As anyone who’s been in the public eye can tell you, people don’t always get our names right. I’ve been called Darrell, David Glenn, Tom, and most frequently, “that dude on the news.” I answer to all of them. It’s kind of embarrassing to correct people, especially in front of their friends or family.
As you may know, my former co-worker Bill Markham, the famous Channel 3 anchorman of 25-plus years, passed away earlier this month. Here’s a pic of Bill and me from around 2011, a few years after he retired.
Bill Markham and David Carroll, December 2011
A couple of days ago, I was standing in line at Wendy’s (because I’m into health food), and the guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder. “Bill Markham! I watch you every night.” Again, I don’t hold it against anyone when they get our names wrong. Heck, I can’t tell the difference between a Firestone tire and a Goodyear. So I get it, that people clicking through hundreds of channels see all these faces on TV, and scramble our names. I thanked the man, and told him we appreciate every single viewer. I stood there a few seconds longer, and asked myself, “What would Bill do?” I knew the answer immediately. I paid for the guy’s meal. He smiled about that and thanked me, and said he “would be watching tonight, on News Channel 3.”
Now, some might think what I did was tacky, not correcting the man. I mean, after all, Bill’s recent death was all over TV, the internet, and even billboards. But to this guy, I was Bill, and he loved Bill, and he watched Bill every night. Besides, as you can see from the picture above, the resemblance is stunning, right?
So, I debated on whether to share that story with you, in fear of appearing to be in bad taste. I had not corrected the man, and may have misled him, although without malice. (In fairness, he is evidently not a really avid viewer, so maybe, just maybe, no harm done.)
I figure he later told his co-workers that Bill Markham bought him a burger at lunch today. Some of them, who may be a little more informed, might have found that to be a miracle, in light of recent events.
You know who would laugh longer and louder at that story than anyone? Bill Markham.
That’s Awesome. I can see Bill Markham turning around and smiling and paying for the man’s lunch. Thank you David.
You did the right thing. No one needs to be embarrassed in public. You were very kind and considerate. Blessings on you!!
I think it’s wonderful what you did.I think your right, Bill would have got the biggest laugh from that.
After all I used to get your name flipped with Patterson’s all the time.lol
As long as he didn’t call you Don Welch you ok. Just kidding. Now that would need to be corrected,
Bill and I worked together at Wpec in Wpb Florida. I took a job Adv and publicity dir pb jail alai in Newport Ri I called told him homesick l was 2 days later I had a call I’m at the Airport pick me up.thats the Bill markham I know.Don Haynes and I would play golf in the Pat Boone Bethel village golf tournament we stayed with Bill and Gail
..Miss talked to him few months ago told him l loved him?
Hey Don. I remember Bill talking about you. He loved you too.
Gail’s daughter
Stephanie