To my brother, Charlie,

Yes I refused to call you Chuck.  You were always Charlie to me.  I am sad about your passing.  I have so many memories at this time both as a little sister and as adults.

 When I was adopted at age 6 I was scared of you.  The social worker told me you played football and not knowing what it was it frightened me.  But I got over that pretty fast.  I got my love of football from you.  You patiently explained the rules to me and have since won more than one trivia game because I know the rules.  

I remember the state championship in North Little Rock.  I was very young but knew how important it was to you and your friends.  I remember the team members coming over to our house and you guys locking yourself in the pool table room and playing cards and pool for hours.  I am so glad you stayed in touch with your teammates.  I have seen several remarks here to that effect.  That is a mark of true friendships.

You were a great attorney.  I still can hear Mom say, "my son the lawyer" to people she met.  The family was so proud of your accomplishments and career.  

Please rest in peace dear big brother.  You will not be forgotten.  

Love you,

Debbie

 When I was in middle school my Dad Charlie and I would watch the Razorbacks and riff about about world history and politics. He always warned me about boys. My Dad always spoke kindly of my mother, (his second wife) Linda, and he often reminisced with me about their times at the University of Arkansas. He knew this was important and meant a lot to me.

My father had a strong work ethic and was a very successful attorney. He loved sports cars and we would drive around Chesterfield, MO listening to the Beatles and The Who in his latest new "ride". He also belted out that song “Black Velvet” by Alannah Miles like he was singing on stage with her. We must have sang that song together on the way to every sleepover I ever had . I owe my love for good 60’s and 70’s music to him.

My Dad often spoke about his high school football memories and I remember looking at his yearbooks with him. He talked about of all his football buddies as if they were in the room with us. My Dad was always singing and joking around trying to make us smile. He literally sang songs about me. Ha! He used my name in the song and would almost drive me bonkers with the chorus. I think it was his way of expressing love. Funny story: when I moved away from home at age 14, Ellie rescued a stray cat and my Dad named her “Lizzy” after me. I still laugh out loud at this.

My Dad often spoiled us rotten on Christmas and birthdays and he and Ellie always made sure we had everything we needed for school. My Dad taught me how to grill a filet, (medium rare) when I was about ten years old. If you know him, this will make you laugh. He always loved a good steak.

I know my Dad loved Lisa and I. He protected us when we needed his protection. He also loved Ellie dearly and they shared a lifetime of memories together. She was the love of his life.

Always, Lizzy

Dad,

I’ll always remember your goofy rendition of  “American Woman” by The Who. You sang it almost every time we were in the car together while shuffling me and my friends around in Junior High. 

Love you Dad.

“Little Lisa”