Page 33 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

For some, such as Simmons
and Rosetti Jr., the Gulf Coast
was always home. Simmons was a private pilot and is now an author of six books. Rosetti Jr. was a lawyer.
Regardless of their diverse pasts, the men’s friendship is evident. Their discussions range from mediations on
movies, both old and new, to current political
While this coffee group bears witness to the men’s friendship, that doesn’t mean a little competition isn’t involved. Each year, the men participate in a football pool. The person who most closely predicts the year’s league winners and
and cultural
events. Their
comradery is
recognizable
simply
through the
respect they
show one
another. As I sat with them one morning, one of the men began a story and was interrupted by the others who jokingly lamented, “We’ve heard this story 71 times!” They let him finish the story and listened for the 72nd time.
Super Bowl champions gets to add a plaque with his name onittothe infamous wall of winners.
However, the bond the men share is perhaps most
local
banker.
Speaker stated, “George Thatcher was a real renaissance man.” His presence is clearly missed, and
the men continue the tradition of morning coffee with his memory at the forefront of their minds.
It is clear that this weekday ritual of drinking coffee together has become something more than just coffee for the men. It is a testament to their friendship, community, and service.
Infamous wall of winners.
noticeable when they speak about former member George Thatcher, who passed away in 2018. Thatcher served in World War II and the Korean War, and the men discussed his skills as a tennis player, newspaper columnist, and
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November 2019 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 33
The Triplett-Day Coffee Crew: George Edwards, Ron Schmidtling, George Rosetti Jr., Harry Bell, Tom Simmons, Chip Speaker and Frank Smith.