Bittersweet: A Savage Memoir

Copyright © 2012 George M. Savage

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Cover art is a photo taken by George Savage standing outside his home in Sparta looking eastward.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7369-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7926-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012921057

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/10/2012

CONTENTS

Foreword

Chapter 1.   Life Changing Moment

Chapter 2.   Papa and Mama and My Family

Chapter 3.   Tuberculosis

Chapter 4.   Growing Up

Chapter 5.   Life with Papa

Chapter 6.   Life with Mama

Chapter 7.   The Four-R’s

Chapter 8.   Grammar School

Chapter 9.   White County High School

Chapter 10.   The Navy

Chapter 11.   Love and Marriage

Chapter 12.   A Sinner Saved by Grace

Chapter 13.   Our Children

Chapter 14.   Our Grandchildren

Chapter 15.   Friends and Friendship

Chapter 16.   Best Friend Harold Evans

Chapter 17.   Best Friends the Groce’s

Chapter 18.   Best Friend Rolly Stanford, Jr.

Chapter 19.   Best Friend Nappy

Chapter 20.   Working Years

Spartan Industries: 1950-1971

Chapter 21.   Working Years

Sutton: 1971—1979

Chapter 22.   Working Years

Russ Togs/Sutton Shirt: 1979—1991

Chapter 23.   Working Years

River States, Inc: 1992—2005

Chapter 24.   My Associates

The Best of the Best

Chapter 25.   Health

Chapter 26.   The Rescue Mission

Chapter 27.   Wheels

Chapter 28.   Travels

Chapter 29.   My Ancestry

My Immediate Family

Chapter 30.   My Ancestry

Mama’s Family

Chapter 31.   My Ancestry

Papa’s Family

Chapter 32.   Family Tributes to George

Chapter 33.   Tributes from Friends

When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore

God put a rainbow in the cloud…

Just to lead his children to the Promised Land

God put a rainbow in the cloud…

Just to prove his promise to the sons of men

God put a rainbow in the cloud…

—Kitty Wells, When God put a Rainbow in the Cloud

WHITE COUNTY AREA

1.   Greenwood & Old Home Place

2.   Barger Mountain, Doyle School & Red Terry’s

3.   Hodges Bridge

4.   White Co. High School

5.   Sutton Shirt Company

6.   Sutton Distribution Center & 111 Warehouse

7.   Current Home

Praise for George M. Savage

I had to talk George into asking all of you to write a few lines about him for his book. As you know, in his humble and self-deprecating way, he would never fish for compliments and was hesitant to ask. But I’m so happy he did. Here is just a sample of what he got—tributes to his own life and how he has touched everyone who knows him. These tributes are a large part of who he is and are testaments to his life which is, after all, what this book is all about.

Each and every one of your letters has touched him. As the words of an old song go, you have given him his roses while he still lives. Bless you for that.

Because this book would not have been possible without Helen, her complete letter is printed here. We have pulled quotes from others, and you can read them in their entirety in the Tribute chapters.

Carolyn Marhoover

Dear Joe,

Thank you for being such a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. I am very blessed to share your life with you. You are an incredible man and I feel like one of the luckiest women in the world to have been given such a love. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have wished for more than what you have given me.

I’m most grateful for the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that we have together been blessed with. By example, you taught them about love, honor and faithfulness. They are my pride and joy and they make my life complete. I live my life for you and these children and, of course, my Heavenly Father, from whom all blessings flow. I thank Him for sending you to Spencer that long-ago day where destiny brought us together.

I’m so proud of you for writing your memoir. It will be a legacy to our children and grandchildren. They will see what strong tough stock they have sprung from. The chapters we’ve created in our life are many. Life is not always a bed of roses, but the bumps in the road made us stronger. As you said in your book, our bond of love has held us together.

Thank you, Joe, for being such a wonderful man in all our lives.

Love,

Jo

There are many things that I could say about my Dad—the main point is that he loves his family…I am reminded of a bumper sticker that was on my old red truck that said, American by birth, Southern by the grace of God. I want you to know that I’m greatly proud to be born in the South, but being born to my parents is my grace from God….

—Mark Savage

I appreciate the years and years of very hard work. I know that you did that for us…You all have taught me by example to put my family first. I hope that my children are learning the same…

—Cindy Savage Parks

When my dad died nineteen years ago, George said that he couldn’t take Daddy’s place, but would like to be the father for me in his absence. He has been that and so much more.

—Pam Savage

…I have been truly blessed to have George as a father-in-law and a friend. There are many things I admire and appreciate about him….Many of my boys’ positive qualities have been taught, inspired by, or inherited from George…George has had a lot of calves to take care of, and he has cared for all of them (us) with a love and generosity that is hard to forget.

—Keith Parks

I know a man that sees me both as the man I am and the kid I once was. This man isn’t George Savage to me—he is my grandfather—a man I am proud to call Papa.

—Jonathan Savage

I have learned so much from watching and listening to you and Dad. I could never learn much from a book, but I could usually figure it out on my own or with a little help from you.

—Jake Savage

Even though I’m not perfect, Papa’s love is always there…I just hope that when I have grandkids that they will look up to me as much as I do to you. And I hope I can be at least half the man you are.

—Jody Savage

He has always been the head, stronghold, and glue to our family; and with this, I want to thank George Savage for being the BEST PAPA this girl could ask for! I love you!

—Jenny Savage

He is a kind and caring man. He would do anything for anybody, and I get the privilege and honor to call him Papa.

—Julie Savage

I can’t tell you how much more complete an individual I am simply because of all the things that you have shown and told me in my life.

—Jack Parks

You have always treated me and the rest of your family with kindness, respect, and love…I will always be grateful for the wonderful memories that I have had in your company…There are so many things I love about spending time with you that it would be impossible to name them all.

—Houston Parks

From learning to drive to roaming the farm with Papa, I can’t stress how important it has been in my development as a person and how I try to live my life…Some of my best memories early in life were spent at Papa’s house…I wouldn’t trade those times for anything.

—Will Parks

I have always enjoyed coming to visit you in Tennessee…. I’m so thankful for all the time you have spent with me, all the knives you have given me, and all the things you have taught me.

—Reed Parks

I know that George and Haskell, without expecting anything in return, have given a helping hand in the lives of others who have not been as fortunate…. George, you’re one of a kind, and I hope and pray that I have many more years to share time with you.

—Sally J. Savage

We try and stay with our tradition of spending Christmas with the family in Tennessee…it is my time to hear stories about my dad, about the history of our family, and just being close to Uncle George, like he said we should, keeps my dad alive in me.

—Nikki Savage.

Some people touch our lives in unexpected ways. You were one of those people. I know you were one of Harold’s closest confidents and friends.

—Mrs. Harold (Peggy) Evans

In a lifetime, you might meet one or two people that you can say, I trust this man with my life. George has been that person to me. He is a man with great integrity, work ethic and compassion for other people. Truly a great friend.

—Frank Scuderi

No one I know is a better leader, and the success you have had affirms that…There are many things that left a lasting impression on me. Your honesty, integrity, and family values are some. But the one thing that left the biggest impression on me….was your complete faith in God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

—Herbert M. Gregory

George, you were the best supervisor and boss I ever had…. George was the same every time you saw him. He treated you with great respect…. George you were a great boss, and I will always remember you for being so nice to me during my employment with you.

—Hugh Groce

George proved himself as a man of real integrity and honesty. A man whose advice you could seek and be safe in following. A man you could look up to.

—Jack Winningham

George Savage continues today to be a close personal friend as well as a continued business partner, even though we are both fifty (or more) years older than when we started out. Many friendships/partnerships do not survive over such a period of time as we have and still enjoy the friendship we have to this day.

—W. J. Poss

If you want to know of George Savage’s achievements, hard work, generosity, contributions to family, church, and those in need, you won’t hear it from him…. As you consider George Savage, remember the words of the Bible: By their works will you know them…

–Bruce Vaughn

George, your friendship and Helen’s is one of life’s treasures. Your Christian influence, the way you’ve raised your beautiful family, your genuine kindness and generosity throughout your lifetime, not only to friends, but to any one in need, is an example all of us would do well to follow.

—Johnny and Jeanne Judd

George was always there when a major problem came up, but he made sure to get all the details before he rushed into a decision…. Over the years, George has been a great asset to Pickett County by helping create more jobs…. He has had quite an influence on our lives by helping in any way he could.

—Joyce and Paul Moles

I shall always be grateful and thankful for what Byrds Manufacturing and Sutton Shirt Corporation have done for me and my family. They have helped us to have a better way of life…. And, George, again, let me say thank you for all you have done for me and my family. May God bless you and yours always.

—Caleb R. Thrasher and Family

…he became a personal friend of the Rescue Mission and later a member of the board of directors, where he continues to be supportive with his wisdom and finances. Betty and I are fortunate to call George and Helen Savage our friends.

—Bro. Larry Self

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To my dear wife, Helen, who encouraged me to write my memoir, I’m greatly indebted. She helped me recall events and spent hours going through pictures. I couldn’t have done this without her help.

To all the friends, children, and grandkids for the encouragement they gave. I’m truly thankful. Special gratitude to Jonathan for patiently answering my cry for help in keeping my computer running and for printing the numerous pages of the drafts—you kept me sane.

To Carolyn Marhoover, my editor, whom we met by luck, thanks to the Cumberland County Playhouse, for all the help she gave editing my crude style of writing. She is a professional in every respect. Helen and I were pondering who would help with the book, and although chance brought us together, we couldn’t have found a better writer and editor. Thank you.

For each one who wrote a tribute, I am blessed to have such good friends. I thank you and will never forget you. I was humbled by your remarks.

This is really a book for my grandkids. I hope by reading it, each one will gain some insight into their grandfather. Although Jackson and Peyton are too young now, I hope they will enjoy it when they become older.

I love my family without reservation: my wife, Helen; my kids, Mark, Cindy, Pam and Keith; my grandkids, Jonathan, Jacob, Mary Ann, Jody, Jenny, Julie, Jack, Will, Houston, Reed, Jackson and Peyton.

God bless you all.

George

For now we see through a glass darkly,

but then face to face: now I know in part;

but then shall I know even as also I am known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

Where the race of men go by -

They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,

Wise, foolish - so am I.

Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat

Or hurl the cynic’s ban?

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

—Sam Walter Foss

Farewell, farewell! but this I tell

To thee, thou Wedding-Guest!

He prayeth well, who loveth well

Both man and bird and beast.

He prayeth best, who loveth best

All things both great and small;

For the dear God who loveth us

He made and loveth all.

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge

FOREWORD

I’m always moved by the autumn time of the year. I’m inspired by the brilliant harvest colors of orange, red and gold. As the days grow shorter and the air grows crisper, it’s testament to the fact that we reap the fruitions of our labor. So goes my own life. At this autumnal season of my life, I am giving myself permission to move at a more relaxed pace. To stop and just breathe. Breathe in my family, my friends and the heartening experience of simply being. Of all the experiences in my life, the most endearing are those I’ve shared with family and friends.

As I sit and ponder the events in my life, I realize I have blanks in my early childhood memories. I regret I didn’t seek more information about my family while there was still time. Now it’s too late. My parents, my grandparents, my brothers and sisters and many other relatives, loved ones and acquaintances are gone. And sadly, gone along with them are their stories. I have to rely on what I can unlock in my own mind to piece together parts of my past.

Life’s milestones are enriched when shared with those we love. So, by George, here is my story. Just as I remember it. I give it to you my precious wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all future generations of the Savage clan. I hope it will help you understand who you are and where you come from. I hope it will serve as a catalyst to remind you to ask the questions I didn’t ask. I hope you will keep the memories alive by telling your own stories.

George

Don’t put off ‘till tomorrow what you can do today.

1

Life Changing Moment

Don’t put off ‘till tomorrow what you can do today. It’s been over a decade since a life-changing event happened to me in 1999 prompting me to begin writing my memoir. I always planned to sit down with Haskell, my elder brother by eight years, and ask him what he remembered about our parents, our grandparents, their lives, our home—a thousand questions. But we just never seemed to get around to it. Although I had many struggles and triumphs in my life, the unexpected death of Haskell, my big brother, pierced my heart. It left me shaken, shocked and brokenhearted. My unasked questions went unanswered and they continue to plague me to this day.

HASKELL W. SAVAGE

I arrived in Hong Kong for a business meeting on October 23, 1999. I remember the date well because it was the day before my birthday and the date I would receive dreadful news. My trip to Hong Kong took almost thirty-six hours. I missed my connection in Seoul, South Korea, and encountered an extended layover that added another twelve hours to my trip. By the time I arrived at the Hong Kong Royal Gardens Hotel, I wasn’t even fair-to-middlin’ and fell into bed for some much needed sleep.

Just after I woke up from a short nap, my telephone rang. My first thought was that on the other end of the line, I would find my brother, Haskell. Haskell never missed calling me on my birthday; and while it was only the twenty-third in the States, it was the twenty-fourth in Hong Kong. But when I picked up the receiver and said hello, it was to my best friend and business partner, Harold Evans. He wanted to come over to see me. I was somewhat surprised because we had not planned to meet until the next day. I invited Harold over and thought we would just sit a spell and maybe go over our agenda for our meetings. I had no sense of foreboding of the news Harold would bring.

When Harold arrived, we exchanged the usual friendly greetings and then, as gently as he could, Harold related to me that he had received a phone call from my son, Mark. He told me that William Haskell had passed away. At first, I thought that this was not possible—it wasn’t real. As unjustified as it was, I felt almost angry at my friend for being the bearer of such unbearable news. But after what seemed like an eon of silence, it hit me hard that it wasn’t a dream—it was