A Face in the Crowd

CHARLES HENDRICKS, World’s oldest busboy, Sylvan Park Restaurant on Eighth Avenue SouthWhat did you do before becoming the world’s oldest busboy? I’m a retired Metro Police detective. I was the best detective the city of Nashville ever had. I answered more calls, cleared more cases by arrest than any other detective Nashville ever had. I solved nine murders in seven days. How long were you on the force? Twenty-two-and-a-half years. I retired in 1977. I’ve had eight heart attacks, five bypasses, four arteriorgrams, died one time, they shocked me four times. I take two shots and 33 pills every day. I had my first heart attack in 1978. Years ago, I weighed at 243 pounds. I’ve lost a hundred pounds since then.What do you think of the police force these days? If we could find us a chief, we’d be alright. We’ve got us a highway patrolman for a chief, and all he knows is writing tickets. He’s done good in that area. How long have you been bussing tables here? About two years. I’m not just a busboy; I own half the place. This is how I stay in shape. The bus cart helps hold me up. Working around all these good-lookin’ women don’t hurt none either.