Remembering Ace Cleveland on Father’s Day

Today is Father’s Day, and one son remembers his father, Robert ‘Ace’ Cleveland, who died more than 31 years ago. Despite the years, he says he thinks of his father every day and wishes he could call him for advice or company.

Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Cleveland earned his nickname in high school football and was known as a talented athlete and storyteller. His father was a dairy farmer who cared little for sports but encouraged his son’s athletic pursuits.

Cleveland’s path to journalism began unexpectedly. While playing semipro baseball, he was interviewed by a newspaper editor, Leonard Lowrey. Cleveland asked if he could get the sports editor’s job. When asked if he could type and write, he responded affirmatively. The job was his, and he proved to be a talented writer, with a deep knowledge of sports.

After serving in World War II and playing baseball, Cleveland took a job with the Jackson Daily News. Later, he moved to Mississippi Southern College, where his family lived on campus. The couple’s children grew up surrounded by sports facilities, fostering their love for the game and language.

He recalls a childhood incident during dinner involving his brother Bobby, which highlighted the family’s lively, humorous nature. Cleveland also advised his son to pursue journalism, encouraging him to volunteer as a sports writer and sharing his best advice: to write stories as he would tell them.

Near the end of his life, Cleveland suffered strokes and was in intensive care. During a visit, he asked for the newspaper and the crossword puzzle. His son and brother read it to him, and he completed it silently. A nurse asked what he did for a living; Bobby, who had been shaped by his father, proudly called him a retired sports writer.

On Father’s Day, the son honors his father’s memory, celebrating his character, humor, and legacy as a sportsman and storyteller.

Source: Original Article