MEMORIES OF A GOOD MAN
BY DAN MILLER
August 3, 2006
I've received literally hundreds of emails since the death of Paul Eells... and I want to share a few.
Most have come from Tennessee and Arkansas..... with others from Texas, California, Missouri, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Alabama, Colorado and a few from other states.
They offer a hint of the astonishing impact this man had on people here in Tennessee, even though he left 28 years ago.... and make clear why the governor of Arkansas has asked that flags be flown at half-staff on Friday, to honor a fallen sportscaster.
So far, I've read every email, but it may take quite some time for me to reply to each one.
If you don't get a response from me for awhile, I hope you'll understand.
Here are a few snippets:
I was a teenager when Paul was with Channel 4. My own father, rest his soul, was never interested in sports, and for the early years of my life, I didn't have much of an understanding of them.
As I entered my teen years, I began to understand more about the world and began to regularly watch the news. Paul Eells' enthusiasm for sports was contagious.
He made every day's sportscast interesting... with not just the scores, but his own unique insight.
Now, knocking on the door of age 50, I still carry the interest Paul sparked in me over 35 years ago.
Charles - Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
Our news stations, radio and TV, have been flooded with Paul Eells stories of kindness and genuineness and, unlike much of the news that is overplayed, no one is complaining.
No one has had a bad word about him - what a legacy. Please let your state know we cherish all he stood for.
Sherry - Arkansas
I came to a sense of trust and almost awe of his persona. He will be truly missed.
From all of the HOG fans, one final tribute to Paul:
TOUCHDOWN ARKANSAS!!! OH MY!!!
Gregg - Arkansas
I officiate college basketball and I live in Arkansas. That afforded me the opportunity to meet and talk with Paul many times. He was a truly good and decent man among all of us.
Mark - Arkansas
If I close my eyes, I can see my Dad w/ballcap, sitting in the chair watching you and Paul.
Pam - Nashville
At a time when all you had was radio and maybe a game on the weekend, he was the face and voice of Vanderbilt University. That may not sound like much to most, but to a young boy that lived in a rural area, who had never been to Memorial Gym, it was as good as it got.
We should all wish to have had an impact on people's lives like Mr. Eells had.
Neil - Tennessee
I don't know if you all at Channel 4 and the other stations realize the impact you have on people's memories. I could hear Paul Eells' voice and be transported back to being 16 years old, growing up in Goodlettsville, a very different time and place than today.
My parents are gone now, the house is sold, I don't have the heart to go by and see it.
I only have that feeling of home when I hear a familiar voice.
Randy - Memphis
It was about 1997. I was a 20 year old kid working behind the counter of a local Little Rock golf course, trying to work my way through college. Paul had a standing Tuesday morning round at my course. I remember the first time he came in.
Of course, I knew him and I introduced myself. "Hello Mr. Eells. I'm Matthew Jackson, it's a pleasure to meet you." He was very gracious.
My work schedule changed for about a month. So I missed Tuesday mornings for about 4 weeks. But then I got moved back to Tuesday morning.
That first Tuesday morning back, here comes Paul at his regular time. He walks in the door and exclaims, "Matthew, how have you been, I've been missing you."
Wow.... I was just a kid at a golf course, and he remembered.
Matthew - Little Rock
I know it is no consolation, but the entire state of Arkansas is grieving. The entire three hour sports call in shows yesterday were all about Paul. Everyone who knew him or had come in contact with him spoke of his graciousness and kindness. There were over 3 million hits on Channel 7's website stories about Paul yesterday, and today the top 5 stories were about Paul.
Charley - Arkansas
We used to mute the television during Razorback games so we could turn up the radio and listen to Paul.
Mike - Arkansas
I remember, as do most of that day, the sounds of "rebound Freeman, kicks it out to Fowler, to Ford, to Feher, to Fosnes for the layup! Holy smokes, what a play!!!"
As I heard the announcement on the radio here in Montgomery, Alabama yesterday morning, my heart skipped a beat, a tear came to my eye, and a little part of me died.
David - Montgomery, Alabama
I was the women's tennis coach at the U. of A. when Paul came on the scene for us over there.
You are absolutely right in all you say about him - a true gentleman and a giving one.
Deb - McKenzie, Tenn.
I guess the Lord needed an exceptional sportscaster and human being.
Len - Mt. Juliet
I remember vividly his last broadcast. I had a cousin who was getting married that day.
I was holding on to see him one more time on Channel 4 while my wife was urging me out the door so we wouldn't be late for the wedding.
Whenever I think of that day I smile, even though he was leaving for Arkansas.
Buddy - Columbia, Tenn.
I am a resident of Arkansas. I have never known Arkansas sports without Paul Eells.
I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years ago at a Razorbacks game in Little Rock.
It was my first game ever. Mr. Eells took about 30 minutes to stand outside War Memorial stadium with me just talking about our beloved Razorbacks. I knew that he must have been so busy that day, but he took time to genuinely talk with me. He did not look at his watch, he did not look away, he looked at me and talked to me like he and I were old friends.
My heart is broken today.
Tammy - Arkansas
Paul was quoted recently, stating that "I am at the tail-end of a mediocre career."
Such humbleness from such a great man.
Saturdays in Arkansas will never be the same.
P. Alan - Hot Springs, Ark.
Heaven's a little friendlier today.
Ron - Nashville
Amen brother.
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