I really like that article. I as well have many of these points that I fall short on, but I didn't realize that being classy is the model my parents raised me by.
Paul Newmann was my favorite public figure who really exemplified "classy." At the time of his death, he had been married to his wife for 50 years (a rare feat for Hollywood celebrities!) Newman's Own donated all profits to charity.
I remember when he announced he was retiring from acting basically because he was getting old and couldn't do it as well as he had. He held himself to a standard (high one, based on the type of film he did and his skill!) and realized when he couldn't meet it anymore.