Columnists, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
9:23 am Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

The dogwood trees are in full bloom, other trees are beginning to “wake up” and spring is in the air – but most folks are never happy with the seasons of the year.

Nine people last week made the remark to me that the pollen was so bad, and most people were suffering from it.

Let’s everyone enjoy the different seasons and just be happy we are still here to enjoy God’s handiwork. I just hope my central unit will still produce some cold air for this coming summer season.

This past week I have been doing a lot of spring cleaning and have convinced myself that some of “the stuff” has got to go. In rearranging my books, I ran across a copy of “The Blue Vase,” a book written by a Franklin County man that we all know, Mr. Buford Thornton. I read the book again and really enjoy every chapter.

Buford was a regular visitor to the Holy Land, and some of the most beautiful stories were written by him. He had friends all over the world. Many of the stories will make us really appreciate the works of the fine author.

The first time that I ever rode on an airplane was to Las Vegas, Nev., and boarding the plane that morning in Muscle Shoals made me really nervous. I am so thankful that Buford Thornton was boarding the plane as well. He was going on a trip to a foreign country, and he made us feel more comfortable by assuring my wife and me that flying was the safest way to travel.

We went from Muscle Shoals to Memphis and then to Dallas, Texas. The plane was delayed in Dallas several hours, and we had a very delightful conversation with Mr. Thornton. His stories were very wonderful to hear, and I really appreciate the knowledge that he shared with us about his travels and the work God had entrusted him with.

He gave us a copy of his book and autographed it with a prayer for our health and happiness in the years to come.

Dr. Thornton was a lecturer. He wrote magazine and newspaper articles and was a Bible and Sunday School teacher. He was also a world traveler who visited 62 countries.

He was a decorated war veteran and a member of the American Legion, the Veteran of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

I am proud to call him my friend.

Till next time,

Your friend,

Bobby

Also on Franklin County Times
Taste of Franklin
Franklin Living
July 1, 2026
It’s no secret that I love a good thrift store! When I was in college in 1992 at the University of Montevallo, some of my home economic friends and I ...
Woman who shot husband pleads guilty
Main, News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
July 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A woman who admitted to shooting and killing her husband last month pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on June 24. Sherri Mitche...
$110 idea launched a half century business
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Customers have walked through the doors of Stidham Feed & Seed for more than half a century looking for everything from garden seed and...
Mother, now daughter, leave marks on history
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
July 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — In the event you find yourself on a trip to the Franklin County Archives, one of the first things you’ll see upon arrival is the name C...
Court upholds Gann’s conviction
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
July 1, 2026
MONTGOMERY — A former Red Bay day care worker convicted of manslaughter in the death of 4-month-old Autumn Wells will have to face her original senten...
Book Lovers Club kicks off new year
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
July 1, 2026
Summer tends to make it easier to say “yes” to socializing with friends. That’s what members of the Book Lovers Study Club did for their June meeting ...

Leave a Reply

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