Owner-operator Jimmy ArdisThe third annual gathering of the South Carolina Association of Large Car Operators is in the history books. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. As I wrote last year, the group of friends and associates from across the Carolinas knows well how to throw a party to at once celebrate their chosen profession (53 truckers strong this year, pictured above) and share memories and ideas.
Grillmaster Robin Clark of Charlotte, N.C. cooked ribs, brisket and more.The pictures here are from the last weekend of last month, when the group, hosted by J.B. Hodge and SellaRhea Jordan, Danny and Roxanne Truesdale and Jimmy (the Carolina Monkey Gouger) and Debbie Ardis, gathered at Hodge’s home in Sumter, S.C. Pictures are courtesy of Rhiannon T. Strange and Lori Williams, the event’s photographers.
Among hosting drivers were (left to right) owner-operator Jimmy Ardis, J.B. Hodge, and Danny Truesdale.
Hodge’s collection of antique cars gave attendees something extra to talk about.
Billy Cockerill, the eldest and most-experienced driver among the group at 82 years old. On the other end, the youngest driver represented at the gathering was generations behind at 22 years. All told, the truckers had accumulated 1,313 years of safe driving experience.
More than 150 family members and friends enjoyed a fun-filled day. Joe Witt with Mideastern Chrome Shop furnished signs.
Lenny Carpenter (left, pictured with Ardis) of South Atlantic Peterbilt brought in a new Peterbilt 389.
Stay tuned for next year, says Ardis, and keep on trucking.
