“It's better than spending the night in the Thunderbolt Jail.” - The Story of Richie Towns

We have a lot of very unique characters in our chorus, not the least of which is good ol' Richie Towns. Part Chuck Norris, part Gomer Pyle, this born and raised Savannah native decided to go career military....in none other than the Green Beret.

Richie's laid back attitude and easy-going nature is a constant in the universe of Savannah barbershop singing. He's so gentle and fun-loving, you'd never guess he's probably waged war in countries we're still not allowed to know exist. I roomed with Richie once at a barbershop convention. He's a very peculiar roommate to have—as long as the room is better than a ditch in a war zone during a hurricane, Richie is completely content.

“It's better than spending the night in the Thunderbolt Jail.” That's Richie's response to just about everything in life. Everything. That shows the kind of impact he has on those around him.

Richie is a bass, and one of the few charter members of 13th Colony Sound still around. His most famous role in our chapter meetings these days is the weekly raffle. At the end of break, tickets are drawn from the hat, and the winners are given some rather unique prizes, courtesy of Richie Towns. Typical prizes include: antique calendars, autographed books (signed “Richie Towns”), the occasional CD, and—if all else fails—a used pen.

Richie also has a passion for Haiti. He was there when the earthquake hit a few years ago. He's gone back on several mission trips to help rebuild. Thanks to his influence, another 13th Colony member recently took a mission trip there. Haiti is a better place now, thanks to Richie's efforts, the efforts of those who go with him, and the efforts of those who are inspired by them.

So on this Memorial Day, we'd like to not only remember those who served our nation, not only remember those who never came home, but also note the continuing contributions those who did come home have made since then, continuing to serve our nation—and even the nations around us—for the entire duration of life, whether in or out of the military. And for this purpose, it's hard to find a better chorus-member to pick on than our "Bonna Bella Richard," Mr. Richie Towns.

Now if we could just get him to use a computer so he can see this...

Nathan P. Daniel
VP Marketing & Public Relations
13th Colony Sound