Virginia Golfer May / Jun 2020 | Page 7

Around The Commonwealth The Virginia media legend, who died at age 77, made a gigantic impact on golf and the VSGA Millsaps received the 2017 Earle Hellen Sports Media Award, which recognizes outstanding golf journalists who have promoted the game. As word spread on Easter weekend that William H. Millsaps had passed away, the tributes from his media colleagues poured in unabated, showing that he was equal measure of mentor and friend to many in Commonwealth newspaper circles. “Nothing is more important in life than a good reputation,” said Steve Isaacs, a past Virginia State Golf Association champion and board member who nominated Millsaps to serve on the VSGA board in 2006. “And that is proven by what others say and write about you.” Millsaps—or simply “Saps” to anyone who knew him—died peacefully in his home on April 10 after battles with multiple strokes and cancer, surrounded by family. Millsaps served for 12 years on the VSGA’s board of directors and was an instrumental guiding voice to the VSGA as the chair of the Virginia Golfer editorial committee. That after his retirement, he would spend his time helping to guide the VSGA’s communications efforts spoke to two truths about Millsaps—his love of journalism and the fact that “the trait of service was a part of his DNA,” Isaacs said. Millsaps’ career was extensive. He covered dozens upon dozens of major golf championships. He served as both the sports editor and executive editor at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In 2011, he was honored with the Red Smith Award, the highest national sports writing honor as bestowed by the Associated Press Sports Editors. That award put him in the same company as Jim Murray, Shirley Povich, Dave Kindred, Frank Deford and Dan Jenkins—all colleagues and friends whom he deeply admired. What made Millsaps such a standout in his industry? Honesty and empathy. vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2020 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 5