Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Bobby Dale

We buried my uncle today. After a long battle with cancer he has gone to be with our Lord. I was honored to be a pallbearer.
I'll never forget the first time I met him at Granny Collingsworth's house. I was the newest boyfriend of the first granddaughter and was there to meet the family. Bobby Dale and his brother-in-law told me in no uncertain terms that if I hurt their niece in any way they would have to "talk" with me. I never had that talk, thank God, and over the years I have grown to admire and respect him.
He was a carpenter by trade who left many of his own projects incomplete so that he could help others with theirs. I remember him telling me about how he cut his leg with a circular saw because he had pnned the guard back. After we discussed the safety that the guards provide we'd swap stories of crazy stuff that had happened on job sites of the past.
I guess my favorite memories are of the family reunions. Both in Witchita and here in Houston. He was our auctioneer and designated story teller. When we had our local reunion in Conroe we would sit around the campfire till 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning and talk about whatever came up. He'd be the last one to bed and the first one to rise.
I cherish most the couple of times I spent sitting on his porch talking of dogs and horses or kids and family. He will be missed.
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Phillipians 4:8