Dear Granddaddy -
It's because of your life-long devotion to our Heavenly Father that generations of Billingsleys will walk through this world with eyes WIDE open to the needs of others, hands that eagerly serve, and hearts that long for Christ Jesus. (They will also be more attractive than everyone else... They will be Billingsleys after all.)
You are an example to all of what a good man should be. Particularly, I thank you for the example you were to this incredible husband of mine. His unfailing love, ferocious loyalty, reliable honesty, and his deep need to help others comes directly from you.
Because of your fatherly love, James has learned to be a phenomenal man and Daddy. I see you in him every single time he teaches his children something new, runs to a friend who needs help, stands in defense of someone who desperately needs an ally, and I especially see you when he laughs at a joke so hard everyone around him can't help but laugh with him.
I love when I get introduced to someone new who hears my last name and says, “Billingsley? Do you know Gene Billingsley?” They always follow up that question with a story that illustrates what a wonderful man you were. I love to hear those stories, but the best part of that interaction is being able to say, “Yes! I know that man. HE’S MY GRANDDAD.”
I'm intensely proud to be a Billingsley. We will forever miss you.
It's because of your life-long devotion to our Heavenly Father that generations of Billingsleys will walk through this world with eyes WIDE open to the needs of others, hands that eagerly serve, and hearts that long for Christ Jesus. (They will also be more attractive than everyone else... They will be Billingsleys after all.)
You are an example to all of what a good man should be. Particularly, I thank you for the example you were to this incredible husband of mine. His unfailing love, ferocious loyalty, reliable honesty, and his deep need to help others comes directly from you.
Because of your fatherly love, James has learned to be a phenomenal man and Daddy. I see you in him every single time he teaches his children something new, runs to a friend who needs help, stands in defense of someone who desperately needs an ally, and I especially see you when he laughs at a joke so hard everyone around him can't help but laugh with him.
I love when I get introduced to someone new who hears my last name and says, “Billingsley? Do you know Gene Billingsley?” They always follow up that question with a story that illustrates what a wonderful man you were. I love to hear those stories, but the best part of that interaction is being able to say, “Yes! I know that man. HE’S MY GRANDDAD.”
I'm intensely proud to be a Billingsley. We will forever miss you.
5 comments:
I'm so sorry- I'll now pray for your family to recover from the loss and celebrate him. Let me know if you need anything.
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your beautiful family will be in my prayers.
What a beautiful tribute. How blessed you were to have in him in all of our lives and how blessed we are to have you in our lives...you, James and the girls will no doubt carry on the lessons learned from Granddaddy. We'll all be better because of him.
Beautiful words, Andrea.....and everyone one of them couldn't be more true! He will be greatly missed by so many. Love you!
Such a sweet letter! From what I remember he was a great man and your family will continue to be in my prayers daily. Give Reg a hug for me!
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