No ‘Doubletalk’ in Fincher’s Expression of Appreciation to Georgia Southern
Some people can talk their way out of anything. Alumnus and funny man Durwood “Mr. Doubletalk” Fincher (’69) has talked his way into a successful career. Discovered by the “Candid Camera” television show’s Allen Funt, this Georgia Southern graduate has entertained thousands.
A member of the Washington Speakers Bureau, he is a native of the small mill village of Payne City, outside of Macon. After graduating from Georgia Southern, Fincher taught for 10 years before embarking on his entertainment career. He has crossed the country many times over as a speaker for the last 25 years. “The journey is the reward,” said Fincher.
His unique talents have led him from “The Today Show,” and “Live with Regis and Kelly,” to the dugouts of the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox, and now to the release of his biography, Once You Step in Elephant Manure, You’re in the Circus Forever: The Life and Sometimes of Durwood ‘Mr. Doubletalk’ Fincher by Macon Telegraph columnist Ed Grisamore.
“The book has been about connecting my past with the future. I want to be a reminder for people about values – the way I was raised,” said Fincher.
His nostalgic look back over his life led him back to Georgia Southern. According to Fincher, the University not only helped to shape who he is today, but has “saved his life” on two separate occasions. “Once when the college allowed me an escape from the mill village I grew up in, and again, when their nutrition science program helped me to lose 80 pounds,” he said.
In 2006, clinical nutritionist and faculty member Rebecca Fordham Black headed up a research project, now called “the Durwood Project” with students and instructor Andrew Hansen from the Department of Health and Kinesiology. During an 18-month period of rigorous exercise and diet changes, Fincher lost 80 pounds and reduced his percentage of body fat from 32 to 19.
Fincher, a Type 2 diabetic, said, “Every religion states the body is a temple of God – I just got tired of being a coliseum.”
He was not the only member of his family to develop a close connection with Georgia Southern. After he graduated, his mother Ella Mae “Ma Fincher” was a house director or “dorm mother” in Sanford, Olliff, and Cone halls.
Her journey from Payne City to Sweetheart Circle is one of many tales included in Fincher’s biography. With the help of then-Dean of Students Ralph Tyson, Fincher was able to secure a position for his mother just before he graduated and was happy to have his mother come to the place he had grown to love.
“He was grateful to have been able to help her improve her station in life in the shade of the big oak trees along Sweetheart Circle,” said Grisamore.
Since the completion of the book, Fincher has decided to give back to the place that has given him so much. He has added a giving statement to his will leaving Georgia Southern 10 percent of his estate and is encouraging other alumni to do the same.
“Don’t forget Georgia Southern in your will or estate planning – remember where you came from,” said Fincher.
According to Fincher, planned giving is something that everyone can do and for him the time was right. “It’s about remembering and honoring those who got me where I am today … my mother, my church and the school that took an interest in me.”
According to Michelle Pittman in University Advancement, a will bequest is a popular way to donate through planned giving. A bequest through your will may be expressed in terms of either a specific sum or a percentage of the residuary estate.
For more information on planned giving and other giving opportunities, please visit http://welcome.georgiasouthern.edu/foundation or contact Michelle Pittman by phone at 912-478-0880 or via e-mail at mepittman@georgiasouthern.edu.
— Marla Bruner