Monday, January 23, 2023
My grandfather was a man of many passions and very little words; growing up he had his way of expressing love that I didn’t quite understand until I was a bit older. Now that I am an adult I can safely say that though he was not conventionally affectionate he showed his care in so many ways. I grew up living right next door and I consider myself incredibly lucky that I got to spend as much time with him as I did. He instilled so much of the work ethic him me that I have today.
He grew up the baby of his family and became the wonderful man that guided our family so far. When I was growing up I loved to hear Naunie’s stories about when she met pap and how he looked like Elvis with his dark hair and sweet smile, not to mention his time in a band where she described that he instantly got the attention of the crowds for his resemblance to the king; and how she could not believe that he noticed her. Don’t let her fool you she was an incredible catch to be had. They got married and embarked on their life’s journey together. They had three incredible daughters my strong mother Ann Frances, my intelligent Aunt Patrica Paulette and my generous Aunt Debra Lynn, who are all three a different combination of him and my Naunie.
During his prime he worked at the glass factory blowing lamps which is something I have always found so wonderful as I grew up all the lamps in my house were made by pappy. A constant reminder of how much light he brought to our lives. Which is why when I found a pair of lamps he made at a sale I had to have them so that wherever I end up his light will continue to shine on me. How many people can say that these amazing pieces were made by their grandfather. I remember a lot of stern days where we all learned the proper way to help clear a field and stack a truck full of hay, but I also remember those days where I would get to their house and he would say “Hey Pretzel!” And to this day he is the only one who called me that and I feel so honored to have been given that nickname by him a token of his affection I will cherish those days forever. As well as all the car shows I was so lucky to attend with him, as the granddaughter of not one but to incredible hot rod men I hold those memories to tightly to my chest.
Though he will no longer walk with us I know in my heart that he will continue to guide us, through his daughters. They are quite literally his life’s work, all three of them have qualities that he worked so hard to help create. My dear mother has his sentimental and strong side, she cherishes and cares for everything that she has worked for and always thinks about the people that she loves before herself. My Aunt Patty has his determination to do whatever she sets her mind to, and always has a level head in times of trouble. Finally my sweet Aunt Dede has his caring side she would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it, and she always brought out the kindest smiles from pappy. Pappy will still be with us everyday and the eyes of our wonderful family, our mothers, our aunts, our wives, our friends, His grandchildren, who are all so genuinely lucky to have tiny pieces of him that we will carry on. To Mason, Garret, Selina, Tiffany, Wyatt, Emma and Johnna you all have his best qualities and some of you are incredibly blessed to not only inherit his dashing good looks but his musical talent and above all his unwavering work ethic and love. And most of all he will still be with us through our Naunie who will continue to love us unconditionally just as I know he would if he had more time.
I love you pappy.
-P.Weimann