Whiskey in the Jar

An unfortunate end to a notable character:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Famed Appalachian moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, whose incorrigible bootlegging ways were as out of step with modern times as his hillbilly beard and overalls, took his own life rather than go to prison for making white lightning, his widow says.

"He couldn't go to prison. His mind would just not accept it. ... So credit the federal government for my husband being dead, I really do," Pam Sutton told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday from the couple's home in the Parrottsville community, about 50 miles east of Knoxville.

I am sad that it came to this, and I pray that his soul may find solace in the days to come.

Rest in peace, Popcorn, and to Hell with the Revenuers.

His head was bloodied, but unbowed

I lurk a hundredfold more than I comment, but I didn't want this to slip by, as I read, appreciated, and looked forward to his postings.

Bane, of BaneRants, passed away this morning.

I had to think a while about what to say, as I've commented once or twice, and more than a few times at Vox Populi, where I was first exposed to his, er, antics.

Bane made me laugh more than a few times, think before I spoke (as I saw what happened to the trolls; he was a sterling example of how to levy withering verbal fire on the unwashed), and I'm richer for the experience.

More than that, however, he reminded me of my father, who has been dead these many years. Suffice to say, I liked him immediately.

I'm saddened that he's no longer with us, but I find comfort in that he feels no pain, but elation in the presence of the Almighty. His wife and family, however, could use encouragement and the solace of a kind word. His blog will carry the details.

Bane, we will miss you.