‘Flash mob’ gathers quickly in support of beloved coach

By Rita Howell

As far as I know, it was Batesville’s first flash mob.

Tuesday, as directed by Facebook messages that spread lightning fast, several hundred of us gathered shortly after noon to line the  rolling hills of Turtle Creek Drive and Quail Run.

Our mission: show support for our friend, Coach Robert Lightsey, who would soon be on his way to Memphis for serious medical treatment.

Last week we had received the distressing news about a diagnosis of leukemia and that set off a chain reaction of prayer and care among those in his large extended family, his colleagues from his long career as a teacher and coach at South Panola, neighbors, church friends, ball park buddies, classmates from the Class of 1970, even associates at City Hall, where he is director of the department of parks and recreation.

Many of his well-wishers Tuesday brought colorful homemade signs promising prayers. Some just said, “We love you.”

The mayor arrived, and so did several of the city’s finest to serve as escorts.

The idea was to surprise Coach, a man who generally avoids the spotlight and probably would have ducked out the other way if he’d known what was waiting for him along the streets.
Instead his wife Carol Anne drove slowly along so he could greet as many members of the mob as possible with handshakes and hugs.

It felt good to be among the crowd who’d come together simply to encourage and show love for a man who’s meant so much to so many.