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.
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444 comments Add your comment
Dave
October 14th, 2009
11:55 am
Let’s compromise..do one column a year the Monday after the Masters
Haisten
October 14th, 2009
12:20 pm
When my Dad talked about what he thought a newspaper should be, he always talked about Furman Bisher and his way with words. Looking forward to the Thanksgiving column.
tom carithers
October 14th, 2009
12:36 pm
Furman,
I am one of the many who filed thru the sports dept @ the Journal & who you influenced–I worked for Bill Captain doing prep sports 1962-65 & you supported me for the Grantland Rice scholarship to Vandy–I have read your columns contiually since–Thank you for your influence & for passing your observations to the masses
Silencing the voice of an institution « Ink-Drained Kvetch
October 14th, 2009
1:18 pm
[...] sports editor and columnist at my former newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, for 59 years, penned his final piece that ran in Sunday’s paper. Bisher was always kind and generous and genial to me, and I was [...]
Ken
October 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Whenever you read these, please know that you did well and i enjoyed all you brought to the city and the paper. God bless and thank you. My words are inadequate repayment for what you have given us.
Jerry S
October 14th, 2009
5:52 pm
Furman,
You have been simply one of the best (sports or otherwise) writers I have had the pleasure to read. As a 1962 Tech grad and Atlanta resident until 1972, I became hooked. You are simply one of the very best writers (sports and otherwise) I have had the pleasure of reading. I remember an article about the passing of your family dog, which was among several that brought tears; and one or two in the Bobby Dodd years (some about Billy Lothridge and one on the Chick Granning incident in particular). The internet has allowed me to continue to enjoy and revel in your columns of late. You have been steadfastly true to your principles and a real rock in the sports journalism world. All the best in retirement – I look forward to future guest columns if you choose to give us more.
artist
October 14th, 2009
7:02 pm
You my friend are a quality human being and can not be replaced. Enjoy your time off, you more than earned it sir….
scott
October 14th, 2009
7:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Robert Daniell
October 15th, 2009
7:31 am
Good Morning Mr. Furman…..just wanted to say how cool it was meeting you and Jesse Outlar in the Ramada Inn eating breakfast before the 1985 Georgia/Florida game. I asked ya’ll who was going to win….you held up the Times Union paper….front page..sport’s section….with a tiny bulldog running in the air and dropping to mercilessly into the gaping jaws of the #1 Florida Gator’s mouth!!! I said in response, “I sure as &%!! hope not!” Well, we all know a couple of freshman running backs named Worley and Henderson took care of business that day!!!! What a glorious win!!! And to make it even better, I got to meet two of the greatest sportswriters ever!!!! Thanks for the memories and wonderful perspectives….you saw it all and did a masterful job of reporting it!!! The Faulkner of sportwriters!!!! Your articles…”Covered Dixie, Like The Dew”!!! God bless you sir and enjoy the memories!!!!! Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert Daniell Metter, Ga.
Robert
October 15th, 2009
7:56 am
God bless Mr. Bisher. Hope to see a column on Thanksgiving and from time to time. You will be missed. BTW, I still have my “I Beat Bisher” bumper sticker somewhere. Suddenly, I want to go find it.
David
October 15th, 2009
9:50 am
Hey all you well wishers, check out Furmans part in the Wally Butts/Bear Bryant trial.
He may not be the saint you guys think he is. He put both men through hell and they were acquitted.
The hell lasted several years. He fueled the whole affair. It almost killed both men.
Brett Friedlander
October 15th, 2009
10:21 am
The reason I am the ACC football and basketball for the Wilmington Star-News in North Carolina today is because I read and was inspired by the words of Furman Bisher when I was a teenager growing up in Atlanta. Reading his columns in the old afternoon Atlanta Journal was the first thing I did every day when I got home from school. One of my greatest thrills in the business he helped me pursue was meeting the man himself at The Masters a few years back. He was gracious and humble, and when he talked to me, it was as a friend and colleague, not someone whom he had just met.
Mr. Bisher’s words will be missed and is just one more example of how the newspaper business isn’t what it once was. And probably never will be again.
Thanks, sir. I will always cherish your work and your contribution to my life and career.
Tom
October 15th, 2009
10:28 am
Another giant leaves the stage. Thank you for inspiring this journalist.
Mike
October 15th, 2009
11:40 am
Thank you and I think Furman University should change to the “BISHERS”…even if for just one day! There has to be some big whig Furman Alum reading this and make it happen…
Dan O'Neill
October 15th, 2009
2:54 pm
This was a Ted Williams last at-bat from one of the greats. Furman, I just wanted to say how proud I am to call you a colleague and privileged to call you a friend. You are one of the greats. All the best in everything you do, keep it tight and make it sing. Hope to see you at Augusta.
Steve Vaughn
October 15th, 2009
3:47 pm
I was a kid in Atlanta looking forward to your every column. You wrote a paragraph about bus tires rolling down a wet road sounding like bacon frying in a pan. That had to be 50 years ago and I’ve never forgotten that line. You inspired me to get into the newspaper business where I worked for 30 years in Florida.
Casey
October 15th, 2009
4:27 pm
Well, we never got to meet when I was in Atlanta for the Gift Shows but I certainly want to wish you the best in your retirement. Just read a missive from John Hall, that KOM League expert of experts and when saw his mention of a story in the ACJ I went to it immediately. You have obviously had a tremendous impact on many people in your distinguished career and that shall assure you a great place in sports history. All the best!!! Casey Casebolt, Shawnee, Kansas
Ben Anderson
October 15th, 2009
11:26 pm
Furman: So soon? I had hoped you wouldn’t exit the stage till you hit triple digits at least. Surely there will be some curtain calls, especially in November and April. All the best, my friend.
NCResident
October 16th, 2009
2:00 am
Thank you, Furman, for so many great columns over the years. One in particular that I remember best was “The Lord and Tech” after Georgia Tech upset Notre Dame at Grant Field in 1976. My best to you.
CoolBreeze
October 16th, 2009
9:03 am
Furman – You have enriched the lives of so many of us. I hope you will stay tuned in, and refresh us with some insights down the road. Please.
Jay
October 16th, 2009
12:26 pm
How can we miss you if you won’t go away.
EMB
October 16th, 2009
3:50 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Another era of “Atlanta” comes to a close with your retirement. As a native Atlantan (now gladly removed)who grew up on the Atlanta papers, I remember the names at the AJC, then a twice-daily operation: Grizzard, Hudspeth, Minter, Outler, Tom McCollister, David Davidson, Norman Arey…all great writers and great people…while we’ll all miss your writing, we (and the city of Atlanta) desparately miss your kind of “people…”
Many thanks
Jim Edwards
October 17th, 2009
11:30 am
Please know that your sane, sensible and entertaining voice will DEFINITELY be missed!
Ann
October 17th, 2009
12:59 pm
Uncle Furman, your career has been long and enjoyable. I am proud to have you as my uncle. Enjoy your retirement, go to the beach, come up here to visit us, just do things for yourself. I can still see you at Mom Bippie’s working on your column even though you were suppose to be on vacation. You have had your admirers and your critics, and you have delt with the critics as a gentleman. See you soon. Love you
Bisher Fan
October 17th, 2009
11:30 pm
I was thankful for your thankful column every Thanksgiving. The best one was the screen door slamming to let you know your last kid was home for the night. Thanks for the memories.
DawgVoiceofReason
October 18th, 2009
12:08 am
Mr. Bisher,
Thank you for all of your contributions. As others have said or alluded to, your leaving is truly the end of an era. I started out in Mr. Outlar’s court (as a reader of the Constitution) but came to greatly admire you too. Your writing and approach are truly to be missed. I am saddened that my sons will not know you as I have. Enjoy your retirement, but “stop by” from time to time, if you choose.
smoore
October 18th, 2009
6:43 am
Mr Bisher
I grew up reading your columns. Your writings will be missed by all. A true sportswriter–the best ever. Thanks for all of your thoughts over the years.
Loel
October 18th, 2009
8:47 am
In reading these comments, there are people who actually wish you God’s speed and blessing. I do too but why they wishing God’s help to you when you wrote. I believe it would have helped.
lhh
October 18th, 2009
9:48 am
Hello, Furman.
You began writing for the Journal when I was four, before I could read. I am now 63. You were a fun friend and companion through my childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and looming old age. I enjoyed following, through your columns, Georgia Tech football in particular in an older era unsaturated by near-universal televised coverage and less dominated by the grip of commerce. To me, college sport seemed more special then, even though the overall athletic quality was no doubt lower. And your columns were part of that special feeling.
All the best and congratulations on a fine career.
David P. McKnight
October 18th, 2009
10:44 am
A Legend in Southern Journalism
Whether living in Charlotte, N.C., Nashville, Tenn., or back in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, it always seemed that the happy journalistic meeting ground for enthusiasts of SEC and ACC sports was to be found in the sports pages of The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Truly, through all these tumultuous decades of social change in our country, the famous byline of Furman Bisher has been like a championship banner for all who love the South to rally to, and not only in our pursuit of news and insights about our favorite collegiate and professional sports teams but also in the greater quest to understand the changes affecting the people and the institutional life of the South.
This great writer has been a mainstay of newspaper journalism in the South and across the Nation, bringing forward the hallowed legacy of honest and truthful portrayal of Southern life in all its aspects. For those of us who have called other Southern states home, the name of Furman Bisher of The Journal-Constitution has always reminded us that even as it has hurtled into international urban dimensions in a new century, the great city of Atlanta still cares about the hopes, dreams and aspirations of people throughout the South, whether their favorite “competition” is to be found on the football field or the baseball diamond, in science and engineering labs or in banking and finance.
It’s hard to believe that this wistful day has come, but what a glorious trail of accomplishment and journalistic leadership is there to be celebrated by all people in this region of the country, from Charlottesville to Hattiesburg, who value the enduring vital role of responsible journalism in American society.
gary wiren
October 18th, 2009
2:30 pm
I was not a reader of the Atlanta Constitution, nor was I aware of who their columnists were, except for one, Furman Bisher. Maybe synonymous is the right word, for when I would come adross your name I knew right where you were playing a staring role. One sport in particular, golf, owes you for all that you contibuted to the stories of the events and the champions…especially your coverage of The Masters. Should you wander as far South as the Palm Beaches, please be my guest at the lovely Trump International Golf Club, and we will share swings and tales of golf.
Crump
October 18th, 2009
2:50 pm
Alas, the place to mark victories and mourn losses is no more. Farewell!
JD Cowart
October 18th, 2009
11:42 pm
Mr. Bisher,
As an aspiring sports journalist, I want to express my gratitude towards your dedication to the profession. From your unique writing style to your personal commitment to writing stories that readers want to read, my appreciation is immense. Your Shoeless Joe interview along with your close interactions with Ty Cobb are two of the most interesting and inspiring sports articles I have ever read. The way you presented the slight vulnerability of Cobb on the “mountain top” was one in which no one ever saw him, which consequently made your piece unique and great.
As an avid Lewis Grizzard fan I began reading your articles because of the affiliation between you and Grizzard. I’m sure Lewis and catfish are celebrating your much deserved retirement.
You truly set the bar and laid a solid foundation for all young journalist with the contents and uniqueness of your articles.
May your glass be filled.
-JD Cowart
Stephen Boyd
October 19th, 2009
9:44 am
Congratulations on your retirement, Furman! I will long remember sitting with you on the lawn at Augusta National. We chatted for quite a spell, and I enjoyed that time spent with you. I found it touching to see how many folks waved or stopped by to say hello to you that afternoon. You will be missed! Enjoy your days ahead. All the best!
Regards, Stephen
leechampion
October 19th, 2009
9:51 am
Add me to the list of paperboys who were introduced to Mr. Bisher while throwing the Journal way down here in Columbus. Can’t be but one “BEST” and you Sir are and always were IT. Now of course we have to read the dadgum computer, as you can’t even get an AJC south of Newnan. sports journalism will never be the same.
pinkbunny
October 19th, 2009
3:18 pm
As a fellow alumnus of that other Furman, I will certainly miss reading your regular columns. You’re the best!
Joel
October 21st, 2009
9:05 pm
Mr. Bisher, I am 54 years old and I have been reading your columns for at least 45 years. This is bittersweet. You represent an end of a era of sportswriters and columnists who were true journalists, honest but fair, and exemplified class. You, Jesse Outlar, and Lewis Grizzard are my all-time favoite writers of the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. Thank you for the precsious memories, sir, and may God truly enrich
your reamining days here on Earth. Take care.
Chris Broe
October 22nd, 2009
3:07 pm
Good day, sir.
ISAIDGOODDAY!!!
Allan Nix
October 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Mr. Bisher, thank you for your years of insight and learned opinion. You are the best. I have been reading your columns in the Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Constitution (now the AJC) since I was 10 – I am now 54. Your “For What It’s Worth” columns were always among my favorites. I still remember you picking the Jets to win over the Colts in Super Bowl III before issuing a retraction the Saturday before the game. You were irritated because Jets coach Weeb Ewbank had referred to the upcoming contest as “just another football game.”
Thank you for having had the courtesy to respond to me when I emailed a short article to you that I wrote about Lou Gehrig. Best wishes in your retirement.
richbrave
November 17th, 2009
9:38 pm
FURMAN:
You left without writing that piece comparing EDDIE MATHEWS and CHIP JONES. You promised, and I can’t say much for a man who gives his word and welches. The only thought I have for you is good health, both yours and mine.
so long my friend
November 18th, 2009
11:11 am
Furman you will be missed, for those who would like to see journalism at its best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU
Dinah Askew
November 19th, 2009
11:49 am
Uncle Furman, congratulations on a retirement well deserved. I have always taken the time to read your articles on line and will miss them. No one will ever be able to write with your grand style. You are the greatest! Hope to see you in Denton in the near future.
so long my friend
November 19th, 2009
7:25 pm
Furman, everyone wants to be first on the blogs so I am vying for last on yours..Who knows you may unretire to see the Jackets win a national title
Doug in the Old North State
November 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
I moved from Atlanta almost 20 years ago but come home to see my family and I always pick up a paper. Your retirement snuck up on me when I bought a paper on Thanksgiving solely to read your column about what you are thankful for. I read it every year and it has always meant alot to me. I have thought about your many contributions to journalism and the southern experience and know you will be terribly missed. I am truly thankful I was able to read alot of your work. All my best Mr. Bisher.