Difference: HybridizerWilliamsThomas (r39 vs. r38)

Thomas A. Williams, known to millions of gardeners as the "Old Dirt Dobber" of the CBS "Garden Gate" radio program, died in Nashville last November 29 after a brief illness. A long-time iris enthusiast, he was one of the pioneer group which back in the twenties began to establish Nashville as a leading center for tall bearded iris culture. Though his love of plants covered many kinds, he retained always a warm regard for irises, as evidenced by the splendid plantings in his beautiful garden near Brentwood, Tennessee. He and Mrs. Williams and daughter Peg were interested for a number of years in iris breeding and several of their originations now appear in the catalogues of our dealers. Many AIS members who have attended annual meetings of the Society in Nashville will remember walking over the spacious land-scaped grounds of the Williams place, for it was always a feature attraction on the programs. Now they will miss the smile of the "Old Dirt Dobber" whose kindly personality radiated even through his voice to such an extent that thousands of unseen radio listeners regarded him as a personal friend. —Sam Caldwell [Caldwell, Sam (1949). In Memoriam, Thomas A. Williams, American Iris Society Bulletin 116(January 1950), 74-75.]