Arnold Palmer's grandson tells a story about 'The King' that will warm your cold heart

Arnold Palmer loomed -- and still looms -- so large in the American consciousness not just because he's a golf legend. He's also widely recognized as a genuine and kind man, an aspirational figure for those who seek to guide their lives by principles of decency and kindness.

Palmer's memorial service was held Tuesday, and his grandson told a story that reinforces so many of the notions that made "The King" so revered by so many.

Sam Saunders, Palmer's 29, said that whenever he called his grandfather Palmer would ask where he was as they spoke. So Saunders called Palmer one day, and Palmer asked his usual question.

Here, via Golf.com, is how Saunders recalls this particular conversation going.

Palmer: "Where are you?"

Saunders: "I'm at home. Where are you?"

Palmer: "I'm with the president."

Saunders: "The president of what?"

Palmer: "The United States. I'm in the Oval Office right now with the president."

Saunders: "Well, why are you answering the phone?"

Palmer: "I wanted to talk to you."

What? No. We're not crying. You're crying! Maybe it's just a little dusty in here.

"And that's what he did," Saunders continued. "He always wanted to talk to me. He always wanted to be there for us, and he always, always was."

That's a story few, if any people, had ever heard before. But it jibes perfectly with the image of Palmer that so many sports fans have held so dear for so long.

Here's video of Saunders at Palmer's memorial service.