Reflecting back to 1960, Doug Abraham’s life has taken many directions, all good! The former ASB President has experienced opportunities upon opportunities and offers sound advice for the Ole Miss students of 2017.
HottyToddy.com: Doug, before we enter “life after Ole Miss,” tell our readers first about where you were raised and why you chose Oxford.
Doug Abraham: Greenville was very much an Ole Miss town. There were over two hundred active alums. I was told, emphatically, I would go to Ole Miss and also told I would pledge Kappa Alpha. Both were the right choices.
HottyToddy.com: Your journey through Ole Miss and Law School (1955-61) must have been a great experience.
Doug Abraham: Totally. There was so much to learn, and the professors were so stimulating. Many of the subjects that were of little interest became enjoyable…
HottyToddy.com: What year were you ASB president and did this honor benefit you post graduation?
Doug Abraham: 1960-61…was a wonderful experience! I enjoyed every minute and every challenge. Yes, after graduation, I have many friends I still see and keep in contact with.
HottyToddy.com: We understand that you now reside in San Diego thanks to your daughter’s business.
Doug Abraham: Yeppers. We came to La Jolla, San Diego after a call for help. Our daughter, Sally McGee, is in the design business, and we were able to help her. It was a lot of work and fun. The clients were so creative. It was sold, and it was a good experience for us all.
HottyToddy.com: Your career has been exciting and extremely successful. Share with us a few high points if you could single several out.
Doug Abraham: I really loved being in the Mississippi Legislature for 12 years. It was an incredible experience. The first time I was ever in our Capitol was the day I was sworn in. The legislative experience was epic…
HottyToddy.com: When you were at Ole Miss, did you know where life was going to take you?
Doug Abraham: I was clueless, and I still am. Who knows where tomorrow will lead us. But wherever it is, it will be fun if it is anything like the past.
HottyToddy.com: What were the 1960s like for you immediately following Oxford?
Doug Abraham: Work, work and more work.
HottyToddy.com: Tell us about your family.
Doug Abraham: I married Sally Montgomery McGee from Leland. We have two children Sally McGee Liddle and Doug ll. We have a great grandchild, Axl, who is one year and one month. We also have a wonderful puppy, Bilbo Baggins, who thankfully does not leave my side!
HottyToddy.com: I forgot to ask you about what you are doing now.
Doug Abraham: I have written several dozen books and three plays, “Confidential,” “Informant” and “Serial Murders” just to name a few. One play is presently being considered by Hollywood Playhouse. I am writing two novels at present: “It’s Love,” and “The Truth or Consequence Murders.” I should have both completed in a couple of days. I have started another, “Boomarang;” but it is only in its third chapter.
HottyToddy.com: What is life like living in a resort city such as San Diego?
Doug Abraham: La Jolla is a beach city in San Diego. We love it! I write many hours each day, and that’s my main interest. We travel around California a whole lot. We enjoy Catalina Island, Palm Springs, Carmel, Malibu, Hollywood and San Francisco.
HottyToddy.com: What did you experience while at Ole Miss that prepared you most for your professional career?
Doug Abraham: Friendships. I am still in touch with so many friends from Ole Miss and Mississippi. I enjoy being called on a lot for advice by so many of them.
HottyToddy.com: Getting involved in politics (even in college) is a challenging exercise. What could you relate/recommend to our current students who might be on the fence regarding seeking election?
Doug Abraham: Do it! It is a very rewarding and challenging experience, and if you love people, you will love politics and campaigning. It is gratifying to make a difference.
HottyToddy.com: Many Southerners I know have a dim view of living in California. Is this a valid concern or simply a false perception?
Doug Abraham: California is a haven. We love it here but love and stay in touch with our folks at home. California is a fantastic state. One can go from the mountains to the ocean in an hour’s drive. We travel a lot and will be in Paris for the month of May; several European friends will meet up with us there.
HottyToddy.com: Last but not least, I always enjoy asking our alums about some of the more famous people that they have met in their life’s journey. Say you?
Doug Abraham: President John Kennedy, President Richard Nixon, President Jimmy Carter, Yuil Brenner, Cal Ripken, Joe Namath, Debbie Reynolds, Lucille Ball, Marlo and Danny Thomas through St. Jude fundraising; Dick Vitale and dozens of tennis greats through Sally McGee and Doug II such as: Andre Agassi, Nick Bollettieri among many others.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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