My brother, Billy is a stand-up guy. I admire him for so many reasons. I’ll try to think of a few.
He has countless friends because he knows how to be a friend. He stays in touch with people he has known since childhood, and has made many more good friends in the fifty years of his career. He devotes much time and energy making and keeping friends because he really does care. That’s the way he is. (Have I mentioned that he is retiring? Yes, the R is replacing BTW, OMG, and even…WTH?)
Billy has a great sense of humor. It’s different from mine, but that doesn’t make it wrong. He probably wouldn’t think this cartoon is funny. I think it’s hilarious.
How do you make a small fortune out of horses? Start with a large fortune…
Anyway, there are many more things about Billy to be admired. I have always envied his ability to remember details. He can remember numbers, names and stories. He never forgets a punchline. I can only remember short stories like this one:
Sam bought a horse. In its first race it went out 25-1. The only problem is that all the other horses left at around 12:30…Heeheehee
Hey, Billy! Is this your accountant?
Billy went to California the summer before his senior year of high school. Our uncle, Chuck Francis, got him a job parking cars for the Dodgers. Little did he know that experience would morph into a fifty year career. (Did you know he’s retiring?)
Billy is highly regarded for his knowledge of every facet of the parking industry. I can’t come close to describing his background, but I know he has saved companies millions with his consulting, management and auditing skills. Those in need are sure to miss him after 1-31-18. (As of 2-1-18, Billy will no longer have a job.)
Do you notice anything funny about the picture below?
Generic horse racing
A racehorse owner took his horse to the vet. “Will I be able to race this horse again?,” he asked.
The vet replies, “Of course you will…and you’ll probably win.”
Six days after Billy retires, he will be heading for Arizona to the Jones County reunion. I’m sure a good time will be had by all. I sure hope so, because I’m going to be there too.
I’m very sure that after the reunion, Billy will be spending most of his free time, (of which there will be much), entertaining himself with his favorite past-time…fishing.
One day two guys, Rob and Ben, were out fishing when a funeral service passed over the bridge they were fishing from. Rob took his hat off and put it over his heart. He did this until the funeral service passed by.
Ben then said, “Gee Rob, I didn’t know you had it in you!”
Rob then replies, “It’s the least I could do. After all, I was married to her for forty years.”
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This post has all been in jest. I love my brother more than I can express. I know he would do anything for me, because he has. I know he’s a great friend because I have watched him be one. I know he’s smart, and funny, and handsome, because that’s what Mom told me.
Happy retirement, Brubby…you deserve it.
Love you!
You’re favorite little sister,
Clarabelle Barnsmell
Those 70ish Girls 
Bob Hope said he was never going to retire because he loved what he was doing so he really wasn’t working. Maybe that’s how it’s been with your brother. I am enjoying my retirement immensely. I wish Bill happy fishing.
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I’m so glad you’re happy with retirement 07. Bobby is right! I haven’t spent much time sitting in my rocking chair…
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GREAT tribute to a GREAT man. Today he’ll retire, tomorrow he’ll have no job, and within days he’ll wonder how he ever had time to work. Happy retirement Dear Cousin Billy.
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You are so right, Bobby. We think we’re going to have all this leisure time on our hands, but it seems to fill up quickly…
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You said it perfectly, cuz Bob.
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What a wonderful tribute to your big brother! I don’t think I have ever talked to him. I would have been too bashful if I ran into him back then. I like your jokes MG! So is it true your brother is retiring?
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Yup 07…At 73, it’s time don’t you think? He’s worried, but he’s going to love it!
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What a fabulous tribute to your Bro! You really showered Him with love and affection! Happy retirement to a wonderful cousin.
(Who is that darling little girl with the oversized doll with young Bill?)
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The little girl’s name is Lav. You don’t know her. We’ll have to roast Billy in AZ.
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I like that idea of roasting him! Of course it will be difficult because you and I don’t have a mean bone in our bodies. I need to meet Lav.
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Lav is a real hoot! Billy said we won’t have anything to talk about, because I put everything in the blog. He shouldn’t worry. I heard they all tell the same stories over and over again.
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Happy Birthday, Billy. You guys all have fun in AZ without me. Please clue me in if my sister tells any stories “‘on” me like you tell “on” Billy.
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