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My Dad….. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Milkshakes And Life Lessons

Oftentimes, when you are learning life lessons, you don’t realize it, especially when you are 13. I got my first job at the age of 13. Hired by my dad…

Gentry's Drive-In

Oftentimes, when you are learning life lessons, you don’t realize it, especially when you are 13.

I got my first job at the age of 13. Hired by my dad and mom at Gentry’s Drive-In. It was a great learning experience for me.

My parent’s drive-in was in Walhalla, SC. Hamburgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and curb service.

The job was to wait on hungry car diners. I would walk to their car, take their order, and deliver it after dad cooked it. Usually, it was a hamburger steak with French fries, Mom’s homemade coleslaw, or hot dogs with the special chili that cooked for hours.

My love for radio actually started there. Personalities from the local radio station, WGOG, often ate at our little drive-in….and my boss at KICKS 99 will be proud to hear, that we advertised on that small AM station that ended up being my first radio job at 19.

Dad always said, “the customer is always right”. Something I think about and practice to this day.

On this Father’s Day, I remember my dad, Herman Gentry, restaurant owner, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Purple Heart recipient, and a wonderful husband to my mother, Margie.

I didn't realize as a 13-year-old that the lessons my dad, and mom taught me at a little drive-in would stick with me forever.

Dad passed away at 56 years old, but like all great men, he left a wonderful legacy.

Happy Father's Day, dad. Thank you for the life lessons. I love you.

Dad

My Dad

Tee has worked with KICKS 99 for over 24 years as Operations Manager and Program Director and is on-air each afternoon 3p-7p. When he’s not working, you’ll find him traveling the back roads, taking pictures, and searching for the next dive diner. Favorite place to visit? That’s easy. Folly Beach, SC. He’s usually there at least a few times a year. He lives in North Augusta and on Saturdays in the fall, you’ll find him cooking out and watching his Clemson Tigers. Tee likes to write about travel, Augusta local dive bars and diners and destinations in the Carolinas, as well as new business.