Bank of Holly Springs

Fielder's Choice

Louis was one of a kind

Holly Springs lost one of its unique characters last week.

And The South Reporter lost a family member.

Louis Greene passed away February 11 at the age of 75. A memorial service was held February 15 at First United Methodist Church.

It's been several years since Louis walked around town every Wednesday, rain or shine, carrying his white bag packed with newspapers. Poor health made him step away from his weekly route.

But, one thing's for sure, Louis left his mark with his many customers, who also became his friends.

Staff writer Sue Watson wrote a front page feature story on Louis in 2003.

It was headlined, "Extra, extra, read all about it! Green takes newspaper door to door."

Louis first started selling The South Reporter in about 1964. That's 56 years ago.

He had some other jobs along the way.

"Every time I get laid off, I picked back up delivering papers," he told Sue. "Back then, it wasn't but a quarter and they (the newspaper) paid me a dime (for each paper sold). Every time the paper went up I got a nickel more."

When Louis stepped away from the route, the newspaper sold for 50 cents and he got half, 25 cents.

He delivered mainly in the downtown area until business growth along Highway 78.

He sold about 200 newspapers per week and it took him four or five hours. He would have to come back and reload his bag.

"I carry from 50 to 75 papers at a time, depending on the weight of the paper," he said in the interview 17 years ago. "I have carried 75 in my bag and 25 in my hand."

This publisher was blessed to inherit some good folks when I moved here in 2001. Louis was one of those.

There's never been a person more dedicated to his work than Louis. And there has never been anyone who enjoyed his job as much.

I remember his smile and his laugh. And he shared those around town with everyone.

He took a lot of ribbing from folks, but he also knew how to dish it back.

For Sue's feature story in 2003, she got some comments from the local folks.

"Louis is one of a kind," said Eloise Wolfe, who worked at The South Reporter between 1962 and 1979. "He not only delivers the paper, he spreads the news. We had our Paul Revere."

Louis' obituary is on page 2 of this week's paper. I love this line ­ "For many years, he was the town's information highway, long before the internet."

Louis knew everybody; everybody knew Louis and loved him; and Louis knew a lot about a lot of things.

Lucy Carpenter, as part of Sue's feature, said, "If you want to know anything, just ask Louis."

"He is as regular as clock work," said Bea Green. "If he is not here (with the papers), we know something is bad wrong."

Becky Cupp added, "He has just been a really good friend of mine for a long time. And I tell you there is nothing he wouldn't do for me and Bea."

Louis was basically one of a kind. There will never be another Louis.

And here at the newspaper office, we're blessed he walked our way.

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
www.southreporter.com