This world lost a really great man yesterday. God decided to bring him home, even though to us it seems way too early. I will miss Bud, who my children called Papaw. He really loved his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren very much. He gave so much of his time, energy, love, and support to each of them in so many different ways. Here are just a few examples of the ways he took care of them and us:
He enrolled in a GED program with his daughter-in-law to give her support and encouragement in completing her education, as well as completing his own.
He gave his daugther and grand-daughter a place to live for nearly ten years when they were without a home.
He babysat his great-grandson every day so that his grand-daugther could complete her education without worrying about the care of her son.
He purchased vehicles for several family members who were unable to afford their own.
He gave his grown son and brother a temporary place to live when life's circumstances found them without homes of their own.
In his many years supervising employees at the Coca-Cola Company, he never asked his employees to do more than he would do himself. And many times he worked extra hours just so his employees could have more time with their own families.
The list goes on, but this just gives you a glimpse of the man that we called Papaw. I will miss him.