Bill Archer shares a toast with Joanne Boileau, regional director of the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.Through his wide-ranging and varied work, Archer met and befriended many different people around the region, and some of those braved winter weather to wish him well Wednesday evening.
BLUEWELL, W.Va. — Well-wishers braved slick roads Wednesday to enjoy stuffed shrimp and mushrooms, cake, and the opportunity to wish a star among local journalists the best with his future endeavors.
Despite the inclement weather, people converged on the Buffalo Trail resort off Lorton Lick Road in Bluewell for a reception honoring former Bluefield Daily Telegraph Bill Archer, who recently retired after a career spanning more than 30 years. Guests in the resort’s restaurant spoke about what working with Archer meant to them.
As photographer Mel Grubb of Bluefield shot pictures to commemorate the occasion, he recalled why working with Bill Archer was always a pleasure.
“I was thinking how Bill here is one of the most pleasant, gentlemanly people I’ve ever known,” Grubb said. “A great smile and a handshake, and I’ve known Bill through two or three different newspapers…