Everyday Living

In Honor Of My Daddy

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Family, Fathers Day

 “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:6‬  
Genuine Christian.  Faithful husband.  Loving father.  Dependable brother. Patient grandfather. Family man.  Loyal friend.  Alabama football.  Thursday pizza.  Honorable character. Indisputable integrity. Purple Heart.  Fried okra. Willing servant.  My postman.  Korean Vet.  Gentle spirit.  Witty humor. Big-band music.  Daddy.  Pawpaw.  Patriotic.  Consistent.  Content.  Kind. Honest.

My sweet Daddy, can you really put into words a man who has lived his life well and is leaving a true legacy? I asked the people closest to him to describe him in a few words.  These are just a few.  Sunday is Father’s Day and it is a privilege to honor and celebrate my Daddy! I want to share his life with you, if you will be so kind. Again, this is only a glimpse into a life well lived and I hope that we are all encouraged to make our life count on this earth, but also one that echoes into eternity.

During the depths of the Great Depression, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, my Daddy was born to your typical Southern, rural, working-class family.  His early childhood was similar to all children growing up during this impoverished era.

  2 years old

His days as a child were spent sitting in a little rocking chair around the old wood stove while his mother prepared meals.  He simply attended school and played with his brother and sister. 

 
  A goat ride with help from big brother!

At an early age, he discovered baseball which he loved to play with his friends.  That was usually followed by an afternoon of fishing at the nearest creek bank.  To this day, my Daddy is the most contented man that I know. At 87 years of age, he is content to sit in a chair as he did when he was a child– only now it isn’t a little rocking chair, it is a recliner!

 

  Age 11

When he entered the tenth grade at Pell City High School, he began playing and lettering in all sports. 


  He was a halfback on the football team, forward in basketball, and a first baseman on the baseball team.  Upon graduation in 1948, he was given an opportunity to try out for the Auburn basketball team for a scholarship, but since baseball was his passion and his dream, he declined.

  Minor league baseball team (left)

During the spring of his senior year, he was scouted by the Cleveland Indians and was offered a contract to play professional baseball.  He signed later that year and was sent to spring training in Marietta, Florida.  After two very successful years in Class A, he was transferred to Class AA.

But that was when the draft board notified him.

By this time, the Korean War was fully engaged and his country needed him.  Leaving his beloved family and a promising baseball career was secondary to serving his country. Although he loved both, he left without hesitation.  The Army recruits from Northeast Alabama were sent to Gadsden to board a train headed for Camp Chaffee, Arkansas.  Before their long train ride, they ate at a local diner–the Star Cafe on Broad Street. Working the cash register that evening was a beautiful, dark-eyed young lady, and in God’s sovereignty, my Daddy had been assigned to take care of the meal expenses.  They spoke casually as he paid and went on his way. Captivated by him, she wrote down her address and slipped it to the last man leaving and asked him to pass it on to the man that paid the bill.

  Camp Chaffee 1951

With strong mathematical skills, Daddy was assigned to a surveyor team for artillery with the Seventh Infantry Division of the U. S. Army.  He arrived in Korea in August of 1951.  His unit was often assigned to work ahead of the front lines and was constantly in harm’s way.  November 5, 1951, dawned a cold and cloudy day as my Daddy,  PVT Davis, and two other surveyors climbed Heartbreak Ridge, slightly north of the Thirty-Eighth parallel in North Korea.  About 1:30 that afternoon, the first man tripped a land mine.  The “Bouncing Betty” immediately exploded and all three men were seriously wounded.  Daddy’s first memory was being transported by helicopter, strapped underneath, to Taegu Hospital.  He received large amounts of shrapnel to his upper body and face and suffered significant loss of blood.  While in the hospital, he was awarded The Purple Heart.  Within a month, Daddy was back to his outfit seeing front-line action on a daily basis.  He left Korea in August 1952 and was honorably discharged October, 1952.  In addition to The Purple Heart, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and two Bronze Stars.

  Re Won Chul, an 11 year old Korean boy that was taken in by my Daddy and his unit.  They provided his food and clothing while he taught them some Korean words.    He had been displaced by the war with no idea of what happened to his family.  This is the horror of war–children left alone to survive on their own.  This is just one example of his heart to love “the least of these”.   Daddy still wonders what might have happened to him.

Upon his return, he began dating the beautiful dark-eyed cashier at the Star Cafe.
 She had faithfully corresponded while he served and defended his country.  After a short courtship, they married December 24, 1952.  My parents established a loving home that was Christ-centered.  I only have memories of my Daddy and Mother loving The Lord, each other, my brother and me. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my childhood was as perfect as you can have in this life.  Discipline balanced with love, not material possessions, but the treasures that money will never buy.

  Daddy went to work for the U. S. Postal Service in 1955 and retired in 1989,  as an exemplary employee with many accolades and awards of service.  He was known and loved as a postman–and 29 years later, people still recognize him as “their postman”.  As a faithful Christian, Daddy has served his church, his friends, and his community well. I can truly say that my daddy’s faith has been unshakable. He is always consistent and even tempered–never angry.

  Daddy, my brother, and me – 1971

Daddy loves his family. He was always a gentle yet firm hand as he and my Mother raised my brother and me. 

  With daughter, son, and spouses.

  With the grandchildren.

  With the great-grandchildren.

 Daddy’s beloved wife and my Mother went to be with The Lord in April 2007.

As I have been thinking over my Daddy’s life, one thing keeps coming to mind:  all of us are “legacies in progress”.  The legacy we leave is not something established after we die, but it is a work in progress–being created now by how we live each day. This very brief peek of my Daddy’s 87 years is an example of a living legacy, one that has stood the test of time and is worthy of emulating.  My daddy finds joy in the simple things in life and although he has had many achievements, he doesn’t treasure those things. His treasure is in heaven! I am deeply humbled that, by the mystery of God’s mercy, that He planned for me to be born to my parents. Because of the unconditional love of my Daddy, I was able to accept the love of God.  I am grateful for and do not take for granted each passing day that my Heavenly Father allows me to to have my earthly Father. Happy Father’s Day and I love you, Daddy. I will always be your little girl!

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23:22‬

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Comments

  1. A lovely tale and very well written. The kiddies are gorgeous, one and all.

    Now, I’m a tech dinosaur, but I know people use the power of social media to find people, with photos. Give the boy’s photo to a digital native (millennial generation and younger) with any info, and see what they can do!

    Not sure if you can locate the pretty goat, but if you do, Id like it! I’ve always wanted a goat, no kidding!

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  2. What a sweet, sweet tribute to your dad. It brought tears to my eyes as I read his story. And it sounds like like the Lord is still writing the final chapter. How precious. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about your dad. Blessings and I hope you get to honor him many more Father’s Days.

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  3. Pam, this is wonderful. I knew much of Coke Man’s (one of his names you did not mention!) history, but not all of this. Indeed, what a legacy. All of the photos are great!

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  4. What a precious legacy indeed. I think of Steve Green’s song “May all who come behind us find us faithful”. Thanks for sharing your faithful father’s life with us.

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  5. This brought tears to me this morning but in a good way. You have done a remarkable job in paying tribute to your Dad. What a remarkable man. What a legacy. So much like my own story but Dad was in WWII in Normandy. I praise God for your sweet Dad and the example he has been and continues to be. Thank you for sharing this story of love, allegiance to country, and unwavering faith. God’s timing was perfect as he stepped up to pay the bill at the cafe. We need to hear more of these stories. He looks wonderful.

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  6. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful father! I loved what you said about “legacies in progress.” It is so very true! Happy Thursday, sweet friend!!!

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  7. What a beautiful tribute to your dear Dad. He has certainly lived a beautiful life and given you and your family a wonderful legacy to treasure always. Wishing him a lovely Father’s Day, as you all celebrate him and the blessing he has and continues to be in your life and the lives of others.

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  8. Pam, what a lovely montage of your family and particularly of your father. It is such a blessing to have Christian parents as they pass down Christian principles that are priceless for our daily living. So many in today’s world do not have that blessing.
    Beautiful tribute and wonderful memories for you!
    In Christ
    Kari@meandmycaptain

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  9. Pam… this is a wonderful tribute to your amazing Dad!! Bro Coy is a remarkable man! Gentle, humble, kind, faithful, thoughtful, steadfast…. just a few of the many words that describe him! What a legacy that will be honored for all time! You and Mike are truly blessed to have this amazing man as your Father!
    HAPPY FATHERS DAY, BRO COY!! We love you!❤️

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  10. You are so blessed to have a dad with his attributes. I can so relate. Sounds so much like my dad who put God first followed by family and country. He passed away 3 weeks shy of his 90th birthday 5 years ago. I miss him so much. Too bad that we don’t see more young men imitating these great examples – too self-centered. May you be blessed with more years to love and honor your dad.

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  11. What a great tribute to your Dad. Happy Fathers Day to him and all other amazing Dads everywhere.

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  12. Pam dear, I was excited about your dad’s story. It is exciting to know the lives of people who have reached an age when many of the families almost do not take them into account. You are my way of being. I love older people … well, maybe because I too … hahahaha
    Yes, I love knowing what you have done in your life, what vicissitudes have had to happen. Your father has always seemed to me a handsome man and in a good mood because every time you have shown his image he has a very authentic smile.
    I wish you all the happiness you already have with such a great and beautiful family!
    A big hug to all
    Dolores
    … and tell him he’s very handsome

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  13. Pam, thank you so much for sharing the wonderful life of such a good father with us. I can relate, thankfully, to so much you said about your father. I was also so blessed to have a father so much like yours. They had many things in common. My father was born in 1909, in rural St. Clair county. He was one of eight children. He passed away in 1983. Being the oldest, he did not go to war, but he had 4 brothers serving at the same time. Also like your father, my father played semipro baseball and was an all state basketball player. His first love was baseball. He left baseball to care for his family after his father died. I can just feel your love for your father because I have the same. I’ll bet that you feel the way that I always did about my father in that I never wanted to disappoint him. I remember one time when I was grown and had children, he picked me up while I had my car fixed. We saw an old friend of his, and he said “look who I have with me”. I realized then that I just had to exist to have my father’s love. He asked nothing of me, but I wanted to do everything to please him. I am sure after reading about your father that you must feel the same. Isn’t it wonderful to feel such love from someone? I have always felt so bad for those girls who do not know a loving, Godly father. Have a wonderful celebration with your sweet father. I will think of mine and feel the love. Betty

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    • Betty, what a sweet relationship you had with your wonderful father, just like mine. Their lives have many similarities! So many children grow up not experiencing the love of a father. That is a big reason we have so many problems. Thank you for sharing your story with me! Blessings sweet friend!

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  15. What a most beautiful tribute to your dad…truly part of the Greatest Generation whose values were of God, Country, Family and living life to the utmost integrity and loyalty…Beautiful story..loved seeing all of the wonderful photos!

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  17. What a beautiful post Pam, and what a humble yet magnificent life he has led. You are lucky to have so many old photos! Your family group pictures are wonderful too… You are blessed to have him healthy and with you, I lost my father when he was only 72, and was so heartbroken for a long time, but he did live to see and love each one of my children. My husband’s mother lived until 1 month shy of her 100th birthday and knew 10 of her 11 great grandchildren. It is so incredible for your children and grandchildren to spend time with him, memories they will have forever! I hope you all have a joyous Father’s Day!
    Jenna

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    • Thank you Jenna! I am so sorry you lost your father at his young age. It is truly difficult to lose parents. Wow, your MIL was almost 100 when she passed away…amazing! Happy Father’s Day to the men in your life!

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  18. What a wonderful post, Pam. I can see why you became the woman you are coming from a heritage like this. I love the photos. They are classics. And these words should be framed on every wall: “The legacy we leave is not something established after we die, but it is a work in progress–being created now by how we live each day.”

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  19. So sweet, Pam. What a wonderful way to honor your Daddy for Father’s Day. I’m sure your sweet words and tribute is the best gift you could give him.
    I was moved by his service and sacrifice during the Korean War and his faithfulness as a public servant in the postal service but most importantly his faith and faithfulness to his family. How blessed you were to grow up in a home where there there was so much love for each other and reflections of God’s love. The list of his character traits are certainly ones to emulate. I was extremely fortunate to have a Daddy and mother like yours and grow up in a Christian home. I’m wiping the tears thinking of how blessed we were. Thank you for reminding me of so many blessings.
    Your Daddy is so handsome in his uniform. My first thought was Pam looks like him but you look like your mother too, just like God designs us. What a sweet story of their romance.
    I want to take the time and write out my father’s legacy for my children and grandchildren. You have inspired me.

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    • Bonnie, thank you! Take time to write out your father’s legacy. When your gone, who will tell them. Seth did an hour video of asking Daddy questions and it is beautiful as he relates his life. Happy Father’s Day to Mike!

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  20. Pam what a wonderful tribute to your dad. There aren’t many men left with the character of your dad.
    Our dad was such a man. He lost his parents with in a month of each other at the age of 7 and a half. He spent his life in an orphanage until the age of 12 when he quit school and went to work. In the next few years he lost his two older brothers and a sister. He never complained what life handed him. He passed away in 1990.
    Marilyn and Marion

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  21. So glad I got to read this Pam! The picture of your dad caught my eye. He looks the same as I remember him! Glad he’s doing so well. Alot of that story I had never heard & it was so interesting, esp.the part about him meeting your Mom. Thanks for sharing. You are also a good writer! Ill never forget all our Whites Chapel days. They were some of the best!

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  23. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had had a father like yours. You are a very blessed lady.

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  24. What a wonderful man Pam. You are so fortunate to have him in your life!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  26. What a well written and beautiful tribute to your daddy! How wonderful!

    He just looks like a very loving man… just as you describe!

    Happy Father’s Day to your Daddy!

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  28. Oh, Pam! This brought me to tears! What an amazing father you have! Please share my gratitude to him for his selfless service and Godly life. You are so right, we are leaving a legacy, and what a legacy he is creating! It made me think of that Scripture where it says, yea, I have a goodly heritage. You surely do, my friend. Thank you SO much for sharing all of this with us. I think you should write a book about your Daddy…you have such a beautiful, eloquent way with words, and his story is nothing short of amazing. I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My dear Daddy died in 2000, and my Mom passed in 2012. We never stop missing them, do we? God bless you and your sweet Daddy, my friend.

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  30. Dear Pam, what a wonderful tribute to your amazing dad. Thank you for sharing this great life story with us. The grandchildren and the kiddies are adorable. I’m sorry your mother died in 2007. My dad died in 1996 and boy, do I still miss him every single day ! I still have mother at 88, she’s been a little sick lately.
    Blessings,
    Fabby

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