Men & Their Chairs
There's something special about the relationship a man has with his chair. And it's not just a recent thing. There was Roosevelt with his fireside chats that had America envisioning the powerful man sitting by the fire in a big comfy chair. And what about Archie Bunker? Millions brought him into their homes each week through the television to see just how much havoc he could wreak without ever getting out of his old chair. Then of course there was Martin Crane, Dr. Frasier Crane's father, who insisted on preserving his ratty, old chair in the midst of the pretentiously decorated Seattle flat. And, there is Santa Clause, who has a chair in almost every mall across America. Not to mention centuries of kings and their thrones.
Curiously, we wanted to see some of the chairs our local Beaufort County men are attached to, and thus, went looking for a few good men. We did a good job finding them, and not only did they have a favorite "chair", creative as it may be, but a lot of heart as well!
"Barnacle" Bill Berkes
Hometown: Tampa, Fla Career: Owner of Barnacle Bill's Fresh Seafood Market Family: Daughter, Bonnie, Marketing and Public Relations for North America Porsche; Son, Billy, Doctorate in Physical Therapy What three words best describe you: Kind, Loyal, Patient What motivates you? The seven fruits and twelve gifts of the Holy Spirit. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? I want to serve the youth of our country by funding and building orphanages and schools for abandoned, neglected and abused youth. To give them hope, love, guidance and an enlightened future. To personally give my time, talent and treasure. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Every relationship is like a treasure chest, full of mysterious and wonderful gifts. When you take a gift out, make sure you replace it. What is something about you that would surprise people? I make time for everyone I meet, whether it's customers, friends or acquaintances. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? A cure for cancer and burn victims, global peace and economic prosperity. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? Goodwill, all chairs have a history. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Slow down and smell the roses. Take time before time takes you. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Have courage as strong as iron and all of the virtues will become magnets. Be kind to others because everybody is fighting something.
Ben Ham
Hometown: Gainesville, GA Career: Large Format Black and White Landscape Photographer Family: Single What three words best describe you: Adventurous, Creative, Driven What motivates you? Everything! I have an amazing career that allows me to explore nature, travel to wonderful communities where my work is sold and feeds my creativity. But the best part of it is the people I meet along the way. So many of my patrons become friends. It is a very satisfying and humbling experience and I can't get enough of it. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? I am fortunate to make my living as a full-time artist, and as my collectors are becoming world-wide, I want to expand my work to exotic locals around the globe and have a series of Ben Ham Galleries nationwide. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Think positive, nothing you desire is out of reach as long as you are willing to believe in it, work hard to achieve it and never accept mediocrity. Always strive to do it better. What is something about you that would surprise people? I really enjoy all the great things a big city has to offer and love to visit them, but only for short periods. I still would take two weeks in a tent in the back country to two weeks in a big city. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? Space tourism Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? The chair in the picture belongs to a former girlfriend. It was used for some promotional shots for my book. I really think of it as a metaphor for all of the things that are important to me: first and foremost the great outdoors, my work, and the rewards that go along with it. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? He loves being outside, food and good wine shared with friends. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? We have so much to learn from one another, be rational in our debates, revel in our differences and our similarities. 
Dave Spahr
Hometown: Sayville, New York Career: Owner, Bargains & Treasures, Inc. Family: Wife: Elaine, Children: David, Lori & Eric
What three words best describe you: Friendly, Optimistic, Talkative
What motivates you? Jesus Christ, my wife of 45 years, my three children and seven grandchildren
What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? I'd like to live to see 50 years of marriage to my wife Elaine.
I'd also like to encourage as many people as I can.
What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? We exist in life by what we take from others. We live forever by what we give to others, especially our time and talents.
What is something about you that would surprise people? I'm an "open book" person. I believe if I'm transparent, then the people I interact with are comfortable interacting with me. I can't think of any secret corners in my life.
What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? In the USA, an old-fashioned biblical revival that would have people, both young and old, wonderfully encouraged and sincerely caring about one another and reaching out beyond their comfort zone.
Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? I purchased my chair from our furniture consignment business, here on HHI, Bargains & Treasures, about 12 years ago. It's what I would call a Centennial chair made about 1880 in New England. I ask my chair in my thoughts once in a while, "who else has sat in you? What were they like?" I can only imagine.
What would your chair say about you if it could talk? That I talk too much, especially about things that aren't important. I like to communicate! By the way, my chair knows that I'm a chair person! I talk with my chair, as well!
If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? People need the Lord. He is our hope.
Davey Dempsey
Hometown: Beaufort Career: Farmer - Dempsey Farms Family: Wife, Kim, children, Mary Kathryn and Warren
What three words best describe you: Opinionated, Loyal, Sentimental What motivates you? Faith, family and friends What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? A motorcycle trip to Alaska.
What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? It is what it is. What is something about you that would surprise people? I don't like scary things. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? My children married and grandchildren born.
Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? This is not your ordinary chair. It's a John Deere Tractor which was purchased in 1975, my senior year of high school. It can serve as a recliner on a hot summer day. You can prop your feet up on the dash and let the cool AC blow on you. I've caught many ZZZ's on this "chair" under the Oak trees on Dempsey Farms.
What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Whoa! That's a lot of man!
If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Let's get back to the basics - hard work and less government.
David Reilley
Hometown: Warwick, Rhode Island Career: Restaurant Business, Reilley's-North and Aunt Chilada's Family: Wife Laura, children, Kasey and David (DR), dog, Salsa What three words best describe you:What motivates you? Good-hearted, Generous Laura, Kasey, and DR What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Retire and see my children grow to be happy and successful. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Treat people as you would like to be treated. You will meet again. What is something about you that would surprise people? I am shy. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? Jetson's style transportation, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? The chairs are standard restaurant equipment. As far as history, that's still a work in progress at Reilley's North. There's a lot history with the chair in the Love corner at Aunt Chiladas. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Get up, you have gained a lot of weight over the years. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Lighten up!
Dick Knowlton
Hometown: Bellefontaine, Ohio Career: General Contractor with architectural background. A shopping center developer and dealer in fine arts and antiques. Family: Wife, Peggy, 8 children, 12 grandchildren What three words best describe you: Outgoing, Enthusiastic, Humorous What motivates you? Faith, family and friends What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Continue to be of service where needed and help those less fortunate that I. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Since I am a Rotarian, our motto, "SERVICE ABOVE SELF" applies. Advice my father left me: if you do something, "do it right." We make this journey once. Travel and live wisely! What is something about you that would surprise people? For 52 years, I have perfect attendance in Rotary. I was a special agent in the Counter Intelligence Corp, Department of Army for several years. When we travel by car, I always find, "one more space to park." What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? Peace, goodwill and understanding among all peoples. I wish for my children and grandchildren to be successful and experience happiness. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? This chair is an "Ekorness Chair" we purchased in the mart in North Carolina while working with our decorating expert from J. Banks Co. This contemporary chair is a soft tan leather that turns, swivels, lays out, raises upwards and just invites me to enjoy its comfort. Also, it has a support table for books or drinks. From this "home base", I can control lights, TV, radio, HVAC, and fans. I am also able to visit, through our porch door glass, the nest and growth of a family of blue herons; and look over two lagoons. My wife, Peggy, coveted my chair so badly, she purchased one for herself. We both can see the huge sturdy oaks and the slim pines swaying back and forth outside our windows. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? This chair is so comfortable, it invites me to rest in it and to relax. It will tell you I slide very gently into its comfort area. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? As good christians, it's necessary we promote local, state and national understanding so we can all survive together. We need to help/assist neighbors in any manner possible. I seriously expect all whom we elect to public office to exercise goodwill, common sense and the best of judgement in the highest possible way, and continue to promote peace.
Gene Arrington
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia Career: Retail Management - Owner, Pretty Papers Family: Wife-Ellen, children-Todd and Megan; son-in-law- Ian, grandchildren-Madelyn (6) Nicholas (2 Ω) What three words best describe you: Friendly, Caring and Attentive What motivates you? Setting and obtaining goals, satisfying customers and following a project through to completion. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? To take more time to enjoy my family. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Enjoy each and every day to it's fullest! What is something about you that would surprise people? Patience is not my strongest virtue. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? I want to watch my grandchildren grow into adulthood Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? My chair does not have a real history, it found me at Staples. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? We have made so many wonderful acquaintances and developed many friendships in the 11 years we have been together. My chair and I get to share in the excitement and joy of weddings and births and even the sadness of losing loved ones. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? "Peace is much more beneficial than war!"
Dobbie Green
Hometown: Hilton Head Island Career: Retired Firefighter/Paramedic Family: Wife, Susan; sons Jesse, Michael, Dylan, Nicholas and Harrison What three words best describe you: Honest, Hard-working, and competitive What motivates you? Seeing children make good decisions on the field and off. Winning championships is nice, but the friendships that are formed with the kids is what it's all about. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Winning another state championship would be nice. Having won five state championships with the fire department and another in travel ball, I want it more for the kids, than for myself. Seeing all of their hard work pay off would be fun to watch! What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Choices, decisions and consequences! As these kids grow up, I hope that they will make good decisions. What is something about you that would surprise people? That my mom, Jackie Moore, raised five kids on Hilton Head. I played football and baseball on Hilton Head in the early 80's for coaches: Maynard Barker, Bill Carson, John Ruggero, Ted Whitiker, and Bill Debarr. These men took good care of us and guided us in the right direction. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? To see all my kids grow up, become successful and be as happy as I am. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? I bought my chair from Sportszone in Bluffton. It came with three dozen baseballs. It has been to practices and games all over the Southeast. It has carried practice balls for children ages 7-17. I take it everywhere. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Other than that I could lose a few pounds, it would say that I really enjoy coaching these kids. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? How much that I love my wife, and that I would marry her again and again. She is so beautiful inside and out. Susan has molded me into the man that I am, and I love her so much. 
Gilbert "Q" Queen
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland. Beaufort resident since 1994. Career: Marine Corp Veteran Family: Wife, Tracey; Daughter, Melanie; Grandson, Ethan What three words best describe you: Real, Nice, Guy What motivates you? A passion for humanity as a servant of God, golf, playing the guitar and the Spirit. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Shooting a round of golf in the 80s What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? To live the life God intended, be saved and do the right thing. Never give up. Trust God. Maintain your peace and step out of you safe zone. Don't be afraid to fall a few times. What is something about you that would surprise people? In 1992 I was in a car accident that ejected me out of the back window. I died three times in the hospital, but each time was resuscitated. They brought my family in because they said I wouldn't make it through the night. Just when the doctors thought I was in a vegetative state and had sent someone to claim my body, I woke up. I found out I was paralyzed from the neck down and, was told I would never walk again. I said I would have rather just died. A couple years later, a friend took me to the golf course to ride around and watch. The next day, I tried putting with a crutch, but fell every time I tried to swing. I was determined and motivated by God and my faith. Two years later, I finally walked 18 holes. It took me all day, but I did it, one step at a time. I hope my story motivates people to step out of their comfort zones, because everything can be done through faith. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? To get a hole-in-one. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? My wheelchair, where I was told I would live the rest of my life. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? He didn't like me and didn't want to stay in me. I was a nightmare and we battled. People said he was in denial and he would be in me forever, but he said "no". If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Life is tough. You have to work at it. There is a long road and there are going to be bumps and hills to climb. You never know what the world will bring, so be ready.
Johnny Ussery
Hometown: Mt. Gilead, NC Career: Real Estate. Family: Wife- Genie, four Children- John (and his wife Erin), Jordan (and her husband Trevor), Jeff and Jackie (Ages 31-22) and four Grandchildren. What three words best describe you: My first thought was,"Too much debt." However, to answer your question, I would say that I'm an, Encourager, Positive and Content. What motivates you? Feeling I am making a difference in the lives of others. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Remain cancer free. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? We can't always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. Adversity either makes us bitter, or it makes us better. What is something about you that would surprise people? I stopped smoking when I started the 7th grade! I know it sounds crazy and it was stupid (the smoking, not the stopping). Growing up on a working farm, I was always around older farm workers and teenage boys baling hay and priming tobacco. They would give me a Winston or a Marlboro and think it was funny to see an 11-12-year-old smoking. Fortunately, I started playing football in the 7th grade and someone told me smoking was not good for an athlete. I haven't smoked since! What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? If it is God's will for my two younger children to be married, I would like to be around to be a part of that. After being diagnosed with cancer last spring, it will be extra special walking my daughter down the aisle, and being with my son if, and when, those two events happen. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? My wife bought it for me 12 years ago, per my request, for a comfortable chair in my home office. She hit the mark! I also like that it's next to a window and a lamp. It's comfortable with good light for me to read, thus, it's my favorite. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? It would say, "I wish you would visit me more consistently. I love it when you start your day with me, reading your Bible and praying. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? As Tim McGraw sings, "Someday I hope you have a chance to live like you're dying." Beginning April 23, 2010, I had that opportunity when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has only a 5% survival rate past one year. Thirteen months later, by God's grace, I am still here and feeling very blessed. I would encourage everyone to be appreciative of each and every day that God allows you to remain on this earth, and most importantly, know where you will spend eternity when your days are finished here. Each day is a gift, that's why they call it the present. Cherish each moment, even the tough times, for God uses those times to mold us into the men and women He wants us to be, and to strengthen our faith and dependence on Him.
Kenneth D. Farr, M.D.
Hometown: La Fayette, AL Career: Physician - Opthamologist at Palmetto Eye Specialists Family: Wife, Janis, Daughter, Lauren, Son, Eric, Dogs, Bear and Teddy, Cat Tommy What three words best describe you: Ambitious, Creative, Relaxed. What motivates you? I am self-motivated, always trying to improve. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? Improve the medical services available for our community. I would also want to learn to fly. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? Nothing is impossible. What is something about you that would surprise people? I enjoy hunting and fishing. I lived in Alaska prior to moving to HHI. What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? A cure for Macular Degeneration. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? From our local golf pro, Doug Weaver. It has a history of traveling over beautiful, local waterways and catching lots of fish. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Don't stop paddling. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Enjoy each and every day. War Eagle!
Joshton Dolan
Hometown: Hilton Head Island Career: Importing European sport horses. Family: I have three amazing siblings. What three words best describe you: Impetuous, Simple and Genuine. What motivates you? My competition. Nothing makes me try harder than seeing someone else do it better. What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? To retire when I'm 30, haha. I try to be realistic when it comes to future accomplishments and goals. Life is unpredictable, so why set yourself up for pressure to prove something to yourself or someone else. My past, present and future accomplishments are being better than I was yesterday. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? "Good, better, best, don't stop until your good is better than the best." What is something about you that would surprise people? um. I don't like the beach! What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? The Gate of Xerxes. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? It came from France, it was a birthday gift from my mom. What would your chair say about you if it could talk? That I take really good care of it, and I try to convince everyone to buy one. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? "Judge not, and you shall not be judged."
Rob DeForge
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Career: Wealth Advisor - First Citizens Bank
Family: two sons - Nick 21, Eric 18
What three words best describe you: Sincere, Open-minded, Adventurous
What motivates you? Helping people to achieve financial independence. Also, good food, good times, weekends, and travel! What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? I would like to help to establish a homeless shelter in Beaufort County. What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by? "If nothing changes.nothing changes." What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? I'm a really good cook and I enjoy it. My specialties are crab cakes, and fettucini with shrimp and shallot butter. What is something about you that would surprise people? A cure for cancer. I lost my aunt (age 53) last month to liver cancer. It was discovered during a routine physical; she survived two months. Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history?What would your chair say about you if it could talk? It came with my boat and it's getting pretty worn. It needs a re-do. We have great friends and have had great times trolling around the waters of the Lowcountry! It's a pity we don't spend more time together. If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? It's never too late to get your financial house in order!
Wolfgang Brinsa
Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC Career: Owner, Magnolia Upholstery
Family: Two wonderful adult children, great granddaughters and Ann, my schweetheart
What three words best describe you: Positive attitude, personality, keep it short and get to the point
What motivates you? Life itself, helping others and learning something new every day.
What future accomplishment do you hope to achieve? A family vacation, travel.
What are your words of wisdom, life's motto, or words to live by?
Stop being the judge, jury and executioner. Clean your own sidewalk first.
What is something about you that would surprise people? I am an ex-paratrooper from the military.
What is one thing you hope to see in your lifetime? The entire U.S.A.
Where did you get your chair/Does your chair have a history? No history.
What would your chair say about you if it could talk? Stop changing the channel.
If you could tell the world anything, what would it be? Eliminate the word "but", and all your conversations will be positive and positive things will happen to you.