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
Mitch Evans
October 12th, 2009
10:22 am
Furman… you are a beacon for all of us who love sports and chose the journalistic path in life. The fact that you know me — and sometimes remind me that I was the one who informed you of 9-11 — is a source of great pride. You sir are one in a million. No, trillion, or gadzillion. I will miss reading your always interesting forays in the written word, and look forward to still seeing you out and about at an event. Be well and enjoy whatever it is you decide to do from here on out.
Mike
October 12th, 2009
10:22 am
I’ll always remember when Mr. Bisher and Ms. Sibley had found themselves honored by organizations who couldn’t get their first names right. One morning in the elevator, Ms. Sibley said “Good morning, Freeman.” Mr. Bisher replied, “Good morning, Ernestine.”
The closest I’ve ever come to meeting Mr. Bisher was sitting under his picture at the Palm (which is located right near Celestine Sibley’s in the far corner of the front dining room). Best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
Aeschylus
October 12th, 2009
10:23 am
Mr. Bisher,
While I disagreed with you on and off through the years (isn’t that the point of reading?), I always enjoyed your columns. Journalism isn’t what it used to be and I fear your kind will not be seen again.
God speed to you.
Dub
October 12th, 2009
10:26 am
The best. Period.
Thanks Furman, for many great ones.
The upside of print journalism? Your work will never die, through books and archives – things I’ll cherish for the longest time.
jw
October 12th, 2009
10:28 am
It isn’t the right day, but this is needed.
I’m Thankful . . .
That for most of my 51 years of life I had the opportunity to read one of the greatest columnists of our time. When I was growing up in Clayton, Atlanta seemed a lot closer and I had the pulse of Atlanta under my fingertips when I read the “Atlanta” paper.
As I aged and moved around our great state – the one constant was reading those Furman Bisher columns. As a kid reading “Strange, But True Baseball Stories” at the Clayton Elementary School library until this last column – I am thankful! Going to miss your work – don’t keep us in suspense – we need Furman Bisher work out there for the next generation to read.
That way they can be thankful, too! Good luck in your retirement!
Dawgdrummer
October 12th, 2009
10:31 am
Thanks for the memories…touchstones to a time before with a realistic and genuine perspective of the day…you will be missed greatly, although, I am counting on Thanksgiving! It just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Scott
October 12th, 2009
10:36 am
What impressed me the most is that Mr. Bisher always took time to respond to emails. I’ll miss him and his articles deeply.
Steve Melnyk
October 12th, 2009
10:40 am
Never has anyone approached their profession with such dignity, honor and trust. Furman, your word was your bond, and your written words are your legacy. You ways were that of a lost generation…………. genteel, civil, respectful. To say that you will be missed will be an understatement.
RamblinWreck205
October 12th, 2009
10:40 am
Today marks the retirement of one of the greatest columnists in history. Furman Bisher, you always were, and still are, an amazing representative of the South and Atlanta. Enjoy your retirement- Lord knows you’ve earned it.
Mack
October 12th, 2009
10:42 am
Furman, that’s 30. Nice read!
Uncle Dave
October 12th, 2009
10:42 am
I hope you will write a book or two in your spare time! Your gift is too precious to waste… or maybe I am just selfish. It has been a pleasure and an inspiration to read your work. You are the last connection to the old Atlanta at the AJC. Those of us who have lived through the metamorphosis (for good or ill) of this town have an unspoken understanding with you. You understand why we stand and scratch our heads at how different this place really is compared to what once was. Many things are better, but far too many precious things about Atlanta are gone forever, clear-cut like pine trees for a new cluster development. I was standing recently in the Home Depot Parking lot off of Ponce Deleon that was once the home of the Crackers and I was feeling very strange… I heard my fathers voice telling me about trying to be hired to sell snacks at the games… I heard him telling me about the water fountains at the old Sears building across the street that were once connected to a natural spring under the building and they flowed all the time with cold clear Spring water that anyone could have for free on a hot day… you are one of the few people who would understand that memory. Thank you for the eloquence an gracious intellect that you employed in such an illustrious career.
GT45
October 12th, 2009
10:44 am
Couldn’t let you go without saying goodbye. I never read an aritcle I didn’t enjoy! Thanks for the magic typewriter-
eight57
October 12th, 2009
10:45 am
I am sad this morning. Perhaps the greatest sports writer in history has said so long. Whether he was writing about the Master’s, Georgia Tech football or a host of other subjects he was always on top of his game. But the article I looked forward to the most was when he gave Thanks at Thanksgiving. God bless, Furman and Selah.
sact
October 12th, 2009
10:48 am
the Bryant and Butts families would like to Thank You for making them RICH ! ! the Saturday Evening Post would like to congratulate you but you failed to tell them it wasw fiction and they made Butts and Bryant rich…..congratulations YOU can retire
Heath
October 12th, 2009
10:48 am
Back when we could all buy and read a newspaper, before the days of “we don’t sell that anymore, you have to read it online,” reading Lewis Grizzard and you whaling on the Braves and Falcons while my grandaddy talked about Dale Murphy swinging at a curve ball “like he’s tryin’ to kill a snake” was a daily ritual. Man, I miss it!
Thanks for the memories.
Mike Mitchell
October 12th, 2009
10:50 am
I grew up reading you in the Constitution and Ed Danforth in the Journal. The thing I remember most is eagerly awaiting your column each day to read the latest about my beloved Atlanta Crackers or GT Yellow Jackets only to find you were off somewhere covering a golf match or steeplechase. I couldn’t understand why anyone would rather be there than at a Cracker’s game. Fortunately, I grew older and became addicted to golf. Then it all made perfect sense to me. Happy retirement old chap.
john
October 12th, 2009
10:54 am
i live in houston. check the ajc everyday for your and barnhart’s columns. used to check for grizzards too. reading your past columns reminded me once again of lewis. also read your column on cobb. you mentioned not writing 1500 words about cobb on this subject or that. how about a book with those words? not from just cobb but all the others? thanks for the insight.
Northern Songs, Ltd.
October 12th, 2009
10:58 am
I had never heard of Furman Bisher before I moved here in November, 1990. After reading his missives from Augusta in the spring of 1991, I became a fan; and after relying on his marvelous writing to get me through the magical Braves’ summer of ‘91, I was more than a fan – more like a devotee of a style long gone. You will be missed, old sod. Maybe a “special contributor” next spring?
Scott in JaxBeachFlorida
October 12th, 2009
11:01 am
Mr. Bisher,
At the risk of sounding trite or verbose I will simply say that you my friend are the best! As a fellow Georgian now living on the sunny coast of Florida’s northeastern coast I will proudly call you one of the biggest literary sports influences that I have known.
Sports Journalism will never be the same…
Selah!
midnite
October 12th, 2009
11:01 am
Thank you sir for your eloquent writing. I will miss you. Peace be with you and enjoy today!
bigsingerdawg
October 12th, 2009
11:04 am
Furman, I grew up on your writing. I have been reading your columns since at least the late fifties. (I was born in ‘49.) The Atlanta Journal would usually be sitting in the driveway when I got home from school. I would walk in the house, throw down my school books and devour the sports pages. In these days the only sports coverage available was the newspaper, and maybe five minutes on the local news at 6 and 11. Your columns were always my favorite (at least until Grizzard came along.) I have continued to look for your columns all these years, even as they have become less frequent. I will miss you greatly.
Atlanta Gator
October 12th, 2009
11:07 am
Thanks for the memories, Mr. Bisher.
mansup01
October 12th, 2009
11:08 am
Thank you Mr. Bisher. Your columns were always counted on to be a voice of reason among some of the silliness that has become sports today. You are as much a part of the Atlanta scene as anyone imaginable. And more than that, you are woven into the memories of countless admirers.
Ted T.
October 12th, 2009
11:09 am
In the late 1970’s the AJC held weekly contests for picking college football game winners. I can’t remember if you had to pick all of the winners of 10, 15 or 20 games in a week…you could miss one game. But if you could pick all of the games (or miss just one) and YOU HAD TO get more right than MR. BISHER; the prize was a tee shirt that had Furman Bishers face on the shirt and it said “I BEAT BISHER.”
(The AJC would also send you a bumper sticker if you got more right than Mr. Bisher and missed over two games in your picks.)
One week, the odds finally caught up to me and I picked more games right than Mr. Bisher and I only missed one game…seems it was a Texas Tech vs Texas A.M. game. I couldn’t believe it, I had a tee shirt coming my way! Sure enough, a week later the mail ran and I got my tee shirt.
I turned 50 this past Saturday and I still have that tee shirt. Of course, I can’t wear it anymore. I always thought it was my best memories of reading the AJC…but, I think now I would treasure a shirt more that reads “I GOT TO READ BISHER!”
Mr. Bisher, Thank you for the millions of stories that you have described in your columns. God Bless and safe journeys.
All I'm Saying Is...
October 12th, 2009
11:09 am
Continue to live long and prosper, Mr. Bisher.
Barry
October 12th, 2009
11:12 am
Mr. Bisher, It is a bittersweet day to find you are going into retirement. My parents were Constitution people, so I grew up reading Jesse Outlar and Lewis Grizzard (and you on Sundays). When I went to college, I started a long string of years with the Journal and gladly read your columns. I always appreciated your opinions that were based in the perspective of having seen more than just what the “current” trend is. I know others have said it, but I especially loved your Thanksgiving columns and hope you can come out of retirement once a year for those. I hope you enjoy retirement and have a happy, carefree life. Thanks for the memories.
island padre
October 12th, 2009
11:15 am
Your sharp perception, your heart, your passion, your candid and caring opinions have made the world of sport even more enjoyable. You always kenw when to pull the right historical insight into a column. we learned from you and were inspired. You had the right word and the right time. The passing of this era is one regretted by all. I hope I can catch up with you on ssi to get my book of yours signed.
oldbird
October 12th, 2009
11:15 am
Thank you Mr. Bisher. Ihave been reading sports columnists for about 35 years and you are the greatest. Enjoy your retirement, because you have certainly earned it. Although I must add, that your retirement hurts at least as much as Harley Bowers’ at the Macon Telegraph.
Taylor Williams
October 12th, 2009
11:19 am
Furman as Dawg fan we didn’t always see eye to eye, but nevertheless I always enjoyed reading your columns growing up. You are a true southern gentleman and you covered sports with class and dignity; which many of your cohorts should take a page from. The AJC is losing, in my opinion, its last great writer. Mr. Bisher , God Bless and best of luck in all of your future endeavors.
-T
Randy Hanson
October 12th, 2009
11:24 am
Mr. Bisher, you will be missed. I will not be able to enjoy all your great insights into the world of sports and the state of the many games and athletes you covered. I will truly miss the golf articles. You have a great gift and have touched many lives. Good luck and enjoy your time! God Bless, Randy Hanson – A Teacher/Coach that is also in my winding down days in Clayton County (35 years)
panhandlebuzz
October 12th, 2009
11:25 am
God bless you Mr. Bisher !!! I learned to read by reading the columns and stories that you and Mr. Outlar wrote in the Journal-Constitution. You are the best. I will be 65 this week and have been reading you since I was 6. Even after moving to Marianna, Florida, near Panama City and Dothan, I would drive to Donalsonville, Georgia on sundays to buy AJC and read your work. After computers and every thing became available on-line, your by-line was always the first I looked for each time. Enjoy your retirement.
Jay Stone
October 12th, 2009
11:28 am
This is going to sound corny, but I need to say it. I was covering the Braves in the early 00’s and one day, Furman, you greeted me by name, and it was a thrill. Like others, I didn’t always agree with you, but I did always read you, and as a sports writer I came to appreciate the size of your presence in the industry. The ‘For what it’s worth” portions of your columns taught me to prize details and I’d like to think it influenced me to become a better writer. You prompted me to look up the word “selah”, too. Maybe you recognized me, or maybe you just read my name off my credential, but that brief encounter in the dining area of the Turner Field press box is among the fondest memories I have of my sports writing career.
Tom King
October 12th, 2009
11:29 am
I am a retired sportswriter and newspaper editor who knows Furman from my days in Georgia and in Knoxville. A dear friend sent me this final Bisher column and this crusty old newspaperman read it through tears. A clear memory is of this lefty golfer taking me to the cleaners one fall day in Atlanta. One year I was named sportswriter of the year in Georgia and the very first person to call to congratulate me was Furman Bisher. I have loved his words and his writing. But his heart is what I remember most. Enjoy the retirement, Mr. Bisher! Cheers!
Eleanor
October 12th, 2009
11:33 am
The Dean of sportswriters in my opinion. None better and your shoes will be very difficult to fill. God bless and thanks for many years.
MiltonDawg
October 12th, 2009
11:38 am
Thanks for everything Mr. Bisher, you’ll be missed extremely.
Cecil34
October 12th, 2009
11:42 am
Furman, you decision saddens me.
The one last link to when we were civilized is gone.
I will miss you old friend.
Selah….
ATLborn
October 12th, 2009
11:42 am
Congrats on your long run in journalism Mr. Bisher. Enjoy your well earned retirement.
Good Riddance...
October 12th, 2009
11:43 am
From a Bama fan who remembers.
froggy
October 12th, 2009
11:43 am
Anyone who worked with Bisher is likely to have a raft of stories of this remarkable, larger than life personality. Another sportswriter wrote that the definition of leadership is Johnny Unitas getting off the bus. Another definition comes to mind — Furman getting on the elevator with you. He had charisma, a word for everyone, a booming voice and a sardonic take on the events of the day. Furman was beloved by many, and his ego and his temper were as legendary as his unmatched writing ability.
There are countless stories, but one favorite was when the sports department was being moved to a different floor, and one of the most daunting tasks was relocating Furman’s office, with its hundreds of photos and keepsakes. Furman barked at the newsroom bureaucrat in charge of the move that every single one of those items had better be re-hung just as they had been or there would be Hell to pay. So the guy brought in a photographer who took scores of photos to document the placement of every single picture, plaque and commemorative item, like an archeological dig of ancient Egypt. I have never seen a guy so relieved as when Furman mumbled his acceptance of the new office.
Our job was to market the newspaper, and many was the time that Furman would call up about a photo of him we were using and yell, “Get rid of that picture, it makes me look like a GD drug addict!” I don’t think he ever forgave the marketing department for changing the name of the popular football picks contest from “I Beat Bisher” to “I Beat the Press.”
But Furman would also go to bat for us and his stature and influence could move mountains. Once, we were planning a banquet honoring all former NASCAR champions in conjunction with the fall Atlanta race (then the Journal 500). The one big catch we could not get to commit was the legendary Lee Petty, dad of Richard. He hadn’t been seen at such an event in years and was famously reclusive. We asked Furman to help and he said, “I’ll take care of it.” And, to our shock, who walked into the banquet reception that night but the legendary Lee Petty — with Furman at his elbow of course!
Watching Furman ply his trade in the press box was a revelation. For most of the event he would wander around, button holing other reporters, getting their reactions, chewing the fat about all sorts of things, but when he sat down to write his concentration and focus was amazing. The man not only had a gift, he worked his butt off.
What a run Furman’s had, one of the true touchstones of Atlanta’s history. Well done, Mr. Bisher, and selah.
blazer
October 12th, 2009
11:44 am
YOU WERE THE BEST IN WRITING SPORTS ARTICLES-DEEP SOUTH ROOTS MADE IT
SPECIAL! THIS TECH FAN WILL MISS THE ARTICLES-YOUR THANKSGIVING BOOK
REMAIN ON MY TABLE. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU! GODS SPEED!!
James Yancey Stribling, Jr.
October 12th, 2009
11:45 am
Furman, I just wanted to let you know I have enjoyed your many articals over the years. One thing I still miss is the Sunday morning TV slow with You, Ed, Jessie & Coach Meher. That program would work today.
I am proud to have know you all of these years and I wish you well and look forward to an artical down the road.
My best to you,
Yancey
Mike Williams
October 12th, 2009
11:49 am
Mr. Bisher enjoy your time off and the rest of your life and may God Bless you and your family.
I have throughly enjoyed your columns over the years and will miss reading them.
Take care and have fun.
Eddy
October 12th, 2009
11:50 am
Thank you. You are a treasure. Your words painted pictures, stirred the heart, raised the ire and caused us to laugh. I’d say that it was a very good run!!! Blessings to you.
Herschel Talker
October 12th, 2009
11:52 am
Can Furman please take Booby with him. Booby Cox is a clown.
Ken Boehm
October 12th, 2009
11:58 am
Mr. Bisher,
Thanks for the memories and best wishes. I hope you enjoy a long and healthy retirement with your wife and family. Although, there have been many great columns, personally, my fondest memory is winning an “I Beat Bisher” t-shirt back in the late ’70s….Although I no longer have the shirt, I have childhood pictures wearing it with pride (goofy ’70s haircut and all…) All the best Mr. Bisher. You’ll be missed.
Ken Boehm
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
11:59 am
Good riddance, I am the senior beat writer now. My colum should go at the top, not that putz shcultz.. its about time you have not been relevant since 91
Kevlar
October 12th, 2009
12:03 pm
I beg to differ, Mr. Bisher…no regrets.
Grace
October 12th, 2009
12:13 pm
Furman Bisher- you have been a great part of my life for all your years at AJC. It isn’t easy to walk away from a position you love. I ended my newspaper tenure after 34 years and often wish I was back at my desk. If it’s in your blood, you never shake it. I wish you all the best, always. Grace
UGADawg83
October 12th, 2009
12:16 pm
To a gentleman who know the value of words and inspires not only a love of the games we play but of the language we speak.
MiamiDawg
October 12th, 2009
12:17 pm
Thank you, Mr. Bisher.