"Gentle Goodbye"
(also known by "I'm Free)
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone, must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undo grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author Unknown
It's hard to say goodbye to your loved ones. All to often we take for granted that there will always be another day, to kiss them good night, or tell them that we love them. Always tell them that they are loved and that they mean so much to you. Time doesn't stand still for anyone, young or old alike.
The Eulogy
As written and presented by my brother.
I was asked to speak for the family about our fahter as well as my mother's husband and life partner for nearly 50 years. As I reflect over my 48 years, I recall many facets of my father. As with each of us we make the choices that we feel will be best for our families. For my father it was the Air force. Although this choice kept him away from the family for long periods of time, I clearly remember the excitement of homecoming and the gifts from far away places. Silk pajamas from Japan and jackets Emblazened with dragons breathing fire. Homecoming also brought the families together. Often if in the summer, it meant we went to camp. I remember Daddy and Uncle Russell piling us all into the car and heading off to the deep woods. My dad spent many of his happiest times sitting next to the ever present campfire. Although he was extremely private in his thought it was clear he held two loves, the first his wife, and then his grandchildren. I didn't understand my Father, until his heart attack in 1992. I was notified that I needed to come home because he wasn't expected to survive. Upon arrival I was told that he wanted to speak with me alone. We discussed many things. While drifting in and out of lucidity he conveyed his wishes. He told of his deep love and caring for his wife and children, and that he had wished he had expressed those feelings. But above all else his grandchildren held the largest and warmest part of his life. For his grandchildren he would drive hundreds of miles if to do nothing more than show his love and support. When he was with his grandchildren a light would shine that clearly showed his love. He now rests quietly, his long time pain now at an end. But you can be sure that he is now watching from above, as each of his children continue on with the choices they have made and the families that they love. But be assured that he, above all else, he will be watching over each and everyone of his true and special loves, his grandchildren. Although he is gone he lives on in each of us his family and friends.
22 years US Air Force retired.
My father was born in Opp, Alabama on April 18,1927. He left us, which to us seemed all to soon on July 14, 2001. He married Shirley Jones on December 26,1951. They raised a family of 7 children. They were blessed with 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
A red rose from my wife.
White roses from my children.
Pink roses from my grandchildren.
Yellow roses from my great-grandchildren.
Won't you come with me on a trip through memory lane? Featured will be picture with various family members.
My wedding day 6-12-72
Dad, Gloria, and Tammie are with me.
Uncle Russell and Dad have a conversation over a cup of hot coffee.
Holidays at home were the greatest. Turkey anyone?
Billy, Joe , and Dad.
Grandchildren
Great grandchildren (some of them)
Grand & Great grandchildren made it even more fun!
Boy I wish it were trash day. Sure adds up when the kids are all home!
Dad and Liz Jones.
One of his many nieces.
Aunt Jendy, Kathy, Liz and Dad.
Bert Says he'll stay out of that debate.
Dad, Aunt Joyce and Barbara take a quiet
moment after the reunion festivities of 2000.
Thank you for sharing with me. I hope you have enjoyed this tour. For all the many prayers, kind words, and outpourings of love, I thank you, on behalf of my family and myself.
Now Daddy angels will watch over you for us.
Go rest high on that mountain.
Dad your work on earth is done.
Go to Heaven and shout it.
Before the Father and the Son.
We love you and miss you.
Your Wife , Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
Somewhere out there beyond the clear blue sky, you are watching over us.
Shirley, Barbara, James, Gloria, Patricia, Kevin, Sharon & Tammie
I LOVE YOU AND GOODBYE
It hasn't been that long ago,
since you went away.
But going through my memories,
it seems like just today.
When I look around in places,
that you used to be.
I see a flower, a bird a breeze,
and wish you were here with me.
I wish that I could hug you,
go fishing or for a ride.
I wish that I had told you,
I love you and goodbye.
A hug from mom, who loves you so,
and from us kids a kiss.
Through our tears we say goodbye,
by all you will be missed.
Daddy, We Love You and Goodbye.
Written by: Patricia L.(Hudson) Taylor ©
Dad, no better gift could mom have received at her 73rd suprize birthday party, than for Brytni to play for her. She now plays not only the clarinet, but the Alto Saxophone as well. You would be very proud of your grandaughter. We love you and miss you.
A special "Thank You" to Gina for the beautiful framing and other graphic works she so graciously made for me. God Bless you always my dear friend.
you are visitor number
Home At Last