Mississippi Stories: James Storey

by Marshall Ramsey, Mississippi Today
February 4, 2025

People still remember where they were on that hot, muggy Mississippi afternoon when Ole Miss fullback James Storey caught two touchdown passes to defeat Notre Dame 20-13 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Nearly 50 years later, people also remember all the ways that Coach Storey has changed their lives for the better.  Moving back to his hometown of Ripley, Storey left the gridiron for the classroom. Dedicating his life to a mindset of humility, generosity, and selflessness that involves serving others without expecting anything in return, he truly has a servant’s heart.  I traveled to north Mississippi to meet up with him to discuss his football days and his long career as an educator, principal and coach.  He also shared his passion of helping the Boys & Girls Club of North Mississippi as well. Storey is a hero on and off the gridiron.  And while the 1977 Notre Dame team may not agree, he’s also a heck of a nice guy.

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This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Landon Bryant is a top-notch educator. Whether it is in an art classroom or on Instagram discussing one of the South’s little idiosyncrasies, he has an ability to explain things in a hilarious way.  Known online as LandonTalks, he and his wife Kate have created clever short videos that have tickled the nation’s funny bone. I visited him in his hometown of Laurel (where it all began and continues to this day.)  We traveled to the Lauren Rogers Museum and toured downtown, all while he gave us a glimpse into his brilliant imagination. No longer in the classroom, Landon fills his time as a stand-up comic, author, podcaster, and commentator on all things Southern. It’s fun to watch good people succeed.  And in this episode, you’ll get to know the good man behind the meteoric success story. 

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This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-at-Large Marshall Ramsey takes a trip to Lazy Acres. In 1980, Lazy Acres Christmas tree farm was founded in Chunky, Mississippi by Raburn and Shirley May. Twenty-one years later, Michael and Cathy May purchased Lazy Acres. Today, the farm has grown into a multi seasonal business offering a Bunny Patch at Easter, Pumpkin Patch in the fall, Christmas trees and an spectacular Christmas light show.  It’s also a masterclass in family business entrepreneurship and agricultural tourism.

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This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.