The Rogue Samaritan

When last we checked in with Dick Carney, the Pitt County man was leading his 'Cajun Country Convoy' through the wake of Hurricane Katrina . Since then, the consummate handyman has found new ways to channel his own brand of crusty compassion. Whether whipping his Presbyterian pals into a do-gooder's frenzy, outfitting a disaster relief van or launching his own blog, this 'Old Goat' rarely chills. Recently, his campaign to bring air conditioning to a heat-stricken animal shelter caught the eyes of the scribes at his local paper - who no doubt know a good character when they spot one. Yes, Dick Carney's many things. 'Saint' ain't one of 'em. But this clever carpenter and born storyteller's desire to help others is so deeply ingrained in his DNA, he bleeds good will. That, and Texas Pete. Anyway, as an expatriate of his native Greenville, I can't help but crow about this rogue Samaritan - even if I wasn't his prodigal son. (Photo by Greg Eanes)