Those are the things I remember about my first homecoming in the Fall of 1983. Well, those and the personal, one on one "line-up" Ray gave me outside the tent sheltering construction of the homecoming float. While dozens worked stuffing tissues into chicken wire that cold night, several of TN Gamma's finest engineers were hard at work on the derby car. No one seemed concerned about the combined effects of tissue paper, propane heaters and the epoxy being used on the car. If I recall, the parachute the guys installed on the car worked but it didn't keep John Washington from taking a tumble during the race. The attached photo shows Kaminsky coming to his rescue. While the mixed aroma of propane, beer and epoxy have long faded, the words of "encouragement" from Ray still ring in my ears, and I am forever grateful for having heard them.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Kegs, Propane Heaters, Crepe Paper and Epoxy.
Those are the things I remember about my first homecoming in the Fall of 1983. Well, those and the personal, one on one "line-up" Ray gave me outside the tent sheltering construction of the homecoming float. While dozens worked stuffing tissues into chicken wire that cold night, several of TN Gamma's finest engineers were hard at work on the derby car. No one seemed concerned about the combined effects of tissue paper, propane heaters and the epoxy being used on the car. If I recall, the parachute the guys installed on the car worked but it didn't keep John Washington from taking a tumble during the race. The attached photo shows Kaminsky coming to his rescue. While the mixed aroma of propane, beer and epoxy have long faded, the words of "encouragement" from Ray still ring in my ears, and I am forever grateful for having heard them.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Who wouldn't buy ad space from this guy?
Ray is in total control of the Daily Beacon sales executives in this photo from 1984. Thanks to Ray, a number of Phi Delts followed his path and got the opportunity to make money in college selling ads to strip clubs, delis and bars. Ahh, those were the days.
Big Ed's
I was in Oak Ridge for business a few months ago, so I had to go have dinner at Big Ed's. It hasn't changed at all. When I walked in, I was struck that my most vivid memory was of you.
I remember it was a packed Friday night in the fall (1983), and you stood up on a table with your arms in a V-shape and yelled "Gimme a V!" And the entire restaurant roared "V" in response. Then, you took the room through all the letters until they spelled "VOLS," using your body as a visual aid for all the letters. Your letter "S" was pure performance art, but even in Anderson County, you were able to pull it off. And you kept going faster and faster until the room broke out in wild cheers.
That's when I first saw the spirit of Ray Rose up-close & personal and how infectious it was to total strangers.
I remember it was a packed Friday night in the fall (1983), and you stood up on a table with your arms in a V-shape and yelled "Gimme a V!" And the entire restaurant roared "V" in response. Then, you took the room through all the letters until they spelled "VOLS," using your body as a visual aid for all the letters. Your letter "S" was pure performance art, but even in Anderson County, you were able to pull it off. And you kept going faster and faster until the room broke out in wild cheers.
That's when I first saw the spirit of Ray Rose up-close & personal and how infectious it was to total strangers.
Spring Break 1985, Key West
Steve Harvill, Bill Martin and Trent Thurman. If I recall, that trip included 18 Phis in two Toyota Vans and Barry White's car. Non-stop drive from Knoxville to Key West.
1983...There's Ray in the middle of it all!
This was found in the University of Tennessee archives. The Tennessee archives have nothing on Harvill's portfolio of 80's images. Come on Steve...start sharing.
"You never even called me by my name"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Power of Ray Rose
My first exposure to the power of Charles Ray Rose occured approrpriately at Vic & Bill's. Most of you remember the old location on the Strip farily close to Antonio's and the $2 pitchers. As a freshman and newly pinned pledge, I knew very little about Ray other than he liked the Braves, worked at the Daily Beacon and, I believe, roomed with Dalen in the presidential suite. Anyway, on this particular night a group of us went to Vic & Bill's to not only grab a deli, but to listen to music. Remember the back room? I vaguely remember the band playing Radio Free Europe, so must have been a cover band, but whoever it was had attracted a large crowd and the line stretched to the front door. There were about ten of us I believe, so the chances of getting in were slim. Enter Ray Rose.
Ray walked up with Bill and we were immediately led to the back room and even a table. I vividly remember Ray giving each one of us a man slap on the back as we entered as the others waiting in line could only generate a wtf just happened look . At the time, I assumed it was the Beacon connection or a nice gesture for a very regular customer. The more I got to know Ray though, the more I realized it was simply Ray's personality. He wanted us all, including himself, to have a good time and wouldn't be satisifed until that was delivered.
Ray, I'm thinking about you. Don't get to0 accustomed to these syrupy sweet comments from us. You know us all too well, as soon as Harvill scans in some Tennessee Pictureman pics, the real fun will begin. Take care man.
Ray walked up with Bill and we were immediately led to the back room and even a table. I vividly remember Ray giving each one of us a man slap on the back as we entered as the others waiting in line could only generate a wtf just happened look . At the time, I assumed it was the Beacon connection or a nice gesture for a very regular customer. The more I got to know Ray though, the more I realized it was simply Ray's personality. He wanted us all, including himself, to have a good time and wouldn't be satisifed until that was delivered.
Ray, I'm thinking about you. Don't get to0 accustomed to these syrupy sweet comments from us. You know us all too well, as soon as Harvill scans in some Tennessee Pictureman pics, the real fun will begin. Take care man.
Friday, February 20, 2009
"Hey Bruddahhhhh"
Ray,
I know you were always a Vic & Bill's guy but I thought about you when I came across this old photo of Gus's Deli. If I recall, a trip to either of those fine establishments was mandatory after an evening at the two spots also pictured here. I've been thinking about you a lot and hoping for the best for you and your family. My family is praying for you and yours.
Y.I.T.B.
Tim Sellers, #426
Ray, We're all thinking about you.
This blog has been set up to allow Ray's friends to let him know we are thinking about him. Words of encouragement, embarrassing stories, incriminating photos and anything you feel Ray would enjoy seeing are welcome. If you aren't currently registered as an "author" on this blog and would like to post, please email tim@creativeinferno.com for access.
We will also be setting up a Facebook Group for those of you who prefer that sort of thing. And you can always send a personal note to Ray. His mailing address is:
Ray Rose
1104 Dale Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
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