Loyd Gilbert Gilley - Backfields of My Memory

Backfields of My Memory

Copyright 2012 Loyd Gilbert Gilley

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved.

LifeStory Publishing
P. O. Box 541527
Orlando, FL 32854

ISBN-13: 978-09832382-8-7

ISBN-10: 0-9832382-8-6

Printed in the United States of America

Cover design by Norma Beasley

Interior design by Erin L. Matherne

Cover background image Lvnel | Dreamstime.com

First Edition: February 2012

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

All grammatical and typographical errors have been put in this book intentionally for your enjoyment in finding them.

Contents

Dedication

Bradley Scott Mauger

I dedicate this book to Bradley Mauger, my youngest grandson. Bradley suggested I write these stories after I told some of them to him and his classmates on grandparents day at school. The students and their grandparents seemed interested in my stories. When I retired in May 2009, I was concerned about what I would do in my retirement. Bradley suggested I write about when I was a little boy and lived with no electricity, running water or indoor toilets. He has been very supportive and encouraging in this effort. He also had final editing rights and drew a sketch of Aunt Harriet in a rocking chair for the story, The Day That Changed My Life. Bradley is a very special part of my life.

Robbie Joe Williams

To Robbie Joe Williams, my mothers baby brother Robbie Joe is just five years older than me. Technically speaking, he is my uncle, but in reality, he has always been my big brother. He was a special part of my younger years. I remember one day, riding on a mule-drawn wagon with him and Granddaddy to Sneads. Robbie Joe and I went to the movie for a dime while Granddaddy did some shopping and hung around the water pump and talked to friends. Thank God for those memories and for Uncle Robbie Joe. He helped make this a wonderful time in my life!

Acknowledgments

A lot of good folks gave me support and encouragement in life and in writing my stories. I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

Ramey and Ruby Gilley, my daddy and mama, my most important teachers who taught me what loving and caring was all about.

Marilyn D. Gilley, my wife, my life, an endless source of tender loving care, inspiration and support, and always, my first reader.

Bradley and his dog Rosie by Bradley Mauger

Bradley Scot Mauger, my blessing from God and my youngest grandson. Thank you for suggesting that I write my stories in the first placewithout you I would not have done itfor your talent for painting and the sketches you drew for this book.

Patricia Marie Charpentier, my inspiration, teacher, editor and counsel; you are the best, and I will always be grateful for your help.

Daughters Rae Ann, Holley and Jessica in 1981

Norma Beasley, thanks for the perfect book cover and for being at my right for all the classes and workshops; we make a great team!

Jessica Pearl Gilley Hadden, Holley Blonza Gilley Wilson and Rae Ann Gilley Mauger, the most wonderful daughters a daddy could ever hope to have. I am so proud of you girls. Thank you for your loving support and inspiring me to carry on.

Darrell Granger, thanks for your wonderful sketch of Granddaddy Willies old house.

Ruth E. Davis

Ruth E. Davis, my high school English teacher who loved me even though I couldnt spell. Youve been my beacon for many, many years. You have inspired many, and I am so glad to be one of them.

John Kelly Hadden, thank you for fixing my computer when it misbehaved and for helping me create an amazing slideshow; it is great!

Brannon Pool, my uncle, who was always glad to take my phone callsday and nightas I sought out information on how things were back in the good ol days and for giving me your thoughts and opinions.

Willie Paul Gilley, for generously sharing information on the Gilley family and telling stories to me about Grandma and Grandpa Gilley and our other older relatives. Thanks, W.P.

Anita Mangan, for helping me get the computer to do the right thing, late at night.

James Loyd Wilson, for loving assistance and all the answers to my computer issues.

Faye Gilley Lawrence and Kaye Gilley Nobles, my little, twin sisters who hold a special place in my life and heart and for being such an encouragement to me in writing this book.

Trinity Shiver, my great-nephew, for your interest in my stories and this book. You gave me inspiration and encouragement, and you will get the first book off the press.

Larry Gilley, thank you for sharing my life and helping me create all these wonderful memories, for supporting me in this writing effort and for providing me with free room and board in Jackson County.

Jerry Gilley, my second younger brother with whom I share many precious memories of as we grew up together. We were a team then, and thank God, we are a team today.

Harry Gilley, my baby brother who has always been special and is even more special to me today. Thank you for encouraging me in the writing of this book.

Darrell and Kathy Williams, for the photograph of the turpentine chipping tools and your comments about that story; my visit with you was great.

Mr. Ray Folsom, a part of my life since I was five years oldI am so grateful for his support and the information he provided. I thank God that he had a chance to read many of my stories before his death.

Mr. Ralmon Stephens, a good neighbor who gave me the support I needed. I thank God that he had the opportunity to read some of my stories before his passing.

Thomas Daniels, for knowing my mama and daddy better than anyone, from way back before I came along. I am grateful for the wonderful information you shared with me.

Dorothy Williams McMillan, someone I always knew was there, and when I contacted her, she graciously provided the information I needed about Sneads. I really enjoyed our conversations and appreciate the things you shared with me.

John Wesley Robinson III, someone who was there before me and remembered everything. I am so glad we met on December 10, 2011, and Im grateful for all the historical information you gave to me. We will meet again soon.

John Wesley Robinson III in December 2011