While Roy Exum was off line having his leg amputated and then recovering last month, the opinion page was .....well, not much to write home about.
Fact is that I scroll to the opinion section most days to see who or what is the latest controversy to be opined about by this southern classic in our community. Simply put Roy Exum is like Hey Earl or David Carrol....pure Chattanooga at its best.
I first knew Roy from 1974-1976 when I played basketball at McCallie. He was sports editor at the Chattanooga Free Press covering the Baylor-McCallie game in 1976. In typical fashion for a Bill Eskridge player, I had little talent but hustled my butt off all game. So Roy wrote in his article the next day “Zach Wamp, who must lead the CIL in floor burns, had 13 points going 11 for 11 from the stripe”. What a colorful and accurate way to write about high school basketball.
From SEC days where Bear Bryant knew Roy like a son to the modern nuances of the local school board decisions here at home, Roy has kept us all informed, challenged and entertained for generations.
I have no idea how long he can keep doing what he does but listening to the extraordinary challenges he now faces physically and mentally, I will be praying for his mind, body and spirit in the days ahead grateful all the while for his many contributions.
We are all better because God made Roy with a grit, determination, courage and enthusiasm rarely seen in one person.
Much like Lewis Grizzard or Ron Hart, Roy Exum is a gem of the south.
We thank him for keeping us informed and wish for him peace and happiness.
Welcome back, Roy!
Zach Wamp
Member of US Congress 1995-2011