I added this page to honor those who I personally knew who have impacted my life greatly. They have gone before me to meet the Lord, but I shall not forget what they meant to me.
Mr. Roy Smith
He was a retired missionary and pastor. In life, he was generous and kind, always desirous to speak about the things of the Lord. To me and my brother he gave us some of his old volumes of spiritual classics, something I’ll forever treasure. He said he prayed for me, that I was “on his list” of people he prayed for. Going to Mr. Smith’s house, you had to expect to be there for at least an hour or two, maybe more; but to me, those were hours well spent, discussing life, the Lord and everything in between.
He inspired me to be a greater man of God, saying that “we need more spiritually minded folk like you and your brother” and always exhorting me to “preach the Word, man.” Mr. Smith lived a life devoted to the Lord and I honor him today, knowing that he is with the Lord now, rejoicing in his heavenly body. I can’t wait to meet him again someday. I shall never forget the impact his life had on mine.
J.T. Wilkes, “Papa”
All who knew him, including Mr. Smith, said my grandfather was a great man. I don’t know how much I appreciated him until he was near death. However, his life, story, and words have continued to impact me in the years after his death. I loved my Papa, but I think I love him even more now, and can’t wait to see him in heaven, where I hope I may speak to him and learn all the more of his life.
The theme of his life was summed up in this statement: “Serving you will be my pleasure.” My grandfather loved serving and helping people. To me it seemed that whenever we went out, without fail there would be someone he knew, and his would converse with them for some time. I don’t think I know the half of what he did while he served as Probate Judge for 20 years, and beyond. My grandfather once said, “I would like for it to be said when I leave this world that I lived my life with distinction and honor, that I found happiness, that I pursued it with the strength of my forefathers.” In my estimation, I would say that he succeeded.
Oratio Sanctus 