Ben(ny) ToweAugusta, GA.

Remembering a high school long, long ago and far, far away…

Paths diverge. Time… 50 years… passes. Memories remain. Ronnie Milsap was lost in the fifties. Sometimes I feel “lost

in the sixties.” My Sirius XM stays on 60s on 6, I seldom miss Cousin Brucie’s show. Still remember parking the old Dodge Monaco and listening to Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” on the AM station before walking up the steps to school. Ads blared for Dowell Brothers market and the discount store on Willow Street.

Seeing the names listed in the reunion organizers’ emails triggered many memories, including hunting for my attaché case (it was frequently “abducted” whilst I ate lunch), pep rallies, watching Neil Hamilton shoot 11-13 from the field when we upset North Surry, riding through Odell’s and occasionally buying a sandwich, sitting between two young ladies who had a disagreement about a guy in study hall, driving in the homecoming parade, decorating the Armory till 4:00 AM for the prom, student council elections, working as an office page my senior year. The office page tasks including picking up the school’s mail and going to the bank. Often, I had to take students home to change clothes when the administration deemed their garb inappropriate. I particularly remember one sophomore.

Our teachers gave us such a good start. Latin, English, History, Math. Mr. Robert Holder, a man with the greatest patience and nerves of steel, guided my

driver training and dealt with Bill Frieze and me in the same sessions. Mr. Holder deserved a medal.

Though I lost the election, my campaign speech won the Lions Club Essay contest. I still have the $25 savings bond and fond memories of Andy Webb, Tanya, George, and Joey. Losing convinced me to stay out of politics, too. Seeing the names of our lost classmates saddens me and reminds me to treasure each day.

I graduated from Davidson College in 1972. (yes, Charlie Scott’s basket that beat us in the 1969 Eastern Regional still hurts). I was in ROTC at Davidson and endured the “Ronnie ROTC” jeers. Then I attended Medical School at UVa. I remained in contact with classmates for a time. I married Libby Dawson (MAHS ’70) in 1973. Several friends showed up at our wedding. I entered the US Army in 1976 and did my Family Practice residency at Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon. I served five years and left as Major Towe. I’m proud of my Army Commendation medal. Economics of 1981 led me to accept a position in Augusta, Georgia. 37 years later we are still here. Libby’s put up with me 45 years. She deserves a medal, too. We have three daughters and three grandchildren.

I practice Family Medicine. I’m honored to have been listed among America’s Best Physicians in 2016. 2017, and 2018. I’m also honored to be an honorary member of the Georgia Highway patrol.

I split my time between the real world of my loving family and medical practice and the fantasy world of my writing. In my army days we spent a lot of time with great friends playing Dungeons and Dragons. I was the dungeon master. My 12 fantasy novels merge my love of Tolkien and CS Lewis and my passion for DnD.

I finally lost the attaché case and the “ny” from my first name.Please check me out at Authorhouse, Barnes and Noble, and on Amazon at

Benjamin Towe author page. I’m on Twitter @bftowe, Benjamin Towe books on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/elfdreams/, my blog at benjamintowe.com. Email at bftowe@aol.com.

I’m going to send payment for the reunion, but I don’t think we’ll be able to make it. The money can go to support the school. It is my intent to gift the MAHS library with copies of my 12 novels.

Again, it’s been great to awaken these memories. I wish everyone well.