Rich: My wife and funerals

By John Tinker (sitting in for Ronda Rich) For some unknown reason, the other day, I began adding up the number of funerals I’ve attended since moving to the South. I stopped at eight since I quickly realized what a morbid, mental exercise I was undertaking.

Rich: Unnecessary unkindness

Of course, I occasionally encounter rudeness in folks. Usually, I’m in a bubble of some kind when I’m jolted right out of it by rudeness or, in some cases, as Mama would say, “Downright meanness.”

Rich: The stories we own (part two)

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I thought as a child.” When I was a child, though, I was far older than my actual age. Quietly, I stood back and watched the adults. I observed as stories played out.

Rich: The stories we own (part one)

Everyone has a story. Or many stories. Every person, uniquely, owns a piece of history. A cherished friend of mine was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Twice, his helicopter was shot down in the midst of battles. As it is recorded, that was a horrendously uncivilized war.

Rich: The biscuits

In our family, no food is held in higher esteem than the biscuit. Cornbread runs a close second but there’s an art to making a biscuit that the easy-going, non-frills cornbread does not require.

Rich: The Fox studio and dirty feet

A while back, Tink and I had a meeting to pitch a television show on the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles. It wasn’t the first time I had been there. At least three times, before I knew Tink, I passed through the Fox guarded gates.

Rich: Tink and my nerves

Tink is getting on my last nerve. I am trying to do business and keep my company going but he’s like a little, dark cartoon cloud popping in on my deal making. Normally, he would only know what I tell him which means he wouldn’t hear an entire conversation.

Rich: Red is still running

It’s been four years ago now. Tink and I were attending the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction as we normally do with our friends, Darrell and Stevie Waltrip.

Rich: SEC football fans

Whenever I meet someone, inevitably, their first comment is, “You must be a Georgia football fan.” Truthfully, I reply, “I’m an SEC fan. I love to see all the teams do well and celebrate when one wins the National Championship.” In this column, I strive to sidestep controversy.

Rich: There’s gonna be some good gospel singing there

Tink and I were watching the award show for the Gospel Music Association Doves, which celebrates Jesus from traditional to Southern to contemporary music. The cameras moved to a black-clothed figure on a darkened stage. Her blonde hair glistened.