I gave this eulogy at my grandfather’s funeral in February 2018.
As I prepared to speak here today in honor of my grandfather, I considered what HE might say, were he in my position. 3 things came to mind, and I promise I’ll be brief as the officiant has instructed me to be and I’m not one to disobey this particular officiant.
The first of these three things is that I think he would make everyone here laugh. To put it in someone else’s words: “he was magic, quite literally. Quarters fell from trees when you walked with him, dimes emerged from behind your ears, and dollar bills turned up buried in the sand.” Anyone who knew him experienced the joyful laughter that seemed to follow him everywhere he went. He always said, and I think it was his subtle bit of marriage advice, “I try to get a smile or a laugh out of Mimi everyday.” Even right now, he’s doing just that.
The second thing I think PopPop would do is to honor each person in attendance here today. Thank you, all of you, for being here to honor my grandfather. Those that knew him know what it is to feel honored by Captain Howard simply for entering a room. While this day is about honoring PopPop, I think it’s also about honoring his 65 and a half-year marriage to my grandmother and in so doing, honoring her—MRS. Albert William Howard Jr. Because I know this of the immense love he had for his wife, to honor her IS to honor him.
The third and final thing I believe PopPop would make mention of here today is the importance of the saving grace and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. PopPop knew that truth here on earth and today we celebrate that he is living in it now and for eternity.
To highlight these three things, I am going to share what some have written or said about PopPop in the last week and a half:
He was a precious and gentle soul.
He was a favorite of so many—already very, very missed.
A gentleman and a joy in every sense of the words—he obviously adored Mary Anne.
There was never a kinder, sweeter man.
The way he looked at Mary Anne when she was talking was just marvelous.
His sense of humor and quick wit always made me laugh.
He brought such joy to many people.
His kind and gentle friendliness engaged people in warm conversations wherever he went.
His fun-loving nature, witty humor, and mischievous twinkle graced the halls of Bishop Gadsden with warm, hardy giggles.
A sweet and humble man.
Fiercely devoted to God, family, and country.
A true soldier of the cross with the weaponry of spreading joy, life, and laughter.
And now, I end by addressing you, Mimi, as well as all of you here today, with the words that Capt. Albert William Howard, Jr., Bert, Daddy, PopPop….. came to live by: “Keep your chin up...and PRESS ON!”