A Tribute to Pappy

The following is what I wrote for my grandfather's graveside service on January 2, 2021. He passed away in his sleep at home in the early hours of December 28, 2020. He will be very much missed.

I knew him as “Pappy.” He set the bar for me as a kid. Not only did he give the best back rubs, but he taught me that sometimes it was necessary to eat ice cream from the tub in your PJs. He taught me how to pick out shark teeth along a shell-littered beach. He rode bikes with me around their neighborhood in Florida for hours, fished with me when they lived on the canal, and spoiled me with fresh-off-the-tree navel oranges and grapefruit. He and Grandma showed me an appreciation for nature, sparking enthusiasm with every manatee, deer, or bird sighting. He loved beautiful flowers. Together, he and grandma showed me what wild ginseng looked like walking through the mountains when they lived in North Carolina. They knew all the best secret spots for mushroom hunting and Pappy could identify the type of pretty much any tree just by looking at the bark. A goofy face was never in short supply. They taught me an appreciation for long drives. Even though I hated them as a kid, I love them now. Looking back through pictures, I noticed two things: One, he was the king of cool sunglasses and plaid button downs with a rockin’ mustache, and two, he and my grandmother were consistent. There wasn’t much time in between when they weren’t around. Whether I spent literal weeks with them in Florida or North Carolina, or they were coming up for a graduation or a holiday, they were always present. A phone call with them, even if it was only a couple minutes long, made me feel special.

Looking back, they have always supported me. They encouraged traveling. They let me move in with them rent-free for a couple years, no questions asked. And I drive the car I have today because Pappy co-signed for it. I will miss getting his very honest feedback on the bread I made for him. I was still in the process of baking him a perfect cinnamon raisin loaf. Grandma, you have to be the judge now. I read something recently that said, “The past is so near. You can take an experience from the bottom of the pile of memory poker chips and slip it back in at the top.” There are so many things about Pappy that I just don’t have the time to mention here - small actions, cherished memories - that have contributed to the person I am today, and that I will carry with me always.

I have only known him as this person. Probably the first man I ever loved (sorry Robby). Definitely the best grandfather. I’m looking forward to being reunited with him when Jesus comes.