Dear editor,

Just a note to mention how Louis McMilion impacted my life. I was so sorry to hear of his illness and death. Surely, he was one who lived life to the fullest and glorified his maker. I met Louis in the summer of 1960 when he was a lifeguard, swim instructor and maybe even the manager of the Selma Municipal Pool out at Bloch Park. I was taking swimming lessons, the intermediate course, at the time. Louis was a great instructor. I had learned basic swimming how to from Pat Knight at the Grist YMCA when I was 6, but at the age of 13, I wanted to learn more. Under Louis’ instruction that summer, I learned to do the back stroke, breast stroke, side stroke and a better version of the crawl. I always looked forward to being at the pool in the Selma heat and practicing and seeing friends.

Oh, yes, in order to pass the intermediate course (and I was determined to do that), Louis had us to dive off the high dive into the diving well. Well, we had not had much, if any, instruction as to the proper technique for that, and this body did a belly buster off the high dive. I passed the course, but have never forgotten the pain my tummy incurred in the effort. It has taken all these 55 years to say it, but, Louis, I forgive you for demanding that final test!

In 2001, when we returned to Selma, I needed a dentist and a friend in Camden said Louis McMilion was a good one. So, we were reacquainted and had some good conversations about swimming and other things in life in our adult years. Also, I would like to thank him for hand choosing his replacement in the dental office when he retired. Julie Sams is filling in some big shoes really well, just as he knew she would. Haven’t seen Louis in several years and miss knowing he is still around: a good man with a good heart, determination, and a delight in life that set him apart. Thankful to have had him touch my life.

Gail Box Ingram

Valley Grande