He went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. He tied his pencil to his overalls with string so he wouldn't lose it. He said every child would bring some vegetables and the school made a big pot of vegetable soup on Monday that was their lunch for the whole week. His family didn't get electricity until he was 18 years old! They only went "to town" twice a year.
He married my grandmother at 18 and had a honeymoon baby, my father. When dad was a newborn Pawpaw was sent to Korea with the Army for a year and worked in artillery. He lived in a trench that was freezing and dangerous. He was field promoted up to the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve- Master Sergeant- and earned the bronze star. When he came home he had to get to know his son and find a job and a home.
He got home from the war on a Friday and went to meet Mr. Powell that day asking for a job at the Lane Company- a local furniture company. He started on Monday doing books, loading trucks- anything they needed. He was also offered a construction job that paid much more, but he said he chose Lane because there was a way to move up. He was smart and thinking ahead.
He and Memaw dug their own well and built their first home with their own two hands. They said they would sit my dad (who was a toddler) on Pawpaw's army jacket with a board with nails 1/2 way driven in. Dad would use a little hammer and work on that while Pawpaw built their home. First with two bedrooms and then he added more rooms as they got more money down the road.
Just like in the war, Pawpaw's hard work and smarts got him promoted quickly. He became an excellent salesman- the best they had. He was eventually the Vice-President of International Sales. He traveled all over Europe and Asia selling large shipments of furniture to hotels and resorts during Lane Furniture's heyday. Memaw would often go with him on these trips. The poor little farm boy with no electricity became a jet-setting international corporate wonder. Even at his funeral there were flowers sent by a former customer from Saudi Arabia.
He and Memaw's 66 year marriage produced two children, four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was a Chairman of the Deacons at his church, the president of the Ruritan Club and just an overall civic leader. He cared for all his family and friends and was always looking for a way to serve others. He left us at age 87 and is a true example of the "greatest generation." We will miss him so much.
He ADORED his great-grandchildren and got to know them very well-
His funeral was Friday- I flew up to go.
Because of his military background he was given a beautiful military service by the American Legion.
They did a gun salute along with "Taps" on the trumpet. They did a moving flag ceremony and gave the flag to Dad saying,
“On behalf of the President of the United
States, the United States Army, and a grateful
nation, please accept this flag as a symbol
of our appreciation for your loved one’s
honorable and faithful service.”
Dad was sure to thank the American Legion.
After the funeral his church had a nice reception. I am so glad I got to see the extended family one last time.
We have been driving to Virginia at least twice year every year of my life. It's odd to think that entire chapter is now closed. I am so grateful for my sweet grandparents and enjoyed having them for 40 years! And it's a cliche, but families really are a "Circle of Life." While we are losing one sweet member, we are still gaining new sweet members. The love keeps going and passed on to the next generation.
