My dad was born in 1934 to a sharecropper’s family in Wapanucka, OK. The sixth of 14 kids, he was raised to believe in God, in his parents, and in hard work. Early in his life his family moved to Arkansas in hope of escaping the worst of the dust bowl, and in 1940 they moved back to Oklahoma – literally in a covered wagon. In the eighth grade Dad dropped out of school to pick cotton, and he worked steadily for the next 73 years. Work was what he knew how to do.
He married my mom when she was 18, and just a day after he turned 19. The next day they moved to follow a potential job. This August they will celebrate their 70th year of marriage.
Dad didn’t fit the model of a 21st century father. To him, “Hands On” meant strict discipline. His #1 priority was supporting his family, even when it meant working two full-time jobs, and doing without himself. His parenting responsibilities were to set a good example, love our mother, be respected for his work, and to be a man of faith and character.
I knew my dad cared for me, but my mom was in charge of the family, and his primary role was that of a provider. Dad believed in the Christian bible, especially, Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." My dad was not my buddy, playmate or principal teacher, but I always knew that while he didn’t understand me, he loved me.
As a child of the 60’s I resented my dad’s hick ways and his strict rules. As soon as I could I grew my hair long and began making my own erratic way through life. When I began my own family I vowed to do better than my dad did. I was in my 30’s before I began to recognize the values my father had taught me through his example: Love your wife and your family; work hard; keep your word; and be a man that you would respect yourself.
In his late 80’s Dad still takes care of his neighbors and community. He’s delivered free bread to the needy, helped his poor neighbors repair their homes, built ramps for the disabled, helps neighbors mourn and bury their loved ones, and he still makes time to be an ear for the lonely and disheartened. His neighbors treat him as if he were the father of his community.
Now, I can only dream of living up to his example – I could never hope to exceed him in any way. I love you Dad!
Having a heard time dealing with dads prostate cancer diagnosis...help!
My Daddy finished his journey on 4th July
dad has advanced prostate cancer 
My Dad died... but not from PCa
Thank you for giving us hope!!! 
