SYLACAUGA, Ala. - Jim Nabors thought he was attending a ceremony at Sylacauga High School to honor a popular area resident. But a surprise was waiting.

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Nabors' high-school buddy, Jim Pursell, announced a $25,000 grant Monday to the Sylacauga City Schools Foundation in Nabors' honor. The foundation awards grants to teachers every year.

A look of amazement crossed Nabors' face as his friend, who is chairman of Pursell Technologies, recognized him with the grant.


"I don't know what to say. I'm very honored, Jimbo," said Nabors, 72.

The friendship between Nabors and Pursell dates back to the 1940s. Pursell talked about Nabors' father and mother, Fred and Mavis Nabors.

"They were two gentle, lovable people who affected my life and many others," Pursell said.

Nabors graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1947, then majored in business at the University of Alabama.

After graduation, he went on to a career as a singer, actor and comedian, including playing Gomer Pyle in the '60s TV series "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."

"He was one of the best known faces in America in the 1960s," Pursell said.