McGee: Former boss was a bright light

Along life's journey there are people we'll always remember.

For me, Mr. Hewel Jones was one of those folks. I couldn't tell you everything I learned from him, but the bottom line was to be straightforward, have manners, class and a sense of humor.

I worked for Mr. Jones for nine years. He sold his radio stations a couple of years ago.

Many a supervisor I'd worked for felt that getting angry when mistakes happened was the way to go. Mr. Jones wasn't that way.

Like the time over a dozen years ago when a big ol' snowstorm blanketed the area. It got really heavy about the time kids were going to school so the folks who make such decisions suddenly cancelled classes.

I was doing my radio job when a listener called in, irate because their kid was already out the door and the school closure was a huge inconvenience.

For some reason the person thought I had just decided to cancel classes. Me. The disc jockey. I'm serious.

The person could not be reasoned with.

Then they started questioning my intelligence and my parentage.

Now you can insult me but don't insult my momma. And back then I MAY have been more of a hothead.

So I said some things that maybe I oughtn't of.

They hung up.

Later they called back to talk with Mr. Jones.

"He said WHAT?" said Mr. Jones as I stopped by his door. "No. That's horrible. Well as soon as I hang up the phone I'll fire him."

The call ended and Mr. Jones turned to me and asked me if I'd said thus-and-so.

"Yes sir," I said. "And I'm sorry, my emotions got the better of me."

Mr. Jones laughed.

"Well," he said. "Don't do it again."

Mr. Jones "went on to Glory" a few days ago.

I'll always remember him as a bright light on my journey of life.

Grant McGee is a long-time broadcaster and former truck driver who rides bicycles and likes to talk about his many adventures on the road of life.

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