Posted August 2, 2107

As time moves, people move on, move up and move out. We see it in the textile industry every day, of course, this summer being no exception. We can’t stop it, no matter how hard we try or how selfish it is to even try. We’re happy for those who retire, hopeful for those who leave the industry, heartbroken for those who pass.

I’ve certainly found myself feeling contemplative, introspective and pensive as I’ve reported the news during this industry “downtime,” which doesn’t mean life – nor time – stops during the summer sizzle.

To wit: Recently, the AATCC announced that its executive director, John “Jack” Daniels, was planning to retire next year. When that news crossed the eTC transom, my thoughts were flooded with nearly 20 years of good memories of this good friend and industry leader. In an email, I joked that he should consider reconsidering. (Again, for selfish reasons.) Obviously, I’m delighted (one of Jack’s favorite words, by the way) that he has many good years left doing the things he loves in retirement with his wife Marsha. If you know Jack, you know he’s everyone’s friend, and not because he shares a name with a famous whiskey – a moniker he has taken in stride his entire life.

Seriously, though: Best of luck to you, Jack. I’ll definitely enjoy seeing you during your "farewell tour" in the coming months and will continue to try to talk you out of hanging it up. Think about it, Jack Daniels, if you please.

Ditto, Eddie Gaither, who recently retired as vice president of Manufacturing at Greenwood Mills. I’ve spent 20 or so days – one per year – with him and his wife Catherine on the beach during the Southern Textile Association’s (STA’s) Annual Meetings. (They say some of the best professional bonding occurs by the shore, incidentally.) Gaither is another one of our industry’s good guys who you hate to see leave. But what great memories we made talking business and beach music on the beach.

And speaking of the “R” word, one who is of that age but, last time I checked, has no plans to call it a career is George Abbott, vice president of Manufacturing at Inman Mills. For that, I’m grateful. George has a deep love for the textile industry and the STA and wants to be a part of it until he’s dragged out – and he’ll be holding tight to a sliver can if they ever try to drag him out.

Those of you who know George are well aware of his abiding affection for all things textiles. His actions illustrate that passion, but he was able to put into words just how much he cares about the industry and its people after accepting the STA’s David Clark Award at its most recent Annual Meeting. It was one of those moments those in attendance won’t forget. I was thrilled for ol’ George, who is forever young at heart. Glad he’s not planning to move on to something else anytime soon.

Besides, George has about 20 years or so to catch up with his longtime friend and industry veteran Lang Ligon, the 95-year-old founder of Lang Ligon & Co. (circa 1962), who still works full-time for the Greenville, S.C.-based company. (That makes George only 45 in “textile years.”) I had the privilege of conducting a video interview with Mr. Ligon last week for a project I’m working on for the STA. (More details on that project coming soon.) Hearing stories about the industry during its heyday that only someone with his experience and longevity could tell was fascinating and informational. He’s another one of those decent human beings who helped build this industry and a successful business on a handshake and hard work. As an industry, we’re blessed to have folks such as Lang Ligon still plying their trade here.

And, finally, three of our industry’s former leaders recently moved on to greener pastures, giving many of us pause. Paul T. O’Day, longtime president and counsel of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA), died earlier this summer at age 82. Then, Doug Blanchard, the former Burlington Industries executive who later founded Blanchard Yarn Company then Spectrum Dyed Yarns, passed away at 83. And Joe Gorga, the retired president & CEO of International Textile Group (ITG), died suddenly at 65 – too young. These should be reminders to all of us that we need to cherish those moments we have not only with our families and friends, but with our industry brethren. RIP, Paul, Doug and Joe.

Witnessing all of this movement around us makes us all realize, once again, that time is precious, friendships are long lasting and textile blood runs deep.