On a recent visit to Andalusia for a few days’ stay, we asked a few citizens, “Do you know our nephew, Ronnie Kilgore?” A strong and direct answer from all of them was, “Yes, but don’t tell anyone.” This guy seems to be everywhere taking care of his insurance adjusting business, seeing about his “Mom” (my youngest sister), keeping his collection of antique cars (and all other club member’s) at “the ready” for a very interesting and beautiful antique car show.

Ronnie invited us to come over with our camper the weekend of Sept. 17 and set up camp at the Kiwanis Covington Co. Sports/Recreation Complex and act as their security guard for the event on this date. We agreed to be there, and boy, what a time this was. A good one, I mean. Seeing folks we didn’t know since we moved from Andalusia 47 years ago, after living there 13 years and pursuing my lifetime career with Sherwin-Williams. I learned fast to ask, “Who was your dad?” Then I was able to “put them in place with their family.”

As we approached our destination and campsite inside the complex on the south side bypass connecting “US 29 and 55,” we were struck with awe and envy. We in Ozark enjoy adequate places to play and recreate, but nothing like what you have there . . . blessed!

When we retired from the paint business early in life in 1985, we had a burning desire to return to our “roots” in Andalusia, Red Level, Gantt and Buck Creek area. However, since our roots now run deep in the Wiregrass, Ozark-Dothan area, we decided to remain here in Ozark. Our sons, grandchildren and now a great-grandson live in Dothan, and so we just couldn’t move away from them.

We do carry a lot of fond memories of that beautiful city called Andalusia. But most importantly, our dear friends we left behind. Some we haven’t seen in so long and others we’ll never see again until we’re reunited with them in Heaven. So many that I could never name them here for lack of space and memory (sure to leave someone important out).

If this gets in your paper I want to say “thank you” for letting me share “the road of nostalgia” with you and your readers.

Sincerely,

Jesse L. Sharpe

Ozark, AL

P. S. I would be amiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the Oscar W. Andress family. Oscar and I opened that Sherwin-Williams store there in 1951. His wife, Janis, taught our children.

So many dedicated employees, such as Ham Curry, Doles Ganus, Mary Frances Scherf and others.