Daddy passed away at 12:55 pm Eastern time. He fought the cancer long and hard, but at the end he was at peace. He had his wife, his children, and one of his grandchildren with him. I can’t think of a better eulogy than this essay, written by 13-year-old daughter when she was in fifth grade:
Why My Granddaddy Is Special To Me
My granddaddy and I have always had a great relationship. When I was a baby, he was the only one who could wipe my face. When I was four years old, I started going to the golf course with him. He taught me how to swing the club and put in the tee. My granddaddy is a great golfer! He’s made six holes in one. He sometimes shoots a score that’s lower than his age (75), which is extremely good! When I was five he started taking me fishing. He taught me everything he knows. He taught me how to catch worms and crickets for bait. He taught me how to put the bait on the hook. Then he taught me how to reel in the fish. Now, I’m almost better than him! What can I say? I learned from the best!
My granddaddy has a great sense of humor. That’s probably where I get it from. He tells the best jokes. If he cracks a joke, then my grandma e-mails it to me. He calls me once a week and we exchange jokes. It always makes me cackle. He grows gorgeous daylilies, delicious blueberries, and the sweetest plums. He likes to golf about three or four times a week. He likes to watch golf, football, and basketball, especially his Auburn Tigers!
His yard looks like a rainbow of petals and leaves. They should put it in SOUTHERN LIVING. He has a pecan tree in his backyard. We always pick up the fallen ones together. I pick dead-heads and sticks out of his gardens and he gives me a penny for each one I get. I usually get about two dollars! I love helping my granddaddy with: his garden, cooking the fish that we catch, and normal stuff like finding his glasses!
My granddaddy is from Kinston, Alabama. It’s a very small town in South Alabama. His family farmed. That must be where Granddaddy learned so much stuff about gardening. Granddaddy played basketball on his high school team. He was a great basketball player!
After he got his diploma in high school, he went to Auburn University. He got a degree in pharmacy. After spending time in the Air force (during the Korean War) he worked in a pharmacy for a short period of time. After that he worked with Merck for many years in Griffin Georgia. In Griffin he married my Grandma Pat. They had two children, Ken and Kathy. Now Kathy is my mother.
I’ve always loved Granddaddy and I wouldn’t trade his love for ANYTHING. I would pick going fishing with him over going to an Avril Lavigne concert, and she’s my FAVORITE SINGER! Let’s just put it this way. I LOVE my granddaddy more than ANYONE.
Kathy – The prayers and thoughts of Jenny and I are with you and your entire family during this tough time.
Anything you need, please let us know.
Thanks, Jeff. I really appreciate it.
Kathy, WE love you and are praying for peace and comfort for you and your precious family…..you all mean the world to us….if you need me, just call….I will be there for you, anytime…Love, H & H
Kathy, your family is in my prayers. What beautiful words your daughter wrote!
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jamison and Dianne
Thanks, everyone. All the good energy really helps.
There are no words at times like these. There are only the other people who hold us and hold us up. I will never forget your hug and your tears when my grandson died. Moments like that bear us through these times. God bless you all.
You have my prayers and condolences, sweetie.
Kathy, reading of your daughter’s love for your Daddy brought tears to my old eyes. May God be with you all at this difficult time.
Kathy,
Patti and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in our most heartfelt prayers for peace and comfort. If I can offer any help, please just let me know.
Rev. Cindi Green, CHC
I am glad the fight is over and he is at peace. I hope you and yours find comfort in that during this difficult time.
Jennifer B
Kathy, I’m so sorry your dad died. Your daughter’s essay paints a vivid picture of what a cool guy he was. No wonder everyone will miss him.
So, so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.
My condolences. I hope you and yours can find comfort at this time.
I’m very sorry to hear about this, Kathy.
Nine-year-old daughter says “I bet Phooey [our sweet Maine Coon kitty who died a couple of years ago] is sitting on granddaddy’s lap right now!”
Kathy–
I’m so very sorry to hear about your father Kathy. At least he was able to be with family and say his goodbyes and made peace.
I’m so sorry, Kathy. Very nice essay by your daughter. (This from someone who has scored thousands of fifth-grade essays.) Thanks for posting; it would probably mean a lot to him.
Thanks, everyone. KathyF, the daughter takes your compliment as high praise indeed.
The memorial service is this afternoon. I’m supposed to sing, but I have someone on standby if I lose it entirely.
My condolences to you and your family, Kathy.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kathy. And what a sweet, wonderful tribute that is.