Bob Stickley, Columnists, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
7:59 am Saturday, July 10, 2010

I’ve had several careers over the years

By Bob Stickley

Most folks don’t know about the many job titles I have had over the years gone past.

After my career in the military I moved to Michigan where I went to work in a large paper mill. At the mill I worked on a large printing press that was used to construct cartons of all shapes and sizes.

The mill had several five-color letterpresses and switched to lithographic presses as the demand of the industry changed.

I worked there for about six years, but saw there was no future as many of the older workers were losing their jobs due to a lack of orders.

It was time to move on to, what at the time I felt was a good place to be, the floor covering industry. I went to work for my neighbor as his helper and as soon as I thought I had mastered the trade well enough I started my own installation service with my brothers as helpers.

I worked several years in Michigan installing carpet, vinyl and Astroturf on concrete floors in basements. I ended up with bad knees and moved to Alabama to take care of my in-laws and worked for a while installing floor coverings here until my knees couldn’t take any more.

It was then that I went into sales and management of floor covering, starting with a store in Haleyville. I stayed there until a fire destroyed the building.

I then went to work for a store in Muscle Shoals before moving on to Decatur and then back to Muscle Shoals until that store closed.

I went to work at a store here in Russellville where I worked for 11 years until the economy and lack of work in the area shut the store down.

Twelve years ago I took on a side job as a disk jockey on WKAX and I am still on the air every Saturday from 7-10 a.m. doing a bluegrass show. For five of those years I did a gospel request show for five hours on Saturdays.

I also began singing in a gospel quartet named The Soul Seekers. Although the quartet disbanded from a lack of interest — not on my part as I loved it and still do solo work.

About six years ago I took on the role of Santa Claus at Christmas, which I still do. I also got acquainted with Mayor John Blackwell who brought me in as a member of the Franklin County Arts Council, and I love it.

I am staying busy with my many endeavors and I enjoy writing for The Franklin County Times. I hope you enjoy reading my human-interest stories and, who knows, I may write one about you or your business one day.

God blessed me since I accepted him as my savior in 1970 and I am grateful for him and ask for your prayers. I also thank Jonathan Willis and his staff for taking me on as a writer.

Give me a call some Saturday morning and I’ll play you a song.

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *