This was written in May 2017 … I am posting it today in celebration  of his 92nd birthday …

I was new to Atlanta… loved my golf, maybe the friendships the game gifted me above all. Then there was that day in the summer of 1990 when that Series 7 BMW roared up my driveway to take me to, introduce me to Settindown Creek. One of the great marvels the game of golf provides. And there he was… handsome, that smile, those welcoming eyes. “Here, let me get your bag for you, Bob.” Hmm… do I have to tip this guy?

In an instant, a magical friendship that has lasted 26 fun~ oh so many fun filled years began. You see… if you’re fortunate enough to embrace a beloved friend like Claude, you’re just blessed. Simple as that.

All the good times… some real tough ones too. We were there for each other. Claude has been immensely successful. Lead an incredible team at Piedmont Center, one of Atlanta’s premier office complexes. At the tender age of 89 today (his Spirit going on 50 by the way) this guy keeps succeeding. A proposed hotel in Roswell… the first ever! Quality, all he ever stood for, ever accepted. At 85 years young he once told me on the16th fairway at Settindown, “Bobby, I’m about opportunity, always will be.”  He continues  to prove it … ’til this day.

But as successful as Claude has been. As the great leader he’s been with all his opportunities? This has pailed in comparison to his success as a husband, a father, a man, as my friend. Why? Because Claude Petty has a gift. I have always seen him as one of my truest, best friends. When I’m with him, he makes me feel like I’m the only person in his life. I think I’m unique. But I am not. I am just one of the many he makes feel the same way… every day. Just like his idol … Arnold Palmer (BTW… amazing resemblance between the two). You with him, him with you. That’s it … always so very special.

One story. It was my daughter, Sam’s wedding at Ansley Golf Club. Big group, but Claude wasn’t sure he could make it… darn! Wouldn’t be complete if my dear friend wasn’t there. In truth I wanted to show him off to my legion of friends and family who had traveled many miles to be part of our joyous day.

I was at a table in the far corner of the ballroom greeting guests, my back to the doorway…  Nancy was with me. Then it hit me… “Nancy, Claude’s here!” “What do you mean, Bob?” “He’s here… I feel his presence, he’s here.” I turned around and there he was. Dressed to the nines. Silver hair shining. Doing his thing. Shaking hands. Making people feel good. Strangers? Didn’t matter. His gift. Remember?

You see… I didn’t have to “see” Claude come through that doorway. I felt his energy. That bright “light” of his that just told me with my back to the door… Claude’s here! His “light” shines today… brighter than ever…

Oh, so many more things I could share. But let me conclude. Claude, the Silver Cobra (our affectionate handle for him) is simply one of a kind. Break the mold. The wisdom, the stories, the fun we have shared over these many years, have been… will continue to be one of the great joys of my life. I love Claude Petty. Always will. We may move on from one another someday, but my love for the Cobra will endure. My emotions will live on forever.

Oh, by the way, I tried to give him $20 that first day… he wouldn’t accept it. Of course. 🤓