I had graduated with Orlando Christmas in 1973. We first met in third grade in Fairmount School, when they first integrated that school in 1963. We were both 8 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday, how we first met and started talking to each other.  It was after Christmas time and Orlando mentioned while we were eating lunch that he had gotten a new toy called “Rock-em Sock-em Robots”. I had gotten it also and we talked about it during lunch. It was a big deal at 8 years old. 

After elementary school and middle school where we constantly played sports, either together or against each other, we drifted apart with different sports interests, but I always enjoyed those years and never forgot Orlando and cannot imagine I ever will. 

In July of 2016, I saw Orlando walking down the hill from Hillers School and I stopped my truck and we talked for about 20 minutes. Orlando Christmas joined the
United States Air Force after high school with another classmate,
Lawrence (Larry) Townes. Orlando Christmas served in the Air Force from 1974-1978
as an Air Traffic Controller rising to the rank of Sergeant upon his discharge. 

Written by:
Bob Meli
August 22, 2016