Hope all the fathers out there have had a great day! I started thinking about the fathers in our family - those still with us and those who have gone on Home to be with our Heavenly family.
The first two men I loved better than anything was Dad and Pappaw Layne. My grandparents lived in the house behind ours during the winter months and on Lick Creek during the spring, summer, and fall until they could no longer take care of the garden the way they use to when raising their family. I believe my brothers became the great fathers they are because of our father and grandfather. They learned by example!
Bill had great examples as well. His dad's father had already passed away before Bill was born, but he had his Grand-dad McCoy, his mother's father. Bill spent many of his summers in Inez, KY with his grandparents. Bill's Uncle Mack lived with them for many years until he moved into a Highrise in Williamson. Uncle Mack had a big influence on Bill, as well as his brothers. Bill's father was a hard worker and worked long hours. His work ethics filtered down to Bill and Twink. You have to work hard and provide for your family.
The following pictures are a tribute to just some of the men whom I think are great Dad's.
My Pappaw Layne holding Mike with Dink, myself, and, John standing close. We loved him sooooo much! He was a great father and grandfather.
Pappaw and Mammaw with Uncle Pak, Uncle Pete, Aunt Hammy, Dad, Aunt Oma, Uncle Son, and Aunt Dean. (Yes, my aunt and uncles all had nick names!)
Pappaw and Mammaw with Uncle Pak, Uncle Pete, Aunt Hammy, Dad, Aunt Oma, Uncle Son, and Aunt Dean. (Yes, my aunt and uncles all had nick names!)
This is how I remember my grandfather! This was taken the summer before his passed away - summer of 1969!
My father and grandfather sitting under the willow tree below the home place. Behind them is the crib we loved to go snooping - we found all kinds of treasures!
Dad with his three boys who eventually became great fathers!
One of my favorite pictures of Dad and Mom - Nags Head!! Love the black and white version.
My Dad and Dink - the first lesson Dad taught us - show your love!!!!
Dink with his precious family - he was and is not afraid to show his love for his family!
The latest picture of Dink - even though he is recovering from a massive stroke, he still lets the boys and the rest of us he loves us all! We all love you Dink and think you are a great father, husband, brother, son, and uncle!
This is the first Father's Day John's family will be having without him! Here is a picture of John, Laurie, Dawn, JD, and Lindsay on January 22, 1989. This was mine and John's birthday! I miss you John and you were a great father and grandfather!
The next two pictures are two I love - it captures the mischievous smile we miss!
Mike and Todd - 1989
Mike on the day Todd and Cassie got married - May 19, 2009.
Todd and Meghan - Mike's pride and joy - Mike has been and still is a loving and supporting father to these two - the love the three of them have for one another is what makes today a special day!
Bill's grandparents - Granddad and Granny. The love Bill had for them and they had for him helped mold Bill into the person he is today - he loves his son David and grand-daughter Cora with every fiber in his body!
Uncle Mack also influenced Bill - he taught Bill to keep score for the Reds' games!!
Bill's father taught Bill how to take care of family. Not only did he take care of Bill, his brothers, and his mother, he also took care of Uncle Mack. You love your family and you take care of them!
Clyde at Uncle Mack's making sure all is well. Even though Uncle Mack moved out on his own, Clyde always went over to check on him.
A proud grandfather, Clyde, and grandmother, Bertha Marrs, with one of their two grandchildren - David - about 1988.
March 27, 2009 - Bill a first time grandfather, and David a first time father! Cora Ann has changed both of their lives forever!
May 24, 2009 - Cora's baby dedication - a proud father and grandfather - three generations of Hardins.
David - a proud father with his precious baby girl, Cora Ann! The tradition of a loving and caring father continues!
I haven't included pictures of all the great fathers in the family, mainly because I'm at Mom's without my picture collection. Therefore I want to say that I think the following fall in the "Great Fathers" category: Bill's brother Twink (alias Charles); my nephew JD; and John's grand - children's fathers - Nate, Brian, and Chad. You all are doing a great job - continue doing what you're doing and you will be the examples for the next generation of fathers!
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