Finish Line Celebration

Thank you to all who joined us today to celebrate Dad's life and his love of Christ!  For those who couldn't make it, highlights included:

• Music - We sang a few of Dad's favorites (He Lives! Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and Blessed Assurance) and listened to a beautiful rendition of How Deep the Father's Love by three of the ladies from the church
• Eulogies - The family shared a few of their thoughts about Dad and his legacy.  His love of Christ and his dedicated service to others was a common theme - as was his well-known love of coffee.  :)  We smiled at a few stories and shed a few tears as well.
• Sermon - Pastor taught an excellent lesson from Psalm 103.  Dad would have loved it.

Afterwards, we returned to the house for a delicious meal coordinated by the ladies of the church.  We continued to fellowship and share our sorrows at Dad's passing and our joy that we know without a shadow of a doubt where he is - and that we, too will join him there in time.

Saying "thank you" doesn't express our love and gratitude for the many kindnesses and acts of service we've received since Dad's illness began, which you increased at Mom's surgery, and were capped off today.  Prayers, hospital visits, meals, house cleaning, coordinating - and preparing! - the reception, coordinating the parking at the church, providing and leading music, setting up the church, working the A/V equipment - I'm sure I missed many more things, for which I apologize.  Please know how much every single thing has meant to us.

We've worked very hard to remember that this was Dad's long-awaited promotion and a positive step-up for him, so it seems wrong to end on a sad note.  Below are a few pictures that were shared in the photo montage at the church and at home afterwards.  We hope they bring back some pleasant memories and put a smile on your face.

Great car, great suit, great hair - he's got it all going on!

Kickin' back in  Neil Prentice's office at Bethel Baptist

Dad looking over Ken's shoulder at a Pinewood Derby race

Stylin' it in his Army uniform

Sixty years later and the Army jacket still fits!

Three generations - David, Memphis, and Dad

Dad and Mom at Cindy's wedding on May 13, 2016

Dad and his brother Russell

What a cute toddler!  Any guess on what toy animal he's holding?

Dad and Cindy

We'll try to post a few more of the pictures over the next few days.  Thank you again for loving Dad and for celebrating his life with us.