Media

The ‘Real Hero’ Left Behind by ‘Golden-Voiced’ Homeless Radioman

The country marveled this week as a down-on-his-luck homeless man shot to stardom with his golden voice captured on an internet viral video. Ted Williams went from panhandling on Ohio streets to chatting with NBC anchors in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza all in a matter of days.

During an interview on NBC’s “Today” show, Williams sent out well-wishes to his nine children — seven girls and two boys.  Surprisingly, the “Today” show anchors didn’t inquire more about his past.  But what about the family Williams left behind?

The real hero of the story here, the New York Daily News suggested Friday, may not be Williams, but actually his ex-wife, Patricia Kirtley.

Patricia Kirtley raised four daughters alone after Williams split 23 years ago and dove down the rabbit hole of drugs.

Not only that, Kirtley took in the baby boy the radioman had with another woman and raised him as her own.

Oh, and by the way, she’s partially blind.

“We survived,” Kirtley said Thursday in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. “My children are survivors. They know if we get a little bit that God provides, we make it into a lot. I’m a soup maker. I make potato soup and throw in a lot of vegetables and a little meat. We always ate.”  Except that Williams, who seems to be a nice guy, just wasn’t strong, wasn‘t around and wasn’t contributing financially.

Kirtley had to go on the dole. “I still remember my case number,” she says ruefully. She eventually went to school and got licensed as a blind vendor.  “My mother and sisters pitched in and drove me because I can’t see to drive,” said Kirtley, now 58, over a din of some of her 16 grandchildren playing.

As if that weren’t enough, Kirtley said two of her sisters and a cousin each took in a child Williams and his druggie girlfriend couldn’t, or wouldn’t, care for.  “I didn’t want to see those children in no foster home,” she said.

The Daily News suggests that Kirtley’s story is like so many others of women left to raise children in poor communities across the country.

For Williams’ kids who were left behind, their father’s new-found success is bittersweet.

Daughter Julia Pullien, 30, said she was 7 when Williams left.  “He wasn’t involved,” she said. “Our mom was our sole provider. She is a more than phenomenal person. My father is a nice guy, but he fell victim to the streets. We prayed for him and we worried about him, but we became accustomed to the fact that he just wasn’t there.”

So while the country celebrates Williams’ unlikely success, “all the credit must go to Kirtley,” the Daily News suggests.

Comments (82)

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  • justice
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:21am

    I have been low income. This is a great story, but you can survive if you have the strength like the mother. We all have choices. Ohters just choice the wrong path to take down the road. I pray all things will now go well for this broken family. And with the gentlemans success he can mend and help some bridges between his children and help his ex-wife now.

    Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:12am

    Now shouldn’t you folks be vilifying her for having been on welfare? She’s clearly just lazy.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 9:40pm

      Why would you say such a thing? She isn‘t even related to my wife’s side of the family!!! Shame.

      Report Post »  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on January 9, 2011 at 11:05am

      *
      I would say that conservatives generally applaud the public assistance they provided for this woman.

      It will be from the left that she is demonized for invoking God as a provider instead of the State, among other things. Let her run for office as anything but a raging liberal/progressive and she would be vilified, and her children made fun of. It is the feeble of the left who would either co-opt, or attack this woman. Either, Or….

      Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • political-realist
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 6:20am

    By watching and listening to Ted Williams on T.V., .. I really feel he is ashamed of his past and wants another chance in life which includes making things right with his ex-wife and children.

    I’m 99% sure in the past few days Ted Williams has already been legally advised of what he’s faced with regarding his financial obligations even though his children are grown. His ex-wife deserves a big chunk of change also, “and she’ll get it!”

    Now lets go to work Ted and make things right.
    I’m pulling for you brother!

    Report Post »  
  • broon
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 5:59am

    It’s good to know the truth behind the rest of the story.
    With some luck, and divine intervention from the deity(s) of his faith, he will do the right thing and right his past as best as he sees fit. Not with money as that now would be generally pointless, but with love, understanding and time.
    The best thing he could give them is success. To take hold of what has been granted him. To run with it and to inspire others to do the same. Failure would be hurtful to his family and to many others.
    I pray that he can rise above, be a humble success and provide all the good things he coild not in the past to his family. Love, support (not gross financial), inspiration, guidance, knowledge. The best things a father can give to his kids.
    He’s been given a 2nd chance. He seems like he gets it. Hopefully… really he does, and this is not just another tragedy waiting to happen.

    I have faith. The light of truth is shining down from the heavens. Goodness always prevails in the end.

    Report Post »  
  • jhonjhonson1
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 5:23am

    The Wilmington miracle is spreading. We will find heros everywhere! Miss Kirtley is the true hero.

    Report Post »  
  • starznbarz
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 4:46am

    Back in the eighties there was a huge sign on the outskirts of Chicago that read simply -”If you can`t feed `em, don`t breed `em” as true today as it was then. A person is regarded as a celebrity simply because of the tone of their voice?????? He should be ashamed to show his face in public. The public should be ashamed to be paying attention. http://www.starznbarz.com

    Report Post » starznbarz  
  • pattybbb1
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:49am

    This whole story just keeps getting better and better.

    Report Post »  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:23am

    Ain’t drugs wonderful? William‘s weakness contrasted against Kirtley’s strength is a parable of love’s selfless conquering ability over adversity.

    Report Post »  
  • zman173rd
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:33am

    Add this story to the one of the two sisters who were released from prison in order to undergo a kidney transplant.. Any bets on how long it will be before either or both are back in the slammer? Life is full of hiccups..

    Report Post » zman173rd  
    • apollo18
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:20am

      A renal transplant is only the beginning. What about all the constant follow-up care? The very expensive medications? The counseling? What happens if she rejects the transplant? What criteria will be used to decide failure? These women don’t appear to be able to handle the simple daily “moral” choices, much less have any kind of family support. This is a HUGE responsibility, that if not handled correctly, could kill one, if not both of them.

      Report Post »  
  • QuietRiot
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:22am

    Content of charicter….

    Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:18am

    Thanks for more of the background story Blaze. These stories are never cut & dry. Success is few and far between. Let‘s see what God’s greater plan is for this huge family.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:03am

    If this guy is decent he will to at least help this woman financially. He needs to make an attempt to reconnect with his children and grandchildren. They may or may nor wish to have a relationship. He will have to honor their decision either way. Drug addiction is not easy to shake and we all know that it is the children and family that suffer the most. This lady and her sisters are saints for taking in the children he had with another woman. I pray that these kids have been able to maintain a normal life without permanent damage from not having the presence of their father. Getting clean is rough and he deserves a second chance, not only a career but a chance to make good on his mistakes of the past. I hope that he will.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:32am

    Anyone have some statistics on how many thousands (10′s of thousands?) illegitimate black crack babies are born every day? It’s time this data is published and not swept under the carpet. These dead beat dads should be charged as criminals and castrated. I wonder how Mr. Golden Voiced Sperm Disseminator will sound once he is rightfully castrated?

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:05am

      troll

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • richard the lion-hearted
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:08am

      @mossbrain – I‘m sure this ’data’ you speak of would be so helpful, just like all the other useless statistics that DO NOTHING, that’s your solution?! You are just another knee-jerk responding JERK who obviously thinks that Christ is gonna personally come down and thank you for doing His work, you should call yourself ‘mushbrain’ you ‘Jerry Springer of The Year’ honorary award winner. For what you lack in intelligence you make up for in ignorance.

      Report Post » richard the lion-hearted  
  • jeffdubya
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:14am

    He will relapse. Too much, too soon.

    Report Post » jeffdubya  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 11:15am

      Time will tell. The last paragraph of this story has yet to be written. It is up to Williams to pen it.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
  • TX .338 L Mag
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:11am

    Here we are as a society. Glitz, glamor, and your 15 minutes.
    There is a world of true heroes who never find recognition and stay in the shadows. Sorry, but this guy was and is a societal drop out and a loser, who turned his back on those he brought into the world and took the easy way out. His opportunity to redeem his self is at hand. Let’s see what kind of man he really is. Sit back and watch how the bleeding heart liberal media make him and not his ex-wife the hero.

    Report Post » TX .338 L Mag  
    • richard the lion-hearted
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:57am

      @TX,338 L MAG – You are a self-rightous idiot (I know this by your few choice words), living on the streets is the easy way out?! Lets try some facts: 1st you DO NOT know this man, 2nd I‘m sure you’ve lived a perfectly rightous life, probably second only to Christ (cough, cough), 3rd you are a perfect example of today’s hypocrites who judge from their Cheetos-encrusted couch all the while contemplating just how much better you are than everyone else. I believe in redemption and letting God judge since He truly is the ONLY one who knows ALL of mankind’s thoughts and therefore CAN judge rightously. Do your thoughts condemn you before Christ? Hmmmm? I truly would hope not.

      Report Post » richard the lion-hearted  
    • PaganGoddess
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:44am

      @richardthe lionheart-You truley live up to your name. Kudos to you, may the Goddess shine her light on you, and yours.

      Report Post »  
    • PaganGoddess
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:47am

      Oops…truly….my bad…haye typos…

      Report Post »  
    • PaganGoddess
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:53am

      Hate…damn touchscreen…

      Report Post »  
    • rodguy911
      Posted on January 9, 2011 at 5:44pm

      Usually I would agree with you comments since I Have worked my butt off for some 50 years now. But being an on air person is a whole other world. If you haven’t trled it I advise that you cut this guy some slack.
      The mind games alone that are played with those of us who have been behnd the michrophone(golden or othersiwe) are unbelieveable, unending and difficult to deal with at best.
      You have to remember most on air talents are only as good as their last broadcast,there are few fields that are more fickle and insecure as radio broadcasting.
      Everyone around you, secretary, sales people, your engineer,call screener,boardman, all want your job. They all think they can do it better than you. And in many cases one failed mistake and you are out on your ass.

      The broadcast business has a huge number of alkies,and or druggies. People who seccume to substance abuse are almost the rule rather than the uncommon.
      After some 30 years behind the mike myself,be it part time and full, I don’t condone what this guy has done but it is understandable at least for me.I can see how he got there.
      I wish him well.

      Report Post »  
  • mary841
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:05am

    Wow…the power of prayer!!!!!! God may not answer when we want (or how we want), but He ALWAYS comes through and shows His glory in ways we can’t imagine. Always pray in faith and thanksgiving and don’t forget to thank the Lord, even when we can’t see what His plan is.

    Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:22am

      “Always pray in faith and thanksgiving and don’t forget to thank the Lord, even when we can’t see what His plan is.” Amen!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
  • TX .338 L Mag
    Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:01am

    Add your comments

    Report Post » TX .338 L Mag  
    • tierrah
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 7:27am

      ok, I will and will probably be lambasted! I felt as all of you when I first read Mr. Williams’ story. This new insight information does inspire admiration for the wife he left behind; but I can’t help wondering about all the government aid that PROBABLY went to her in the raising of the NUMEROUS children sired by Mr. Williams! I mean, at what number do you try to STOP having children when your husband is a druggie? Just wondering …

      Report Post » tierrah  
    • Commonsense Libertarian
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 7:27am
      I mean, at what number do you try to STOP having children when your husband is a druggie? Just wondering …

      No lambasting here, but you didn’t seem to catch the fact that she and her family took in 4 kids that Mr. Williams had with other women to keep them from being put in foster care.

      This woman and her family are amazing and the Lord is definitely working in their life. Drug addiction can lead people down dark paths into a twisting labyrinth of worthlessness and despair, some never make it out. I’m sure that Ms. Kirtley and her children’s prayers are what kept Mr. Williams alive through the years. I have seen the Lord bring family’s back together from the brink and pray for Mr. Williams to stay on the path of light guiding him through his maze of darkness.

      “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” -Psalm 1:6

      Report Post » Commonsense Libertarian  
    • tierrah
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 3:44pm

      @Commonsense. Thanks for your post. You’re right … I was lumping all the children to the first wife. When I read the article it reminded me of a story reported by a doctor advising of the scam perpetrated by a grandmother. The granddaughter explained to the doctor that she was the “breadwinner” of the family … she’d have the babies and then the grandmother would tell the welfare that the young girl was unable to take care of the children so family services would step in and try to find foster parents. That‘s when the grandmother volunteered to be a foster care giver for the children and received so much money for each one’s shelter, food, clothing, medical, etc., etc., etc. The grandmother purchased an SUV with all the money and they were living very high with all the welfare and family services monies. I apologize for jumping to conclusions with regard to this story. My respect for the wife remains high; however, Mr. Williams will be obliged to EARN such respect. I sincerely pray that he will continue to stay “clean” and hopefully will contribute to society in future. Thanks for calling me out on this.

      Report Post » tierrah  
  • N.Cacky-Lacky
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:51pm

    Another great example of “and now the rest of the story”. God bless her and all that she went through dealing with all those kids for so long on her own. Ted’s got a paid-for roof over his head now, so the majority of of newrfound income should initially go toward that woman and the kids. He needs make amends with his family and with his God.

    Report Post » N.Cacky-Lacky  
  • AzDebi
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:51pm

    What I loved most about her story is that she DID NOT teach her children to hate their father…when women do this, they are actually hurting their children…I believe that what children need is to feel safe…when they feel safe, they will learn to explore the world in a healthy way…they will have self respect as well…If the absent parent has problems with commitments and responsibilities, the kids will learn this on their own when they grow up and try to establish a “normal” relationship with that parent…THEN and ONLY then will they truly understand and truly appreciate the sacrifice that their dependable parent made…When the Bible speaks of “Love”, it is speaking of “Sacrifice”…without “Sacrifice”, there is no “Godly” Love.

    Report Post » AzDebi  
  • Catherine A.
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:45pm

    Glad to finally hear at least part of the other side of the story.

    Report Post » Catherine A.  
  • krenshau
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:38pm

    I hope Mr. Williams will use his new found success to contribute to what he should have been contributing while his children were growing up.

    Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:38pm

    Part of recovery is making amends. The failure to do that is only hiding from a problem, which often drives one back to addiction.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • texanpatriot
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:36pm

    Bless her. Maybe now he can share some of his new found riches, or at least income, with his heroic wife. I am sure from the story that she could not care less but it would be a fitting end before he begins again to put his money up his nose.

    Report Post » texanpatriot  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:56pm

      I’m sure he will.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 5:39am

      She probably doesn’t care about the money. If she and their children have prayed for him all these years then they are not concerned for themselves but truly want him to succeed. God will do right by them, either here on earth or in heaven. Really, I had rather have my rewards in heaven, God has much better stuff.

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • Gutenberg
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:02am

      He should also pay back to the taxpayers who helped to foot the bill in his absence.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:34pm

    This is what addiction can do. God bless this women who raised his children while he was gone. Maybe now he can make amends? He should not have to be forced to give them as much money as he can. It should be his obligation and he should do it willingly. Let’s pray he stays sober.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • blacksmith
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:19pm

      He should start paying back the money that the welfare system provided to his family for years while he was living his life of choice. There are thousands of cases like this where fathers leave behind familys to be taken care of by the government. If he had hit the lottery what people feel the same way? Time to be a man and start to pay for your way in the world and pay back what you have taken.

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:33pm

    A chance for Mr Williams to redeem himself, given this opportunity.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:59am

      Yes .. I would say a lot of unpaid child support would be in order … I hope he makes lots of money!

       
    • ZeitgeistBuster
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:21am

      The mom and kids prayed for him. And from what I have seen of his openness and honesty about his own failures and neglect, God has been working with him and he has been responding honestly.

      The hard part will be for him will not be giving his family money, but to find a way to contribute himself to his long neglected family. The impulse to avoid his ex and kids because of how unworthy he is of them will be powerful.

      Their world is going to be shaken up too. Imagine the quiet pity of loving and praying for a person at a distance being shattered by him showing back up in your life. I hope they can do it.

      Report Post » ZeitgeistBuster  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 2:04am

      GB has got to get her on his show ASAP!!!

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • mcfinch
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 4:43am

      He will do well at what he does best which is radio!

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Video Website

      Report Post » mcfinch  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:04am

      I like the fact the Blaze looked at this story. They do go hand in hand. I do hope he gets his family back on their feet before he gives his money to the shelters. Balance dude. I sure pray he keeps it together.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:11am

      Paul Harvey — is that you?

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:11am

      What an amazing family! I hope that Mr Williams will share his new-found wealth in order to make his ex-family’s life a bit easier (although they may not want or need his assistence now). He obviously made some very bad choices but hopefully will stay on the road to recovery, one day at a time. She is the hero and God has kept watch.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 9:03am

      this is a great story, he can redeem himself, if that is his choice. I build houses in Texas and I have seen guys like this all my professional life. They, all need a chance to redeem themselves….and at times in their lives they try. But, it is weakness that puts them there, and it is usually the weakness that sends them back. It is not the amount of money they make, nor the responsibilities that so regrettably run from that keep them in place and true to their families. They have to have an epiphany, a real event in life to show them that life is worth living. But, this man walked away from his wife and kids; don’t be surprised if he forsakes his new found wealth of chances, and once again seeks the dark shadows of drug abuse, drinking, and worthlessness.
      From my experiences with folks, 2 years sober is not that long. I wish him the best. And I admire his ex-wife; a true survivor. I hope his new employers will make sure he pays any child support he might owe.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • aafriend
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 9:21am

      We all wish him the best and hope he does the right thing, though unless he remains humble, maintains his sobriety with a strong fellowship and mentors that have been where he is at, the next story will be celebrity rehab. money does not cure alcohol and drug addiction. addiction is an inside job, Mr Williams will need to put his sobriety first over everything in his life to maintain any quality of life.

      i watched the reunion with his mom, scares me, it was about the job and money. if you are truly sober, you move forward with your life. addicts and alcoholics that trust in God clean house and help others do not have to live on the streets and pan handle. this is just my opinion and i hope the best for Mr Williams.

      Report Post » aafriend  
    • knotaclu
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 10:40am

      @ Stuck in ca….EXACTLY…. “and now you know the rest of the story”….excellent point….

      Report Post »  
    • mill
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 11:22am

      Leaving Patricia was really better than having an alcoholic/druggie hanging around. It would have been worse than what they went through.

      The media will always look for the dark underbelly immediately. I believe he has told us he was a scumb bag.. Lets step back and let him make it on his own now…. Without some serious intervention that he will…and that will be even sadder. He appears weak…

      Give him a chance to make this situation good,….if not then crucify him in the public eye!!!

      Report Post »  
    • RightWrite
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:01pm

      It’s not about the 23 years away or the money; it’s about what happens now, his truthful redemption, the family forgiveness!

      Report Post » RightWrite  
    • docvet
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 12:21pm

      Good post and excellent comments from all (and not comment about Obama -wonderful!!!). I wish Mr. Williams and his family the best.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 1:28pm

      I absolutely LOVE Paul Harvey. He was an Atheist, you know.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on January 8, 2011 at 8:21pm

      I sincerely hope he takes care of his family & makes amends with them. Alcohol & drugs destroy lives.

      Report Post »  
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