Transcontinental memories of ’so many fun’ mark the end

Thank you, Mr. Bisher for all of the years….you are a true gentlemen and nobody shall ever replace you.

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Sometimes I agreed with you and sometimes I disagreed but I always respected you. Yours is a writing style that could get me to read your column even if the subject didn’t interest me. Your baseball columns were my favorites because as with any true baseball fan, it has the perspective of history.

Been reading your columns since I was small boy (the Lotheridge-Martin Era at Tech). Don’t know if sports will ever be the same without your columns to read.

I’ve still got my “I Beat Bisher” T-shirt from all those years ago. I intend to hang on to it. Vaya con Dios, Mr. Bisher.

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Mr. Bisher–thanks for many a pleasant read, and the best of everything to you and yours. Leland

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Thank you for every thing and God bless.

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I have enjoyed reading your columns, God’s speed.

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You will be missed and our view will be less without you.

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Well done sir.

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Thanks–Bitter sweet day–What memories–what a void

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I started delivering newspapers 52 years ago. Almost every day before I started my route I would sit there on a bundle of papers and read your article. You have always been the best. Good luck and thanks for all of the great columns.

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I have to admit that I didn’t always agree with you, being from a different generation and what not, But I’m sad to see you go! You are a true gentleman.
Selah

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It’s been a pleasure to read you for so many years. Good luck!

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Thanks for all of your hard work and wonderful insight. Hope to see you Thanksgiving weekend, in Atlanta or Athens, for many years to come. Best to you in your future endeavors. GO JACKETS!!!

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Mr. Bisher, memories keep us close in touch, with yesterdays we loved so much. Thank you for giving us so many of both all these years. Wishing you good health and happy times ahead, and
least a FEW more Thanksgiving Day columns.

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I am in Atlanta for the 55th class reunion for Grady High School class of 1954, and I read about your retirement in the paper. I want to congratulate you on retiring from an amazing and productive career. I have enjoyed your columns and your book with/about Henry Aaron. I also have a story, and it is probably a story, about you and me.

I began carrying (delivering) the Constitution in 1952, and the Rock Springs Apartments were on my route. We picked up the papers in the Highland Virginia area at about 4:30am and took off on our routes after a pep talk by the district manager. I seem to remember that your apartment was on the upper floor. I would walk into the entry area and toss yours up over the railing. One time, I hit the milk bottles in front of your door; and one came crashing down. I cleaned it up and left.

We paper boys also had to collect for the paper which was $.45 per week or $2.05 per month. Occasionally, you and others would ask that I come back at another time to collect. The “story” that I enjoy telling is that I am certain that you beat me out of at least a dollar. However, perhaps with the spilled milk, we are even. If not, I will count it square in future story telling, because of the enjoyment I have had from your columns.

Best wishes in your retired life.

Jon Parker
Houston, Tx

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I once BEAT BISHER when I was a teen….all those years ago.
To think Outlar, Grizzard and Bisher no longer covering dixie like the dew, a sad day as I turn and face eternity.

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Mr Bisher, I once met you in Augusta, at the little golf tournament they have there. You truly covered the sports world in Dixie ‘like the dew’. As the paper has changed through the years, you were the constant through the turmoil and turnover. Thanks for the great career. Know that you will be the standard for sportswriters in this part of the country for years to come.

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I have been reading your columns since the mid-50s, and enjoyed them. Also recall a Sunday local TV show where the AJC reporters would rehash the games they had covered the Saturday before. I believe you, Jim Minter, Harry Mehre, and others made up the panel. Quite interesting.

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Furman, I’m 70 years old and go way back with you. I remember back in the 50’s when you and Harry Maire and 2 others” cant remember who” were on wsbtv sundays. We never missed that show.My 2 older brothers, one attended UGA the other went to Tech loved you guys feedback on saturdays games. That was the Bobby Dodd days at Tech. Wally Butts was at UGA. I wish you could explain to me why fans are so impatent with their ball teams these days. I’m sure you remember when Bobby Dodd had his dry spells at Tech. As did Coach Butts at UGA. As fans we just accepted those lean seasons. But now days, no matter how well a team did the past season, if they can’t consistantly be in the top 10 in the country. The fans want to run them out of town. Why has this attitude become so prevalent these days? Thanks for all the great columns over the past years. Good Luck. N. L. Boykin

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First, Paul Harvey passes away. Then, Mr. Bisher calls it a career. Although I wish Mr. Bisher a long and happy retirement, 2009 will be remembered as the year my two favorite commentators went silent.

Best wishes, and thank you for the more than forty years I have been reading your words.

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The best, pure and simple.

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Mr.Bisher,
I have been an avid reader and admirer for over 40+ years. I realize times change and I’m glad you stuck around during these recent years when the order of priorities has changed, from journalism being at the top of the list to the new electric frontier when greed has shown it’s ugly face–publishers doing everything possible to kill newspapers and force readers online where every click leads to the unknown– a virtual commission, banner ad, click through this & that and not much quality content. But fortunately none of this applied as this dinosaur loved reading 2 sports sections daily, was excited to receive the Sporting News which at that time was the best of the best, and was proud as a native Atlantan that you were there along with the best sports columnists of our time and all time! Times may change but memories won’t–thanks for doing so much for so many of us that grew up with you, best wishes always..

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THIS IS AS SAD A MUNSON’S RETIREMENT. BEST WISHES TO YOU MR. BISHER. YOU AND MR. OUTLAR ARE ALL I CAN THINK OF WHEN THE AJC SPORTS DEPARTMENT IS BROUGHT INTO A DISCUSSION.

NOW I THINK I MAY RETIRE AS A UGA FOOTBALL FAN.

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Mr. Bisher,

I’m so sad to see you go, but happy to have grown up with you. I discovered the joy of reading as a 7 year old when I began following Hank Aaron’s pursuit of the home run record in the Atlanta newspapers back in 1974. I had no idea that I was learning a skill that would enrich the rest of my life. I’ve looked forward to your columns ever since. Thanks for the memories.

Selah…

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Yes – I have to post one more time. I still own a tee shirt that I one from “I beat Bisher” from the 1970’s. I really prized that tee shirt at the time – and now I consider it more valuable than ever. For you guys back then were real men of character (sorry, that is not to say that the current sports commentators are not, just that times have changed). You are the greatest, Mr. Bisher. It’s too bad that the time of writers like you is passing – the really sad part is that most people don’t realize what they will miss.

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I will remember your Thanksgiving columns the best, settling into the sofa under a lamp while my mother and grandmothers cooked the turkey and the poor Detroit Lions received yet another kickoff from yet another nasty opponent. Thanks for helping teach me what pleasures writers–and writing–can bring.

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Didn’t always agree with you but then I’m not always right either. You saids it best ” So many fun”. Thanks

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Mr. Bisher,
Thank you for your tremendous service to this paper and the city of Atlanta. You will be truly and sincerely missed.

Not bad for a Tarheel . . .

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Furman: You are the best. The boy from Denton did okay! But why are you quitting? You’re too young!
(Lew Hege, Southeast Sports)

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Mr. Bisher, your words have been a sourcce of joy to me for many years. As a life-long Augusta resident, I particularly appreciate your love for the Masters. I wish you all the best in your retirement.

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Always enjoyed your Masters stories, and how Ivan Allen Jr., the “dandy little mayor”, made my hometown “big league”. But your Thanksgiving columns were always enjoyable, I agreed with so much of what you listed. You’ll be missed!

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Furman, thanks for the professionalism over the years, no petty grudges, no biased reporting, just honest opinion. We will miss you terribly.

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Furman,
My dog is still upset about what you said about him on a fairly recent Thanksgiving column (something like, “I’m thankful that my best friend isn’t a dog.”), but other than that, we will all you very much. We’re thankful we had you for so long.

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Mr. Bisher, thank you so much for sharing your remarkable insight with us over these past several decades. We treasure you and will always remember you fondly. Please enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

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Thank you, Mr. Bisher. Well done.

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On a cold saturday morning in northeast Iowa a few years back, my wife and I saw the sign for the Field of Dreams movie site. We pulled off to visit, and on the gift shop wall was a copy of the interview with Shoeless Joe Jackson conducted by our own Furman Bisher. Your reach far exceded the Atlanta environs, Mr. Bisher. Godspeed and happy retirement.

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Please tell me it’s not so. I’ve been a fan of yours since I could read the Sports Column in the AJC. I had the pleasure of meeting you one day as you played in a celebrity golf tourment at the Harbor Club at Lake Oconee. We chatted for a few minutes but not long enough. You were an influence on so many sports writers, especially Lewis Grizzard and Jesse Outlar. I can still remember you and the old coach and Outlar on your weekly TV program on Sundays recapping the previous day’s college football rivalries. Your columns are what made me enjoy the poetry of your writings and your openions on life as well as sports. I felt the experience of the first day at college in one of your columns two years ago, I could feel the exhilaration you protrayed. Very few writers today have that ability and it’s a shame. You have it, Grantland Rice, Lewis Grizzard, Jesse Outlar had it. Furman, you’re in a class of your own.

Selah

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You always managed to convey that the story was more than just the final score which is why I would always read your columns even in Virginia! You will be missed more than you know. Now is the time to enjoy your beautiful family, but we all know we have not heard the last word from you….thankfully!

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Say it ain’t so. This can’t be your last one.

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Dear Mr. Bisher, I was first introduced to your wonderful writing in 1975, when my family moved to Atlanta. I had grown up in Dallas, reading Blackie Sherrod, whom I have heard you speak of many times. I was 12 years old at the time, and over the years, your words have taken me to places and events I could never have experienced first-hand. Also, up until that night in the fall of 1995, it seemed that most of the time your articles were mostly helping to ease the excruciating pain of being an Atlanta sports fan. I have to admit that once your articles came online, I cancelled my subscription to the AJC. For years you had been the only reason I took the paper, anyway.
I’ve been dreading this for a long time, but I wish you the best of luck in anything you do, and I don’t know what else to add except, “I’m thankful for Furman Bisher”.

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I grew up in Georgia reading your columns and after moving to Texas had to either get the AJC at one of the local libraries or online via the Internet. Even then I made it a point to read your columns because I knew I would find interesting points or information in them. When I clicked on the link for your column and realized that it was your last one I thought to myself that another of the good ones was leaving the Atlanta sports world. In my mind your leaving the AJC is along the same lines as some of the other what I call Atlanta sports institutions leaving (Pete Van Wieren retiring from the Braves, Skip Caray passing away, Larry Munson retiring). Enjoy your retirement and keep giving us your unique take on Atlanta sports when you can.

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Furman,
First names are appropriate when writing to an old friend.
Many of my most wonderful memories of my dad started with his words “Did you read Furman today?”
Thanks for being that conduit that allows us to talk during those years that I knew everything.

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Mr. Bisher, it has been my pleasure to enjoy your insight for most of my life. I, like you, recall the collapse of Rick Bias in the secondary and it is a fitting metaphor for your last column. It is a collapse for the paper and it’s readers. Jesse Outlar, Lewis Grizzard and you MADE the sports section for the Journal-Constitution. I have read your columns from far and wide thanks to day old american papers in Italy and now in real time on the internet. I think it’s time I probably move on and leave my roots behind also.

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[...] by atlmalcontent The great Furman Bisher wrote his final column today, marking the end of a 59-year run at the Atlanta Journal and AJC. A gifted wordsmith and Southern [...]

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Mr. Bisher,

I hope those classless jerks in last weeks blog had no hand in hastening this decision. They are a prime example of what is wrong with the electronic newspaper edition, if not more.

In the sixties, as a 9 or 10 year old I took a train trip by myself to visit a cousin in Montgomery. (can you imagine that now!) My mom bought me a Sport Magazine, with an article about Hank Aaron being the most likely to pass the Babe, to read during the ride. Not only do I still have that issue, but from that moment I became a sports reader. Each day after school I ran to the bottom of the drive to get the paper. I would check the Braves box score to see what Hank did, and read what you had to say. I have been hooked ever since. Your rare ability to deliver not just information, but sentiment, is what makes you special. I am certain that at least some of what we loved about Grizzard, was thanks to the example you set. With both of your comlumns now missing from the AJC, reading it will seem much less important, and far less meaningful. Dont stop writing. Best wishes to a giant and a true GENTLEMAN. Selah!

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An era has passed. Many of us, including myself, grew up reading your columns. Now I have grandkids playing football. Ouch. You will be missed. Hope you do write an occasional observation on Thanksgiving or the Masters. Thanks…

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Vaya con Dios amiga!

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Well, this is a sad day for me, as it is for many others. I have enjoyed our occasional correspondence over the years and although I don’t believe I read your first column in 1950 since that was a year before I started to elementary school, I know that I began reading your columns not long afterward. I have enjoyed your forthright, tell-it-like-it-is style and shall greatly miss your columns. You are a true legend who has had a long, exemplary writing career and I wish you the best in your retirement. As others have stated, I hope that you will still pop up occasionally. Now if we could just nudge the people in Athens to elect you to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.

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We will miss your wonderful articles Furman. I can honestly say that you always wrote the kindest words about many athletes and I was one of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless you,Gayle

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Selah Mr. Furman Bisher. Many words you have written. Many of those I have read. You wrote in a style so grand that we will never again see, without pretension or scathing personal opinion. You wrote without pomp or personal vitriol. You took care of me as I flipped open each day’s newspaper. Your work has slowed over the last years and I was so afraid one day I would open the sports page and you wouldn’t be there at all. Thank you for the gift of your 59 years. Thank you for your last words in print. Thank you for sharing your full life.Through you I found, vicariously, a friend and a window into happenings you clearly helped me to imagine. Selah Dear Journalist.

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Furman you have many fans and almost a whole page worth’s of bye’s.

Never have I looked so forward to one of your columns, but this is the one I’ve wished for for so long and the Happy Day is upon us!I for one am not one of your fans. I hope the AJC will hire someone that can appeal to a wider sports audience, one that is in touch with the 21st Century, not the 20th. Hopefully one that can also appeal to most of the state’s citizens circa 2009, not 1950.

Best of luck to you. I wish you well in whatever you decide to do.

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Good Bye to a great one. Yeah You and Jesse were special. Good luck and best wishes.

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Furman,
Thank you for being gracious and kind from the first day I met you. I remember sitting in the press room at Augusta National, listening to Edwin Pope tell me stories about the early days of covering The Masters, and of course he had funny stories about you as well. I was privileged to be able to sit next to you there, first when at The Miami Herald and later here at the AJC. Your career has spanned some much sports history. I’ve always enjoyed reading your work, and will miss doing so. Thanks for your insight, voice and perspective. And thank God for your talent. You’ll be missed.

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Enter your comments here

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You might remember me as the callow boy who visited 41 Forsyth Street, the son of the Editor of the Journal at the time. You have always had the edge and produced a great column, be it 6, 5, 4, 3, times or just once a week. I consider you the last of the writers of my father’s generation, and we are diminished by your absence in print and that of your contemporaries. And, if you composed like Daddy, the “x” key is as thin as bees’ wings! Thank you for wonderful insight over the years and best of everything in your retirement. God bless you.

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So long and farewell.. I wish you the best but Monday after the Masters will never be the same…

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Hate to break up the love fest but this day is about 25 years to late. He was out of touch and exaggerated and/or flat out lied on several columns in the last few years. He was a relic of a bygone era and in the end he outlived his usefulness to the paper.

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Say it ain’t so Furman!
When I came to Atlanta in 1968 I found two papers: the morning Constitution and the afternoon Journal, or was it the other way around? Anyway, I latched on to the ONE sports writer, Furman
Bisher and I’ve been one of his bigest fans since. What I shall do I don’t know. This I do know, there is going to be a mighty big hole where Bish stood!

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Your words and style of writing inspired my passion for newspapers and journalism, Mr. Bisher. You were the best in an era of exceptional columnists and daily newspapers. As an old City League alumni (Bass High School, class of ‘67), I wish you the best and thank you sincerely for all the entertaining and thought-providing columns (especially those “I’m thankful for…” each Thanksgiving Day and the “This and that…” throughout the year. Yours is a voice we are unlikely to hear again in such clarity and with such wit. I mourn for the Atlanta that is no more but appreciate the memories you gave us. Selah.

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Sir,

I have fond memories of riding in the car to Savannah from Atlanta at Thanksgiving, as a youngster, to visit my Grandparents, with my Dad reading your Thanksgiving column to us along the way. We have always had a lot to be thankful for. We still do. I hope you will still share some Thanksgiving thanks with us again this year and as long as you are able. You have outlasted many of the best things about the AJC. I wish you all the best, sir.

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What happened Furman? You did not not mention the ‘great article’ you wrote about Bear Bryant and Coach Butts fixing a game did you? I forgot how much did that ‘great article’ cost you in damages. The AJC should have fired you 40 years ago.

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I remember my dad coming home after a Memphis Chicks and Atlanta Cracker game at Ponce De leon saying his friend Earl Mann introduced him to a new “beat” writer for Atlanta Journal Furman Bisher and what a nice person he seem to be.
Well, I have read about everything you have wrote last 59 years AND ITS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE. ATLANTA WAS LUCKY AND FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE COUNTRY BOY FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO MAKE ITS LEGENDARY MARK WITH US. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

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I am going to miss your columns Mr. Bisher. I came to Atlanta in ‘49 at Crawford Long Hospital and have enjoyed your columns for many years. Thanks for all you did! Happy Retirement.

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A very sad and bittersweet moment for all of us, Mr. Bisher. I moved to Atlanta in 1974 as a grade-schooler, left in 1980 for Virginia, and returned “home” 3 years later to attend Georgia Tech. I have a family of my own now and, for 30+ years, have tried never to miss a column. In my humble opinion, your ability to reach beyond the “moment” and recognize even the smallest athletic achievement in the larger context of history have always set your work apart. In an era of blogging, tweeting, texting, and Google, your thoughtful insight and learned perspective will be sorely missed…

All the best to you, sir… and thank you for so many great years and fond memories…

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Don’t let the door hit you in the arse.

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Mr.Bisher,
I would like to thank you for ALL the years I have enjoyed your and Jesse Outlars column, two of the icons. I was born in 1950 ( May ) into a GT family, and always will remember the banter between the two of you. I went to Marist, and grew up feeling I knew you both. A very sad day when his house burned and your column made me cry. I will forever miss your ” I Am Thankfull For ” column every year. The Ashforg Park Neighborhood was so saddened at the loss of your son, we all cried and cried. God Bless You.

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Goodbye to the old Georgia boy.A true Southerner with much dignity and credibility and talent.

I remember that Falcon game too. My worst sports memory ever. That team ws magical and special in a special era. I was 19 and cried.

I will miss you old man. Just like I miss Lewis.

I’m getting a little older too.

Take care of yourself.

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Thanks, Furman, for many enjoyable years of reading. May God bless you in your retirement. We’ll miss your column.

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Uga’91, UGA V, and Turning the Page are [1] obviously no fans of yours, and [2] idiots. Fortunately, they are in a distinct and classless minority, You are a legend and will be sorely missed, Godspeed.

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I still remember the incredibly ignorant, hateful comments you wrote Japan last year that were spread across the internet. Don’t think they’ll go unremembered.

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As a kid growing up in Andalusia, Alabama during the 60’s, you provided a beacon of light for the only Georgia Tech fan in town. We had to walk down to the drug store to by a copy of the Atlanta Journal (usually yesterday’s copy). I would buy a chocolate malt for 37 cents and rip open the paper to your column. Thank God you were never tarnished by the blogosphere and the online media. Long may you run.

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To borrow the words of Bob Hope, “Thanks for the memories”! And thanks for being a class act guy. You and I have exchanged e-mails and phone conversations, and in every instance you were a first-rate gentleman. You enriched our understanding of sports and our lives.

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It’s truly an end of an era. We all wish you well in retirement, Mr. Bisher.

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God Bless!! You are a gentleman and a living legend. Your style should be the benchmark for all sportwriters, those that do it now as well as the up and comers. All the best, you will be missed sir!!!

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As an Atlanta boy who grew up in the fifties and sixties reading your column, all I can say is “You were the best.” God bless a deserved retirement. I am sure Jesse Outlar and Ed Danforth are looking down!

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I worked with Bisher…I worked with the best. All those bumper stickers are wrong…you NEVER “Beat Bisher”. If you’ve ever truly encountered him,his tough shell, his soft under-belly, you’re left with awe, respect and admiration…and a memory that will last a lifetime.

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Good luck and enjoy your retirement.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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How can the AJC even dare to attempt to print his best?

We all know his best was simply his next.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Simply the greatest. Thanks showing us how it’s done, Furman! I’ll miss you.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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A personal thank you to a mentor I never met. You will be missed, Mr. Bisher – greatly.

http://tinyurl.com/ThanksMrBisher

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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What impressed me the most is that Mr. Bisher always took time to respond to emails. I’ll miss him and his articles deeply.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Continue to live long and prosper, Mr. Bisher.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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Thanks for everything Mr. Bisher, you’ll be missed extremely.

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Congrats on your long run in journalism Mr. Bisher. Enjoy your well earned retirement.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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I beg to differ, Mr. Bisher…no regrets.

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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.

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The memories are too many to relate as I was there at your roll-out with the Atlanta paper. May I synopsize with two? The Thanksgiving column my Dad and I read together was coveted like it was the fried chicken drumstick at Sunday lunch or the only present at Christmas. When he came to his end (you had generously corresponded with him) I read every day’s effort to him and he responded as one would with his oldest and best friend. Thank you for that.

Secondly, as a wet-behind-the-ears Sports Editor of my college newspaper you assisted me in getting employed by Neal Ellis of Macon and Savannah at the Savannah Morning News writing a Sunday Sports feature. “Many fun”, but few dollars, so I joined the military as a pilot. While in Viet Nam, my Mother would send me a care package that included all of your columns for the week. It was always a day that I happily anticipated. While no longer flying I have served in or actively supported every ensuing conflict up to now (Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan) and still keep up with you on line. Your columns were/are my safety line to home. Thank you for that. Selah.

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Mr. Bisher, thank you for so many years of sharing your thoughts with me. I read this morning of your retirement, it is a good thing for you a sad day for the rest of us. In 1960 I had a 7th grade teacher, Louise Mankin, in Macon, she told us if you want to know whats going on in Macon read the Macon paper, if you want to know whats going on in the world read the Atlanta Journal. Mr Bisher I have been knowing what was going on in the world for almost 50 years, thanks to you, Mr Outlar, Mr Grizzard and my beloved Celestine. Fifty years, Sir that is a testament to you, because even tho I was told to read your paper you were the one who brought me back, you were the last. Dang, I will miss you, but you have earned your retirement. Thank you, Selah!

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Mr. Bisher, Grew up in Atlanta, Went to Auburn for five years and had a subscription of the AJC because I never could get my day started without reading your column, Hudspeth’s column and the column by the guy who loved his GA Bulldogs and fried everything! You cured my homesickness while I was in college and I have been a loyal reader of yours for many, many years. If you could just do your “What I’m thankful for” column one more time, it would be appreciated by many longtime Atlantans who wish back to the simpler ways the we remember ! Love to you and your family.

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Froggy: WTF… why would u change it from “I Beat Bisher” to “I Beat the Press.” Yalls marketing department SUCKED!

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Mr. Bisher,
I know you won’t remember me, but, at the start of my broadcast career back in the late 70s and early 80s, I would cover the Falcons on Sunday. You always made it a point to speak to me when you saw me in the press box. That’s a banner I wear with pride. You’ll never know just how much that meant to me. Thank You for that, and for the years of enjoyable reading that is, sometimes, hard to find these days. I look forward to your special contibutions in the future.

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Dear Mr. Bisher,

If anyone has earned a retirement, it’s you. But may I please BEG you one thing–come out of retirement once a year to continue covering the Georgia-Georgia Tech game. Even if my beloved Jackets lose, it’s a lot more bearable reading it it through the prism of your story-telling.

You have a tremendous gift for transporting the reader with your words and images and I can think of no better proof than this–I graduated GT in the 80’s and my parents, who grew up in Maryland and could not care less about college football [in general] or reading a sports page, always made a point to read your coverage of Georgia Tech games.

You are greatly loved and we all wish you the best in your golden years. It will be a difficult loss for us but we are truly lucky for having you all the years that we did.

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Dear Mr. Bisher,

If anyone has earned a retirement, it’s you. But PLEASE come out of retirement once a year to cover the Georgia Tech-Georgia game. Even if my beloved Jackets lose, it’s a lot more bearable reading it it through the prism of your story-telling.

As I wrote in another thread, you have a tremendous gift for transporting the reader with your words and images and I can think of no better proof than this–I graduated GT in the 80’s and my parents, who grew up in Maryland and could not care less about college football [in general] or reading a sports page, always made a point to read your coverage of Georgia Tech games.

Best wishes in your golden years. It will be a difficult loss for us but we are truly lucky for having you as long as we did.

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Damn, you beat me again. Never did win a “I beat Bishop” tee shirt. And now retiring in October, you even beat me again, cause I’m retiring in December. Been reading your column for over 50 years Mr. Bishop and really, really enjoy all of them. I always call my kids or send them an email of your column. My daughter went to Tennessee so naturally she is Tenn. fan. We are fighting over my grandson, cause she wants him at Tenn. and I want him at Ga Tech. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do in retirement.

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I cannot add any superlatives to describe your career. They have all been used. But please give us a few more Thanksgiving Day columns.

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I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend 46 cosecutive Masters tournaments and 49 out of the last 50. It has been a real pleasure over those years to be able to read Furman’s columns describing all the wonderful sights and sounds that have occured at that great event. I will greatly miss him and his inimitable writing style.

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Well said. All of it. For 60 years.

Thank you sir. I’ve enjoyed it, and look forward to more in the future.

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Thanks for entertaining four generations of sports fans in my family. You will be missed. We wish you the best.

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Bless you, Mr. Bisher. And thank you.

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From an old high school coach who fondly remembers most o your columns. In particular the one in the late fifties about Bobby Walden, the big toe from Cairo, of the Univ. of Ga whom I had the pleasure of coaching. You have earned it.Best wishes

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Best of Wishes to your Mr. Bisher…..

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Mr. Bisher, you gave us more than we deserved. Have a wonderful retirement! I will miss your work!

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Enjoyed it every column Mr. Bisher. I remember when you and Lewis Grizzard were the main reasons for buying the paper just to read your columns.

Thanks for everything.

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One of the delights in reading the Sports Page of the AJC for decades has been the columns of Furman Bisher. The topics have always been timely with a literate style for the everyman to read, contemplate, analyze and enjoy. Those who have been fortunate to read him for a lifetime will be akin to losing a close friend. One whose thoughts the reader cannot wait to peruse, but which will no longer be available for our literary satisfaction.

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We love you Furman.Thanks for the great memories. You’ll always be part of our family.

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Early Thanksgiving: I am thankful for Furman’s gift with words… and that he shared them with us.
All the best.

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Mr. Bisher -
While I have always enjoyed your “regular” work, I want to thank you most of all for your Thanksgiving articles. I remember reading them as a little boy to my father and we would always talk about the different things that you were thankful for. Some funny, some sad – they were a source of great enjoyment for me and something that I always looked forward to.
Thank you and good luck.

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I’m a 68 yr old native of Atlanta and I have been very fortunate to be exposed to your great articles all my life. Whether it be horse racing or golf or football etc you’ve been there with a style of your on. There have been a slew of great writers come and go over the years at the AJC you will be missed by this senior citizen more than any of them. I am glad to read your health is good, and I hope you and your wife have many more good years together.Lastly as a life long Ga Tech fan I thank you for your fairness, and great coverage over the years. Thanks again for a job well done by an OLD SCHOOL gentleman..

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Thanks for the fine entertainment. Good Luck. You truly are a sensible gentleman..

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We are losing a giant in the profession. Special thanks to you Mr. Bisher,a true southern gentleman, for many wonderful memories. You will be missed.

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As someone who “Beat Bisher” and won a tee shirt
a long time ago I say…God Bless and Godspeed Mr.
Furman Bisher.

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Furman – working with you those years at the Masters was an honor. Not only are you a great writer, you’re a wonderful person and a good friend. I hope you have some wonderful plans for the coming years!

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Mr. Bisher,

I was born in 1976 in Marietta and lived here my entire life of 33 years. I am a die hard Falcons fan.. I love the game of golf, started playing at 6 years old. So, with that said, I always thought we had a lot in common. I have been reading your articles as far back as I can remember. I will greatly miss your professionalism, honor, and respect of your columns. I wish you the best! Ride off into the sunset my friend!!

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Mr. Bisher, God Bless. EBL III

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Furman: You’ve always represented class in an age of crass. This may not be the end of the world, but it certainly represents the end of the AJC covering Dixie Like The Dew. Thanks for all the great columns and diligent work. Unless folks work in the newspaper world they really can’t appreciate the time, effort and challenges. I was a print journalist for most of my career. As difficult as it all was, I recall those days as the best of my life.

All the best to you and yours. Thanks for the memories.

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Mr. Bisher,

I will long miss your columns. Poignant,to the point, with a not-so-small dash of humor. My late father (who worked for the old Southern Railway at the time) wrote you once to say that he had arragned your train ticket to move here from NC. You jokingly wrote in your next column that anyone that had a beef with you, to blame it on my Dad since he is the one that ‘got you here’. Priceless. Thanks again for making sports in Atlanta ‘fun’.

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OH YEAH …. SELAH!

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This Atlanta native will miss the columns from one of our city’s icons.
Enjoy your retirement, sir.

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[...] Bisher’s final column from [...]

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From one who grew up in Atlanta… loving Bobby Dodd, the Yellow Jackets and the Braves… knowing I was privileged to read the best with Jesse Outlar and Furman, it’s hard to say goodbye to the many wonderful memories that Furman brought our way. Though I left Atlanta in the early 60s and have resided in Nashville, TN for years now, I have always been drawn back to ajc.com online so I could keep up with my boyhood favorite teams… and read Furman’s columns. I wish you the best, Furman. And I do hope we’ll at least get many more Thanksgiving columns… they were master pieces.

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Mr. Bisher,
Farewell to the greatest sports columnist of all time. I first read you in the “Sporting News” as a boy in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. I couldn’t hardly wait to receive each issue and SEE the picture you painted in newsprint. Thank you for all the memories.
Best wishes always,
Gary Heckman Sr.

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It is sad to see you go after so many wonderful years of dedicated service to the Atlanta community and to those many co-workers you helped along the way. It was also sad to read, on blog posts such as this, young “know-it-alls” ripping into you like they had the right to do so. You against them was like a giant aganist ants. You served Atlanta readers well over the years. Go enjoy the fruits of your wonderful labors. My best wishes to you, your wife, and your entire family.

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I feel like this is the end of a golden era of Atlanta sports reporting. You have provided an inspiring look into our athletic scene. Thank you for all you have done; it was truly special!

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Thanks Furman Bisher. You and the Royal left most behind in the dust. A Master Craftsman whose insight and artwork will be greatly missed…and never replaced.

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Link to Coach Bryant’s take on the Holt – Channing incident:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1078925/3/index.htm

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This Thanksgiving, I’ll be thankful that I had you to read for almost 60 years. Selah.

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Furman,

I will miss your insight and writing style. As a former player for Coach Dodd in the late 60’s, I remember your ability to get close to the coaches and write stories that reflected great insight.

I am sure that the current crop of writers would be highly envious of your invitations to sit in the tower with Coach Dodd during practice.

You gave AJC readers great insight into the programs you covered.

You will be greatly missed. I hope that the young crop of reporters were smart enough to use you as a mentor.

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So long Mr. Bisher. I certainly hope you enjoy ‘free’ time and have some more ‘fun’. We will all miss your insightful columns very much. I have another reason that I will miss seeing your picture in the AJC. You have a strong resemblence to my dad who passed away years ago. I told my mom that when I read the AJC and saw your picture it was like seeing my dad there. I will really miss your words of wisdom and the feeling I got when reading your articles. Take Care. I wish you the best!

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Your attacks on Coach Bryant during the 1960’s were a disservice to your profession and caused great pain to a great coach. I hope you remember those days in your retirement. Many of my generation will never forget. He did more good than you ever could or have done. I am glad that you are retiring.

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I’m late in commenting.

Just over a week ago, on October 2, I had the most fantastic luck to meet Mr. Bisher. He gave a speech at the Grady College of Journalism at UGA. It was a pizza lunch and I nearly lost it when Mr. Bisher sat down next to me.

My mouth stayed closed but my mind was racing in short snippets of barely coherent thought. BISHER! … OH, MY! … BISHER! I’M SITTING NEXT TO FURMAN BISHER!

I had merely hoped to come within 15 feet of the man and here I am seated next to him and his two pieces of pizza.

I worked up the nerve to speak. It’s not easy when you’re sitting next to a legend. A man who interviewed Joe Jackson. A man who took over Grantland Rice’s spot. You know, I’m now two degrees of separation from just about every big name person in sports. And sitting next to the man who shaped the sports atmosphere of the state.

He was also speaking to a person he did an interview with before the lunch. The conversation had turned to Jackson’s era. By some trick I’m not aware of, I manage to not just speak, but insert something that makes sense. Hal Chase.

My hometown jumps into the conversation somehow. I’m not sure where it jumped in, but now I’m really meeting Furman Bisher. My tongue hits the floor as he knows where my hometown is located. No one I’ve met at UGA knows where my hometown is. But Bisher does.

Someone else notices my Grizzard shirt. In front of Bisher. He doesn’t comment, but my mind has high-fived itself. How can one person be so lucky as to not only see a legend but sit down next to him and have a brief chat?

Best wishes on retirement, Mr. Bisher.

You’ve given me much enjoyment. Here’s hoping you find much relaxation, happiness, and few plane rides. I know you weren’t too enamored with those.

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Mr. Bisher,

Thank you for the life that you have given to countless sports fans across the South and across our country. You are in a class by yourself, and you will be missed dearly.

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Learned long ago that the only thing better than being a writer is reading a writers’ work. Thank you for staring at that keyboard and sharing your thoughts. I’m thrice blessed, I have a spread in rural Fayette County, went to the Masters this past year and I’m a Bisher man.

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Perhaps now you can admit the lies that you told about Wally Butts and Bear Bryant.

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Mr. Bisher, I was 13 when I moved to north Georgia in 1962 and began reading the Atlanta paper that was daily delivered to our house . Your columns, especially the Thanksgiving column, became part of my daily and yearly ritual. Thank you for the wisdom, insights, and grace you provided all of us. Blessings to you.

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about time! Now you and Moore can go fishing.

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“When the one great scorer comes to mark against your name he will write not that you won or lost but how you played the game”. Grantland Rice. Thank you Mr. Bisher for all your wonderful columns and insight over these many years. God Bless.

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A wealth of mis-information & untruths is stepping down. The Butts trial in Atlanta where YOU were exposed for the lies you wrote for the Sat. Evening Post. You were completely silent a few years later when Ted Davis? from Ga. Tech.)? kicked an Auburn player in the face when he was on the ground. You didn’t accuse Bobby Dodd of teaching “brutal” football. You also never mentioned Granning was seriously injured in a car wreck the previous summer and had to have his teeth wired to the jaw bone causing the hit from Darwin Holt to be more serious than would have normally been the case. One of the witnesses in the Butts trial said it best. “Taking their money ain’t good enough. Somebody ought to go to jail.” It should have been you. You have a lot of class and every bit of it is low.

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Rice, Anderson, Pope, Sherrod, Smith, BISHER. You are among the greats, sir. I doubt we’ll see your like again.

Skip Haas

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While I respect the longevity of your career, your career will forever be stained by what you did to Wally Butts and Coach Bryant. Your scurrilous lies made the Saturday Evening post fold. You cared little for the damage you did. And for that you will always be remembered by a segment of the South as a libeler and a fraud. I hold no grudges, and wish you a pleasant retirement

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Furman, thank you so much for all the great years of outstanding sportswriting. I have been reading Furman Bisher columns since I was a young boy living in California. Your outstanding contributions to The Sporting News and other periodicals were educational, informative and balanced. We moved to the Atlanta area 11 years ago, so I have been blessed to read you on a regular basis. Your column is the first thing I read in each Sunday’s paper, and I will miss this immensely.

Stay strong and courageous, and God Bless.

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Thank you Mr. Bisher for showing me that a career doing what you were created for is more than an occupation, it is a life well spent. May you continue to enjoy each day to the fullest.

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Furman,
I go back as far as your Sunday afternoon TV shows with Mehre, Outlar, Minter and occasionally Dodd and others. That, along with your wonderful columns, allowed many of us to know you and call you a friend though from a distance. Many thanks for all your good work over many years and Godspeed for your future. We eagerly await further words from you.

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Furman, I’ll remember your kindness to a young sportscaster as he made his way along the broadcast trail. Judging by all the responses to your retirement I am not alone. Your readers could always count on a lively discourse about a variety of sports subjects. Agree, or disagree, isn’t that the purpose? Enjoy that ten acres my friend.

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Hey “Bloggers canned Bisher” I have been a constant critic of this man and this day should have come much sooner. You imply that he is being libeled by bloggers that ask for his retirement but you seem to ignore all the post relating to the Butts Bryant incident…why is that? One requirement of being a journalist is accuracy in reporting and frankly he failed miserably. I took a course at UGA and found out about the story and ever since I’ve wondered how this man was gainfully employed as a “journalist”. Some simple research on your part would discover that his actions bankrupted the Saturday Evening Post, ruined Wally Butts, and according to Bear Bryant shortened his wife’s life. A liar is not a southern gentleman, a liar is a scoundrel. To this day no apology, no explanation, but more importantly no defense from this man you hold in such high regard. Reading this blog I’ve found more scandalous actions from him, including his son attending Tech on a football scholarship compliments of Bobby Dodd, even though he didn’t play football; attacking a camera man in the press box of a Braves game (I understand the guy was much smaller than him, and was expecting to get punched); and just flat out lying about his involvement in bringing the Braves to Atlanta. Again, research these incidents and if you still think he’s honorable, fine, but I think your opinion might change. Good riddance bad rubbish.

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Mr. Bisher — I have been on your periphery for more than 40 years. We’ve met a few times, but you have shaken too many millions of hands to remember. My dad, a Yankee transplant to Augusta, immediately fell in love with the South and your column. He was an aficionado of language, and he turned me on to you before I was 10. The first time I saw you in person I was probably 12 years old and running scorecards into the old Quonset hut (aka media center) at The Masters. It was as if I had seen The King or The Bear! Once I had spending money I would buy the Atlanta paper just to read whatever it was you wrote — the topic needn’t matter. Even when I reached the point of tossing out the rest of the paper because I could not tolerate its liberal slant, I still bought it to read you. You, sir, are synonymous with Southern sports writing, and following the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Flames/Thrashers; the Dawgs, the Jackets and Erk’s Eagles; and every professional golf tournament ever played in the state, just wouldn’t have been the same for this erstwhile Georgia boy. Unfortunately, your medium is failing, but I am glad that you are getting out before it dies. I’ll miss you both!

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Furman = smear merchant

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“simply, the greatest”. Gosh, I will miss your Thanksgiving articles. How about doing just one per year ? I will pay you.

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A class act that will not soon be followed. We’ve lost many ‘giants’ of the print world as they go gracefully into that night.
Furman … enjoy the next act

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Mr. Bisher,

Thanks for all of your years of fantastic columns!

I moved to Atlanta in 1964 and lived on Pinestream right around the corner from your house. I went to school with several of your sons, and was the same age as Roger. We were friends, and I’ve been over to your house many times, spending a lot of time in Roger’s basement workshop.

I’ve read your column about Roger “I saw him take his first breath in life and I saw him take his last” many times since it was published. It is your best column. It was directly from the heart and was and is simply wonderful. I will always treasure knowing Roger, and that you and I exchanged emails about him a couple of years ago.

Best wishes always,

Chuck Adams
Fort Worth, Texas

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Thanks for all the years Mr.Bisher…God bless!

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TURNING THE PAGE: You just don’t get it. Mr. Bisher, Please visit on Thanksgiving.ENJOY!!

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Wally Butts and Bear Bryant.

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Mr. Bisher:

Thank you for so many things. You helped teach me values now considered quaint by a now largely soulless society.

Some 45 years ago you even helped me learn to read, and more importantly to use a dictionary.

In an age of sports ruined by ESPN, which promotes athletes’ selfish oafish egoism in their eternal quest for air-time, you did what we all should do; ignore the jerks and promote the heros.

Your prose and insight will be greatly missed.

Missed much more by us will be the heart and values you kindly reminded us as being the base course of courage and decency in sports and in life. Selah.

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Congratulations, Grandpa! I cant believe it’s your last post. Maybe your last post, but never your last word!
Much love.

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A heart felt, southern, “Thank you,Sir”.

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I live in Maui now—but could not let this day pass without comment. Mr. Bisher has inspired and truly entertained me through the years. I am 54 and I since I never new my Dad—-I really enjoyed Mr. Bisher fatherly columns. I bet he was always a great Dad and I hope he still entertains us maybe once a month???
Or just enjoys relaxing—-nah —we need you. Seriously, thanks for all the wisdom and great memories

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Mr. Bisher, sometimes I would read your articles and think they were apart of some bigger work or book, that must be the sign of a LEGEND WRITER, to not want the particular article to end or if you pick up an old newspaper and realize that you have read the same article but enjoyed it a second time…thats “you” sir thank you for all the wonderful truth and for speaking from the heart, always staying a gentleman but not afraid to be real God Bless You, mention your thoughts of Jesus at Christmas i would love to hear it…thanks again D. Earl

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Writing a tribute to yourself is a disappointing way to go out. I would have preferred a column on something relevant with a goodbye paragraph at the end.

Furman- I tried to contact you on multiple occassions 10-15 years ago when I considered a career in sports journalism. I never heard back from you. I hate to say I lost some respect for you in your place in the trade. That said, good luck in your retirement.

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Thnaks you Mr. Bisher. I read your columns growing up and through my young adulthood. My job took me from Georgia 15 years ago and your writing has been a connection to home. You are a class act. God bless in your retirement.

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One of the last sports journalists.Salute.
Brian D Hypes

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Uga’91, you are a disgrace to real UGa fans. You are an obsessed loser, besides being an idiot.

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Let’s compromise..do one column a year the Monday after the Masters

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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

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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.

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You my friend are a quality human being and can not be replaced. Enjoy your time off, you more than earned it sir….

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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.

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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.

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Another giant leaves the stage. Thank you for inspiring this journalist.

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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.

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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

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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.

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How can we miss you if you won’t go away.

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Please know that your sane, sensible and entertaining voice will DEFINITELY be missed!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Furman you will be missed, for those who would like to see journalism at its best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU

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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

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