by Aubrey Lancaster
I have just returned from Turby’s memorial service through throngs of rabid Tennessee and South Carolina fans back to Ooltewah, Tennessee to find that “North Carolina State overcame a late 14 point deficit to beat Southern Mississippi by 21-17”. I think that for Turby’s beloved Wolfpack to win this game was a fitting close to a beautiful day. I am also happy to report that Georgia Tech held off Clemson 10-9 thereby giving Bill Reed and Freddie some relief.
First, let me say what a great and uplifting service that it was. The church setting was wonderful, the weather could not have been better and I thought that Bill and Mac did superior jobs but both were outclassed by Turby’s grandson. DeDe [Turby] must be smiling from heaven on that effort. Also what a great blessing to be memorialized in the church which you attended as a child and officiated by a cousin and have the music provided by two family members. It was a warm and comforting service and like Mac said before his remarks, “what can you say about Turby that everyone doesn’t already know?”
Second, let me say how great it was for me to see old KSA faces that I haven’t seen in years. These include Barry, Buddy, Fred, and Mac.
And, on my drive homeward, I began to think what I, if called on, would have said in remembrance of our great and good friend Turby that would capsule my thoughts and I decided on these words from Second Timothy in Chapter 4, Verse 7 where Paul says “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day……..”
I believe our friend, Turby, fought the good fight every day of his life and finished the race……
With warm regards to each of you my friends, Aubrey