Remembering the 'Rock'
Dennis Herbert operated his family's jewelry store, made music and spread happiness.
He was known as the “Rock.’’
Not a rock, as in Stone Mountain. Or “The Rock,” like Dwayne Johnson, the professional wrestler. Or Rock Hudson, the movie star.Dennis Herbert put rocks on fingers for a living, running the family jewelry store on Main Street in Fort Valley, where it was an icon for 65 years.
He grew up wanting to play rock ‘n’ roll music, and he never grew out of it.
His parents gave him a Fender Stratocaster when he was 17 years old. Sixty years later, he could still move his fingers up and down its long neck and make people get up and dance.
Dennis came within a couple of guitar licks of playing his music on a wider stage. He got his proverbial big-league cup of coffee when he toured with Billie Joe Royal and B.J. Thomas.
But he never became the next Mick Jagger. He was a rock, not a stone.
Still, he had no regrets. Que sera sera. He settled down in his hometown, married his high school sweetheart, raised two wonderful daughters and went to the Methodist church on Sundays.
His wife, Peggy, would always say there was another meaning behind his nickname.
He was as steady as a rock.
The world lost a shining light last week when Dennis reached the end of his 20-year battle with cancer. He was 75. He was a kind soul and gentle spirit, who always put others above himself. Except for being an Auburn fan, he was a man of few faults.
