Part 3 in the “Sayings” series was on hold until I read a Walking in Grace devotional on May 7th. Rick Hamlin included a quip that was begging to be shared. As he and his siblings were growing up their mother would sometimes remark, “It’s a good thing none of you are too good-looking because that way you develop your personality.”

Whether Mrs. Hamlin originated that jestful line or borrowed it, I don’t know. Either way, it prompted a review of my scribbled notes of sayings.   

“Keep on keeping on” was a regular comment of Mr. Hardin Hodge, a Henderson resident who frequented Unadilla. Our family listened to his Sunday morning program on WCEH Radio in Hawkinsville. That four-word jewel was his parting phrase. 

Charlie Hill was the station’s popular anchor who was heard throughout Middle Georgia. Other announcers were also high-caliber professionals. Mr. Hardin, on the other hand, had no particular qualifications for radio that I’m aware of.

Somehow, though, he became host of a gospel music show, probably by convincing sponsors it was an essential ministry. Selling was as easy for Mr. Hardin as putting on shoes, a product he marketed from a B. A. Mason catalog. A late friend of his said Hardin could sell anything if he could stay sober.  

Whatever he lacked in media training was offset by his resonant voice and abundant confidence. Confidence, infused with charm and humor, is what allowed him to spend a month in the luxury suite of a New Orleans hotel on credit.

The version I heard during childhood is that he presented himself so well they were delighted to have him as a guest. When management became concerned about the mounting bill, he cheerfully wrote them a check and paid two-weeks in advance. It took 14 days for the check to be returned, further extending his classy accommodations and fine cuisine.

 I wish I had asked Mr. Hardin about that adventure. He would have shared the tale with flourish, readily embracing entertainment over factual inconvenience.

After the hotel discovered he had no means to pay, Sheriff Willie King of Dooly County drove to New Orleans to bring him home. Mr. Warren Hodge, an affluent businessman of impeccable character, probably arranged to get his younger brother home, but that’s just speculation.

 On the ride back to Georgia, Sheriff King realized he didn’t have enough money for gas. Mr. Hardin assured him there was no need to worry.  He said, “Willie, if you’ll stop at a bank in the next town I’ll cash us a check.”

Unadilla’s F.F.A. String Band went to Dublin in 1968 to put on a country-music show at the Veterans Administration Hospital. I rode in the car with Mr. Charles Hambrick, who had been involved in planning the outing. 

We took our band equipment to a big open room where a dozen men were setting up chairs. Much to my surprise Mr. Hardin was in charge and was testing a microphone. He paused his supervision long enough to offer us a warm welcome.

At first I thought he might be working with the V.A., but soon learned he was a patient. He was dealing with alcohol issues, something which plagued him much of his life. As jovial as ever, he could not have been a more gracious host. My guess is Mr. Hardin put the show together and commandeered Charles Hambrick to handle transportation.

Several other sayings are in my notes, so maybe I’ll get around to another sequel. My plans were to cover a dozen or so today, but memories of Hardin Hodge got me sidetracked.

In my youthful eyes he was a lovable scoundrel whose silver tongue matched his shining hair. He was by no means considered a pillar of the community, yet folks seemed to enjoy his company, accept his shortcomings, and value his friendship. Or maybe that’s just what a young kid wanted to believe and still does.

Whatever the case, there’s no denying he gave good advice on Sunday mornings. When challenges have surfaced over the years, whether big or small, I’ve often recalled his winsome smile and revisited that notable line. 

And as my too-honest mirror increasingly reflects opportunities for developing personality, I’m glad I can still hear Mr. Hardin’s mellow voice as he signed off the air. “Keep on keeping on.”                 

Sage Hardin Hodge – September 23, 1916 – September 12, 1982