Dad was well, dad! He was a simple, honorable man, that knew everything! He worked hard and loved harder! He didn’t take crap from anyone, including, my mom! He always supported us and always did everything he could to help us get what we wanted.
Anytime a problem arises, my dad was there to help! He was the first person I called because he always fixed everything and made me know whatever it may be, it will be ok, and we would figure it out as a family. And he always reminded me to keep my chin up “kiddo!”
I didn’t just call him about problems though, I called him for celebrations too, or, of course, if I needed advice on how to cook something! He always called me to talk about the weather! He was like my personal meteorologist!
Growing up, he cooked me breakfast every morning, which was usually Ego Waffles or eggs. And I didn’t like to ride the bus, so he would drive me to school. It is safe to say I was a daddy’s girl. He spoiled me big time, but he also taught me to always work hard and do my best! He also taught me that if you say you’re going to do something, you’re going to follow through an do it. There are so many small things he taught me and helped make me into the person I am today. It is going to be so hard to not just pick up the phone and call him.
He loved when I played basketball! I think he might have still been mad I quit! He was at every game! He took me to all my practices and patiently waited for me to finish. After games, we would discuss what I could’ve done better on the way home. He even got kicked out of one of my games when a girl elbowed me, and the ref didn’t call it. They gave him several warnings and he didn’t accept them and out they made him go!
We also enjoyed Greaters Ice Cream after basketball games! Dad sure loved his ice cream! At 9 O’clock, it was always time for ice cream!
Dad and I shared the love to cook. Growing up I was his noodle taster. I still taste my own to know that the spaghetti is done. I would say I got my cooking skills from him. Every time I would come visit, recently, he would be so relieved I was there to cook for him instead of mom!
As a family, for a pass time, we enjoyed playing cards together. One of our favorites was UNO! Dad was so good at everything he did, and often won the most when we would play! He would have that silly look when won like, “Ha, Ha!”
He loved the dogs, surprisingly! Duke was his favorite! He always loved having them in his lap! Which surprised me, because growing up, I don’t remember him being a huge dog fan! We always talked about wanting a big dog and mom wouldn’t let us. Mom and I won’t forget when we got the twins! I wanted Daisy and Duke had separation anxiety and started to bark. Mom whispered to me, “Ask your dad if we can get them both!” Probably, because she knew daddy would let me get what I wanted! His response was, “I don’t give a shit, just get the damn dogs and let’s get the hell out of here!” Ever since then, he has loved our little Pom’s (except for when they were barking)!
Dad loved to be outside! I remember fishing and camping with him when I was younger. I wish I would have gardened with him more because I certainly don’t have his touch at that, like I do cook! He was so good at doing things around the house. When I moved to the house on Isle of Palms, he was there all of my Spring Break cleaning up the yard. He pained the living room area also, while I was at a concert. He always wanted everything to be perfect for his little girl.
Dad knew everything it seemed like. He truly was so smart! However, one thing he wasn’t good at was spelling! I still remember practicing spelling words and he spelled people “PEPLE!” That always made me laugh!
His favorite shows to watch were, obviously Fox News, but Dr. Phil, Judge Judy, and Unsolved Mysteries. We also would watch for alligators in the back. He also enjoyed recently, watching Barbie, Elvis, and House of Gucci! I enjoyed watching his face light up during Elvis and I’m sure think of the old times when he was younger!
Christmas is going to be hard for a lot of reasons without dad here. We started the family tradition recently, to dress up in matching pajamas! Dad was awesome and would always put them on without a fuss! He was more mad that I spent money on them, than he was that he had to wear them! And once he did wear them, he was like, “Oh, these sure are comfortable!”
His favorite saying recently has been “I’ll be here as long as the good lord willing and the creek don’t rise!” He was such a fighter and so strong while dealing with his sickness. He truly never gave up and fought so hard for to keep living! He had a love for life and I know didn’t want to leave mom and me. I promise to take care of her, dad!
Dad was the best and most supportive Dad, brother, and husband anyone could ask for. So many of his friends over the years have reached out and told me how he always did anything and everything he could to provide (and protect) his family and fought to protect his country (the land of the free the home of the brave).
I miss him so much it hurts, but I know he is at peace now and no longer in pain. Thank you to everyone for coming and showing your love and support for him. He will be so missed, but I know he is watching over us now. I love you, daddy!
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