Last but certainly not least ... Daddy loved his family beyond words.  He worked his entire life to provide for us, to teach us how to survive, to mould us into being honest hard working people, to train us in the things of the Lord, and to teach us how to KNOW that we had an eternal home in Heaven.

He was a tough Daddy.  I can distinctively remember not being able to get my driver's license until I was 18 - not being able to date until I was 18 - having to finish ALL my chores before I could even think about going out - and then having to be home by 10:00pm!  Funny thing is ... I will be the exact same way with Brady.  ha ha
Daddy and Momma have been together for 40 years!  They were husband and wife, father and mother, Papa and Grandma, Pastor and helpmeet, and the best of friends.

Even though Daddy hogtied Mom and brought her to the country in the 60's - she has come to enjoy the finer things in life.  For living in the country is what our world is missing!

 

Daddy was so proud of his family.  Timmy, Melinda, Curtis, myself, Natalie, Dean, Zach, TJ, & Brady.  Lord how we will miss him!

I'll never forget the bond that developed between Brady and Daddy the moment Brady was born.  It was like they were two peas in a pod.  Daddy was so sweet when he held Brady ... he always said ... "ya'll be real quiet and let this baby sleep."

These kids sure loved their Papa!

And Oh ... if we could only hug Daddy just one more time.  Those big ol' shoulders were always there to support us.

And he had a hug like none other.

Just like Melinda in this picture - we all sure dripped many tears on his shoulders - and always felt so comforting!

Many family vacations and family time were of utmost importance to us.  We sure will miss Daddy's guidance on adventure trips!

Daddy always made sure that he got his Sunday afternoon nap!

What a crew!  We sure kept Daddy laughing!  And he instilled in us - his sense of humor!

Papa ... I hope when I grow up ... I will be just like you!
Daddy - there is no way to express how much I loved you - how much I miss you - and how much I will miss you for the rest of my life.  My life feels so empty right now, but I am trying hard to carry on your dreams to be a blessing to others.

I am so thankful that God gave me the honor to be your daughter.

For my entire life - I always wanted the whole world to "know my Dad!"

For I thought you were the neatest, smartest, sweetest, kindest, most loving father that anyone could have.

I am so honored to have been blessed with your same passion for life, a love for others, a desire to live an old-fashioned way of life.

And most importantly - I am so happy that you preached to me and showed me how to be saved.  For one of the blessed hopes that I have - is spending eternity with you.

If it weren't for your preaching - and leading Curtis to the Lord - I wouldn't have a Christian husband.  And if it weren't for your stand and instilling in us to live a dedicated, separated life, and to teach Brady the same - our little Angel would not have the utmost respect and love for the Lord.

I hope that we can all follow in your exact footsteps - and continue to enjoy the most precious things in life.

As I said to you before you took your last breath - I promise to be faithful to you, love and respect you, be faithful to God and make you proud of us.

Your forever devoted daughter ~ Katrina