My oldest grandson, Zachary Earl Wansley, died 15 years ago this past week while on a training run for an upcoming marathon. He was 21 years old. I am not sure what he would be doing today were he here, but I am positive whatever it might be, he would be a success. He always was. As to what happened, I do not know. Zack was at the peak of physical condition. The results … [Read more...] about September 17, 2023: Reflections On a Grandson Who Left Us Much Too Soon
Zack Columns
September 10, 2018: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Zachary Earl Wansley
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the loss of our oldest grandson, Zachary Earl Wansley. Zack was 20 at the time he collapsed and died while training for the Atlanta Marathon. Running was not a new thing for Zack. He grew up running. He was captain of his high-school cross-country team. His dad was a coach in the sport and his brother, Nick, is … [Read more...] about September 10, 2018: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Zachary Earl Wansley
Sep. 7, 2009: Reflections On The Loss Of A Young Life
If you will allow me a moment of personal privilege, it has been one year since our grandson, Zack Wansley, collapsed and died while training for the Thanksgiving Day Marathon in Atlanta. He was 22. This was not his first Thanksgiving Day race. If memory serves me correctly, it was his eighth. Zack was an excellent long-distance runner. He had run cross-country at Chapel Hill … [Read more...] about Sep. 7, 2009: Reflections On The Loss Of A Young Life
January 12, 2009: To My Grandsons: Live Your Life As Zack Lived His
To Nicholas Wansley; Brian and Thomas Yarbrough: This is my ninth year to dispense some grandfatherly advice to you at the beginning of a new year. Things have certainly changed since I began this correspondence. Not only have you gone from pre-teens to adults during that time, including one newly minted father among you. We have also lost your brother and cousin, Zack, who … [Read more...] about January 12, 2009: To My Grandsons: Live Your Life As Zack Lived His
Dec. 22, 2008: Looking Back At 2008 Reminds Me How Lucky I Am
LOOKING BACK AT 2008 REMINDS ME HOW LUCKY I AM Don’t tell me it is almost 2009. Good grief! I haven’t finished getting ready for Y2K yet, and here we are already on the brink of a new decade. As has been my custom for many years, I plan to spend New Year’s Eve with friends and neighbors at the exquisite little Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island, stuffing my face full of … [Read more...] about Dec. 22, 2008: Looking Back At 2008 Reminds Me How Lucky I Am