"Sugar, the kitchen is sparklin'!" Papa complimented the work Mimi had just completed, cleaning the kitchen. Later that same evening, he sincerely complimented her newly purchased pajamas that she was unsure about, "They're cute!"
I was visiting for Mimi's 80th birthday, and Papa's unsolicited remarks made an impression on me. At first, I thought it was something he'd learned throughout over six decades of marriage. And perhaps it is partly attributed to such, but mostly, I think that it was just the way he was.
When he joined the Marines, he worked on a military base nearly 500 miles away from home. He hitchhiked on the weekends to go see her. He was 17. She was 15.
I saw this same devotion in his later years as he cared for her through dementia and ensured she'd be taken care of when he was gone.
He was optimistic and joyful. He had a hearty laugh. He enjoyed going on walks, and I have memories of going on strolls with him around the neighborhood. On one such walk when I was a child, he said, "Railroad crossing, look out for cars. Can you spell that without any 'r's?" I carefully spelled the entire phrase without any "r"s. Then he responded, "No. It's t-h-a-t!"
Papa was a hard worker, holding a job from the time he was twelve until he physically couldn't anymore. He started and ran his own business, Legacy Systems and Graphics. As a child, I thought it was a weird name and asked who on earth came up with a name like that. He replied that he did. It was then I realized it was his company. I enjoyed getting company swag when we visited- pens, notebooks, calendars, etc.
Papa was successful and very generous. He never hesitated to share with those in need. He indulged Mimi in her love of shopping and complimented her taste in decor.
Papa was very social and outgoing. He had so many different friends from different parts of his life. He asked family to let his dry cleaner know when he passed, as he had built a friendship with him. He saw opportunities for friendship in people and places others don't.
He was a true Southern gentleman, with a thick accent and a distinctive voice. He was born and raised in Georgia, like ancestors in generations before him. He spent only a few years of his life outside of the state (North Carolina, Florida).
He grew up in a Southern Baptist church, and sang in the choir. Then after 14 years of attending Mimi's church with her, he was baptized into that church-the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He liked to travel and visited places all over the country and the world. Mimi and Papa served an 18-month mission in 2006. They originally said they preferred to stay in the US, but instead accepted a call where they taught and served and loved the people of Johannesburg, South Africa. I am still in possession of some of the plethora of souvenirs they brought home (thanks to their generosity and Mimi's love of shopping). At the start of their mission, they went to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah for a number of weeks. I lived across the street from them in Wymount Terrace. It was the closest I'd ever lived by them.
My family lived across the state from them for most of my childhood. But they were always supportive. We saw them several times a year, and they were there for all the big events, and a lot of the little ones. I remember Papa watching a marching band practice of mine once, and he would cheer for us. At a practice. Mimi and Papa would stay in my room when they visited, and they would often leave me a treat or some money because I let them use my room. (I'm pretty sure my sisters got some prize, too, though. And I know he hid money around the house for my mom to find later.)
Papa's biggest passions were his relationship with God and his family. He lost his mother as an infant. He had no memory of her, but still felt close to her. He kept a photo of her in his room, and kissed it every night before he went to bed.
Music was also a big passion of his. He would hear a phrase someone said, and it would remind him of an old song. He'd turn anything into a song. He was always singing. I have a video I recorded at Papa's 80th birthday party, where he and Mimi sang "Missing in Action". Another song he often sang was "I'll Fly Away", which song was included in his funeral. It captures the peace and joy I'm sure he is experiencing now that he has passed.
Some glad morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away, oh, Glory
I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I'll fly away
I'll fly away, oh, Glory
I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
Yeah, when I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away
