We take pause today from our typical Sunday post as we desire to celebrate the life of Bill Cheatwood. Bill is the sweet Dad of our daughter-in love Allison, and precious granddad to Princess Emma Kennedy and Queen Ella Mae. Our hearts are broken because Bill had an accident last week, and God chose to call Bill to a new home Friday night. Even in the midst of an unbelievable time of sadness, shock, and grief, there is great comfort in knowing Bill had a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Bill, Linda, and all the family gathered at our house this past summer for family photos taken by a professional photographer. It was a Mother’s day gift to Pam and Linda from Seth and Allison. We recall it was a very hot day and all the guys were a little fussy about getting their picture made 100 times! But how thankful we are that we took time to capture and preserve precious moments and make memories!
EK and EM love their “Popsie” and he dearly loved these girls. Without a doubt these little ones will miss their grandaddy and a 4 year old will have a lot of questions as time goes by. But initially, Ella Mae accepted what had happened and was able to smile because she said she knew her “Popsie” was in heaven with Jesus. What a clear picture of what it means to have simple child-like faith.
Ben, Bill, Linda, Ella Mae, Allison, Emma Kennedy, and Seth. Certainly some of our readers know the pain of losing a spouse and a dad and you will pray for Linda, Allison and Ben in the days ahead. Seth loved his father-in law. He and Bill had spent a lot of hours working together over the summer clearing land and preparing a place for Seth and Allison to build a house. Bill was a pro at running the bulldozer and made art work out of it, getting everything “just right”.
Thank you for allowing us to share a bit differently today and for spending time with us. We hope you will take one additional minute and find hope and comfort in a few verses we’ve chosen to include. Everyday living is not always easy, but God is always good!
βBut we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.β
ββ1 Thessaloniansβ¬ β4:13-18β¬
And remember:
βJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and foreverβ.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Pam and Butch, I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. EK and EM are adorable posed with their ‘Popsie’. What beautiful family photos you have to cherish. Keeping you, Allison and family in our thoughts and prayers. β₯
Thank you Mary for your prayers.
Pam, your post honor’s Bill and his life, and will be a comfort to Linda, Allison, Ben, Seth, and the girls. May the peace that passes all understand be with all of you in the days ahead.
Thank you my friend.
Pam and Butch, and this sweet family: I am so sorry for this great loss and pray for peace and comfort. I know that Ella Mae will have questions but her sweet words of comfort from the lips of this beautiful child gives strength to all. I will be praying for Allison, Linda, Seth and all of you. This is a special tribute.
Thank you for your prayers, Dianne.
Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Thank you for your prayers, Judy.
It’s always difficult to lose a loved one and even more so when it’s premature due to an accident. We’re so sorry about Bill. We will pray for the family. We know the holidays will be especially challenging for the family. God will provide comfort during this time of grief. It’s a blessing to know Bill was a Christian. Our hearts are heavy that such a sweet family has to suffer this loss. God bless you all. Clara β€οΈ
God is our comfort, thank you Clara β₯οΈ
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I know Bill’s passing is a loss to the entire family. May God’s love bring you comfort during these difficult days ahead and may your precious memories bring you smiles. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Thank you dear Sandra for your prayers.
Praying for all of the family during this terrible time. Even though Bill is now in Heaven with Our Father, the pain and shock for his family must be heartbreaking. Ella Mae is wise beyond her years.
Thank you Roxanne. It is definitely a shock.
How very sad. My sincere condolences to the entire Cheatwood and RIchardson families. May Bill rest in peace, and may his memories sustain you all. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Thank you Rita for your prayers.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Words are inadequate to express my sadness for the family. My heart hurts because I know the grief of being so young and losing your father and I can’t image the intense loss for Linda. Please know all the family will be in my prayers.
Thank you Bonnie. They are heartbroken but have the peace of knowing he is with Jesus.
What a beautiful, beautiful tribute.
Thank you dear Sharon.
my dear friends, losing such a premature father is an added pain. My condolences to his wife and children as well as to you as a family who have such a beautiful bond as the girls.
Losing a father is a very sad thing, but you still have the memory of him and the consolation of knowing that he was a man of demonstrated kindness.
The photos are very endearing and beautiful.
with love
Dolores
Mi amiga, Dolores gracias por tus dulces condolencias y el cariΓ±o que envΓas.
In Sympathy, we all who is in Christ Jesus will be caught up in to the sky and be forever with our Savior. Come lord come.
Amen, Judy and thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear this. Keeping the family in my prayers!
Thank you for your prayers, Michelle.
I know your family is in great sorrow this week and I extend to all of you my deepest condolences. The sudden loss is particularly hard and right before holidays adds to it. Sending loads of love. He sounded like a wonderful man.
Jeanie, the sudden loss is hard for our sweet DIL, mother, and brother. Thank you for the love that you send.
So sorry to hear of this great loss. It is so hard to accept the will of the Lord at times but we must trust him in his infinite wisdom. Knowing Bill was prepared for his eternal home is the greatest consolation the family has at this time. Praying for comfort and peace for all.
Bobbie, He is infinitely wise. Thank you for your prayers.
Very sorry for your loss, and holding your beloved family in my prayers.
Thank you Sue for your prayers.
So sorry for your loss. I am so glad Bill had a loving relationship with Christ and the family knows they will see him again when they join him in heaven. Prayers for the family.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Linda.
So sorry for your family’s loss of Bill. It’s a blessing you have those photos.
Thank you Linda.
What a profound loss for the Cheatwoods and Richardsons, but what an honored and joyful
increase for Paradise. I get the impression Bill will fit right in. Those wonderful family photos seemed to have been ordained for posterity and to be treasured for the lifetimes of Family members. May the Lord’s loving graces fill the hearts of Linda, Allison and Ben, to bring comfort, healing and assurance of Heaven Home for Bill and may the Richardsons be assuaged by their great Faith and dedication while embracing the Princesses in tenderness and understanding. We all await the Grand Reunion with hope and trust.
Thank you Mary.
Oh Pam … I am so sad for your family. The pictures are a precious reminder of Bill’s legacy. Praying right now even as we speak …
Thank you for the prayers, Linda.
Pam, I am so very sorry for your familyβs loss. My heart goes out to you all, and I will keep his loved ones in my prayers. Those sweet photographs are such precious treasures. The ending scripture is so appropriate and such an important reminder for us all.
Thank you for the prayers, Shannon.
Oh, Pam and Butch my sincere condolences to Linda, Allison, Ben, Seth and to all of you as well. Iβm so glad you had your pictures taken together this past summer to cherish. Such a beautiful family.
This had to be a shock… sending you all a hug.
Yes, it was a shock. Thank you Nancy!
I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I’m sure those last photos will be more special than ever now. My condolences to each and everyone.
Thank you Karen.
What a shock today to learn of the death of Allisonβs dad. There are no words that can express my sympathy for the Cheatwood and Richardson family. My God in all His grace and wisdom cover His family with love and peace from His throne in heaven.
Thank you so much Alice.
Pam praying for you all at this time, I know the pain of loss…I understand. May His loving arms encompass you all through this journey & the days ahead.
Bless you sweet friend,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. I know you understand.
Hug
Thank you.
Sincere condolences. Prayers.
Thank you for your prayers, Nancy.
I am so sad for your family Pam and Butch, and know they’re will be many prayers for Bill this Thanksgiving…children do accept death gracefully, and knowing their missing loved one is in heaven with God and the angels makes them so happy…my grands, especially CC, talk about Papa Doc {HH} and recently she did comment that she wished he could come back…Bless her sweet heart! I’m so glad you were gathered last summer and have those beautiful photos to remember that special day, and a sweet pic of EM and EK with Popsie…
Jenna
Thank you Jenna, you definitely understand. Sweet little CC talking about Papa Doc β₯οΈ
I am so sorry for your loss,my deepest sympathy. Sending prayers…God bless you all.
Thank you my sweet friend!
So sorry to hear of your loss! Sending deepest sympathy and a big, strong hug.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia!
I am SO sorry to read of this deep loss. He looks like such a nice man. I know how it feels to lose a Daddy, and my heart goes out to Allison and all who mourn his passing. May the God of all comfort wrap all of you in His loving arms and hold you close.
Thank you Cheryl.
What comfort comes when one has the Hope of eternal life through that personal relationship with Christ. My heart rejoices with you over the photos that were taken – they are beautiful. I am praying for those who will be missing Bill at Christmas. He will have the best Christmas EVER (as will my mom), but will be missed immensely by those still on this side of Glory. Thanks for sharing this, Pam.
Amen Cindie. Wishing you the peace and joy that comes from the personal relationship of Christ our Lord. Merry Christmas…