Today would be my Dad's 100th birthday. WOW!! He was born on July 7th, 1908 to Marguerite and A.B. BURNETT in Oklahoma. He had a sister, Gertrude, that he was 2 years older than.
He passed away on October 3rd, 1998 at the ripe YOUNG age of 90.
He was the consummate Man's Man, a budding Entrepreneur and total family man.
I grew up in Chicago with my Dad and Mother and my older sister, Shay, in a house my dad bought for us, that was considered a true showplace. We were the first Black family on our block back in 1957- quite an accomplishment for man with only a high school diploma back then.
He always put his family first - ALWAYS! When I married and subsequently moved back to the family home with my 2 young daughters, he still put us first. All their lives it was GRANDPA to the rescue. He was tough as nails and only stood about 5'5 but he used to say he was " tough as leather and well put together"!
There has been quite a void in our lives since he has passed away. It doesn't seem like it's even been 10 years because we- my girls and my son - talk about him all the time. He was a force to be reckoned with - a no nonsense kinda guy with a heart of gold, especially for his family.
I did name my son after my Dad to carry on the legacy of his name. Sam does have some memories of his Grandpa though he was about 8 when he passed away.
I remember my dad saying that he was going to beat his Mom and live to be 100!
Well, Daddy, in our hearts.......... you did!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
WE MISS YOU ......STILL!!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
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