This may have been the most difficult thing I have done but he deserves a tribute from those so dear to him. Delivering it was very hard but I wanted to for my Papaw....
William Edward Litton
May 2, 1931 – January 15, 2016
INTRO – It is a great honor to be able to deliver a few words about our "Papaw", William Edward Litton. I had the opportunity to spend the last 38 years with him and learn invaluable lessons and create happy memories. My heart is full as I have listened to many share stories and tender moments of this beloved man over the last two weeks. How do I do justice to this noble man who touched so many? I can’t. But what I can do is give you a glimpse into a beautiful life. When I first started trying to plan out this eulogy for our Papaw, it really seemed impossible. He fought for our country, raised two children, helped raise three other young men, and was a warrior for God. Our Papaw was one of our heroes, so providing a glimpse into his life in a few words seemed like a lost effort.
Papaw (William) was born in 1931, the year the Star Spangled Banner became the national anthem. Papaw was the only boy of 10 children, a bright little face in a troubled world. But his was a happy home with loving parents and siblings. Word on the street is that he may have been his parents' favorite child, being the only son, but I will keep that source to myself. Papaw “grew up during and after the Great Depression. Most people had clothing and food. His recollection is of hurrying home after school, grabbing a rifle and hitting the Forked Deer river bottom to hunt or fish.
Papaw loved his parents and learned many things from them, including the value of music and raising his voice in song. Some of his fondest memories of his parents were of hearing his mother sing and daddy playing his harmonica.
Papaw bloomed into a handsome young man, with a radiant smile and a quick wit. Papaw had an unsurpassed love for his country and served courageously in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. After retiring from the air force, he continued to serve our great nation and worked United States Post office.
The first love of his life was a lady named Virginia Pauline Jones. They were married in 1962 and lived a very full life until June 1994. Together they traveled the country and various parts of the world with his military career, leaving that area a better place because they were there. About a year after the loss of Mamaw, Papaw married Bertha Lucille Rodgers in 1995 and they embarked on their journey in this life together.
Papaw loved his children, Diane and Ed, and the ones inherited with marriage. His children were his world. Papaw, a Hero to them, leaves behind large shoes to fill. It was his imperfections that made him perfect to us. Papaw may have left this world for a better place at Jesus's feet, but his words of wisdom, and all that he taught us will never leave.
Let me revise my statement from a few minutes ago that "His children were his world", that is until grandchildren came, which he then became known as "Papaw" to all in 1977. He wanted to teach his grandchildren the value of work. He had them mowing the lawn before they could see over the mower. Standing out there with them the whole time watching to ensure safety and that a treat could be earned when they job was finished. After the mowing was complete, it was often rewarded with a trip to the little county store in Beech Bluff, where two treats could be chosen and enjoyed. Courteous to all, he was known by name as were his grandchildren- he ensured that.
Papaw took an interest, or at least made his grandchildren think it was an interest, in things that were important to them. Although he professed to be a great hunter and would go squirrel hunting with the boys, gaining the nickname as "The Great White Hunter"; he actually just sat by the trees to feed the squirrels and be with his grandsons. Papaw gave the best advice; he told his granddaughters that they "could love a rich man just as easily as they could a poor man". Papaw showed by example pure love and how to make others feel loved. Even as adults, he was very involved in the lives of grandchildren and their families. He would often have small containers of quarters that he would give with a hug to the great-grandchildren. Papaw would proudly tell anyone that would listen about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. In the words of one of his grandsons: "Tell Papaw that he's the best grandpa we could've wished for."
One thing I remember vividly about Papaw was his ability to try to share the gospel with conviction. Papaw joined Beech Bluff Pentecostal Church in October 1992. His words were precise and insightful. And he lived what he preached. I heard him testify of many gospel principles over the years such as loving others, exercising faith, or being diligent and faithful in all your days. I also saw him live those principles as he struggled to cope with the physical and emotional anguish of diabetes and other health issues that arose. Papaw spent most early mornings in prayer meeting at church with other members of his congregation.
As the possibility loomed of him not being around for his family, he did his best to make sure everyone was taken care of. It was not unlike Papaw to show up at your door, usually waking you up, with sausage and biscuits at 7:30 or even earlier some days to share breakfast with you. His last days were selflessly spent trying to comfort those he cared for by conveying his love and letting his loved ones know that he knew they loved him too.
His final days were a reflection of the life we enjoyed with him. He made us laugh as he told the nurse he was George Washington or that he was on the moon. His gentle eyes brightened our days. He squeezed our hands to warm our hearts. He called us by name, knowing those are just the words we needed to hear. At parting, we look forward to our next reunion.
In the Christian hymn " Each life that touches ours for good" there is a line that states: “Thou sendest blessings from above Thru words and deeds of those who love”(293) This is how I think of Papaw – his words and deeds radiated the light of the gospel and love. And now, instead of being an angel to us here, he will have to touch our hearts from Heaven.
Papaw did not fear his exit from mortality, when asked his thoughts on death, he stated: "The old must die so the young can also travel this road of life.” “I would prefer to part expecting to meet my people in Heaven. No Goodbyes." Papaw, this is not a good bye but simply a till we meet again. We love you.
