Heroes and great taxi drivers share a common quality: they consistently do good things to make life better for people.

I became so excited about the necessity of having to use taxi service after I accepted my misfortune of having two automobiles malfunction a year after moving home.

Deja vu? In 1966, I spent a year in graduate school and my dormmates and I spent some of the most exciting times of our lives getting to and from places via bus, train, or taxi. New York is for the rich and students!

Johnny “Mr. Clyde” Campbell epitomizes a great taxi driver: dependability, patience, professionalism.

Mr. Clyde, who is 81, began driving his own taxi for Meridian Cab in 1970; worked seven days a week, 14 hours day from 6 pm. to 6 a.m.  for many years; and even today he works 14 hours a day, 7 days a week helping people.

He appreciates tips, but does not ask for them nor become rude or insulting’ if his clients, who are primarily minimum wage or elderly, don’t have the extra money. Occasionally, he does not charge or he makes arrangements for clients to pay later.

Mr. Clyde arrives to pick his clients up within a reasonable time frame. He’s never a no-show, or 2-3 hours late. When he can’t make it, a dispatcher will notify you.

Mr. Clyde gets you to and from work, appointments, shopping and church, and waits for you if he doesn’t have a call. He doesn’t drive you round and stop at a thousand stop lights.

Mr. Clyde’s taxi is immaculate inside and out! It was willed to him, brand new, because he had been so kind to a family! He’s the consummate professional. His attire is always appropriate!

Mr. Clyde has no plans to retire, has no health problems, and takes no meds, and is looking forward to moving into a new home.

He is Meridian’s super hero: getting people to and from work, health care, and many other services. 

Our community should honor him with a special day!