Jackson Jambalaya

I posted a link to this post on Facebook, then saw that this memorialized Orley Hood with a Hosemann ad. No thanks.

I know. Its annoying. Its a FB quirk. When you post a link on FB, it should show a little box that says no thumbnail. Check it off. FB will include pics from websites when you link posts if you don't. Sorry

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/orleyhood/journal

In my opinion, Orley was by far the best and most sincere writer at the the Clarion Ledger. He was also, a pleasure to know and a great family man. There is no better memory that a man can leave than that of great husband and father.

Orley Hood brightened my world, and I can understand how his family could not bear to lose him at an early age, but sweet Christ I do not want to die like that. Please forgive me for thinking of myself.

Hope Gannett is ok. They really hurt the man.

I just read the C-L story on Orley's death. Not one damn comment from current management, editorial or key person, not one. To read the story one would think he retired there and not kicked out the door. Hey but that's the type of folks running things now.

Orley was missed the day he walked out the door, head held high but now he can write for the angels.

I have rarely been a CL subscriber but always enjoyed the writings of Orley Hood. Any publication would do well to have someone of the talents he possessed.

I really enjoyed his columns; he had a rare talent.

Gannett were idiots for firing him, but everyone here knew that already.

I did not know the man personally, and cannot claim to have been a fan of his writing, so all I can say is, "God rest him, and comfort his family".

I am still meditating on another recent obituary, however: that of the late Bettye Jolly. Burke, did you write that? Whoever did, did a thumpin' good job. "Against time, we pitch our craft," indeed. *Lacrimae rerum*. Oh, my.

Orley Hood was a beam of light and joy in the world of journalism. His ever-present and infectious smile and positive attitude were trademarks we should all try to emulate.
I will always remember him with great respect and admiration for his consistently positive attitude.

I will miss him.

John Dennery

Orley and I crossed paths in Little League baseball. He kicked our ass. I read Orley Hood every chance I got. He is missed. RIP Orley.

Ophelia, if I may address you by your first name, I am told that Ms. Jolly's obit was written by Judge Jolly, who apparently has writing chops beyond judicial opinions. It struck me as so personal that he was writing for himself, and I was overhearing him read it out loud. He must have loved her beyond category.
But this is about Orley. I loved the Bailey Howell piece that was reprinted this morning. Sentimental, but it was the best sort of sentimentality. It was a golden time when he and Raad Cawthon and Rick Cleveland were all delivering, and I will add Epicurious a/k/a Bettye Jolly.

His popularity with almost everyone is amply demonstrated by the tsunami of tributes. That was a nice era for the CL, indeed, with Joe Rogers (who has popped back up lately) and others of that ilk who went on to other pastures. But there are still some torch-bearers: Sherry Lucas, a snappy gal with a keyboard if ever there was one, and the affable, humorous Annie Oeth. So perhaps there is hope for the paper (print edition:):)...