re: my Paw Paw is going to pass away today

I lost my grandpa in January, so I know it's difficult. He had the biggest influence in my life so we all took it hard. Death is hard to understand but so is suffering from an illness. My best advice is to continue supporting your family as well constantly reminding them that you love them. I'm not overly religious, but trust in God and know that the higher powers have a plan. God bless your family

My Father and I were close, but not as close as me and my Grandpa. My Father was away a lot due to him being in the military, so Grandpa was the one who taught me the many things you learn as a boy. My Grandpa loved to hunt and fish, something he passed on to me. He was a farmer. When I was 8 years old, he let me drive the tractor that pulled the tobacco harvester up and down the field ... I thought I was on top of the world! The first auto I drove was Grandpa's old 1946 Ford 1/2 ton pickup ... an inline 6 with 3 speed on the floor, we used it to haul hay out to the cows. He paid a 1000 bucks for it brand new in the summer of 46' ... kept it for nearly 40 years. He finally sold it in 1981 for $100. Thing was still running when he sold it.

My memories of all the good times I spent with Grandpa, and all the things he taught me live on to this day. He was the smartest man I ever knew, and was the kindest man I ever knew.

You'll never forget your Paw Paw SthGADawg ... he'll live forever in your memories. And you'll discover that he still lives on through you ... in the things your learned from him, and by the example he set for you in being a man.

My thoughts and prayers are with you brother.

Sorry for your loss, bud.

Thanks all..."Rudy" died Thursday August 25th and was laid to rest in a family cemetery up in the foothills of western NC Sunday...it was beautiful...I wore dress blues to his service in Villa Rica...as he told me he wanted me to do...I got to speak to him on the phone Thursday around 3:45...he died a little after 4...told him I will never forget all the things he taught me and that he was my hero...I held back most of my tears until the graveside in NC...it was beautiful up there Sunday....and I had held it in for so long I just sobbed over his casket before they laid him in the ground...it sucks...but as you all have mentioned...im better for knowing him...and all the time he spent with me, the way he loved his family, the way he treated my Granny...will forever be an example of the kind of PawPaw/Dad I should and will be...once again, thanks for your comments...

it's funny, most of us have never met, but all kidding aside...I know I have some good friends on the DR...

God bless. Sounds like the sun set the best way it could.