Congratulations Roy Exum! If you hadn't heard Roy is to be inducted into the 2014 Tennessee Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame...one of two inductees. It's about time and what a well deserved honor.
I've had the pleasure of following Roy all the way back to the beginning of his career with the Free Press. We, in the South, couldn't wait for football season to start. But in Chattanooga I couldn't wait for Roy's stories from the Sky Writers Tour covering the SEC fall pre-season practices. The stories of the writers, who all had a love of smooth southern bourbon and hysterical practical jokes, kept you entertained for the entire fall tour. This is one of those times that you had to be there to read Roy's column...whether he was on the plane on in his truck this was coverage you could count on.
Roy always had the ability to cross the caulk line, whether it was on the football field or the baseball diamond, he brought out the best in people unlike today when the sports media looks for the worst in an athlete. You not only got sports from Roy but he always had the best recommendation on the latest book or suggestions for outings. I will always be grateful to him for his recommendation of the Pacific Outward Bound School...Book of Readings. If you haven't read this publication then you have truly missed out. One of the quotes is Mark Twain..."One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity there ain't nothing can beat teamwork." There ain't nothing dumb about Roy Exum. He's Bona Fide.
Thank you Roy for your humor, honesty, and your family's contributions to Chattanooga.
Michael McClure
Gulf Shores, Ala.