Gathering of the Classes

Blake "Kilo" Watts - Wednesday, March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T21:17:00.000-04:00

Hickory, NC
Blake Watts

"That Watts boy is some ... ballplayer," (Frank) Howard growled. "He gained 210 yards against us and scored a touchdown today. They oughtta call that boy Kilo - Kilo Watts -- 'cause he's about a live wire if I ever saw one."

Helen Kirkley, Blake, O'Zella Williams & Dargan Watts

From Dargan: Thanks to all of you for your kind words and prayers during our trying time and I'm sorry to say that my brother, Blake passed away at approx. 3:30 this afternoon. Funeral services have not been announced, but the service will be Saturday afternoon in Hickory, N.C.

Jane and I plan to leave Thursday afternoon and head in that direction. At this time, we do not know anything else.

Thanks again and God Bless!

The Watts Family

Blake 'Kilo' Watts - Bishopville High School Graduate Class of 1944

2010-02-24T22:02:00.003-05:00

(this article will be continued below)
In the above article John Griffin of the Charlotte Observer wrote: "It was late in the afternoon of Sept. 17, 1949, and a big Clemson Tiger team had just demolished the Blue Hose of Presbyterian College. At his press conference afterward, coach Frank Howard commended the Blue Hose, especially the great full back, Blake Watts.

"That Watts boy is some ... ballplayer," Howard growled. "He gained 210 yards against us and scored a touchdown today. They oughtta call that boy Kilo - Kilo Watts -- 'cause he's about a live wire if I ever saw one."

Ever since that day Blake Watts is known as 'Kilo Watts' to everybody. My wife and I can certainly attest to the fact that Kilo Watts is a 'live wire' to this day! We witnessed him on the dance floor during the Gathering of the Classes Reunion at Bishopville's Opera House Saturday night, February 13, 2010 and we have the pictures to prove it!!!!

While in high school Blake Watts was known as the 'Bishopville Breeze' according to Nancy Griffith, Archives & Special Collections, James H. Thomason Library, Presbyterian College, Newberry, SC.

"In 1949 at PC, running as a split-T fullback, Blake averaged 7.4 yards per carry (which is still a single season record at PC) and amassed 856 total yards on 116 attempts from scrimmage. There were nine games that year, including games against Clemson, the Citadel, Furman and Davidson. Blake was named second team All-South Carolina, honorable mention for Little All-American, and was on the All-America Pi Kappa Alpha team. He ran track his first three years, and was the state champion in the 440-yard dash. He was also a wrestler during his sophomore year. On campus he was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, president of his sophomore and junior classes, vice-president of his senior class, chairman of the Honor System during his junior year and a representative on the student council. He was a member of the International Relations Club his last years in school. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity. He graduated in 1951."

"In the 1948 season", records show that he was "referred to as Blake Watts, 'Scooter' Watts and 'Wildman Watts'." The 'Wildman Watts' moniker apparently began while Blake was running track in 1949. According to Griffith, PC records show that Blake ran 66 yards in the last seven minutes of the game against Clemson in 1949, scoring the PC's first points against the Tigers for the past six years.

Also, according to Ms Griffith, Blake was also known as "Scooter" during both the 1948 football and 1949 track seasons, but it was the game against the Tigers that Blake gained the admiration of Clemson's legendary coach Frank Howard. "This is from the student newspaper (PC's), The Blue Stocking, Sept. 24, 1949: 'The Blue Stocking attack revolves around a lightning backfield, headed by Blake 'Kilo'Watts of Bishopville. Watts turned into a wisp of wind to burn up the Clemson turf last Saturday night - to the count of 133 flying yards racked up personally by his fleet toes." "Howard (Clemson coach Frank Howard) probably shallowed his chew when Blake Watts swept past his notorious line and outran his big Orange secondary. It was the first time the Hose had scored on the farmers since 1943 and it brought a great ovation from the 16,000 spectators."

The Third Gathering of the Classes - Snowy and Showy ! !

2010-02-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

I want to take a moment to thank Judy 'Kelley' Leach, Joyce 'Driggers' Bramlett and Irene 'Reames' Lewis for their hard work in contacting everyone on our lists; not once, not twice, but several times giving former classmates every opportunity to attend the third Gathering of the Classes Reunion Celebration.

A special thank you to the husbands, Allen, Luther and Skip for staying out of their hair during these past months.

Despite the 4 to 6 inches of beautiful soft fluffy snow that greeted former classmates, your efforts were rewarded with a super turnout for both the Early Bird Mixer, Friday 12, 2010 at the South Carolina Cotton Museum and next days dedication of the National Register for Historic Places marker on the front lawn of Bishopville High School on North Main Street.

What a backdrop for that special moment in history!

Saturday evening's Gathering of the Classes Reunion event was well attended and everyone seemed to be having fun. Both Friday's and Saturdays reunion events were catered by Back Porch Catering (Jean 'Lowe' Broadway, Chris O'Kelley and company) and they deserve to be recognized for their effort. The food was exceptional and received many compliments. Thanks Jean and Chris!

Once again B.J. Caughman and the Creations Band were fantastic, playing many of the oldies and favorites. Hank Martin and the New Jaybirds (assembled especially for the night) gave everyone a special performance.

I hope everyone had fun. More pictures will be added to the ones I posted in the side bar. Thanks for your support.

I was especially pleased that my good friend, Cleve Masad made the trip back to his hometown. While here he was able to see many of his former classmates, some of who he had not seen for over fifty years. A special reunion was had in Columbia with his brother, Father Fred Masad. I was delighted to be reunited with Freddie too! We were even able to assemble 'The Three Amigos" once again. Chuck Selkinghaus, Cleve and me. It's funny how we picked right up with our craziness as if it were just yesterday that we parted.

It was hard to see him leave but Cleve is heading back to his wife, children and pets. Thanks Britt and family, for sharing Clebo with us. You are loved and will be missed back here Buddy!

I can imagine how everyone must feel as they headed back home.... memories! It was great to renew them wasn't it!!!!!

Open Invitation

2010-02-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

Announcement

The Friends of Bishopville High School request the honor of your presence Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 2pm on the front lawn of the former Bishopville High School on North Main Street.

The purpose is the unveiling of a National Register of Historical Places Marker commemorating to all, who pass through Bishopville's North entrance corridor on U.S. Highway 15, the historically significant role Bishopville High School had in the development of Bishopville and Lee County.

We anticipate the presence of local and state dignitaries as well as local community leaders.

SUPRISE EVENT PLANNED FOR THE GATHERING OF THE CLASSES

2010-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

I love doing this.... dangling the carrot!

No hints so don't ask!

Just be at the Gathering of the Classes Reunion February 12, 13 and 14th....

This surprise is really something special to all who attended our Grand Old Alma Mater!!!

Gathering of the Classes III Reunion - February, 2010 - Opera House Bishopville

2009-10-13T10:02:00.004-04:00

(NOTICE: WE ANTICIPATE THIS EVENT TO BE STANDING ROOM ONLY SO GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN EARLY)

October 2009

Dear Former Students of Bishopville High School,

You are cordially invited to attend the widely anticipated Gathering of the Classes III Reunion Celebration in Bishopville, South Carolina, the weekend of February 12, 13 and 14, 2010.

Celebration activities are as follows:
Friday - February 12, 2010
Early Bird Mixer - Cotton Museum 6pm-9pm
Registration, Music by JP the DJ (John Patterson Class of 1960), Food buffet style
Saturday – February 13, 2010
Registration and Gathering of the Classes Reunion Celebration at the historic Opera House on main street downtown Bishopville - 6pm-12pm, Entertainment by B J Caughman and the Creations, Surprise Guest Entertainment, Wet Bar, Food Buffet style
SUNDAY – February 14, 2010
Memorial Worship Service in honor of our deceased classmates… Location to be announced

Reservation Fee: $35.00 for singles; $55.00 for couples.
Make checks out to:
Gathering of the Classes

Mail to:
John Reames
10 Long Barn Court
Sumter, SC 29154-4667

All reservations must be prepaid and postmarked no later than February 1, 2010. (Tickets to be held at the door) NO ADMISSIONS AT THE DOOR. Please make your reservations early. Prepaid reservations will be refunded, minus 10 % of the ticket price if cancelled before February 1, 2010.

Note: For our golfer classmates (ladies and gents) we invite you to join with other diehard golfers on the links at the Bishopville Country Club, Saturday morning February 13. Please let us know at the time you reserve your tickets to the reunion if you plan to golf.

Direct any questions to:

Johnny Reames
Phone: 803.720.5007
E-mail:
johnreames@sc.rr.com
Official Internet Website:
http://natives-of-lee-county-south-carolina.blogspot.com/

2010 Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala

2009-08-30T10:50:00.001-04:00

2010 Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala

The following dates have been set for the upcoming Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala in Bishopville, SC.

Feb 12, 2010 Early Bird Mixer - Cotton Museum - Bishopville, SC;

Feb 13, 2010 Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala - Opera House - Bishopville, SC

Feb 14, 2010 Memorial Services for our deceased classmates - Location tba - Bishopville, SC

The fees for the three day event are as follows:
$35 Singles
$55 Couples

Make your checks payable to Gathering of the Classes.

Mail to:
John Reames

10 Long Barn Court

Sumter, SC 29154

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

BHS Class leaders from all years (1937 - 2000), it is your responsibility to get this information to your fellow classmates.

If you ever walked the halls of Bishopville High School as a student, administrator, teacher or employee you are invited. It doesn't matter if you were only there for a short time we want you to attend. There are so many missing people ! ! ! We are struggling to locate them and we really need your help. If you know of someone who has ties to BHS and they are roaming around in or near your neighborhood tell them about the Gathering or let us know so that we can contact them.

If you need more information e-mail me at:
johnreames@sc.rr.com

You may also call me at: 803-720-5007

Where Are They Now?

2009-07-21T16:02:00.002-04:00

Bishopville Native Dan F. Laney, III is a partner in the law firm Rogers & Hardin located in the International Tower on Peachtree Street, NE in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Bishopville High School in the years 1968 thru 1970, and graduated from Robert E. Lee Academy in 1973.

Dan has practiced law since 1980 with a practice emphasis in complex business litigation, including trial and appellate work, arbitrations and mediations. He represents clients in securities actions and arbitrations, insurance and insurance brokerage disputes, securities regulatory matters, employment restrictive covenant disputes, shareholders derivative actions and complex business litigation.

Mr. Laney is admitted to practice in Georgia, New York and South Carolina. He spent the first five years of his legal practice with a major New York City law firm, focusing on complex securities, insurance and business litigation, before moving to Atlanta and joining Rogers & Hardin in 1985. He has been a partner at Rogers & Hardin since 1988 and serves on the Firm’s Management Committee.

Mr. Laney is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation category. Atlanta Magazine has selected Mr. Laney to its list of Georgia Super Lawyers every year since 2004. Mr. Laney is a Master of the Bench in the Lamar Inn of Court at Emory University School of Law.

Named The Best Lawyers in America
Commercial Litigation

Named Georgia Super Lawyers
Business Litigation, Securities Litigation, Insurance Coverage

Education

		University of South Carolina (J.D., cum laude,&nbsp1980)
			Order of the Coif
		South Carolina Honors College, University of South Carolina (B.A., magna cum laude,&nbsp1977)
			Phi Beta Kappa
			Phi Eta Sigma

Professional Activities

		State Bar of Georgia
		State Bar of New York
		South Carolina Bar
		Securities Industry Association (Member, Compliance & Legal Division)
		American Bar Association
		Federal Bar Association
		Atlanta Bar Association
		Association of the Bar of the City of New York
		American Judicature Society

Where Are They Now

2009-03-25T09:57:00.004-04:00

William 'Bill' Horton

aka

Henry Horton

BHS class of '58

This former Bishopville High School class of 1958 student grew up in the Cyprus area of Lee County near Grant’s store.

After high school, he attended Wingate College in Wingate, N.C.; The University of Hawaii in Hawaii and in 1982 graduated from the University of Georgia. He served in the United States Air Force for twenty years retiring in 1980.

In 2005 he retired from his second career after 23 years as a high school history teacher at Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia.

In 1963 he married Peggy Anderson whom he met while both were students at Wingate and they have three wonderful daughters, one grand daughter and three grandsons. They reside in Athens, Georgia.

His daily life now revolves around volunteer work at Athens Regional Medical Center, helping to feed the homeless, his wife and two Shih Tzu puppies who have managed to spoil him completely.

His favorite quote is from Pogo the Possum: "We has met de enemy 'n day 's us"

2010 Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala

2009-03-07T14:25:00.006-05:00

The following dates have been set for the upcoming Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala in Bishopville, SC.

Feb 12, 2010 Early Bird Mixer - Cotton Museum - Bishopville, SC;

Feb 13, 2010 Gathering of the Classes Reunion Gala - Opera House - Bishopville, SC

Feb 14, 2010 Memorial Services for our deceased classmates - Location tba - Bishopville, SC

The fees for the three day event are as follows:
$35 Singles
$55 Couples

Make your checks out to Gathering of the Classes.

Mail to:

10 Long Barn Court

Sumter, SC 29154

Watch your mail for additional details. Class leaders from all years, it is your responsibility to get this information to your fellow classmates. We still are searching for missing classmates so if there is one roaming around in your neighborhood let us know. For addition information e-mail: johnreames@sc.rr.com

Welcome

2008-06-08T09:38:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to the Gathering of the Classes blog site where former students of Bishopville High School will be coming together online to share and exchange interesting stuff about themselves. This will be a fun site and hopefully we will get to see a lot of old photos as well as recent ones.

This is your site, however I will post a few notices of interest from time to time and monitor the site to make sure that it is not being abused. If you have a suggestion as to what you would like to see on this site let me know.

Let's get started and have fun as we continue our BHS journey together!