My brother-in-law passed away this morning. thank you for praying. Here is My tribute to him.
W.W.W.W.---William Warren Walter Willard. Affectionately known as "Bill", "Dad", "Uncle Bill", "Mr. Bill", "Papa" --and to Pat, simply and profoundly as "Honey"
Son, Little brother, Big brother, Altar boy, Eagle Scout, Marine, Husband, In-Law, Believer, Disciple, Father, Foster-Father, Adoptive Father, Mentor, Deacon, Elder, Servant, Encourager, Christian Bookstore owner, Protector of the downfallen, the widow and orphan, Evangelist, Prayer-Warrior, Christian Brother, and Friend.
Funny, Lovable, Kind, Tender-hearted, Compassionate, Goofy, Capable, Jack-of-all-trades, Gardner, Loyal, Hustler, Dumpster-Diver, Inspirational Good Works Initiator, Leader by Example.
Responsible, Prepared, Able to fix what was broken, or create what was needed to 'make-do', Could sew, quilt, crochet, can foods, Fix cars, Help people move, Take in and care for the needy, the widow and the orphan, Hospitable, & welcoming. (With one exception: he kept a beebe gun on the top cabinet to scare the cats out of his garden!)
Loved all things cowboy-John Wayne, Chick tracts, Disney movie collection, antique glass Pitchers, Yard sales, "junkies", $5.00 Grab bag, Annual Clean-up week (where he would collect junk, take it home fix it etc and resell it the next week in a yard sale!)Loved historic sites, Was a huge Civil War buff, and truly appreciated those who fought and died for our freedoms to be maintained.
Had a crooked tooth, a sweet tooth, and a sweet, welcoming smile. He'd give you a bear hug, bear with you, and bear your burdens.
Loved Cheesecake, cookies, all manner of pastries, little Debbie snacks, candy, (Heck he loved all manner of sweets and foods-- too many to list!)
Started Care & Share Soup kitchen, Care & Share food program, Good Neighbor Club for kids, Summer Neighborhood Christian Movie nights for kids in his driveway, Bought and drove a small bus to take the neighborhood kids to church, Pancakes in the Park, Senior Saturdays, Mowing the Lawns of the elderly (Even when he was 75!), won a Diamond award for community service, Hosted Home Fellowship bible studies all his life, opening his home consistently to all who were seeking --(but who might not yet have known it was Jesus they sought). Loved singing praises to Jesus (in his own special 'off-key' ability ๐
Had a funny way of saying hello--"Heeyy??", In response to being asked how his day was, would answer, "A day like all days--filled with those wonderful events which alter and illuminate one's life" LOL... When I'd say hello, he'd sometimes reply "What do you mean by that?" then laugh.
He could scold you, tease you, frustrate you--but he always loved you--and you always knew it.
He typed with his index fingers --slowly--and was a bad speller, but his message of love was always clear.
He took in kids whose parents were unable to care for them temporarily, raising them with the same love his own son was given. Took in 2 foster sons--one white the other black--adopted them both and loved them both the same--and taught them to not see the difference either.
Though later devastated & completely at sea when his only natural son was killed-- whom he'd stuck with and loved through some of his own tough times-- yet--his anchor held within the veil and he made his way back to shore safely with the Lord's help, going on to use it to comfort others with the same comfort with which he himself was comforted by God.
He kept his promises and his vows, Paid his bills in full--even if he had to pray in the money to do it; kept his house in order, and kept himself in check with God's help.
Mostly--he loved "Pat", "Trish" Trisha" "Pa-Trish"--his "Honey", his beloved, his wife, his lover, his lifelong companion and friend. He loved her deeply, thoroughly, faithfully, Passionately, Patiently ... Loved her the way every woman wants to be loved: not with fancy words or flowers (except occasionally) but with Depth and with Devoted Deeds--living every day and with all his breath for her---Loved her "as Christ loved the Church"
This morning this great, good man passed over into the arms of Jesus--the love of his life--As a Man well-loved, deeply respected and admired by all who were so privileged to have known him; finally hearing the only words that he ever really wanted to hear:
"WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT..."
