Humble, Honest, Dependable, A man who Lived God's word, A quiet Spirit, Respected, Content, and these are just a few of the words used to describe my Papaw the past few days at his visitation and funeral. He passed away quietly last Friday morning. For a man who lived 89 wonderful years you could tell he was dearly loved and respected by the number of people and the various ages that were present to honor him. I just wanted to write down a few thoughts and stories to always remember.
This is my Papaw, if you ever met him he did not forget you. We have lived in Abilene for 6 years now, lived in Sachse for 6 years, I have been out of college for 15 years, and out of high school for 20 years now and he would regularly ask me about friends from all of these walks of life. He did not do it to make small talk, he did it because he really cared to know. He loved people. If you knew him you would have heard him say, "I am not a rich man by the world's standards but I am rich in all the things that matter." If you asked if he was hungry he would respond with, "I have never been hungry but I could eat." My grandfather had a rough childhood and worked in the cotton fields at a young age but he never complained about the hand he was given. He always chose to look at the positive and never complained because he always felt he had more than enough. Both of my grandparents were always content with what they had in life. My Nannie was a domestic goddess and my Papaw had a job in the boiler room at the VA Hospital. They always felt God had blessed them with more than they deserved. They always gave of what they had to those in need even when they did not have a lot themselves. My grandfather fixed appliances in his spare time for others but I do not think it ever gave them any supplemental income because he almost always bought the part and fixed the appliance for free. At the visitation one man shared how they had given him $2000, which was a lot of money back then, because he had lost his job and had a family to feed. He told my Papaw he wanted to pay him back but he did not know when that would be. My Papaw told him to pay him back when he could if he could, or not he did not care because he gave it to him because he wanted to. Many years later the man saved up enough to pay him back and he said he was not surprised when that same day he saw Papaw turn around and give the money to someone else in need. Both of my grandparents were champions for people, especially the widows and orphans. There was talk of meals they took to others, visits to the hospital or rest home, Christmas presents left on doorsteps, prescriptions paid for at the pharmacy, and the list goes on. These things were done anonymously but it seems the family in need always figured it out by the reputation they had of doing for others. He even served our country in World War II in the Navy. He was so proud to have served the country he loved so dearly.
There were so many young adults at the funeral who told us about how he always knew their name, what they were doing in school or their life, and how he always made them feel special. What a man! My Papaw even instructed my Mom to buy the meat with his money for the luncheon provided at his church after the funeral because he did not want them to take it out of their budget knowing the church is small and does not have a lot of leftover money. They spoke of how he was always the first one to show up for a work day at the building and would get to church early to start the coffee and make sure the temperature was comfortable in the building. Always thinking of others! What a legacy! I have a lot of work to do. 
My Nannie went to be with the Lord 11 years ago so she never knew my daughters but Papaw did his best to spoil them for her. This picture is my Papaw with Kaylee. She thought the sun rose and set in Papaw. He was about to be 79 years old when she was born just three days before his birthday. This wonderful man got on the floor with her and played whatever game she wanted even when it included dress up. There is nothing she could not talk him into. He has seen school programs, dance recitals, countless ball games, and celebrated many family birthdays with her. One summer he even came and stayed a week with us, both my girls remember that and talk about it often. Kaylee is so blessed to have had this time with him. He loved her and his eyes danced when she entered the room.
Papaw was 82 years old when Campbell entered this world. They had a special bond too. Once again he got on the floor and played games, took her on walks, and just loved on her enough for him and Nannie. He always had a big smile and his eyes lit up when she would come cuddle on the couch with him. He has seen many of her programs at school, been to birthday parties, dance recitals, and many more events. We could not get in the car and go to my parent's home without the first words out of Campbell's mouth being, "Is Papaw going to be there?" She is going to miss him terribly but I am so thankful she had time to love him like I do.
One of the many photos I have of Papaw with his great granddaughters. You can see the love all over his face and theirs for him.
Here is a picture of most of Papaw's family. He loved it when we were all together! The smile did not leave his face. Each of us knew we were loved beyond measure by the precious man and we were so blessed the Lord placed us in his family. I am so thankful for the family in this picture, they made the past few days bearable with our love for each other.
This precious man has been a part of almost every wonderful memory I have had in my life so far. I was blessed to live in the same town as my Papaw and Nannie from birth through 5th grade. I remember my Papaw getting off work at the VA Hospital and coming by our house to pick me up in his white work van to take me for ice cream, I was always waiting by the door for him. In the summer I would stay at their house some because both my parents were working so I would cook with my Nannie and look forward to Papaw getting off work because I knew all three of us would play games together or play in the yard. I remember trips with my cousins all over the state. They loved all of their grandchildren so much and were so happy when they were around. My favorite trip had to be when they took me to Colorado with them and showed me all the places they had been visiting in the summers for years. My Mom thought I would get homesick but she should have known better because Nannie and Papaw made everything fun. I looked forward to the many slide shows and descriptions of the trips they took with friends. My Papaw always had his camera ready to capture life. I would not take anything for these memories.
My Nannie went to be with the Lord 11 years ago so she never knew my daughters but Papaw did his best to spoil them for her. This picture is my Papaw with Kaylee. She thought the sun rose and set in Papaw. He was about to be 79 years old when she was born just three days before his birthday. This wonderful man got on the floor with her and played whatever game she wanted even when it included dress up. There is nothing she could not talk him into. He has seen school programs, dance recitals, countless ball games, and celebrated many family birthdays with her. One summer he even came and stayed a week with us, both my girls remember that and talk about it often. Kaylee is so blessed to have had this time with him. He loved her and his eyes danced when she entered the room.
Papaw was 82 years old when Campbell entered this world. They had a special bond too. Once again he got on the floor and played games, took her on walks, and just loved on her enough for him and Nannie. He always had a big smile and his eyes lit up when she would come cuddle on the couch with him. He has seen many of her programs at school, been to birthday parties, dance recitals, and many more events. We could not get in the car and go to my parent's home without the first words out of Campbell's mouth being, "Is Papaw going to be there?" She is going to miss him terribly but I am so thankful she had time to love him like I do.
One of the many photos I have of Papaw with his great granddaughters. You can see the love all over his face and theirs for him.
Here is a picture of most of Papaw's family. He loved it when we were all together! The smile did not leave his face. Each of us knew we were loved beyond measure by the precious man and we were so blessed the Lord placed us in his family. I am so thankful for the family in this picture, they made the past few days bearable with our love for each other. The preacher at his church stated how he loved it when Papaw prayed because it was as if he had a direct line to God. The church was quiet and a respect was present. He did lead the most beautiful and heartfelt prayers I have ever heard. I always looked forward to hearing them when we were together and they always started with"Our most Holy and Righteous Father in heaven..." Another man spoke of how Papaw knew his Bible, not just reciting the scriptures but he LIVED them daily. Well he is at our Father's feet now with my Nannie. He told my Mom he was going to see her Mother who he had missed everyday for the past 11 years more than she knew. He even said she would still think he was still good looking at 89 years old, but he said he never was good looking but you could not convince my Nannie of that. I beg to differ my Papaw was good looking but more importantly he had a beautiful soul which is what my Nannie always noticed in those she met. God has an amazing team with him now.
I am so grateful to God for having my Papaw for 38 years of my life.
According to him he was never sick even when the cancer was taking over his body. The man never complained. He was a quiet Spirit and gentle Soul. I am going to miss him every day of my life just like I miss my Nannie but I know we will be together again one day and it will be as if we have never been apart. Thank you God for that comfort in times like these.
