Name: Timothy A Keadle (Tim)
Family: Kitty (wife of 38 years and UGA college sweetheart), daughter, Georgia (35 years old and named after the University of Georgia); son, Walker (31 years old and not named after Hershel, although he will tell you he is)
Hometown: Barnesville (Lamar County) Georgia
Current Town: Athens 75% and St. Simons Island 25%
What Years at UGA: June 1974 until March 1978
School/Degree: BBA, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
Profession: Partner/CPA in Porter Keadle Moore,LLC in Atlanta and faculty member of J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia, where I teach accounting and auditing research in the Masters Degree program.
Accolades: Immediate Past President of The University of Georgia Alumni Association; 2015 Outstanding alumni Award for the UGA chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, national accounting fraternity, former member of UGA Foundation Board and UGA Athletic Association Board.
What life lessons did you learn while at UGA?
I came to Georgia to play football in 1974. I quickly learned that I was not nearly as good as I thought I was and that people told me I was. After that year on the team, I learned that I was at UGA for an education and that I needed to quickly redirect my efforts to my studies and get the most out of my academic experience. This would take more effort than I thought , others in my classes seemed much more prepared for college than did I.
I learned that maximum effort would need to be given to my pursuits and nothing less would achieve those goals.
What professor did you most admire (and why)?
Betty Jean Craige from the English department. Dr Craige taught me English 132 in the winter quarter of 1976. While I do remember that she recognized me for painting my nose red while at a football game, my real appreciation for Betty Jean came much later after college when I served as President of the UGA Alumni Association. She was, is now, and will always be connected to The University of Georgia. Without fail she came to the emeriti faculty dinners that the Alumni Association hosted even when getting there was not so easy for her. She was always involved and will forever be dedicated to Georgia. When you love my University like Betty Jean does, I admire that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In October 1978, after a grueling campaign, I was elected to serve as Kitty’s husband, an office I still hold today. About two years after that,
I was self appointed to the life long position of father to Miss Georgia Louise Keadle and then in 1985, on a scorching hot day in June, I received a divine appointment from the Almighty himself to serve as chief of staff and advisor to the honorable Walker Lee Keadle, who later became the greatest mic man in the history of the University of Georgia.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Paul in the Bible, because in 1 Thessalonians 3 verse 1, he wrote and I paraphrase here … “when we could stand it no longer we decided to stay in Athens.” That completely describes our decision to move to Athens from the Atlanta area four years ago.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My father, Homer Haygood Keadle Sr of Barnesville, Georgia and life long friend, boyhood idol, and Great American Gaines B. Abernathy originally from Barnesville now living in Carnesville. Daddy was a patient man, with a love for the outdoors and a genuine spirit for the simple life. Gaines’ father died when Gaines was very young Because of my close relationship with my daddy, I knew that was very hard for Gaines. However, even without the benefit of a father in the formative years of his life, Gaines succeeded in life and today is one of the finest, most genuine, caring people anyone could ever encounter and an outdoor expert.
Quote to live by:
“Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”
What is your most marked characteristic?
Personally, I think it’s my spirit and enthusiasm for life itself regardless of the facet, be it family,or work, or leisure activities, I love enthusiasm.
What do you most value in your friends?
I value authenticity and loyalty. Friends that are genuine and friends that are there for me in thick and thin.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be a more patient person; patience has never been my strong suit. That is something I should have inherited from my father but somehow I missed out on that.
Who are your favorite writers (and why)?
Local literary geniuses,Vance Leavy and Jeff Dantzler. Both of these gentlemen write about subjects I truly love. They are creative and articulate and they describe thoughts and feelings that I experience personally. Sometimes simple articles they write are like poetry to me.
Fave social media and who to follow (and why)?
I like radio, particularly 960 the ref and XM 49 Soultown and XM 50 The Groove. I follow Diogenes Dave Johnston on 960 and I love “With This Ring” originally done by the Platters but I really like the rendition done by The Dirk Howell Band live at the Frog Pond Lounge in the fall of 1977. Additionally, “I‘ll Always Love My Momma” by the Intruders, a great rhythm and easy to dance to.
FOR CHERI’S RECENT GEORGIA GIRLS POSTS with UGA ALUMNAE – click here
FOR CHERI’S RECENT PROUST Q&As with UGA ALUMNI – click here
FOR RECENT POSTS on THE SOUTHERN C BY CHERI – click here
