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
Kiwanis Club returns; Key Club planned
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Kiwanis Club has returned to Russellville. Members gathered last week at Calvary Baptist Church to review bylaws, elect officers an...
Bridge work moves forward on SR 243
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Construction of a new bridge over Cedar Creek on SR 243 is moving forward as crews recently completed a major step in the project. Last...
Neighbors steps down as chairman of Democrats
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Rick Neighbors has stepped down as chair of the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee, citing personal commitments he said no ...
Kiel named a 2026 ‘Emerging Leader’
News, Russellville
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 1, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — District 18 State Rep. Jamie Kiel has been named to the 2026 class of Emerging Leaders by GOPAC, a national group which works to train ...
NIL era has become a complete disaster
Columnists, Opinion
April 1, 2026
The modern NIL era is a complete disaster. Players walk away from contracts just to chase a new shiny opportunity. Coaches are left begging their alum...
Ex-educators learn about crime prevention from guest speaker
Columnists, Franklin County, News
HERE AND NOW
April 1, 2026
Members of the Franklin County Retired Educators Association learned about crime prevention during their recent monthly meeting. Association members w...
K-9 Mia gets helmet for protection
News
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
April 1, 2026
ROGERSVILLE — When Police Lt. Lucas Stansell and his K-9 Mija are called into action to track a person through the woods, or to go into a home to exec...
Biblical roles create big sandals to fill
News
Chelsea Retherford Staff Writer 
April 1, 2026
Onstage, they are adversaries — one a reluctant liberator, the other a ruler clinging to power. But offstage, McKinley Copeland and Zach Adams share s...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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