Live like Doc Holiday

He was known as the most fearless and one of the quickest gunfighters in the old west. An educated, Southern gentleman who turned to gambling when a case of Tuberculosis prevented him from practicing dentistry. He was well read. He was committed to the genteel Southern code of "honor." And he stuck by the few friends he had due to his what was referred to as an "annoying cough," a sarcastic nature, and penchant for drink. He has been immortalized in Western lore as well as many films. Some say he was a cold blooded killer; some say an honorable man. I say he was a man who knew his days were numbered and wanted to live them without fear.

Most of us have heard of Doc Holliday. His real name was John Henry Holliday. He was born in 1851 and raised in Georgia. By all accounts, he was a good dentist. But after graduating from dental school, at the age of 22, he was diagnosed with TB, the cancer of the 19th century. Eventually, he had to give up the dentistry and move to a drier climate. He went out west where he began making a living playing cards.

Holliday has been portrayed by many noted actors of our time. Kirk Douglas in "Gunfight at the OK Corral." Randy Quaid in "Wyatt Earp." And my favorite, Val Kilmer in "Tombstone." Kilmer's portrayal of Holliday makes him more believable to me; despite Kilmer's Hollywood good looks, he had the same coloring as Doc Holliday and figure. Doc Holliday was considered tall (5'11") but gaunt due to his illness. He played cards and was quick with a gun, or a knife. But despite all the legends of him killing dozens of men, it is really only documented that he killed two - the McLaury brothers at the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. He was there to help his one true friend, Wyatt Earp. One of the few people, according to some historical accounts, who could actually stand him.