In Memory of Our Departed Brothers

In Memory of Lester Dan (Fluger) Fuqua – SIGMA/ATO March 2023

Our brother, Dan Fuqua, fondly remembered as “Fluger” was laid to rest this past week in Douglasville, GA, where he had lived and worked for many years with the U.S. Department of Labor.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patti, and his two sons and their families.  Dan passed peacefully in his sleep on February 20th, 2023, his body was cremated, and his cremains were present at the service which was held in Douglasville on March 4, 2023.

Brothers in attendance at his funeral service were Fred Crawford, J Danny Cooper, Bobby Hand, Steve Hammond, and Wayne Burdette.  Cooper, Hand, and Hammond were in his fraternity pledge class.

Some thoughts from Brother J Danny Cooper

Lester Dan “Fluger” Fuqua was lovingly remembered yesterday in Douglasville, Ga. by family, friends, co-workers and SIGMA BROTHERS.

Wayne Burdette, Fred Crawford, Steve Hammond (Shirley), Bobby Hand and I expressed your love and ours for Dan to Patti, Ben and Chuck. Among most special items surrounding Dan’s urn was a framed Sigma Crest and his Pledge Paddle. Family members told us how often Dan talked about our brotherhood. Ours were his longest lasting friendships. We can say the same, can’t we?

 

Fred delivered a very deliberately written eulogy covering years of memories and informative comments about who Sigma’s are including listing career achievements. He drew chuckles and laughter throughout and especially when he disclosed that Dan and Brothers are known as the Montevallo Mafia! Thank you, Fred, for saying what all of us would have said except better. Fred and Dan grew close the summer Fred graduated and their brotherhood, friendship and love increased across the years. Well done Squatty Body. 

 

The celebrations of life for our brothers seem to be more frequent. The ages have no consistency and the causes of death vary. Dan was resting in his easy chair and woke up in Heaven. Sudden. Unexpected. Final. Gone from among us. Too soon. 

 

I hope each brother reading this will make it a priority to be at our reunion May 4 – 7 or for some combination of days. We need to want to have the largest number of brothers yet. We CAN do it. We CAN set a record. Haven’t we always in everything we have done? Call a brother or two and ask them to register and come. Help point brothers to brothers needing a roommate. Make it easy for someone who hasn’t been regular or who has never attended. We CAN do this. 

In Memory of Larry Benton – SIGMA   September 12, 2022

 

A note from Bruce Higdon,

Brothers, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that Larry passed away this morning.  Donna called me and was in tears when she broke the news.  He fought valiantly against the scourge of Alzheimer’s disease.  It finally got the best of him.  She asked me to pass the news along to his brothers.  Larry truly loved his brothers, and we will miss him greatly.  Personally, this has hit me just as hard as the passing of Doug Patterson.  Life is so precious!  We should honor Larry (and Doug) by generating every precious memory we can.

For those who did not know Larry as well as the original Sigma Group, I’d like to share some memories.  No one had a sense of humor like Larry.  You never knew what he was going to do next.  Some examples:

1. He was a ladies’ man through and through.  He found ways to flirt that I did not know existed!  In Montevallo’s cafeteria he would chew up chocolate cake and then spread it all over his teeth.  Then when the best looking girls walked by, he would display that chocolate smile and ask them if they wanted to go out walking after chow.  Didn’t get too many takers.
2. Once on a hayride Larry had his first date with a sweetheart.  Kind of a shy lady.  We were all covered with blankets.  All of a sudden Larry jumps up.  His belt buckle is loosened.  His pants are halfway down.  His glasses are crooked.  His hair is messed up.  He loudly says something like, “I’m sorry, I don’t know you that well!  I think we should take this a little slower!”  Can you picture the embarrassment (in 1963) of that poor little girl!?
3. One other thing he did in the cafeteria:  Most tables had room for six.  If there were 5 sitting there, he would devise a scheme. Let’s say I had my tray and was about to occupy the sixth seat.  As soon as I sat down, all five would pick up their tray and go sit somewhere else!
4. 1. We once had the same calculus class under Dr. Hernandez.  One morning I was the only one who did not do my homework. I made the mistake of sharing this with Larry.  Dr. Hernandez said, “Class, who wants to work this problem on the board?”  Larry, who was sitting directly in front of me, jumps up from his desk, spins around and stares directly at me.  Dr, Hernandez says, “Alright, Mr. Higdon, come up and work the problem.”  I wanted to ring his neck! 
   2. Larry drove Buell Cobb crazy. On more than one occasion he would jump in the shower and cover himself with soap.  You could hardly see his face.  Then he would find Buell and yell, “Bueueueuelle”.  Then he would jump right in his arms.

   In my eyes, we have lost a legend.  I encourage you to keep his memory alive.  You might want to recount your own “Larry Story”.  I think Larry would love that!

   Donna will provide me details of his funeral and I will pass them on.  Rest in peace, my brother.  Soon we will be together.  I suspect the Good Lord will forgive us for our shenanigans.  BUIB, Bruce

   Some Comments from Larry’s Brothers:

So sad.  He was always gracious to me.  BUIB, Steve Hammon

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I too am deeply saddened by Larry’s passing. Yes, definitely he was an icon. I don’t know of anyone who did not like Larry. He was such a joy to be around. He touched so many lives and added so much happiness.

The story I remember best about Larry is as follows: Larry and Bruce roomed across from Stubbs and me on 3rd Napier. It was the night before a calculus final. I had studied pretty diligently throughout the semester so, on that night, I was just fine tuning myself for the final the next morning. I’m sure Larry and Bruce were busy that semester but not necessarily because of studying calculus I suspect. So, they were in a bit of a bind trying to cram a semester’s worth of learning into one evening. They had disclosed to me earlier that night their innovative plan for studying. Bruce would sleep for an hour while Larry studied and then vice-versa. This alternating study routine would go on all night. That was the plan; a half night of study and a half night of sleep for each.  What could go wrong? 

I closed my books around midnight and went to sleep. Sometime later there was a knock on my door. It was Benton. These were his exact words; “Hayes, you gotta help us!” I can still hear his almost breathless, half pleading tone of voice. Apparently the Benton/Higdon study method wasn’t working so well.

I remember going to their room in a groggy state and trying to do what I could. I don’t know if I was of any actual help or not but we all passed the course.

Batman

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Thank you, Bruce. We have lost an icon…. a beloved brother… one of a kind. 

Consistent with your story, my introduction to Benton occurred September 1963.  I had never seen Larry before, but, as I walked into the dining room, he stood, smiled broadly & greeted me with a mouth full of mashed potatoes!

I believe Todd encouraged him to “welcome” me to AC!

May “Our Larry” RIP & may He bless Donna and give her strength. 

BUIB, Jack Hawkins

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He truly was the ultimate ladies’ man. In grad school at Auburn, instead of studying, he would attend beauty pageants or other campus events to scope out new beauties, then would call them and put on the charm. He got amazing results with his surprisingly bold, humorous approach. No one, it seemed, turned him down. At one point of the 5 final candidates for AU homecoming queen (beauties all), he had dated or was currently dating four of them! Cheerleader Anne Jacobs was promised to All American center Forrest Blue, and thus off the table, but he had dated Jane McKenzie from Eufaula (in HS), and then at Auburn had dated Carolyn Colvard, Suzanne (?), and cheerleader Jeanie Clayton… Stunning.

Among the KAs at Auburn, he of course had a reputation of squiring one beauty after another. So at one point he made phone connections with an out-of-town gal he had remembered from a few years back as being a real knock-out. He then invited her to a weekend KA party,

He bragged to some of the guys (something like): “You think I’ve been with some good lookers, wait till you see the one I’ve got coming in for the party!” He went to see her into the dorm she would be staying in. All of a sudden, I heard him come flying into our apartment and slamming the door: “Buell, what am I gonna do?! She’s changed!! She looks awful!! What am I gonna do?!” Quickly surveying his situation, he went back to the dorm, got her and told her he wanted to take her to Eufaula to meet his mother instead! — so he was able to keep his campus reputation as stud-master intact!

Nobody we all knew had a better sense of humor! Back at Montevallo, there was the time that he emerged from his room in Napier (truly, in this case) “’buck’ naked” just as I was coming out of my room. He had dollar bills stuffed in his ears and under his armpits, on his head, one or two in his mouth, I think a few between his legs. They were falling off him. “Hey, Buell, you got a dollar I can borrow…?”

Little wonder that Larry had to beg me repeatedly to be his roommate at Auburn, seeing that I intended serious study there and worried that his antics would interfere with my work… But, like one after another of the beauty queens, I succumbed (though not in that way…).

Larry was so into Larry that he loved the little late-evening sessions when I would point out, in best analytic detail, his failings, his idiosyncrasies, his weaknesses… He LOVED this, prompted me to it! So long as the topic was Benton, it was all good, and he didn’t want the sessions to end! (We never did have one examining my faults and limitations…)

What fun and laughter we’ve had over the years reliving those times!

How I have missed him the past few seasons, and how I, all over again, miss him now!

A final word about Donna: She was not only the love of his life, but she was also the BEST possible companion and caregiver for him these past few years, unbelievably so! Of all the beauties he knew in his time, he hit a home run when he found and married her!

Buell Cobb

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Obituary for Steven Dale Carr

DOUGLAS CLARK PATTERSON – SIGMA 

On Friday, March 26, 2021, Brother Doug Patterson’s funeral was observed at Troy University.  Many of his friends and family were present to celebrate his life, and his SIGMA Alumni brothers were also present in great numbers to remember the wonderful friendship and brotherhood we shared with Doug at Montevallo and the many reunions and other occasions where we visited with him over the past 50+ years.  Some pictures of the celebration are posted below:

 

 

In Memory of a Great Man and Brother – by Brother Jack Hawkins (Troy’s Official Announcement of Doug’s Passing is at the end of this tribute.)

Over the past 58 years I can remember few days during which Doug & I didn’t talk or visit.

We entered college same day, lived on 3 Napier & pledged Sigma together. 

We took oath into USMC Officer Program same day January 1964. On to Quantico summers 1964 & 1966 together for boot camp, same platoon.

Graduated together and commissioned 2Lt’s May 1967. Trained together Quantico & Camp Lejeune NC Aug 1967 – March 1968.

4April 1968 flew together on same plane from Mobile Alabama to Vietnam. While in Vietnam we “created” several  opportunities to see each other + Jack Davis. You might remember the newsletter we published November 1968 & sent home to Sigma Brothers!

We flew out of Nam same flight May 1969. 18 months later we returned to UM for graduate school and completed Masters degrees 1971.

Remained close over next several years.  September 1979 I was appointed President of Alabama  Institute Deaf & Blind. Doug was my first hire as Vice President. We left there together August 1989 when I accepted role of Chancellor. He became a Senior Vice Chancellor

We worked together at Troy until he retired in2007– but remained with me in a part time role until his death this morning at 0436 am. For his dedication to Troy U we named a building in his honor

There is no one I have respected more than Doug. I loved him as my brother. He is gone… but never forgotten.

BUIB

Jack Hawkins

Chancellor

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The following pictures are a collection of photos taken of Brother Doug Patterson spanning 50+ years, showing the brotherhood he shared with all of us.  There is no particular order to the memories, and we welcome any other photos or notes you would like to add to this site honoring our brother.  Just email them to me and I will post them to this site.

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I knew Doug as a brother, a fellow soldier-in-arms, and a great friend. Irreplaceable in all of those categories, Doug will be sorely missed by all of his brothers. W. Burdette

It’s difficult to deal with because we had a giant among us and he is now in the presence of the Lord. Each of us is going to miss Doug for multiple reasons. But for all of us, Doug was a true Brother, he cared about us and our families, he engaged us in conversations on topics he knew were important to us and so much more.

Dianne and I are praying for Lise and Natalie and for you too Bruh.

I love each of you, BUIB Coop

Brothers, what a loss we all have experienced. Doug was a brother that was easy to love and always cared about his brothers. Can’t imagine our Sigma Spring Outing without him. God bless his family and those brothers that saw him often. BUIB, T Bone

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Doug’s passing this morning. It is hard to find words that would express the true depth, the love and the appreciation I know all of us have for our dear Brother Doug Patterson, may in rest in peace. After being away for nearly 54 years, I find it difficult to remember all the special events, interactions and moments of unique fraternal love that I and frankly all of us shared with Doug in our glorious days at Montevallo. What I do remember is that he was always right in the thick of things with his brothers no matter what the occasion. I remember him on the football and softball field, on the boulder projects, at the various parties. He was, like many, a shining example of the qualities espoused in the Sigma creed.

Doug was an honorable and loyal friend and Brother. He was a notable competitor, a gracious winner, a Marine and patriot, he was kind and respectful of others, hard working yet fun loving and he lived life to it’s fullest. Needless to say, he was the kind of person that could be admired by all. As we all get older, one by one, the “Sigmas of the Sixties” will regroup together in heaven for our eternal reunion.

God bless and comfort Doug’s family.

Till we met again Brother

BUIB

Mike DeMonia

I am writing this after just hearing of Brother Doug’s passing. He was special.  We were close, but got even closer after his son’s death.  David Palmer

As were all of you, I was shocked and feel a great sense of loss on hearing of Doug’s demise. Doug had the ability of making those he was with feel they were in the presence of a good friend.  He was easy going, interested in what your life was like, and slow to criticize.  He reminded me of one of my mother’s admonitions-“If you can’t say something good about a person, just don’t say anything at all.”  He demonstrated the ideal of being slow to judge others unless and until you walked several miles in their shoes. He had the ability to laugh at himself and saw humor in lots of situations. He knew how to enjoy the simple things in life-friendship, family, and a good laugh. Even though he was a tough Marine, down deep, he was a selfless, gentle and loving soul. I count it a privilege to have known him and will continue to try to live and learn from the way he lived his life.  Bill Heron

Blake your memo along with the others explains why I feel so sad. Doug was so very special. “May his memory be eternal”, Pharo

This news leaves me deeply stunned and saddened. It’s hard for me to express my feelings, at this moment.  I do know that I will miss him and his easygoing approach to life.  Most of us old timers have had our share of health issues over the years, and Doug was no exception.  The way he dealt with those issues is what set him apart. I will miss our trips to the Birmingham Christmas get-togethers, most, because of the chatter on the way up and back. I know the Reunions won’t be the same.

To Lise and the rest of his family my deepest condolences.

RIP, Brother Doug.  Blake

I have nothing but HAPPY memories of Doug.  The most fond memory I have was at a WINTER house party, I think it was in Guntersville, when he tried to walk on the water in the swimming pool.

Does anyone else remember that event?

REST IN PEACE, my brother.  MP

My prayers go out to his family and to US….his Sigma family. Very sad.

BUIB, Scott Waldrop

I remember seeing Doug at events when I was an Active in mid 70’s.   He has been born into eternity where there is joy beyond human imagination.

May God’s comfort be upon you all who lived along side him as Sigmas.
BUIB.  Julian Davis  ‘77

As we all realize the personal impact of our loss of our good friend and brother, one of my strongest memories of Doug was that he was the type of person and friend that made others better just because of his presence. Even more importantly, he had the ability to make sure his positive influence lasts even in his absence.  That’s powerful!

Rest in peace Brother.  L. Peevy

Doug Patterson was the “RA” on Third Napier the day I walked into my first dorm, as a green kid with very few if any skill sets.  He will always be the face of “Sigma” to me and took the time to keep me out of trouble (not caught)  and started me with others on this list to some of the best days of my life.  It is the little things in life that matter and as I look at this list most of you bring back a simple moment that will always be a light in my heart.

BUIB  Devere

Many fond memories of conversations with Brother Doug, particularly a two-man trip “Up The Road” and bonding over beer. We shall all miss a good man with a kind soul. Rick B.

We lost the epitome of the “Sigma Gentleman” in the passing of Dr. Douglas Patterson. He was a gentle man, and a dear friend. I am left with memories and a hole in my heart. Jack Mayhall

I am so very sorry to hear this as I fight back the tears. What a good man. I know it sounds trite, but the world is a better place for his having been here. Ray Holland

I am at a loss for words. My heart is broken and the Sigma world had suffered a huge loss. Doug was such a large part of our band of brothers and touched each of us in way unique to Doug. What sorrow, what pain, what an empty spot he leaves in us all.

All the more reason to cherish every moment we spend together.

Holy Spirit please send comfort to his family and to us all as you welcome another precious soul to his eternal rest. BUIB. Rocky

Our beloved brother Doug passed away at UAB Hospital this morning.  He is now in heaven reunited with his son, Chris.  As you know, Doug suffered some major health problems in the past including a heart attack that left significant damage.  A few days ago he was admitted into the hospital and even wrote an encouraging note about the great care he was receiving.  Unfortunately, his heart just gave out.

Doug’s friend, Episcopal Bishop, Dr. Glenda Curry visited with Doug early Tuesday Morning and sent the following message to Jack Hawkins at 0100 hours: “I read prayers with him and talked with him.  He wants to go and he’s totally lucid.  When he dies they’ll call us and we will go back to be with Lise and Natalie. Could be tonight or tomorrow.  Hard to say, Glenda”

Knowing Doug, it does not surprise us that he died on his own terms.  As I write this, I feel my heart is holding up an anvil.  As you do, I have so many precious memories with Doug.  I cherish each one.

Please keep Lise and Doug’s family in your prayers. Rest in peace, my brother.  BUIB, Bruce

Sad, sad, sad day.  I will keep the family and all of us in my thoughts and prayers over this loss.

God Bless and BUIB, Joel Ellis

How fortunate we were to have had Doug in our lives as a friend, but even more so as a brother. Doug, to me, always was calm as all the craziness was going on around us on the hall. I will cherish memories of him and am happy there is no more pain or suffering in his life. Prayers to his family, and to us, dear brothers as we have yet another brother to watch over us.  Greek

To find someone who would speak an ill word of him, how far would one have to go — in miles, or into the past by years, before acknowledging at last an impossible task!

So bright, so good, so fair-tempered, so full of rich humor and affection, he was the best — and ours the greater loss. Peace to his sweet family.

Buell

This is just so difficult to process. Life without Doug is hard to imagine. It is so sad but what a great man, what a wonderful life, what beautiful memories.  Batman

We will all miss Doug and treasure that we were fortunate to have known him and call him Brother.

RIP – Brother Tiger

This is a sad day for all Sigmas as we morn the passing of Doug.  He always made it a point to ask about my family when I showed up for the Sigma get-to-gathers down on the beach.  My prayers are with Doug’s family. Bill Sumner

What a very special guy. Was a privilege to know him. RIP Doug.  Big Love to all of us living this loss.  L. Jagoe

Sorry to lose Doug, such a fine gentleman. Great memories of Doug.

Doug was my RA on 3rd floor Napier. He was nice enough to cut me some slack when I messed up. He always kept me out of trouble. Thanks Doug.

Prayers to Doug’s family. He will be missed.  BUIB  Jim Moss

Troy University Official Statement – 03/20/2021

Patterson remembered for his commitment, hard work and loyalty

Whether leading the charge or working behind the scenes, Dr. Doug Patterson is being remembered as one who could get anything accomplished both at Troy University and through numerous roles in the community.

Dr. Patterson, who served as Vice Chancellor at TROY from 1989 until December 2007, passed away Wednesday morning.

Dr. Patterson was instrumental in developing and coordinating strategic planning for Troy University, and, while serving as Vice Chancellor, held interim positions as Provost and Vice President for Financial Affairs for the Troy Campus as well as Interim President for the Dothan Campus. In the five years prior to retirement, Dr. Patterson served as Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration. In this capacity, he directed TROY’s finance and budgeting, information technology, institutional effectiveness, strategic planning and athletics. He was instrumental in the University’s move to Division I-A athletics, and his stewardship made many of the new buildings on campus possible.

In his retirement, Dr. Patterson worked served as Special Assistant to the Chancellor.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY’s Chancellor, first met Patterson in 1963 at the University of Montevallo. The two lived on the same dormitory hall and pledged the same fraternity. The two also took the Marine Corps oath at the same time in 1964, commissioned together in 1967 and, although they served in different units in combat, were aboard the same plane bound for Vietnam in 1968. They returned from Vietnam on the same plane in 1969.

Dr. Patterson served alongside Dr. Hawkins as Vice President for Instruction at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind from 1979 to 1989.

“Doug Patterson was a true servant-leader and one of the finest men I have known,” Dr. Hawkins said. “He was a man of strong character and was loyal to the core. Dr. Patterson loved his work with Troy University and knew every aspect of the University. He was the best I have ever seen at taking a complex problem and breaking it down. He had a great mind and his attention to detail was unmatched. I will greatly miss his wise counsel and his true friendship. His passing has left a gaping hole in my heart. My thoughts are with his wonderful wife, Lise, and their daughters, Lauren and Natalie.”

Gibson Vance, President Pro-Tem of the Troy University Board of Trustees, said Patterson’s strong commitment to the University will continue to impact future generations of Trojans.

“Dr. Doug Patterson was a great Trojan who helped shape our campus and our culture. His many contributions will positively effect generations of students,” Vance said.

Dr. Patterson served 15 years as a member of the Troy City Board of Education, and including three times as chairman. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Troy Regional Medical Center.

“I would be hard-pressed to think of anyone in the past 32-plus years that has been more involved and active and who has done more than Doug Patterson,” said Troy Mayor Jason Reeves. “If something needed to be accomplished, Dr. Patterson was always the one that could accomplish it. He was one of the most intelligent, effective people that I have ever known. I counted him as a good friend, and I will miss him and his counsel greatly. Troy is a better place because of Doug Patterson.”

A native of Mobile, Patterson earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama College, a master’s degree from the University of Montevallo and a doctorate from the University of Alabama.

In 1967, Patterson was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a platoon commander and as an intelligence officer in Vietnam.

In addition to his work with AIDB and TROY, Patterson served as a high school counselor and as the Director of Counseling and Career Services at Jefferson State Junior College (1976-1979).

In 2007, Dr. Patterson was selected as Honorary Alumnus of the Year for Troy University. In 2010 the Board of Trustees named the general academic building in his honor.

        

 

Memorial Service – September 11, 2018

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, on behalf of all he served and helped, thank you for Steve Huffstutler! Thank you for the example he set that we can strive to meet. Lord, we lift up Barbara, Carol, Katherine, Chuck and all his family today. Please grant them the peace and joy that Steve would have wanted. Let this celebration be evidence that strengthens them, so that they know—so many loved Huffy; so that they know we are there for them. Father, we thank all who have traveled to join this celebration. Please grant traveling mercies and guide us safely home. We ask this in Your precious name. AMEN
To Barbara, Carol, Katherine, Chuck and the entire Huffstutler family. To Steve’s fraternity brothers, his closest friends, and to all who loved this man we, affectionately, call Huffy.

Today we say goodbye to Stephen Turner Huffstutler. No one in this room will ever forget Huffy.  But those of us who loved him, and ache with his passing, know Huffy by the other titles he held: Father. Husband. Opa, Unk, or as he was called by his fraternity brother, Paul Doran: The Huffalapogus!!
I, like so many others, for nearly half a century, knew him as a colleague, a mentor, and above all, as a friend and brother.

I’d like to recount our first meeting in 1962. I was a freshman, in my first week at Alabama College; scared to death, but trying to (and this will not surprise any of our brothers) act like I was big stuff. Well, my roommate, Robert Lacy, and our dads were moving in when Huffy came by and introduced himself. He was extremely nice. He indicated he was the News Director. Well, to continue my act as big stuff, I said, “I think my picture in the Decatur Daily (my hometown paper) would be a good thing for a News Director to arrange.” He said, “I think we can arrange that.” I’m thinking, “Yeah, right, and I can afford to buy a car!” Well, to make a long story short, I’ll be damned if my mom and dad didn’t call a few days later and told me we were famous! Our picture was in our paper! And, you know, back then I was so pretty! This is your chance, guys to ask what the hell happened.

I expressed my appreciation to Huffy and told him that he was my hero. And you know, he still is. If you multiply that favor he did for Lacy & me by thousands, you can begin to picture his wonderful life of service to others. If unselfish was a nickel, Huffy would be a billionaire! This is reflected in his amazing career with the Air Force, Alabama College, The Red Cross, and FEMA! Every single duty station had one focus: to serve!!

Many of you know that Alabama College was a girls’ school. That’s one of the main reasons a lot of us attended when it changed. We liked the odds! Several of us formed Montevallo’s first fraternity. We called it “The Sigma Club” until we could affiliate with ATO. Us older brothers still refer to ourselves as Sigmas. Huffy was our first faculty advisor, guidance counselor, mentor. We brothers exhausted many of the above listed favors when we needed his guidance; when we needed him to help us out when we got in trouble with Dean Wilkinson for beer related pranks. I know you may not believe this but, sometimes college boys are not mature.

The Sigmas are a group of brothers who have maintained our close relationship until the present. It is an amazing bond. We still get together each year for a golf weekend. Last year at Gulf Shores we had 47 brothers! Huffy has been no small part of this bond. We would not have it without him. If you could be a fly on the wall at our gathering, you would see 70-year old men still acting like we were at college (except with more naps). You would see us playing tricks on each other. You would see us telling tall tales about our conquests with the coeds. After a few beers, embellishment takes over. Then what you see are untruthful studs.
We have some very distinguished members in this brotherhood. Members of the Board of Trustees, Lawyers, doctors, military leaders, Mayors, company presidents, and college chancellors. However, when we gather each year, this stature disappears. In other words, we bring them down to our level. Isn’t that right, Hawkins?

Huffy’s sense of humor is amazing and refreshing. In his retirement years he lived close to me. We would take great delight in concocting schemes against the next “victim” at our golf outing. One example is what we did to another beloved brother, Fred Crawford, better known as Squatty Body (have you noticed we like nicknames?) Fred was on Montevallo’s Board of Trustees. Huffy and I, with giggles, decided to name a building on campus “Fred Crawford Hall”. We made a beautiful sign for the occasion. We then drove to the nearest construction site, placed the sign on a Porta-Potty, and took a beautiful picture. Huffy then made round button badges with “Fred Crawford Hall” as the picture to pass out at the gathering. It was prominently displayed that weekend.

In the latter part of 2016 Huffy called me. “Higgie”, he said, “tis I”, I have some bad news. This trouble with my pancreas has become terminal. My doctors have given me one or two months to live. But, you know Bruce, I’m ok with it. I have had a wonderful life.” He then asked me to officiate at his funeral. He said, “I’ll send the music I want played. I want it short and simple. I don’t want sadness. I want people to laugh. I want any donations to go to our scholarship fund.” I was in shock. I said, “you are going right on our prayer list. By golly we are going to have you at our May gathering. We will not give up!”

I placed Huffy on our prayer list. We went to see him. Guess what, our prayers worked! He improved. God gave him strength. He made it to our 2017 golf outing. He (and God) cheated those doctors. It was miraculous and uplifting to see him there.  He was given the gift of time that many are not, and he used that gift to touch many more lives!

How we will miss him! We will miss the picture of the candle he sent to each brother we placed on our prayer list. We will miss all his emails that he called “twaddle”. I will miss debating politics with him. I called him a Flaky Ass Liberal! I know he is in heaven right now calling me a “Skrinky Ass Conservative”! We will miss his telephone greeting, “Hey Old Boy, tis I”. We will miss his jokes. We will miss the beautiful way he had with the written word. Mostly, we will miss the “security blanket” of just having him there when needed.

Steve Huffstutler was the father who looked not only after his own children, but his brothers as well. We will miss him calling us his “chillruns”.
We cannot know for certain how long we have here.  We cannot foresee the trials or misfortunes that will test us along the way.  What we can do is to live out our lives as best we can with purpose, and with love, and with joy.
We can use each day to show those who are closest to us how much we care about them, and treat others with the kindness and respect that we wish for ourselves.

This is how Steve Huffstutler lived. This is his legacy.
Allistair Begg once said, “If you have one true friend in the world, you are very rich”. By that standard, Huffy was a very wealthy man. I am not exaggerating when I tell you I can name 50 men who would go to war for Huffy!

Huffy, my friend, my brother, rest in peace. I’m reminded of a lyric in a song we always sing at our gatherings, “Our life on earth is but a span”. It tells me that our time together in heaven is limitless!! I, and your brothers are on a final approach to the same runway. You just landed before us. Gaze on God’s tower and stand by for some more approaches, Old Boy. I look forward to saying, “Huffy, tis I, Higgie.” After I hug you, let’s go find and hug Moose, and JC, and Jack Davis, and James Hurt, and Steve Bailey and the rest of our brothers who are now with you. We love you. BUIB, Bruce

 

Stephen Turner (Huffy) Huffstutler – January 20, 1932 – August 18, 2018

Stephen Turner Huffstutler, age 86, of Navarre, FL, passed away peacefully on Aug 18, 2018.  Steve was born on Jan 20, 1932 in Birmingham, AL.  Preceded in death by parents, Stephen Roscoe Huffstutler and Alice May Turner.  Survived by his wife, Barbara B. Huffstutler; children, Carol B. Isbell (Mark), Katherine I. Martin (Gaylon), Charles H. Bradford; grandchildren, Bailey I. Haas (Ben), Tyler Bradford, Tabatha Bradford, Travis Bradford; sister, Betty H. Thomas (Sid) and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Steve’s great career serving his country included military service (AL Air National Guard and the US Air Force/Korean War), the American Red Cross, and FEMA.  He graduated in 1957 from Auburn University with English/Journalism degree.  In 1959, he began a 15 year career as New Director for the University of Montevallo.  He was much loved at Montevallo and known for helping students negotiate student related life challenges.  As Faculty Advisor for ATO Fraterinity, he positively shaped the lives of well over 100 young men who adore him to his day.  From 1974 to 1994, Steve managed several positions in the American Red Cross.  This included assisting and directing disaster services in 5 Southern states and serving in Saudi Arabia and Turkey during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  After retiring from Red Cross, he served 16 years as a disaster assistance employee with FEMA.  For the past few years, Steve volunteered at the Pensacola VA Hospital and Navarre Library.  His love for others, his caring spirit, and his sense of humor will be missed!  Services (including a full military burial) will be held at 10:15 AM, Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at the AL National Cemetery at Montevallo.  A celebration of Steve’s life will follow at the American Village, Montevallo, AL.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration for donations to the University of Montevallo, designated for the Bruce D. Higdon Brotherhood Scholarship Fund.  This fund provides scholarships for those in the active ATO Chapter.  The family expends a special thank you to Covenant Hospice Care, to family and friends, to Bruce Higdon and the ATOs, for your prayers and support. (Obituary created by Carol Isbell, Barbara Huffstutler’s daughter.)

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Stephen Turner Huffstutler, Huffy to those of us SIGMAs, ATOs, and personal friends who loved him and had him as a part of our lives for more than 56 years, passed away on August 18, 2018, at 10:00 AM to join his SIGMA/ATO brothers who preceded him in death over the past 50 years.  I’m sure he is supervising and advising Hurt, Moose, Jackie-D, and all those brothers who he counseled and supported when they were alive and part of the great movement called SIGMA.  He and Deano will be busy keeping up with those brothers who preceded them, but that’s what they both did so well for over five decades for all of us here who call the members of SIGMA Club our brothers.  He will be missed sorely, but never, ever, forgotten by anyone who had the opportunity to meet and get to know him.

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A Note from Bruce Higdon:

Brothers, I visited Huffy yesterday.  There was no one in his room when I arrived.  He was sedated and sleeping.  I took his hand.and squeezed it.  He kind of reacted.  Then I said, “Huffy, do you know who this is?”  He opened his eyes a tiny bit, then smiled.  I then said, “If you are a flaky ass liberal, squeeze my hand.”  He squeezed it hard and smiled again.  I then said, “I love you and all your brothers love you, and you know that, right?”  He squeezed my hand and nodded.  Even though he could not speak, I know he recognized me and heard my message.  There were tears in my eyes.  I then sat beside his bed and recounted some old memories.  I was hoping he could hear.  When I left, I squeezed his hand again.  He responded with a smile.  It is a visit I won’t forget.

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Huffy Binds the Bonds of Brotherhood

Help Huffy Make it Through the Night

Notes from Brothers and friends of Huffy:

Strange but True – A note from Brother Fred Crawford

As you know our brother Huffy passed away this past weekend.  We remember him working in his basement office in Palmer.  Working with him part time was a student named Fred Cooper.  Fred was also the sports editor for the student newspaper.

Fred has been to a few Christmas lunches.  He was on our prayer list a few weeks ago after gall bladder problems.  Fred and Huffy were good friends.  They stayed in touch during both of their problems.

Fred Cooper died last week.

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A note from Pharo:

One more thought about Steve. He made us each feel like a special friend. What a unique and saintly man. I feel it’s safe to say, if you want to feel special to others, be like Huffy.

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A note from Larry Popwell:

In the Spring of ‘67, Huffy became a Father/Mentor to me.

At 69, and as a Grandfather, I do not take myself to seriously because of his life example.

Huffy and the Dean can now have a cup coffee without rushing.

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A note from Rocky Stone:

Brothers,

Our precious brother has taken his “flame” that he shared so freely with us to his heaven and now it, too, is a brighter place. He shared a poem with me some years ago on the occasion of my sister Ellen’s death. The title is “Gone From My Sight” and although it speaks of a mighty ship in the feminine gender, I feel it is so very appropriate at this time.

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From Tiger T:

Like so many – I met Steve at Montevallo.

I considered him a friend and we all enjoyed his limitless smile, spirit, and wit.

In so many ways; Steve was our wise and patient – Good Sheperd.

Tiger T.

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A Note from Bill Gresham:

It seems my adult life has been with the security in knowing Steve Huffstutler was there, like a father waiting in the wings for us all, at any time our lives needed advice or guidance.  In my life I asked he, and A few other brothers for guidance or a bit of encouragement when it was needed. Steve Huffstutler was one of those bulwarks of comfort, just as was Dean Wlikerson. Our lives were so fully enriched by having this wonderful man standing beside us through so many Blessed years. The presence of Steve Huffstutler may have changed, but the love and respect he provided, will never be lost. May God find as much humor and wit in his presence as did we. He may have been a Flaky-assed liberal at times, but, he was our flaky-assed liberal whom I, for one, shall be forever remain in his debt. I cannot imagine a better date than September 11 to give him remembrance.

Bill Gresham ‘1969

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Remembering JC Rush

Services at Aldridge Gardens in Birmingham

A memorial service to honor James Calvin Rush, is to be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at 4:00 PM at Aldridge Botanical Gardens at the Aldridge House. J.C. had requested cremation as his final wish for the end of life.

Jimmy passed away early Wednesday morning, June 20th, at home with his loving family around him.

Please send any inquiry to Bill Gresham, 205/988-3545, E-mail to this address. I will forward them on to Gayle and family.

Bill

 

                 

Thoughts of JC from his daughter Amy:

Our Daddy, JC Rush, passed away this morning at home. After 6 weeks in and out of the hospital and Lakeshore Rehab, he came home last Friday with Hospice. His mind was still sharp but his body was tired. He was never one to seek attention and did not feel comfortable with all the help he needed. While he was not in any physical pain, it was a struggle to breathe and not be able to get around like he wanted to.

After a few days at home with his books, his glass of wine, his TV shows, and his family, he had a restless night and passed away like he lived-quietly and humbly.

His grandchildren and many of their friends called him Sir, which fit him perfectly. He was the most dignified, honorable man, husband, son, brother, and father. A man who didn’t talk just for the sake of talking. He spoke when he had something to say. And we listened.

I prayed around 3 this morning for God to take him, and my prayer was answered. He is now with Gran and Bigdaddy and so many saints who went before him.

We are making plans for a visitation next week and will let friends and family know arrangements as soon as we have confirmed them. We thank you for your prayers and ask that you please continue to pray for us.

Dan Fogelberg’s song “Leader of the Band” has always reminded me of Daddy, especially these lines:

He earned his love through discipline, a thundering velvet handHis gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old, But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man,I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band.

He always told us to remember who’s last name we had and to act accordingly. We will not forget💛

From John Schmidt...

Truly, the reflection of J.C.’s life was spot on. We had several classes together at Montevallo. J.C. was bright and always prepared. He was one of those quiet ones. When he did speak, one listened. May he rest in peace. John

From Mike Malone…

I admired him so much—he was Always a step ahead intellectually—but so witty and understatedly profound——he was an AC History guy! I can tell you volumes on how he and Bailey saved my ass and the Gold Production when I was given the Staging follow up to our own Broh R. Stone. So fitting he died w/ his books/rip JC/malone

From Larry Pharo…

Just so y’all knew, JC just walked up to me in his quietness and asked to be my Little Brother. I said, of course I would be honored, I didn’t even think you liked me. He looked me right in the eye and said, why would you think that? I’m just kind of quiet. What a wonderful man. Pharo

From Tiger T…

The Magnificent Seven.  That is what we called ourselves (we had to call us something).  Freshman year, semester two.  Kermit and Dean W. moved me to Napier from Ramsey – at Pop’s request.  I was so totally bored with Montevallo – semester one at Montevallo in Ramsey.  Dean says “I put you with some Birmingham boys – you might know them”

New roomies were Jagoe, Odum, and the “Mole”.  Mole only came out from under the sheets at mid-night.  He fell by the wayside and TC moved in.  Nearby were JC, Doug McKay, and Gresham.  That was the Seven.

Off to Lib’s, off the Quiet Village, off to the Sugar Shack, …… we were inseparable and perpetually off to anyplace.

Everything was funny and wonderful and perfect within our private world.  We would laugh and giggle at anything and everything – like elementary or junior high school age girls.  If it was not funny – we made it so.   Just perfect.  Could not get a smile off our faces.

I will always remember JC as my friend and appreciably so.

The World is better off that there was a JC Rush; and now that much poorer without him.

May he rest in everlasting peace and may he look in on us occasionally to point us in the right direction.

JC’s friend and Sigma brother,

Tiger  🐯

From Louis Jagoe…

Well said Tiger.  I have been thinking all week about the seven and how special that year was and how fortunate we all were to have known each other.  Had forgotten about the Mole. The Sigmas and all of 3rd Napier…. some of the best parts of who I am. Love to all.     Lou

From Bill Gresham…

James Calvin Rush

Well, how short was this 55 years?

From our first-hand shake at Highland’s UMC

Seems our friendship was on a sustainable course

Our lives entwined by family and friends.

High school at Ramsay and you at Valley

For most, would have been destined and distant

However, we somehow managed to library study,

Drive-in date and float a time or two along some river.

By our choice to share a room upon beginning the collegiate years,

We were destined to meet Terry Grant Smith from Childersburg,

And to pledge the Sigma Social Club as a pair.

Then, as if by some circumstance of romance,

We managed to date two best friends to marry. Oh, fate, you come into our lives

in such unexpected ways.

We have shared a dedicated friendship all this time.

We pledged to make family traditions and raise four great kids.

 We had Christmas Eve dinners to gather family,

We have known poverty, better wealth, never envy.

We found the wealth was gained through our bond.

My entire family, and I will miss you, James Calvin, from this time forward.

However, the joy remains in our time together.

                                                               William P. Gresham                                                                                                 for James Calvin Rush –  June 26, 2018

From Steve Berry…

I just wanted to include a note I sent to Doug Patterson last week soon after J.C.’s daughter posted her Facebook message. Doug had noted how her poignant message had truly captured the essence of J.C.’s character and demeanor. I agreed and added:  “It’s so interesting how the quietest of men make the deepest and most long-lasting impression on others. That was J.C. and how he affected me. He was my Sigma Big Brother.”  I never mastered the calmness that J.C. exuded through his demeanor, but I’ve always thought I learned from his ability to mentally step away from the noise of a controversy to allow calm reflection take hold. I often find myself confronting emotional situations by saying “Wait, let’s think about this some more.” I suspect I got that from him, and it has served me well.

Steve

Brother Fred Crawford Paying Tribute to CPT Jack Davis on Wreaths Across America Day

The people in attendance were able to get a wreath for their family and lay it at the grave, after I did my mother and father I did my Brother Jack Davis. It was an honor.

Patrick (Pat) Murphree

Patrick William Murphree 1951-2015

Patrick William Murphree, 64, born April 26, 1951 in Birmingham, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on September 27, 2015. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lonnie Murphree and his father, Leith Murphree. His spirit and memory are carried on by his wife, Lynn Cook Murphree of The Woodlands, Texas, two daughters, Courtney Murphree of Dallas, Texas, and Brittany Murphree of Hollywood, California, as well as his step-son, Carter Cook of The Woodlands, Texas. Patrick was a very giving and gracious man. His quiet charm and quick wit will be missed by many who knew him. His wishes were for no service.

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Brothers, Beth Wilkinson, as many of you know as daughter of Dean Wilkinson, has expressed her thanks to all of the active ATO members for their support and for the flowers that they sent to the services in honor of her dad.  Also, she wanted to make sure all of the SIGMA/ATO Alumni brothers knew how much she and the family appreciated the support that we have given her dad over years and in particular since his illness occurred that led to his passing.  We, in turn, thank Beth for the opportunity to show our love and support of Deano in his time of need.

James R. (Deano) Wilkinson

We all said goodbye to a great friend, brother and leader of young men on Thursday of this past week.  For some of us we had to do that vicariously through our SIGMA/ATO Alumni brothers who I have been told represented us well at Deano’s services.  We have all read the stories these past couple of weeks by way of shared emails that have been passed around from brother to brother about how Jim Wilkinson took pity on many of us and kept us in school when we probably should have been booted out for various infractions and “rule breaking” while we were at Montevallo.  No one will say that Dean Wilkinson was an easy man on you when you had dropped the ball or made an error in judgment, but he often took the opportunity to teach us how to be the kind of men we should be and gave us another chance to get it right.  He was much more to most of us than just a Dean of Men–he was a beacon of light to some of us lost in our immaturity and he helped guide us to the right path which we walk today due to his unique way of dealing with immature, but well intentioned young men.  He will be sorely missed.

I have included copies of his service agenda, in thanks to Dr. Tracy Rocko, and for the pictures that brother Sid McLaughlin and Dr. Rocko also took at the service.  I cannot guarantee that your picture was taken if you were there, so please excuse the oversight if you were there and no mention is made of it in this posting.  I can only post what I have information about so please send me a picture of yourself if you were there and I haven’t been given your picture.

Below is a freelance article about Jim and his importance to the University of Montevallo and some thoughts from those who interacted with him during his tenure as Dean of Men:

James Wilkinson was a father figure to thousands of students at the University of Montevallo. He touched the lives of decades of students and earned their admiration and respect during his 32 year tenure.

An Ohio native, Wilkinson graduated from Miami University in Oxford where he led the Mid-American Conference in hitting as a sophomore and junior and was second in the league as a senior. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two years. He then went on to play minor league baseball as a catcher in the Cleveland Indians organization for three years.

After receiving his master’s degree at Miami University, Wilkinson moved to Alabama 1958 to become the Assistant to the Dean of Men at the University of Alabama.

The next year, in 1959, he accepted a position at Alabama College (University of Montevallo), where he would serve for as Dean of Men, Dean of Student Life and Associate Dean of Student Affairs until 1991.

Wilkinson was known simply as “Deano” to his former students. One of those former students, Billy Cannon, was also a co-worker and friend of Wilkinson for 44 years. He said that “Deano” was more than a friend, but a father figure to him. The pair enjoyed playing racquetball and softball, going on camping trips, helping each other with work at their homes and having countless lunches together.

“Our lives were meshed, linked through his kindness, wisdom and support. He was always there for me personally, just as he was for a countless number of Montevallo students before and after me,” Cannon said. “Deano is no longer with me, but he hasn’t left, because his goodness, compassion and wisdom lives on in my heart and soul and always will.”

In the late 1960s, Wilkinson stood up for two black basketball players during a time when many would not. Lonnie Edwards was one of the first black basketball players at Montevallo. He sent an e-mail to Wilkinson before he passed away to let him know how important he was to him.

“The day that we met in 1969, a pivotal time in history for integration and race relations, you made two young men of color feel safe and welcome during a time of transition in America,” Edwards said. 

“There was no one who could make me feel like you on the University campus, and at this moment in your life, I want you to know that I am deeply appreciative for your kindness support guidance and direction,” said Edwards.

Several of the honors Wilkinson received were being inducted into Miami University’s Hall of Fame in 1996, having the James R. Wilkinson Student Life Center was named in his honor in 2011 and recently he was honored with the James Wilkinson Greek Loyalty Hall of Fame Award, which was created to recognize those who have demonstrated their loyalty to the Greek organizations and students of the University of Montevallo.

Wilkinson passed away on October 20, 2014 at the age of 85 after a battle with cancer. One of the speakers at his celebration of life service on October 23, was Dr. Mike Malone, a former student who became a lifelong friend. In his remarks, he described Wilkinson as “a wise advisory, a firm but fair disciplinarian, and the consummate teacher.”

Wilkinson’s life will continue to enrich the lives of the many people he touched and cared for.

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The obituary from the Birmingham News is listed below–you will find out some other things about Deano that you never knew if you take the time to read through it.  Some of the information is duplicated from the above freelance article, but some of it is not:

Nov. 27, 1929 – Oct. 20, 2014 James Robert Wilkinson of Montevallo passed away on October 20, 2014 at the age of 85. He was born in Cincinnati, OH on November 27, 1929 to Ellen and Everett Wilkinson. Jim is survived by Sue Wilkinson, the mother of his children Beth and Stephen (Audrey), his brother Ed Wilkinson (Zona), his grandchildren Amanda Perrillioux and Ashley Wilkinson, nieces Dawn Jaffe (Warren) and Holly Burns (Christian), one great nephew Everett and his wife Bernice and her family. Jim graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH where he led the Mid-American Conference in hitting as a sophomore and junior and was second in the league as a senior. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two years. He went on to play minor league baseball as a catcher in the Cleveland Indians organization for three years. His baseball prowess was recognized in 1996 when he was inducted into Miami University’s Hall of Fame. In 1957 Jim earned his master’s degree at Miami University and in 1958 moved to Alabama to become the Assistant to the Dean of Men at the University of Alabama where he served for one year. In 1959 he accepted the position of Dean of Men at Alabama College (University of Montevallo) where he became known as “Deano” to legions of former students. He served at the University of Montevallo for 32 years as Dean of Men, Dean of Student Life and Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The investment of Jim’s life in decades of students has earned him the love, admiration and respect of the men and women who attended Montevallo during his tenure. In 2011, the James R. Wilkinson Student Life Center was named in his honor, a recognition that he cherished. Jim was recently honored with the James Wilkinson Greek Loyalty Hall of Fame Award which was created to recognize those who have demonstrated their loyalty to the Greek organizations and students of the University of Montevallo. Jim was active in the First United Methodist Church, served on the City of Montevallo Park and Recreation Board and was honored for his service to the Red Cross, Girl Scouts and Special Olympics. Jim never met a stranger and always had an infectious smile on his face and a positive, uplifting and fun loving attitude. He fought his cancer to the bitter end and managed to maintain his sense of humor throughout his illness. Jim’s life will continue to enrich the lives of the many people he touched and cared for. The visitation will be held at Montevallo First United Methodist Church at 10:00 on October 23 with a celebration of Jim’s life immediately following. Burial will follow at the Montevallo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the James R. Wilkinson Leadership Scholarship Fund at the University of Montevallo.

The program for Deano’s funeral service is inserted below: (Click on the pictures to enlarge them)

Photos shared by family and those who attended the services:

Gayle Forrester Moss

Many of us did not get the opportunity to know Gayle Moss as well as we would have like to since we were older and many of us had already graduated from college by the time she and Jim were a steady thing.  She and Jim were living in Dallas, Texas, at the time of her passing and we appreciate all of the brothers who were able to come out to her services in Birmingham on Sunday, October 19th, to celebrate her life.  Below are pictured some of the brothers who were in attendance, and since I was not there I cannot say for sure who else was present representing SIGMA, other than Mike Malone and Danny D who are not pictured.  There may have been some more brothers in attendance according to my report but I cannot say for sure.  Our Little SIGMA Sister Pat Kinney Nelson was also in attendance, along with her sister and Fred’s wife, Carol.

Jim spoke about Gayle at the service and his comments were warm and moving and not scripted.  On a side note, Jim’s 98 year old mother was happy that so many of Jim’s brothers were there–she had been briefed on several of the names like Snake, Moon-Pie, and Squatty.

We all wish Jim and his family our condolences and peace in this stressful time in their family life.

                   The First SIGMA Gentleman-Jackie D. Davis

The Jackie D. Rainbow

Brothers Paul Doran and Andy Meginniss snapped this amazing picture of a rainbow on the way back from the funeral service for Jackie D.  I think he may be smiling on his brothers who showed so much love for him this past week!

                     

The USMC Honor Guards

The Service and Interment Of Brother Jackie D. Davis

The Gathering of Family and Brothers

As many of you know, Jackie D. Davis not only composed the SIGMA Gentleman, he WAS the first SIGMA Gentleman.  Accolades cannot overstate his importance and influence on the early development of the SIGMA Club at Montevallo.  His leadership, integrity, determination, and the love for his fraternity brothers are just a few special traits our brother Jackie D. had in abundance and he was willing to share those marvelous qualities with all of us for 50+ years.  He will be missed in the flesh when we get together each spring to celebrate and commemorate our brotherhood ties, but his spirit will be watching over his adoptive brothers like the guardian angel that he has been for the fraternity for the past half century.  I cannot think of a better way to remember our brother Jack than in the song that was composed by Andy and Bruce and sung by Rick Ray a couple of years ago at the reunion on a warm summer evening in Niceville, Florida.  I suggest you click first on the link below and then scroll down the page through the photos of our beloved brother.  The pictures are not in chronological  order…they are simply very special memories of a great man and brother.

Jackie D 2011 (lyrics by Andy and Bruce; performed by Rick Ray in May of 2012)

Special Memories of Jackie D. Davis

   

                                    

                                           The Visitation (11/11/2013)

The Visitation was held at the Mckoon Funeral Home in Newnan, Georgia, where Judy and Jack lived for many years.  While there were some SIGMA brothers and their wives in attendance, the majority of the visitors were family members and the many friends that Judy and Jack have made over the years while living and working in the Newnan area.  It was obvious to all that this man was loved and respected by the community in which he lived and served as a role model of honor, respectability, and trustworthiness.

   

 

                     The SIGMA Gentleman by Jackie D. Davis