Another interesting storyline involving the Worry Rock starred a “picturesque” local man by the name of Bill Ward. Perhaps inspired by the stories of Lamar Couch’s financial gain while seated upon the rock, Mr. Ward, a Hapeville painter and carpenter, declared himself “Unofficial Worrier” and assumed the task of sitting upon the rock to worry on behalf of others. The day after the story ran of “Worrier Ward’s” self-appointment, a deluge of letters addressed to the “Worry Editor” flooded in from readers. The letters were forwarded to Bill and he’d sit upon the Worry Rock to personally lament over each request.

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Billy Head, an 8-year-old from Carrollton wrote:

 

“I’m worried over whether I’m going to be Buck Jones the second or not. (Buck Jones was a famous western movie star of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s). My mother says I’m too young to be worrying. So please worry and let me know how I stand.”

 

A letter signed by F.E.M. stated:

 

“Contract bridge is my worry. I’m not too dumb, but I can’t seem to learn contract. I have to play every Wednesday night and it is a source of worry to me as well as the people I play with. I will be grateful if you will sit on the rock for me.”

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Only a month later, however, a follow up story appeared in newspapers around the country announcing that Bill Ward had abandoned his post. Perhaps all of that worrying was too much for him. A direct quote from Bill suggests a more likely reason for his departure was that his lofty expectations of fame and fortune were not met. 

 

“It was all going out and nothing coming in,” he said, tossing his hands in the air.