Farewell to "The Lawman" Dr. B

I'm not good with handing death, mostly due to delayed emotions, and I rarely go to funerals.

I commend those who celebrate life as the joyous occasion it is and make a continuous effort to honor those I know in a special way, as I did on my own last week regarding the loss of Gary Haskew.

Dr. B (Basketball) as sports fans who listened to him on Sports Talk five days a week on 102.3 knew him, passed away unexpectedly on July 4 from a heart attack.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to attend his celebration of his life, as I was out of town supporting my son in his final summer ball tournament of the season, I enjoyed seeing the photos of him throughout the week and reading the stories that revealed even more of his character.

My best story of the Chattanooga radio legend doesnt come from an on the air experience.

After hearing Dr. B's voice echoed throughout my home most of my life, and hearing his show in the car along side my dad, my time to work handin-hand with the man known to everyone as a friend came a few years ago.

I was talked into a benefit wrestling show to help with a friend's sick daughter at the last minute, knowing very little about the actual time and work that went into that type of a production.

Although I attended many wrestling events in years past, nothing prepared me for the moment we made our way to the ring on the red carpet. I was in new boots doing something the kids call the Wobble, feeling like Bambi and having to latch on to Dr B for fear of falling.

A few minutes into the real deal, after a few Facebook rehearsals via messenger, I learned what a true showman the character, "The Lawman" (Dr. B) was. I was so appreciative of his comforting words while we were under the seige of the fans.

He and I were yelled at, spit on and threatened by the good folks in the front row who ate, lived, slept and breathed pro wrestling.

Despite wearing the wrong shoes and an actual fight breaking out in the audience that night, I lived to share my experience among a group of super professional entertainers, and a lot of that had to do with Dr B.

It was such an honor to see him in his show element because he was a true entertainer with a love for people.

I have continued thoughts and prayers for his family and friends daily.

The Chattanooga sports community lost a good one who we will not forget.