Dad at Floyd and Marty's house. July, 1963.
The picture above is a scan of a slide made in the summer of 1963. The man is my father, and he is taking movies of a family gathering. We were at the home of my aunt and uncle (Dad’s younger brother). Dad’s sister was there as well, as were my brothers and sister and various cousins.
I’m very fortunate in that my Dad is still with us — he’ll be 97 in August. The event at which the picture was taken was a farewell party given for my parents. His company was moving from Gary, Indiana, to Nashville, Tennessee, and although he was only a foreman he was one of six employees who was being moved.
Dad was born in Texas but moved with his parents to Arkansas when he was about six (he’s not sure). He does remember having his first ice cream cone during the move. While living in Arkansas he remembers making monthly trips to the store in a horse-drawn wagon. He also remembers going to camp meetings with his family and falling asleep in the back of the wagon when the services ran long (as they usually did).
I’ve mentioned before that Dad built our house out in the county. He did almost all the work himself — carpentry, plumbing and electrical. He worked for a steel-fabricating company in Gary but he also worked our small farm. As my brother and I got older we were given the responsibility of doing the milking and feeding of the livestock.
Dad worked as a general foreman until he reached age 65, when he had to retire. But he was prepared. He had taught himself how to repair small appliances and started his own appliance repair business. One of the high points of his repair business was a Thanksgiving Day call from June Carter Cash! He went and got their oven working and saved the day for June and Johnny although my Mom’s Thanksgiving Day meal was somewhat delayed. Mom finally made Dad retire again at age 80.
Dad can’t do all the things he once could do, but he still tries and is still very sharp. I’m proud to call this man Dad.
Tags: American Life, Family
Senior Moments 
June 21, 2009 at 7:14 am |
What a nice post for you Dad George. My mom grew up in the northern part of Arkansas and I remember when going to visit my grandparents they used to take us kids for a ride into town (if you could call it a town) in a horse drawn buggy.
I need to call my Dad today.
June 21, 2009 at 8:19 am |
Your father is a wonderful man. I love reading about him and he raised such a wonderful SON!!!!
Happy Father’s day to you both!
June 21, 2009 at 8:31 am |
Your dad is an incredible guy. He certainly doesn’t LOOK 52 in that picture. I’m sure he’s a young 97. His industriousness has also probably contributed greatly to his “youth.” This is a wonderful post.
June 21, 2009 at 9:16 am |
Allow me to say Happy Father’s Day to your Dad.He deserves all the good wishes he can get.You are blessed beyond measure to still have him in your life.
Blessings,Ruth
June 21, 2009 at 9:37 am |
Lovely tribute to your father. You are indeed lucky that he is still with you.
June 21, 2009 at 9:45 am |
Beautiful tribute, George.
June 21, 2009 at 5:24 pm |
Nice George. Reading your blog reminds me of how quickly we had to “grow up” and take responsibility. When I look at a 13 year old boy today I still think of them as a small kid because of the way they act but by the time I was 13 I was plowing fields using a horse and plow. Like you, I had to feed and milk the cows.
June 21, 2009 at 9:03 pm |
I created a post about my dad, too. He is gone now, but I looked after him the best I could.
Wonderful post.
June 21, 2009 at 9:28 pm |
George,
That sounds like one incredible man..retiring twice, running a farm and creating a business career!! What a generation..we witnessed in our parents! So glad you are able to still enjoy seeing and being with such a neat Dad!! 🙂
June 21, 2009 at 9:45 pm |
That’s a great tribute George. Where in Ark did your dad live?
June 21, 2009 at 10:31 pm |
Hi George Happy fathers day to both of you. You Dad always has such a wonderful smile in his photos.He is truly a blessing.
June 22, 2009 at 9:42 am |
George: I’m so glad that your Dad is still around to be honored on this special day.
June 22, 2009 at 10:21 pm |
What a blessing to still have your dad! And what a wonderful tribute you wrote about him. Happy Father’s Day!!
June 22, 2009 at 10:21 pm |
oh, yes and loved those falls on your header!!