Shay Merritt

My JP association began at an early age. Most people would never guess that I was a devoted student of the Dolly Rayfield School of Dance for three years. Dolly was Fletcher Austin’s wife, and even at the age of three, I would stare with awe when the TV star would come by the dance studio. (It was in an old brick house where Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital is now.) Fred Kirby would come and sing for our Christmas parties, and that was really the big ticket.

One of the classic TV moments for me was when Dick Taylor and (I believe) Eddie Hollifield were going to Africa and return with stories for the morning show and Top o’ the Day, and Dick cut a 10-second promo with Uncle Jim.

Uncle Jim: Dick, will you bring me back a pith helmet?

Dick: Thertainly!