TED

He’s Gone . . .

and things here in Georgia will never be the same. Granted he was not a native son, but there are many who will find that hard to believe. You see he just fit right into Georgia, a state that was long ago labeled as a place of “rebels.” And he was a rebel in some ways, but he was mostly a savvy businessman, a daring individual, an adopted son of the South, an adventurer, a protector of nature through his thousands of acres, a gambler on various ventures and a person with a quixotic soul, who set impossible goals but pulled them off. Many may have guessed that I write of that adopted son, TED TURNER.

I always loved his lively spirit. Yes, he made headlines and bet all on his dreams, but here in my State, that’s the kind of man you just gotta’ love. One could always think he’s out there living a large life, while some of us only wish for his daring spirit. But we could always live vicariously through Ted.

I shall always be grateful for his purchase of the movies he bought and preserved through what is now known as TCM--Turner Classic Movies. What a boon to a movie buff like me--films preserved and available for viewing whenever you choose to tune in.

I have a small connection to his ventures. First, I have to say my admiration started when he started his TV station at that time—TNT. He would introduce a morning movie each Sunday, and he started by repeating the Pledge of Allegiance. This was at a time when folks weren’t as patriotic as I would have liked, but I was patriotic and got up every Sunday to see Ted recite the pledge.

Later a special programming event started on his channel. It was called OPERATION TNT and the channel would show war movies and veterans were asked to send in their stories. These were read at various breaks in the movie and the viewing audience was able to hear these stories of valor, and life in the military read by TV and movie personalities. Many wrote in and these men and women in uniform were honored. I submitted something I had written about my dad, and received a very nice rejection letter with an arm patch that read “OPERATION TNT.” Later as this programming became more popular my selection was read and my Dad was able to see my salute to him on TV. Thanks to Ted for honoring our nation’s heroes.

He lived large and left an impressive legacy. I, for one, am happy he chose to spend time in my state and share his talents and exciting ventures with us as we watched his career. It will be a little less exciting without Ted Turner.

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You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for. 

Ted Turner

If you treat people with dignity, respect and friendliness, you can turn enemies into friends. An enemy is nothing but a friend in disguise.

Ted Turner