CBS Evening News - On the Road: The caller of the Beacon Diner

As part of our continuing series "On the Road," Steve Hartman has the story of 70-year-old J.C. Stroble - the "caller" of South Carolina's legendary Beacon Diner.

[@davidahrens12]

My first trip to the Beacon was back around 1970. I've been stopping there every chance I get over the years. Once drove four hours out of the way on a trip to eat there. Sorry that JC is no longer with us. A great loss for all concerned.

[@nanaobx]

What a wonderful man. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his loving family.

[@3YearsApart1613]

I remember the first time I went to the Beacon. It was my turn and JC said, "Caaaaaaaallll It!" and I wasn't ready. He said, "GET OUT MY LINE!!!" I tucked tail, went to the back of the line and tried again, but this time I knew what I wanted and ordered. He gave me a pat on the back, and told me good job. I felt like I had just accomplished something..lol. Great man, greatly missed.

[@gunnarbiker]

When I was a kid back in the 70s and early 80s, we used to come from NC to visit family in Spartanburg and Union. We’d always have to come eat at the Beacon. This guy was really intimidating as a young kid! LOL It’s just not the same going in there anymore without hearing JC yelling “CALLLLLLLL IT”. He is forever missed. 😢

[@TamiEvans63]

He will be missed and he was really loved.Rest In Heaven JC.

[@johneasler9967]

God Bless, JC. Makes me homesick for Spartanburg

[@tashunnamoore6407]

Never met him & only been to the beacon once from Greenville. This guy seems to have been a very nice man. R.I.P.

[@captkleppto]

A group of firefighters and myself was headed to a Haz Mat Class and on the way there we took a detour just to go to The Beacon. I’ve only been there that time but remember J.C. calling my order. That was the best part of the whole trip. I practiced my order before I got to him because I didn’t want to be told “back of the line”...lol. I regret knowing he has passed and never taking my kids there and meeting him. J.C., just know that I remember you like it was yesterday even though it was 20 yrs ago.

[@mikewright6656]

I miss as a kid, my family would go here! the Chocolate Coke and the huge chicken strip sandwiches!! I’m in now 39 and live in Los Angeles! ❤

[@tinaosullivan6451]

Miss this days great food and employees

[@andrewsantos2570]

My family saw the beacon almost 20 years ago on TV, when I was five or six years old we were on a road trip from Augusta, GA to Boone, NC and we stopped, there’s a picture of my mom, dad, grandma, brother and I with JC. I remember going there (16 years ago) even though I was young, and I wanna go back.

[@barkleyjr52]

LOL RADIO BROUGHT ME HERE

[@klosedkaption8042]

Sparkle City. RIP Mr. JC

[@NolaChick82]

RIP JC

[@timothychamberlin6985]

Wow. Still wonderful people left....

[@CreatvieDesignbyNell]

Harry from The Plastic Cup Boys sent me here to remember Mr. JC.

[@Justen-vn8rg]

miss him he was such an awesome soul

[@goocross]

Here is a fine black American family!!! Contributing to the decimation of racism. The passing of JC = a major loss for more than his family.

[@jesslvrde6027]

❤❤❤

[@hankmike3283]

❤

[@nikichae]

RIP

[@barackobama7832]

They do this at five guys too

[@nantucketjeep]

that food should come with a free roll of toilet paper

[@tashunnamoore6407]

nantucketjeep 😂😂

[@kel727272]

millionaires are losing money lol

[@AddisababaEthiopia2024]

How did he die? Did the cops shoot him?

[@donaldreese4525]

Now there's a stupid question

[@ayysee_]

Of course you make it political

[@Malkumecks]

A fall at the home led to a head injury.