Those who are familiar with the television series The Waltons will recall that the character of John Boy Walton created a newspaper, which he named The Blue Ridge Chronicle, and of which he was the writer, editor, and publisher. While that character and that newspaper are fictional, the television series was based on the life of its creator and executive producer and narrator, Mr. Earl Hamner, who grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I was fortunate to have met and come to know Mr. Hamner and to have interviewed him for articles I wrote about his life and the television series he created, which was one of my favorite television series when I was growing up and remains so to this day.

Following are parts of what Mr. Hamner wrote to me after I wrote an in-depth story, which I titled “Mountain Memories”, about his life: “The only fault I can find with it is that it makes me seem rather saintly when in truth I have feet of clay and am the furtherest one can get from being a saint! Still it is a nice image and I can live with it…. I am in the process of gathering all of my memorabilia which I am donating to the University of Cincinnati and I would like very much to include the piece from Memories….Thank you again. I now have the responsibility of living up to the fine reputation you have bestowed upon me! Warm regards, Earl.”

He always signed as Earl, but I always respectfully called him Mr. Hamner, whether by email or by phone or in person. He was such a kind gentleman, and a very humble man, and a talented and prolific writer through his books, short stories, movies, and television programs.

It’s sad that today’s television does not follow the lead of people like Michael Landon and Earl Hamner. I think that our world needs heartfelt storytelling, good storytelling, with family values and a positive message. During one of my interviews with him, Mr. Hamner told me, “I think television is a means for elevating people, for teaching them, for really being meaningful in people’s lives, instead of just being light-hearted entertainment.”

When I asked him how he would like to be remembered, Mr. Hamner answered, “As a good husband, as a good father, and as a good citizen who loved his family and his country.”

He and his wife, Jane, wed on October 16, 1954 and were happily married for more than 60 years until his passing.

It does not seem possible, but March 24 of next year will mark 10 years since his passing in 2016. I attended his memorial service in his hometown. He passed away in California and was cremated, and some of his ashes were buried at the family cemetery in his hometown in Virginia. I was told that some of his ashes were also scattered in the Rockfish River.

He is gone now, and our world is worse for his passing.

But this Chronicle will attempt to pay tribute to his Chronicle, aiming to make a difference in sharing meaningful stories from our communities.