WEDNESDAY’S LIST ... of beans ‘n greens ‘n other things: SO HOW did I become a not-so-famous world journalist?

Paul Cox, who was sports editor of this newspaper before I was, claims he “discovered” me standing on top of a ’49 Ford that had found its way into a ditch near Eastaboga.

I tell you that to let his legions of fans still out there know that Paul died Tuesday morning in Opelika.

He and wife Ernestine had been in ill health for a while. Ernestine left Paul a year or so back, and I think my mentor and one of the best friends I ever had was more than ready to follow.

I never knew a stronger love than Paul and Ernestine shared.

Career-wise, a very talented kid out of Guntersville set a standard for sports coverage here at The Star. He did it “one man” with a bit of part-time help. I became one of those, selling classified advertising during the week, working for Paul on the weekends.

It was a privilege. It was even more of a privilege to have called him friend. Without Paul, I doubt I’d ever have made it in a profession I love very much.

Take care, pal ...

*** BEFORE YOU head for Oxford Friday morning for your first taste of this year’s Chilton County peaches, be sure there’s plenty of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream in the fridge.

Translation there is Ken Easterling, our peach man from Chilton County, is making his first run of the season this Friday. He will be at Regions Bank in Oxford (across from the mall) at 6 a.m.

If he doesn’t sell out there, he moves to the Anniston post office around 8.

And the main reason for checking the ice cream is it takes a while to put together a hot peach cobbler, so if you are in a hurry for a taste, ice cream is instant.

‘Course you could just grab one and start munching away, but that can be a bit messy.

Anyway, happy eating ...

*** QUOTABLE: “I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved. I am not sure that you are of the same mind. But the realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave. This is the world of light and speech and I shall take leave to tell you that you are very dear to me.” -- George Eliot

You might want to read that one again ... and again.

*** A HAPPY 61st anniversary to Melvin and Frances Woodruff of Lineville.

The two held hands and said “I do” in front of Rev. B.B. Findley on May 12, 1951 ... just before Melvin headed for some scary times in the Korean War.

They’re still holding hands ...

*** BIRTHDAYS: May 10 – Virginia Johns; May 12 – Deana Middlebrook; May 14 – Dr. Buddy Smith and Nancy Hand; May 16 – Mitchell Muns; May 17 – Randy Webb, Steve Burt and Landon Wise.

*** THE SPOTLIGHT this morning shines on Faith Christian School where Gracie Huie is a star. She has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Senior Beta Club and Drama Club.

All of that has Gracie holding thousands in academic grants. Auburn University awaits on an Auburn Founders Scholarship.

Away from the books, she is equally adept in basketball and volleyball, captaining both teams in 2011-12. Honors in both sports include All-County and All-Area. She was also named to the All-Region Volleyball Team in 2011.

“Gracie is that rare young lady who possesses qualities which ensure future success, intelligence, a kind heart, beauty and a sympathetic ear,” said Headmaster Robert Phillips. “Her charity, love and faith is evidence of the Holy Spirit working through her life.”

Proud parents are Doug and Kelly Huie of Anniston.

A standing ovation is due ...

George Smith can be reached at 256-239-5286 or email: gsmith731@gmail.com