Danny Beavers died this morning.

He was a friend, mentor, veteran, teacher, and civic leader. I knew Danny from my days at Butler High School back in the 60s.

I am sorry Danny, I thought of you recently when cleaning out some of my Mom’s things and told myself to call you. I didn’t. Forgive me. I just sent my apology in a prayer.

His Dad, Mr. Frank, years before marrying his Mom, dated my Aunt Basil. Somewhere I have a picture of them smiling, sitting together on the steps at Butler being carefree. My Mom and all her family bought many pieces of furniture from Mr. Frank and Brown’s Furniture Store over the years. My Mom always thought Danny was a good kid for me to hang out with, and I agreed.

Danny was soft-spoken. I always admired him for who he was and for what he had done, and every time we met, mostly at class reunions or at Walmart, we stopped and caught up with one another. We always left each other smiling, and he always thanked me for being his friend. And I the same.

Danny recommended me to take his position as the scorekeeper for the Little League Ball Park and later gave Mr. Gid Pool, Sr. his endorsement of me to take over at his job at the Caldwell County Times. Danny was responsible for my interest in the newspaper business.

Mr. Pool’s son, Gid, Jr., noted this morning that Danny was another victim of Vietnam and “Agent Orange.” Indeed, he was. Sadly, more are following.

In high school, Danny and I went to church at Goodsprings Cumberland Presbyterian down at the Knobs in Caldwell County. He went off to Western and me to Murray. We took turns “teaching” Sunday School. We both bled printer’s ink at different times.

We kept secrets for each other. Danny gave me advice on “dating,” none of which I took. I was too shy. I tried to mirror his self-confidence, but that was asking a lot of me. He gave me good instruction on using the old Speed Graflex camera, told me what Mr. Pool always expected, and was always available to talk and edit my earlier writing.

I didn’t know Danny as a “teacher” in the school system. I did know him as a personal mentor. However, my friend Matt Figert always spoke highly of him as one of his favorite teachers. I don’t doubt that.

I was always welcomed into Danny’s family home there on Main Street. We always enjoyed visiting Aunt Daisy and Miss Melva on the Knob, especially during the holidays to enjoy Aunt Daisy’s molasses cookies. I will hold those memories close once again.

To his beloved Cathy, Kay and I send you our hugs and prayers. To his sons, know you had a Great Father. Rest in peace, my Brother; many of us will not be that far behind, and if I get there I will personally apologize for not calling.

Semper fi.