Daddy John

When I first met Daddy John, the thing that struck me most about him were his “loves.” In particular, he loved his family, his community (Athens), his church (First Methodist) and his school (Auburn.) None of that ever wavered in the 33 years that I knew him. He was passionate about all of them and served each in the appropriate way. He also served his country and in a time when so many take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy, I hope that more people will show more gratitude for those that have served on our behalf.

Daddy John has been referred to as Mr. Athens. To be thought of in that way in your own community is truly the mark of a live well-lived. A name like Mr. Athens could only be given to someone who had some really great qualities. He was a lover of people as evidenced by the vast number of friends that he had. He was a leader and served his community on the City Council for a number of years. He also cared for the needy as he and Ann served for years in the Meals on Wheels program.

Daddy John invested in relationships and he was infinity rich in that area. In an age when so many are focused on material things, he’s a great example of someone who focused on where God wants us - loving thy neighbor. We can all look forward to trying to follow the example that he set in that area.

He passionately loved his family and cared so much for each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love and commitment to his local community may have kept him from being physically present in your lives as much as he would have liked but the love and concern were always there. He knew that he had raised a wonderful daughter to be a wonderful mother and that you all were in great hands.

I am grateful to Daddy John for many things as pointed out above. Most of all I am grateful that he raised such an amazing daughter in Julie and then trusted me to give me her hand in marriage. He made it a point to let me know that he was happy with that decision and that truly blesses me.

We all love Daddy John and are grateful for his life. However, we all know that there is no grave that’s going to hold him down. He has gone to his celestial home and we’ll all get to be with him again. I have no doubt that when we get there, we’ll find him with many friends and telling them about the family that he loves so much.

Stay hungry,

Big E