Granddaddy

He was a son, a brother, a daddy, a granddaddy, a great-granddaddy, and a friend. To me he was Granddaddy. And that was the most fitting name - "grand" daddy. I cannot imagine anyone having a better granddaddy than I. He truly loved each of us, and he knew how to show that love. He was not the richest man by worldly standards, but he definitely was a "rich" man. He had family and friends that loved him dearly. He was a special man. I've never really known anyone like him. If you were lucky enough to meet Granddaddy, then you loved him instantly. He was just that type of person. The world was a better place because of him, and everyone that knew him was a better person because of that. Granddaddy was the most selfless person I know. He was also the toughest man I know. He was a fighter.

I have so many wonderful memories of my Granddaddy over the last 30 years. He was such an important part of my life. He was always there for each of us - at every special time or event in our lives. His family was his life. When I think about Granddaddy, I think about his love for fishing. He always loved to go to St. Mark's. And then he loved having all of his family over for a fish fry. He could fry fish like no one else. He also loved to play golf. He was a pretty good golfer too! He loved watching the Braves. I kind of like to think part of Anderson's love for the Braves comes from Granddaddy.

Another memory I have of Granddaddy is spending time with him every summer at Lake Sinclair and having him pull us skiing or sledding behind his boat. He was always willing to pull each of us even though it was burning up!

I remember going by his office (Barnes Brokerage) when we were younger. He would give us snacks and BBQ sauce or tell us to grab a pack of cookies to take home. I also remember drawing on his office paper - you grandkids know what I'm talking about. :)

Granddaddy loved to tell stories of when he was younger, and if you were alone with him you could always count on a good story. He loved to talk and visit. Granddaddy and Grandmama would always call me on my birthday and sing "Happy Birthday." That was always a special treat. :)

When I was younger, I always knew I had a Granddaddy that loved me and was always there for me. But as I've gotten older, I really see how special Granddaddy was. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to watch Anderson with Granddaddy. Even though it was only about 2 1/2 years, I know that Anderson loved being around him, and it made me so happy to watch Anderson with Granddaddy. I remember when Anderson was probably about 7 or 8 months old, and he loved to untie Granddaddy's shoelaces. Granddaddy really got a kick out of that. A few months ago as we were leaving Grandmama and Granddaddy's house, Anderson saw a little patch of sand in their front yard. Of course he called it a pitcher's mound, and Granddaddy just loved that! Anderson just really loved Granddaddy. At 80 years old, Granddaddy would pick him up! It makes me really sad to think that Isaiah will never know him. Of course he will hear many, many stories about him though. :)

It makes me happy and brings a smile to my face as I write this and remember these sweet memories of my Granddaddy. It doesn't seem real that he is gone, and I'm sure it won't for awhile. I really can't imagine not seeing him again. I will miss him so much. I love you Granddaddy!!!