BURTON FLETCHER: ‘The True Gentleman’ for Valdosta

I pledged the Florida Sigma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity 50 years ago during the Spring Semester of 1974 while attending the University of West Florida in Pensacola. I was the president of the Epsilon Pledge Class.

As part of our pledge period, we were required to memorize and recite John Walter Wayland’s poem, “The True Gentleman,” in front of all brothers in attendance.

We were given only one opportunity to recite these inspiring words perfectly before a discerning audience scrutinizing every word closely. To my credit, I was one of a handful who passed the test and recited the words perfectly.

These words constitute the supposed philosophy of our imperfect fraternity. Unfortunately, humans, being fallible, flawed, and imperfect, violate those provisions.

“The true gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue is safe.” John Walter Wayland

These are such beautiful, instructive words. While I did not always fully honor these words, I would recall them, and they did serve as a guidepost for me.

In my service to animal welfare through the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals, the late Charles DeVane, my friend and animal welfare hero, epitomized the best of The True Gentleman poem. Charlie passed away on June 30th, and I miss my friend. He was a wonderfully kind man full of grace and loved by many. In my eyes, he was the epitome of The True Gentleman.

Charlie’s celebration of life service at the Tyson McLane Funeral Home and Crematory was well attended, and I was happy for Charlie’s family. The community celebrated the life of a great man who loved dogs and was honored by the animal rescue community. While I no longer can recite the poem perfectly, when I think of The True Gentleman, I will forever reflect on my friend, Charlie, who left an outstanding legacy to be regarded in this way.

What will your legacy be among your family, friends, and the community? How well do you measure up?

Let’s all strive to be like Mr. Charles DeVane and do our best as men and women to epitomize the behavior of The True Gentleman. You know in your heart that it is the right thing to do.