| I'm Proud To Have Called Him "Buddy" |
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Sid Salter, Perspective Editor with the Clarion Ledger, described Gale Denley as “the most influential Mississippi journalism educator of his generation.” Jesse Phillips, publisher emeritus of The Oxford Eagle, said Denley was “a role model” and a true/best friend.” Samir Husni, Ole Miss Journalism Department Chair said “Gale Denley represented the best of what Mississippi journalism could offer.” Bruce Mayor Robert Edward Oakley described him as a “great man” who could never be replaced. He was all of that, but most importantly to me, he was “Buddy.” He was Mr. Denley to so many students working all over the globe. He was Gale to his countless friends. But within our family, we always called him “Buddy.” His impact on my life can never be overstated. I learned more about community journalism and life in general sitting at his kitchen table than can be gathered from any classroom or work experience. I treasured every second we spent together, never turning down an opportunity to go and do anything. There were innumerable trips to the "Good Ole Boys" gatherings at Johnny Morgan's shed in Oxford where he was in his element with politicians lining up to seek his counsel. Among my favorite memories were the trips to the Neshoba County Fair. In the days before dialysis, he would talk my wife Lisa and sister-in-law Celia into letting me leave Tuesday night, getting me out of the early morning paper-stuffing on Wednesday, so he could get back to Philadelphia as soon as possible. The drive down in his old Blazer with the handy winch on the front was an education in itself. But the time on the front porch of the cabin, just the two of us, eating giant corn dogs and everything else he wasn't supposed to, while waiting for Sid Salter's late night arrival, meant the world to me. It was family gatherings, however, that he loved best. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, whatever the occasion, he enjoyed every minute of it and never seemed to want it to end. Most men wouldn't be excited to live across the street from their in-laws. I've cherished every second of it. I was honored when someone recognized me as Gale Denley's son-in-law and even more so when he was so quick to introduce me as such. I was captivated by his unique laugh, incredible sense of humor, and infinite memory of fascinating stories. I was in awe of his humility, brilliance, wisdom, and ability to relate to everyone. He never met a stranger and had more friends than anyone I've ever known. Even when his health started to fail him, he was determined to live life to the fullest. He persevered through pain and discomfort to go new places, meet more people, and share his love for life. John Burt, of Calhoun City, sent a card that accurately described my father-in-law. “Life is not a journey from the cradle to the grave with the intention of arriving with a pretty, well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, fully used up, totally worn out, proclaiming with a loud voice, Wow! What a ride!” “That was Gale,” Burt wrote in the card. He lived life to the fullest, accomplishing amazing things. He earned countless awards while accumulating even more friends and I'm just thankful I was able to join him for part of the ride. I couldn't have loved or admired him anymore if he was my own father. I’ll be forever thankful that I was able to call him “Buddy.” You may email Joel McNeece at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
