© ilbert Mac Williams Orr
1B 92 - 1949
by Houston Gray
BENEATH a clear , blue Tennessee sky , surrounded by the things he loved and the people who loved him , the mortal remains of Gilbert Mac Williams Orr were laid to their final “ rest in sweet oblivion .”
Death , as it must to all men , had come to Gillie Orr at his home in Columbia , Tennessee on the afternoon of May 10 , 1949 as he was preparing , typically , to attend a meeting of horsemen . As the news of his sudden death became widespread , a shocked world of friends and acquaintances tried to reconcile itself to its loss .
Those friends find it difficult to conceive of a world without his presence . It is hard to adjust to the sad fact that we will no longer hear his cheerful voice announcing horse shows ; that we can no longer read the latest breezy news of horses and men from his facile pen . Worse still , none can experience again that feeling of inner warmth resulting from even a short conversation with the splendid personality7 who gave so freely of his real love for his fellow man .
It is difficult to envision Gillie Orr without being keenly conscious of his great love of life , in spite of the frequent cruel blows it had struck him . He of the great heart has left the imprint of his influence on all who knew him . When he asked , “ How are you getting along ?”, it was no mere casual greeting . He was truly interested in the welfare of mankind , and from the obvious sincerity of the cordial salutation , you knew he really hoped you were getting along well . To have met Gillie Orr and enjoyed his gracious , affable charm was a happy occasion . It was a superb experience to have known him and had the opportunity to bask in the radiance of his genuine sincerity .
Inspiration of lesser men , greatness rested lightly on the heavily burdened shoulders of this man who gave so much to friendship . His was the greatness of heart
Things 1 Love
. . . . The Episcopal service . . . drifting clouds . . . peal of church bells .... voices that blend in harmony .... the beauty of friendship . . . words that comfort hurt hearts .... The Lord ' s Prayer .... women who are brave .... blades of blue grass .... the trait of loyalty in humankind ... Talisman roses .... the grandeur of nature .... Sleep that gives rest in sweet oblivion ...........
from the column , " Speaking of Horses ”, in the Nashoille Banner and spirit ; of a courage able to face trials and hurts heavier than most men are called on to bear . His was the greatness that rose above the anguish of the body to spread sincere “ good will toward men .”
The son of Billy Mac and Sarah Gilbert Orr , Gilbert Mac Williams Orr was born October 28 , 1892 in Prospect , Giles County , Tennessee . As a boy he moved to Columbia , where he attended the public schools , but his summers until he reached the age of sixteen were spent on the Giles County farms of his two grandfathers , and there he gained his early love for horses and the country life .
Well educated , well traveled and tiie friend of myriads of people of high and low station throughout the United States , at heart he remained a country boy from Middle Tennessee who truly loved all that country living represents . His writings reflected his inherent love of the outdoors as exemplified by pastoral sights , sounds and odors . Sophisticates enjoyed him for the simplicity and beauty of his articles on subjects close to the soil , while old-timers laughed with him at the memories he evoked of life in rural Tennessee in “ the good old days .”
After graduating from Central High School in Columbia , he entered the University of the South at Sewanee , Tennessee , where he was initiated into Kappa Alpha fraternity and became manager of the football team , a member of the debating team and president of the German Dance Club .
Then , at the end of his junior year at college , this happy , attractive , popular young man suffered his first major tragedy when he was cut down by the relentless crippler , poliomyelitis . What hope for a bright young man , convalescing from such a long serious , debilitating illness ? What future for a light-hearted youth whose way of life had so suddenly been altered ? No
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