MEMORIES OF MEMPHIS
UNCLE NULL - Algebra & Busted
by Bill Tucker
When I visit my family and friends in Memphis I am always asked this question. "Why don't you move back home?" And the answer is always the same - "Too damn humid and I would miss the Rocky Mountains!" And yes, I do have fond memories of my 18 years in Memphis. Sometimes when I recall specific events I get a chuckle, and sometimes I get a few tears.
My Dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in September 1953 just as I was starting the 9th grade at Snowden. He passed away in May 1954 just as I was finishing at Snowden. In later life I realized how lucky I was that my Dad's sister - Aunt Faye - lived only two houses away. Aunt Faye and Uncle Null were like a second set of parents to me. Uncle Null was the "City Editor" of the Memphis Press Scimitar. He was on a first name basis with many important people in the mid-south area. He helped many nieces and nephews throughout his entire life. This story is about how he helped me.
I took Algebra in the 9th grade and the teacher, Mr. Steckle (spelling?), told us that a major portion of our final grade would be a booklet containing all the homework assignments. As the year wore on, and my Dad got much worse, I lost all interest in school. There was no way I could pass Algebra since I had worked exactly zero problems. After Dad died, Uncle Null went over to Snowden to check on my progress. I never knew exactly what transpired, but I did pass Algebra. Years later while visiting Uncle Null and Aunt Faye I asked Uncle Null "I know I didn't pass Algebra at Snowden, did you have anything to do with me getting a passing grade?" Uncle Null said "NO," but sitting over in the corner Aunt Faye was nodding her head "YES."
When I was in the 11th grade at Tech, Uncle Null got me a job as "copy boy" at the paper. I worked there part time during school and full time in the summers. It was a good job - I wrote such famous pieces as "Where's the Fire," "Births," "Marriage Licenses Issued," and last, but certainly not least, "What's Showing." Memphis had several rather plush theaters downtown. I remember the Malco, Loews Palace, and the Strand. Others have long since faded from my memory. "What's Showing" listed those theaters, movie titles, and show times. Important stuff!
I graduated from Tech in 1957 and I worked at the Paper until I joined the Air Force in November 1958. There was a particular event - which I call Busted - that led me to leave my budding career at the newspaper and seek my fame and fortune in the military.
My day's work started at 6 am. The ladies in the "Classified" section started at 8 am. One fine day shortly after 8 am I was coming back from a run to the courthouse. Several reporters were always stationed at the courthouse/police station, and I was responsible for bringing their stories back to the newspaper. The elevator to the 5th floor, where the Press Scimitar was located ,was next to the Classified section. There she was - sitting at her desk next to the elevator - someone new! Well - one thing lead to the another and we started dating. Things were certainly looking up for old Willie T.
I remember her name, but I choose not to reveal that piece of information, so I will just call her Ann. Ann and I dated on and off for a year, and during that time she never mentioned that she was engaged to a fellow in Missouri - her home state.
We had a date planned for Saturday. On Friday Ann told me the date was off - her boyfriend, to whom she was engaged, she finally informed me, was coming to town. He came down to Memphis with two friends, which I learned later were present to hold my arms while he pounded on me. How they found me I was never sure - but find me they did! During the pounding I finally got a lucky kick into a pounder's vital area. That led to my escape, and I was headed for help at my close friend's home - he was a Golden Gloves boxer - and one tough fellow. I didn't make it!!
Memphis's finest came to my rescue - or so I thought. Actually, they got me for speeding, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct. The only bright point was her boyfriend and I ended up in the same cell! When the cop closed the cell door he said "If I have to come down to this cell it'll be $26 more for each of you." I was informed that my bail would $128 - $51 speeding, $51 reckless driving, and $26 disorderly conduct.
Next came the worst phone call of my short life - to my mother. Twice I had been expelled from Tech - cutting classes. Twice my Mom had to take off from work and take me to see Mr. Highsaw so I could get back in school. That was nothing compared to the upcoming phone call from jail! -- A brief aside - Have you ever heard the country-western song "I'm The Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised." I think that was written for me!
I made the call. Several hours later a cop came down the hall and hollered out "Tucker you made bail." I told my cellmate "Goodbye, and Oh, by the way, you can have the B*!#^@." Guess who was waiting for me - not my Mom - but my Boss, also known as Uncle Null. On the way home he informed me that it would be a good idea if I joined the military!!
My good friend - the boxer- joined the Air Force several months later, so I decided to talk with the Air Force recruiter. I had to take a series of tests and finally fill out a rather detailed questionnaire. Naturally one question was "Have you ever been arrested?" Well - that answer was YES. The recruiter was looking over all the results and he was pleased with the test scores. But, then he came to the Question - "Hmmmm. This may be a problem, we'll have to check into that. But the Army will take you if we can't." He laughed at his joke and told me he would call in a few days with the final answer.
Sure enough, the recruiter called and said "We find no record that you were arrested. Come on down to sign up." Many years later, on that same visit to Uncle Null and Aunt Faye, I asked another question. "Did you have anything to do with the arrest records back in 1958." He answered "No, nothing." Over in the corner Aunt Faye was nodding her head "YES."
Uncle Null made it possible for me to pass the 9th grade; join the Air Force where I finally learned how to study and pass electronics school; graduate with Honors from Mississippi State University; and have a great 30 year career at Sandia National Laboratory. I will never forget these memories of Memphis and my wonderful relatives that lived there and still do.