be missed more than you could ever realize.
George
October 12th, 2009
10:03 am
Furman: I grew up reading you and Jesse Outler regularly. With newspapers as we know them disappearing every day, it’s regrettable that great journalists like you may never come our way again. I feel fortunate to have lived during “your time.” All best wishes for a bright future. Enjoy!
Pete Foley
October 12th, 2009
10:04 am
Cue the Tina Turner song “Simply the Best” … Furman, you were all that quality sports journalism and column-writing could possibly be. You were my hero when I was but a mid-teenager dreaming of my own sportswriting career one day. And 35 years later, you remain so. I will miss your prose (especially your Thanksgiving column which has become part of my Turkey Day ritual). My best to you and Linda, and congratulations on a spectacular career. You were … simply the best! – Pete Foley, Marietta, GA
Mike S
October 12th, 2009
10:04 am
Furman, Thank you for so many years of wonderful insight and wisdom. Enjoy your retirement, and know that you have made a great contribution to society in your lifetime. You have earned this rest.
Bill Dennngton
October 12th, 2009
10:07 am
Dear Furman, Pardon my addressing you on a first name basis, but I do consider you a freind, even though we have never met.
I want to let you know how much I will miss your column. I am about to turn 55 years of age in December, and as far back as I can remember I can tell you that one of my first acts of ritual while growing up was to get the AJC, turn to the sports section and read your column. I am facinated with good writing and yours, my freind was always enjoyable and interesting to read.
My dad was a Georgia Tech grad and made sure that I knew how to say THWG and to cheer on those blessed bees! Many a Saturday afternoon was spent in the west stands with my dad as we watched the Yellow Jackets play football. We started those Saturday’s reading your column and then reading your follow up on Sunday. You were always honest in your assessment of the team whether they won or lost.
You have enriched my life with your work and for that I will always be grateful. Enjoy your rest, you certainly deserve it!
Dale Russell / Fox 5 I-Team
October 12th, 2009
10:07 am
A personal thank you to a mentor I never met. You will be missed, Mr. Bisher – greatly.
http://tinyurl.com/ThanksMrBisher
R Cagle
October 12th, 2009
10:09 am
Gee, Mr. Bisher, can’t Schultz retire instead? It’s not like he is contributing or anything.
Brent Gilroy
October 12th, 2009
10:11 am
Thanks for all the years, Furman (even the five before i was born!). I spent some time working in newspapers years ago partly because, reading your columns, I knew it had to be fun. Yes, please come back at least for the Thanksgiving column (always a highlight of that late fall morning). Selah.
steveh
October 12th, 2009
10:13 am
When I think of the AJC, I think of Furman Bisher. It will never be the same.
Selah
Ken Stallings
October 12th, 2009
10:15 am
It is inadequate to term this the end of an era. It is far more than that. It is the end of innocence in sports journalism. Furman Bisher represented the last of the writers who understood that sports was not life and that therefore the players deserved their privacy. Bisher established relationships that transcended journalism.
Those special relationships allowed him sometimes to get interviews no one else could get. Players accustomed to voyeurism would seek Bisher out because they knew they would get a fair break from a responsible reporter.
That honesty allowed for many special insights. Today, we have AJC sports journalists who are more at home ripping apart players, and even evoking one-sided arguments into a political effort. With Bisher, this simply did not happen.
Bisher was too much the gentleman to get into verbal wars nor to entertain and encourage them! That’s why he quickly stopped replying to his blog. I doubt he even reads it. Sometimes he would reply to an email sent. I miss that personal touch. Perhaps some of the reason Bisher is retiring is the nastiness exhibited in public discourse today. I am sure it offends his sensibilities, how he was raised by his parents to be mindful of others and respectful to all.
Furman Bisher will now retire to his properties and live out his life in peace and quiet with his beloved wife. We are the losers in all this. Unfortunately, not all of us are intelligent enough to even know we lost. There’s the pity.
Bobby Dowell
October 12th, 2009
10:21 am
Furman- you were and still are pure class in a time when it seems to be in short supply. I will really miss your column.