Appalachian Man interview-Elmer 

Elmer is my dad. That trailer he lives in has only been there a few months. Our old home place house was there. It was over 100+years old. I lived there until 2011. Then the black mold and to many holes took over. It basically rotted. My dad is a hard worker, he has chronic diabetes. My momma his wife passed away by his side suddenly back in 2009 from a massive heart attack. She was only 39. He hasn't been himself since. I love my little daddy, he sure has tons of stories to tell. God if only you had the time he'd talk your head off.

To all the people who are rudely commenting. He doesn't owe you an explanation of his disabilities, but I'll enlighten y'all a little. Since this video. Elmer has had several strokes, he's been in the hospital 80% of the time since this video and before this video. He can't walk alone, he can't grip things. He has chronic disabilities that started at a very young age of around 35. I watched my daddy go from being a big able bodied man that would carry me every where as a child to a small feeble man who is very very sick. Back in 2009 My mom passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack in my dads arms. He worked on her (CPR) for well over an hour before the ambulance got to us. 2 years later my dad and his Girl Friend were driving down the highway on a beautiful sunny day 2 days after my wedding and a tree fell and hit his car leaving his girl friend dead and him severely injured. He spent 2+ weeks in the TN Hospital which was several hours away from home. That left him with a small brain injury. Now he forgets things. He has NEVER been to FL he only dreams to go. He worked his entire life until he was laid off due to his illnesses. He doesn't go on vacations. He has been on 1 to SC in his entire life. 55 Years. He saved for well over a year to go with a group of family that split the bill. Don't judge my daddy because you don't know his life. His story. His disabilities. The way its looking right now, he isn't going to be with us much longer. I'll be damn if I tell him anything about you rude ass people. But the ones who are commenting nice things, I do tell him. He smiles and says thank you each time. ♥♥

I am an Appalachian man And I like Elmer..... He ain’t dumb. He has manners. He has worked hard and Ive known many like him. God bless you Elmer

R.I.P My daddy Elmer. March 15th. 2023. Took his last breath at 2:13pm with us holding him. 😢 He talked about fishing all the way to the end.

This guy was my next door neighbor for years. He’s a good man. Never fooled with drugs and was an honest man. I remember one time I broke down and he pulled me home. He wouldn’t steal off you and would give you the shirt off his back. He’ll always be a friend of ours! God bless you wabco... that’s his cb name btw.

Elmer sounds and talks like a man with more than a ninth grade education. He is pleasant and polite and carries himself well in a conversation. He even removed his hat for the interview. GOD bless this mountain man and his way of life!

If the country goes to shit, no electricity, food shortage, fuel shortage ,economic collapse. Guess who is going to survive just fine. This man will.

This man is what we call “salt of the Earth”. He’s good people.

The man even took his hat off for the interview. A true gentleman. With not just his words but also with his demeanor

"Whats the most important lesson youve learned in your life?" "Trust in God." "Are you a religious man?" "No, but I believe in God." That may be the greatest and truest thing Ive ever heard anyone say..

These people have zero arrogance or ego about them. Truly amazing.

What a kind, sweet man. I’m from Appalachia as well, and I’ve been around people like him all of my life. We are the forgotten people, but we take care of our own and ask for nothing.

I seriously can't get over how humble and genuine he is.. the man is three kinds of gold..

Elmer is richer than many of us. He is humble, loves God and doesn’t need a lot. Wish we could all get back to a simple life. God bless you Elmer!

I lived right beside this man right here for many years growing up. He was a great neighbor always looking out for you and your place that you lived. Such a kind hearted person and a joy to talk to. He had some very fascinating stories to tell. He had a million of them too. This right here folks is a great man. One of the hardest workers I know. He goes by his CB handle Wabco. I’ve known him for many years. A great person right here! God bless you Wabco!

Well mannered, hard working, humble, and gracious, son of Kentucky. God bless you sir.

As a man from the leslie, perry, knott, county area, i want to thank you for doing this with respect, and treating elmer with dignity. People arent usually that kind when they visit us with a camera. And thank you too elmer.

im fascinated with these Appalachian people stories.

Ol’ Wobco! I love this man dearly. He is my husband’s Uncle. It sounds so strange hearing him called Elmer lol He’s always been Uncle Wob, Big Wob (his son is called Little Wob) or Wobco. He’s a real good feller, kind hearted and a heard worker. We all love him dearly. Glad to see him on here, he describes mountain life so well. There ain’t no other place I’d want to call home. He’s had a hard life and went through a lot, but I’ve only ever heard him be positive and kind. Great interview!

I grew up in the Appalachian foothills. When people ask me about my heritage I proudly tell them " I'm Appalachian" People like Elmer are just one of the reasons I'm proud of my heritage and to be a Kentuckian.

“I’ve got a wife, but she lives in another home, and I live here.” He really misses his wife 😢I think he is referring to his wife in Heaven

The way he instantly says "no" when asked if he has any regrets put the biggest smile on my face. i wish this man all of the joy in the world. God bless this man

If I had a chance to visit the US , I'd rather meet people like him and visit his area than be on a ride with Mickey Mouse ears on .

I really like how he paused and really thought when he asked him what the most important lesson in life was. You could tell he really was searching for a real answer and not going for some cliche or rushed answer. Thats what he genuinely thinks.

I’m proud to be from Appalachia. People don’t understand us. What you see is what you get. I loved this video, especially when they asked Elmer if he had any regrets. None - how many people can say that.

I like Elmer... seems like a good and honest person living the simple life up in the beautiful mountains with family and friends... Yes...love listening to all the Appalachian stories... so interesting... Thank you!

Elmer seems like a very good man with a big heart. There needs to be more people like him I wouldn't mind having him as a friend

This man has been blessed with a rich spirit. He’s kind, he’s smart, he works hard and he is loved. Please all you amazing folks of the Appalachians, protect this man at any and all costs…and love him . He’s a special one.

*What I like best about the interviews with the Appalachian folks is that they have manners and hardly ever use curse words which is a quality I admire.*

Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by the anger, hatred and hostility constantly streaming in the news, especially lately, I'm coming back here to sit down with Elmer, and feel better about the human race.

Of all the interviews you've ever done, Mark, this is my favorite. What a nice man. He knows the value of work. Happy with what he has. Good stuff.

When he said “no place like home” I couldn’t help but smile 😊

People like this are truly "Salt of the earth". A true gentleman , and someone I could talk to for hours. So nice to hear him say "no regrets" Awesome man.

Content with $1100 a month and a trip to Florida or Myrtle beach once a year. These interviews always help me keep things in perspective, teach myself to be more compassionate, and be grateful for what I have. Thank you Mark, for giving us these.

I have more respect for this man than he will ever know.

This is a tough place to live and a rough life. But this man is genuinely happy. He’s honest, humble, hard-working, god fearing and respectful. People can learn so much from this man. I’m sorry about the loss of your wife. God bless you.

I'm from Egypt .. I love these country people .. i love people who had tough life and yet they keep working hard and surviving and never give up .. and also remain grateful and humble .. and I love thier accent too . I became addicted to your channel and all the these interviews . You are a good interviewer .

The Scot[ch]-Irish people of Appalachian are a fiercely independent people. This man is a prime example. At Valley Forge when his army was freezing and hungry George Washington said and I quote: “If all else fails, I will retreat up the valley of Virginia, plant my flag on the Blue Ridge, rally around the Scot[ch]-Irish of that region and make my last stand for liberty amongst a people who will never submit to British tyranny whilst there is a man left to draw a trigger.” That says it all.

‘Are you a religious man?’ “No, but I believe in God.” Love that answer

This is my favorite interview. We don’t get a lot of representation in Appalachia. I’m happy to see him on here. Thanks for coming to our part of the country.

Here’s what I love about mountain people. They all say I don’t mess with anyone and nobody messes with me.

I grew up in VA. I can honestly say these are the some of the kindest, hardest working people you will ever meet. They will give you the shirt off of their back, their only shirt. These areas need education, compassion, and understanding. Thank you for this! These folks love the simple life and should be able to live the way they want.

*I am Appalachia.* My Wife also lives in Heaven. She and I were together 38 years and I look forward to being by her side again. EDIT: *These are my People*

I’m originally from WV. I joined the Navy and traveled the world. I came back home to WV after ten years and became an RN. The people that comment negatively about this man or the area he is from are just ignorant to the situation. I guarantee his heart is bigger and more giving than 90% of the people I have met all over the world. That is why I came back home. Going to college and having money does not make anyone intelligent nor is it a measure of a person’s worth. These are my people and I love them.

I just love these Appalachian people. Simple, good, hardworking Americans minding their own business while doing the best they can with what they have. What a breath of fresh air from all goings on in the U.S. today.

xo Marley I sure do hope you are reading all the loving comments to your sweet daddy, so he knows that in 10 minutes he impacted countless lives and represented Appalachia with grace, humility, dignity and honor. He reminded me of why I am PROUD to be Appalachian.

These people will survive when the rest of us can’t.

What a wonderful voice and kind, calm mannerism. Bless him. I would listen to him for hours.

He has smiling eyes and a gentle presence.

I don’t know why people feel sorry for these folks, because many of them seem a lot happier than most of the people I know.

Wow 55... I thought he looked easily 20 years older... a life well lived, beaten by the sun and the weather and hard work. Most of society is so vain, but who can really smile the genuine way Elmer smiles when he speaks of the land that he calls home?

the way he lights up when asked about his friends is nothing short of tear jerking.

When sht hits the fan .. THESE are the folks you want on your side.

Mark I hope you've stacked more Appalachian stories, they're the best imo.

Not too many people can say they've lived their life with no regrets. A good, honest man.

Watching this interview gave me hope that there are still some real and genuinely good people out there. Your dad has some things that many folks are missing today: character, honesty and humility. Thank you for sharing this; trust me, your dad has qualities that all men should learn and embrace.

I like seeing their homestead, and the surrounding landscape of Appalachia. It's a beautiful place.

Thank You Mark I love hearing the stories from the Appalachian people.

His eyes lit up when he said, “the mountain gets to you- it’s home.” It was the first time I saw him smile. Beautiful

Your dad is GOLD. I could listen to him talk about anything.....just seems like a great person that had had a rough life. God Bless him and his family.

He seems like such a genuine and kind person. I love hearing their stories, it's fascinating.

We need more people like this in the world. Seems like a great guy would love to talk about life with him. God bless him

When asked if he was a religious man, his response was “No, but I believe in God” kind of touched me in the feels. He seems like a very happy, confident, and humble man. He smiled through the entire interview, even removed his hat! Like another poster @terryharl said, he is richer than many of us!

What a nice, humble, simple, loving man. Bless him. We need a whole world full of people like him

elmer , your the richest man in the world . god bless you .

These are the people who would survive a zombie apocalypse.

Although I dislike this interviewer, the subjects of this series are amazing people. Hard working, in every way, honest and no regrets. Thank you for this series.

Greetings from the foothills of Appalachia in Trenton Georgia!! We always leave and come home. If I broke down on the side of the road I wouldn't be there long. Everyone tries to help each other. We have bad and good everywhere in our great country.

It was really nice to hear from Elmer, especially since he is clean and has his wits about him. He loves his beautiful hard-working life ❤ His description of his life isn't heartbreaking or riddled with trauma. He's honest and real. I could chat with him for hours. He's kept his priorities and worked hard. Best to you Elmer!

His smile is so genuine. Makes me cry

I come from a little town in Whitley county kentucky called bee creek and there isnt anything that can humble a person more than being raised by people like this man. Reminds me of my dad and how we grew up. Appalachian people are some of the strongest hard working people that you will ever find

This man has a pure and kind soul that just radiates 🥰

Love that he goes on vacations for himself, loves his home and family but you gotta make time for yourself. Learning a lot from this wise man

This man has more than some millionaires. He’s actually happy with himself. He is pure and can live off the land

The interviewer needs to speak slower and let the subject finish their thought. This ain't Brooklyn dude.

These interviews with folks like your dad are so incredible. I really respect the people like your dad who maintain such a good attitude in spite of how difficult their lives are. He's lucky to have you, and I'm glad you live him so much. Both of you are wonderful. I've really gained an appreciation for appalachian people.

That man is as classy as they come he's calm respectful and an honorable man who says the truth and lives a simple life. I wish him the best that life has to offer

Be an honor to have this man as my neighbor. Could learn a lot from him.✌️

I live in Scotland your dad sounds like an honest peaceful man who is very comfortable with who he is he’s wonderful so many people living their lives in the rat race could learn a lot from him I wish him well

This man has a heart of gold. Like many Appalachian people he is honest, kind, and just himself. He is what he is. He is not a put on or a show off. I love their hearts and their souls. They will never leave the mountains and hollars because it’s “they’re “ life. He has more treasures than a king. The lord will look upon him and welcome him with open arms into his kingdom ❤️

Mark. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. It has to be an amazing feeling to know so many people are fascinated by these videos. I hope you know how special you are to all of your viewers. I am stuck at home during this pandemic, I am a TNBC thriver. I have discovered RU-vid and here I am. I look forward to all your videos, but especially when you interview the Appalachian areas. Born in Arkansas, live in Mississippi. Please keep making the videos. Thank you.

I love this series of interviews with folks in Appalachia! One suggestion for the interviewer: When working with rural folks, and especially older people, SLOW DOWN your own speech. In urban areas we've been conditioned to talk very quickly and cram as much information into our speech as possible. This doesn't work well in many rural areas, or with older folks just about anywhere. My experience has been that these folks may ask you to repeat yourself a couple of times, but then grow weary of this and just try to answer questions they didn't understand to the best of their ability. In other words: you'll get one, maybe two, warnings from them that they're not understanding you, and that you need to slow down your speech and enunciate. After that, the odds of them answering the question you thought you asked becomes pretty iffy.

His smile is so heart-warming. God Bless Elmer and all families that have the mountain way of life.

He looks old in his age. You can tell he’s had a hard long life. I appreciate his soul

He sounds like an all-around good guy. Need more people in the world this down to earth. Thank you.

Clean around the house and piddle about...sounds like a nice guy.

Elmer has a beautiful smile when he's talking about his home in Appalachia.❤️

God bless your father. He reminds me of my Grandfather. Who raised me. Country life cant be beat. I have many memories of my child hood. And thay are all good. IM PROUD TO BE FROM THE BACK WOODS OF GEORGIA. WHERE A HANDSHAKE WAS ALL YOU NEEDED. BUT TIMES ARE SO DIFFERENT TO DAY. MISS THEM OLD DAYS. WITH GRANDPA.

we need more people like Elmer. This man is some humble, polite and just happy with his life. I think we can all learn a little something from him, myself included.

The thing i love about most of the Appalachian interviews is that most of them are happy and content with how their life is and they wouldn't swap it for the world. that's amazing

I’m from the foothills of NC. This is common, everyday life here. My family and I are simple folk and even though we aren’t rich in money we are rich in love. Elmer could be my next door neighbor. He has been one of my favorite interviews.

I love the sincerity and honesty of this man. He’s so kind and humble and I just adore him

Such a sweetheart man. He's happy living a simple life... May God bless him always.

I love this man! ❤️ There’s something so pure about mountain people

“Weed is a herb not a drug”. Facts Elmer much love ❤️

, your dad is an incredible dad well-mannered when he talks you could sell he's real respectful and he wouldn't harm or soul. Be proud of your dad he did the best he could and raised you well. A very nice man and I'm sorry that is not doing well

The Appalachian stories are my favorite ones to watch. This man has such a calm presence and seems different from a lot of the other stories on here. It's a hard life he lives but I wish him nothing but the best.

Hey Marley! Late to the party,,, just seen your Dad,s video... l hope he is in good health... read your comments. Your Dad is a star! A pure soul and richer than any billionaire because he has a good heart and never once said a bad word about anyone or anything... you sound like a great family and very close ... so sorry for your past sorrows. Sending you all my very best wishes from the UK!! 💗👍😃

Elmer is cool dude. He has such a great perspective on life. I hope he's happy and healthy, and still living life on his own terms.

I loved when he whipped that pistol right out of his pocket, just like a man pulls out an Ace comb. This dude is a BOSS