A ‘giant’ of a man

BECky Holland
The Americus Times-Recorder

January 05, 2009 11:46 pm

— Monday morning, I was talking to another newspaper person on the phone concerning the loss of Dr. Henry King Stanford, when we were discussing the health of Griffin Bell.
As we were talking on the phone, I happened to go to a different newspaper’s website, and there under late breaking news was the announcement of Bell’s death.
We were both silent as we allowed the news of the former U.S. Attorney General’s death sink in. Though it was expected, due to Bell’s ill health, the loss of such a man is worth more than a moment of silence.
I sat and read the zillions of reports about Judge Bell, his accomplishments through the years, his honors, awards and the offices he held.
I listened as different people, local and not, talked about Judge Bell and how he influenced their lives.
David Hudson, chief counsel for the Georgia Press Association, as well as possible, one of Bell’s many protégés, said it best, “We lost a giant.”
Through my short time here at the Times-Recorder, I had not had the pleasure of interviewing Judge Bell, though I had attended a few functions where he was either being honored or honoring someone. In fact, once, he passed by me (and several others) in his wheelchair, and extended his hand. The handshake I received was not one that I have come to expect from anyone of Judge Bell’s reported declining health and age.
His handshake was firm, strong and full of confidence, even though it was obvious that his age and failing health were taking over his body, and that twinkle in his eye was very evident, and the smile magnetic.
I have been told that when a person shakes your hand firmly it means that person is someone who is glad to meet you, someone who wants to get to know you, wants to be your friend, etc.
And, when a person shakes your hand limply, you know, only grabbing part of it instead of the whole hand, and not gripping it hard, he says that person is not comfortable with you, does not trust you, and does not want to get to know you, and only shakes hands because they have to.
Not so in the case of Judge Bell.
South Georgia Technical College President Sparky Reeves and I both agreed that it seemed like Bell was strong as ever, even during his last days. In fact, Reeves said, “he was very steady and grounded.”
In a statement released by the Georgia Southwestern State University Public Relations Department, I found that not only did Bell graduate from GSW, he was a continued supporter of his alma mater. In 2008, Bell helped raise nearly $500,000 for GSW at a university golf course naming ceremony in his honor.
I remember attending that event. Judge Bell was sitting in his wheelchair on the stage, next to GSW’s President, Kenneth Blanchard. As different ones made presentations regarding Judge Bell, you could see Bell squirming a little bit.
At first, I wasn’t sure why — maybe Judge Bell was tired of sitting still so long?
As another speaker, and I must admit I forget who it was, praised Bell for his many contributions to the community, I realized the judge was looking at me, or maybe he was gazing at the wall above my head, where I stood.
When he caught my eye, his grin was infectious and his eyes seemed to roll, and he nodded toward the speaker shaking his head.
I thought at first I was dreaming. Was Judge Bell poking fun at the speaker, or was he tired of hearing about himself?
It was the latter. When it was his turn to speak, Judge Bell, in so many words or less, said, “As much as I thank you for your kind words, I must say, I don’t deserve any of this, I am just a man, just me.” And he was sincere, for then, he turned the tables on those there to honor him, and began to honor them.
Though I may not have known him personally, and some of you may not have either, we do live in a community where the influence of Griffin Bell can be felt from scholarships to buildings to signs to people.
Griffin Bell gave a part of himself to everyone he met, even if it was in the briefest of moments for a handshake.
And I am glad I had that moment.

Becky Holland is news and education editor for the Americus Times-Recorder. She can be reached at becky.holland@gaflnews.com or 924-2751.