To the BEST Father-in-law in the world. I am so THANKFUL to our Heavenly Father for allowing our paths to cross. It has indeed been a joy these past 19 years. Oh how I will cherish the many laughs of your life stories and listening to the blues. Your caring and compassionate spirit made any day beautiful. Though my heart is filled, I know you are alright. You will forever be missed but never ever forgotten. 

Forever Love
Monica

I truly am hurt right now, but I’ll try to explain. You are a strong and powerful man that cared really much about others. You taught me right from wrong. To respect the people older by saying sir and ma’am. We had some good memories together. I will never forget all the spades we played, and all the laughs we shared. Now Nana will have to pick up on that. I will miss you a lot. Love you

Your Grandson,
Tylan Shaw ( Big Papa

At three years old I was a young rascal with only the love of my mother and the distant memory of my father to cling to when you and Nana welcomed me to your own home. I remember that home, the big white house with the hill in front of it, which turned out to be the foundation of mostly everything I know now. I learned not to steal. I learned not to cheat. I learned not to be violent. I learned you must forgive others before they even forgive themselves. I learned not to take your loved ones for granted.

You were a man of great strength, with a powerful voice, and honor. When the family told me about your condition, I knew you were “sick”, but I didn’t know what it meant. It may have been a good thing though, because we might not have ever had as much fun as we had in Memphis. The times I were able to spend in Memphis as a kid were truly special. Thank you for being there for my mom (for such a long time), because I know she needed you. Because of your strong marriage with Nana, I was able to be a part of a family. We left your home about five years later, but we didn’t stop there.

Nearly ten years passed after I left your home to go to Las Vegas, when my mom told me we would be having you and Nana move in with us this time. We may have rolled our eyes, but our hearts were joyous. Here in Vegas, I saw you as a great husband and fierce survivor. My little sister loved you because of the persistent love you shewed forth. You got to see me play ball, do good in school, and you even saw my little boy, Joseph. Having a son at such a young age was tough, but it was such a great time seeing you love him. You were there to uplift me when I had him. He will always know you as Papa.

The years we shared after that would be the final time you had here on Earth. The time I became a man, which contained only things I feel comfortable bringing up to you. I wish I could take you out to eat one last time before you passed away. But I know we had enough time together and I know you had a great time with us. Thank you for helping me buy my first car. Look after the family up there in heaven. I’ll see you in the afterlife Papa.

Your grandson,
Tristan Lacy