Gramps Does the Cha Cha Slide 9/1/2006

This was filmed at our house on September 1, 2006. I believed we had all gathered to celebrate Gramps' 87th birthday.

Memories of Franklin

When I think of Franklin two memories come quickly to my mind. Franklin was a natural evangelist. By that I mean he naturally splashed the love of God on people. His faith was real and he was genuinely concerned about the eternal destiny of every person he met. He did not preach or judge, but encouraged people to discover his Savior.

My second memory of Franklin is that of a learner. Franklin serve as a leader in the Sunday Morning Bible Study Ministry at Green Acres Baptist Church where I am the Minister of Adult Education. Franklin was one of my biggest fans. He was the first to volunteer to help and he was hungry to learn how to lead more effectively. As a man in his 80’s he had nothing to prove, yet he humbled himself to learn more in order to serve more effectively. Franklin will always be one of my heroes and I hope I will be half the man he was to me.

Tim Roberts

April Fool's Day Memory by Debbie

I have to share this wonderful memory of Franklin and April Fool's Day about 28 years ago.
Franklin and I were working at Heritage National Bank in Tyler. He worked in the mail room and I worked customer service. My office was right next to the mail room. Every time he would leave he would say to me okay Debbie Beckham I am going out on the mail run please take any phone messages for me. The switch board operator knew when Franklin was out of the bank if he did have a phone message she would send it to me. This is before call forwarding. So while he was gone I made a phone message that read
Please call Mr. Fox at xxx-xxxx which was the phone number for Caldwell Zoo in Tyler.
When he gets back I give him the message with a very straight face. I heard him go into the mail room and dial the number. ( Remember this was when you actually got to talk to a person not a computer !!!!!!) He ask for Mr. Fox the person on the other end of the line laughed at Franklin and said " sir someone has just played an April Fools joke on you".
He hung up and all I could hear was him laughing saying " oh Debbie Beckham you got me on that one." The real funny part was he was working on something with his Sunday School Class at Green Acres Baptist Church and his contact person was really named
Mr. Foxx. What a hoot !!!! Franklin (Pops) and I shared so many laughs at the bank and while we were playing cards with he and Mary. I love you, Pops.

Debbie Beckham

Early childhood memories of Uncle Buddy

I have been so moved by the things I have read on this blog about Uncle Buddy. I won't repeat the wonderful things that were said about our family gatherings in the 60's and 70's. Instead, I will go back to the 1930's. In the Peck family, the brothers and sisters, who were in their teens when I was born (except June, who was nine), mostly had nicknames--Tat, Sissy, my mother Imy, and aunt Nell. The brother was Buddy. Then when I came along in 1934, he was my Uncle Buddy. (Years later I was at a church service of several hundred people, and the preacher asked for the closing prayer to be led by "Uncle Buddy.") When I was a very little guy, Uncle Buddy was taking a Spanish class in high school, and he came home one day to tell the family that my middle name Gene would sound like Henie in Spanish. And I was stuck with that nickname for a long time.

So many writers on the blog mentioned Uncle Buddy's positive outlook, joy-filled life, and his reflecting of the love of God for all of us. I experienced that in Uncle Buddy in something I remember well from when I was barely four years old. One day I asked June and Sissy and Nanny why the household cat had long whiskers. I knew Grandad had quite a moustache, but the cat's whiskers didn't seem right to me. June explained to me that the whiskers were the cat's feelers, and that without them the cat would walk into the wall. As soon as I was alone with the cat, I took Nanny's sewing scissors and snipped off the cat's whiskers, and turned her loose to see what would happen. The next thing I knew, the women in the house were very excited and couldn't seem to decide what to do about my scientific experiment. About then Uncle Buddy arrived home from his job at the hardware store at Six Points. When he heard what had happened, he picked up both the cat and me, hugging us both as his smile and laughter made me and the rest of the family know that everything would be all right, that there was plenty of love for everyone, and that the world was really a pretty good place.

I love you, Uncle Buddy.

Everett

From a Green Acres Church Member

Just a note to add that I first met Franklin two years ago at GABC where he and I were Overseer`s together for a group of Senior adult classes. He was always a joy to work with and be with. Franklin had a positive attitude about life and living. He loved the Lord and music. I remember when he was not well one Sunday and could not seem to find the page in the song book-- he said-- oh well, I know every word of the song anyway. He really liked the songs with a strong beat. The joy was deep down in his heart.

To describe Franklin would be the word "JOY." He was a joy to all he met and a joy to be with. What precious memories you have and how blessed you all are to have had him as long as you did. May you follow his leadership and share the joy with others too.

In Him,
Darlene Hobby

More Memories of Buddy...

Memories of Uncle Buddy by Diane Blackwell Wright

I have many warm memories of our precious Uncle Buddy. Some of my favorite memories were from the many family gatherings we had in Corpus Christi. I will always remember the way he would greet me---------"Hello, Little Sugie!!!" Unlce Buddy always had that brilliant smile and lots of hugs and kisses to give out. I don't ever recall him being in a bad mood or getting mad about anything.

I remember how much he loved sweets!!! Mama always talked about what a "sweet tooth" Uncle Buddy had and she took great pride in presenting him her offerings of baked goods when he would come over. She just loved how he would make such a fuss over how delicious it was!

I also remember that my very first pet, my cat, Juner, came from Uncle Buddys mama cat, Mustard. Juner turned out to be a monster of a cat that resembled a big yellow wildcat, moreso than a house cat. He was given the name Juner by the Peck family. Apparently, some hispanic neighbors of theirs called him Junior, but pronounced it Juner. We had that old cat for many many years!!!!

My mama, "Sissy", as the family called her used to tell stories of thier childhood. One story that I remember her telling on Uncle Buddy, was about the time that he took all of her baby dolls and hung them up with clothepins on the clotheline and then called her to come see what happened to her dolls!!!! I guess it just goes to show that boys will always be boys!!!

I feel very blessed to have had Uncle Buddy as a part of my life. It is a memory that will be treasured forever!!!! I know he had a joyous reunion in heaven with Aunt Weisie, his sisters, and brother-in-laws!!! I can just see them eating pie and laughing and catching up on all things!!!!!

Thank-you for sharing your blog with me!!! I have enjoyed it so much and it was precious of you to do this!

Diane Blackwell Wright
aka Sugar (or Little Sugie as Buddy would say)


From Scotty Jefferies:

Dear David,
Thanks for keeping me advised of Buddy's past health condition. I hated to see him go but it appears that he was not enjoying quality life as he would have wanted to have. I know you and the family will really miss the joy that he always had. He loved his family very much and always enjoyed talking about you and Bill and Joy.

Thanks for the pictures and the time you spent in sharing them with everytone.
I have been thinking of Buddy several times since he left us. I am sorry we didn't get to talk after the funeral but we have a new grandson in McKinney and I had to get back to help out with the baby sitting.

I know your dad has left a big vacuum in your life. I think that is a honor to him that you thought so much of him. I always am reflecting on Buddy's life. He was so neat person to be around. I always remember our time together at Morgan Avenue and our time together when he work for me in the supply business together. I always enjoyed talking to him about" the good old days at Morgan Avenue" when he was the chairman of our deacon board. Thelda and I really enjoyed our visit together at Tyler when we went dancing with Buddy. He was quite a dancer at his age. He was so full of joy and was fun to be around when we stayed with him when we went to 'Green Acres Church" . He really loved being involved in the Lord's work.

He was so full of life at his age. I hope I have as much energy when I reach his age. I was surfing the T.V. last night and "The Gaithers" appeared and I thought to myself, "Buddy would have loved to see them". He loved their music. I know he is happy now and that all of his worries and pain are over. There will never be another person that is loved and lived like Buddy . I loved him and will I miss him. Hopefully Heaven will allow all of us to rejoice with Buddy one of these days.

Love in Christ,

SCOTTY AND THELDA JEFFERIES

More Memories

from Darrel:

My first memories of Gramps and Mammaw are when my sister, Lori and I would go to Corpus to spend two weeks or so, one with Nana and Pawpaw (my mom’s parents) and one with Gramps and Mammaw. Gramps was still working for Sears back in these days and he and I would get up at 4 a.m., get in “Aunt Aurene” (Yellow Chevy Nova) to go fishing either down at the T-Heads, Oso Bridge, or Cole Park Pier. The reason we got up so early (I realize now, but not so much at the time) was so that Gramps could spend time with me before he had to go to work that day. He and Mammaw would also take us to the beach whenever Gramps wasn’t at work. I spent a lot of time in Dave-O’s Cub House in the backyard on Dixon, driving nails into boards and then cutting the boards with a hand saw that belonged to Grandad Peck. We even got to go to Lester Roloff’s (sp?) church one Saturday night that I remember particularly well. Mainly because I didn’t know people went to church on Saturday night. I remember a young couple that Brother Roloff married that night during his service, but not before he preached to them for at least an hour about what it meant to be married.

And here is a funny story that I will close with. Gramps once told me a riddle that went something like this………”An archeologist found a man and a woman frozen in a block of ice from long ago. He determined that the man and woman were Adam and Eve. How did he know? Because the man was missing a rib, and the woman had no naval.” So, a few days later I thought I would repeat this awesome riddle to Nana and Pawpaw when Gramps took me to Nana and Pawpaw’s house. I explained the riddle, and they played along. I said, “because the man was missing a rib, and the woman had no NIPPLE”. Okay so I was about 10 and got my navals and nipples confused, but I remember Gramps getting so tickled, but gaining composure and correcting me rather quickly.

There are so many more memories, but not enough time here. He loved his family so much, and shared so much of himself with us. I loved him very much, and will miss him as long as I live. I will grieve no longer for I know he has received his reward in heaven.

Darrel Hunter

Memories of Uncle Buddy

From Katherine Powell:

I remember Uncle Buddy as a kind man with a contagious smile. Back
in the 1960s and 70s, the great aunts and uncles and second cousins
would gather at my parents' home on Christmas afternoon, where my
mother, Gloria, served a dessert buffet. Aunt Nell and Fred, Imy and
Everett (Grammy and Gramps, to me), Aunt Sissy and Uncle Lindsay,
Aunt Tat and Uncle Jim, Aunt June and Uncle Joel, Uncle Buddy and
Aunt Weasy--Bill and David and their families (I remember being about
eight when beautiful little Melody was born), Joy and (later) Curtis,
Ricky and Bobby and their families, Diane and (later) "Mr. Right,"
Cathy Nell and Linda and Jody Schnitz, Dale Carse (Patsy and Gary
were in Germany most of that time, I think), my father--Everett--and
his brother John . . . Whew! The house was full of interesting
conversations: people catching up on each other's lives, stories
about Grandaddy Peck and the house on Elizabeth Street (where my dad
was born).

I now realize that in my earliest memories of Uncle Buddy he was
exactly the age that I am now! I recall dropping in to see him at
the old Sears store downtown. He'd always ask about school and my
music, and he'd smile at my responses, taking a genuine interest in
me. At the Christmas gathering, sometimes two of the sisters would
bring mincemeat pies, each forgetting (?) that the other usually made
one. Uncle Buddy would take a piece of each and say "Mmmm mmm!
These are two of the best mincemeat pies I've ever had!" He'd tell
me stories about my dad when he was a little boy, confirming that
yes, the women put newborn Baby Everett in a warmed oven (turned off
and with the door open) to keep him warm.

Through the years, Uncle Buddy always sent me a card at Christmas and
Easter. I was reminded of his love for Christ, which I share, by the
Bible scriptures that always appeared on the cards. When he and Aunt
Weasy and her sister came to visit us in San Francisco, we had a
delightful time. Talking to Uncle Buddy on the phone was always a
kick. Afterwards, Dad and I would break out in huge grins, marveling
at the Peck spirit that shone through in the way he warmly and
enthusiastically embraced life.

Memories of Gramps

From Sonny Dodson:
"I remember floating down the frio river, with gramps and mamaw... when the wind would blow, gramps comb-over would flap in the breeze like a waving flag... other than that I remember what a fun person he was to be around, always quick with a bit of humor. David got your personality from your dad... never a dull moment!!!"

From Janet Peck Williams (taken from her blog written on Mar 1st...warning...this is a tear jerker!):
Sweet Gramps went to heaven this morning around 5:15. My dad was with him and said that he passed quietly and peacefully. I can't imagine any better way for such a great man.

Franklin and Buddy were names that people called him most but to me he was just Gramps. He loved to chat with everyone and was full of life. Most people as they get older slow down and spend more time at home. Gramps however was always active and busy doing things at the senior citzen center and delivering meals on wheels. Even after he lost mamaw, the love of his life, he still continued to live life to the fullest. He was a devout baptist but did learn to dance! shhhh..don't tell anyone. Although as my sister said he is probably dancing around in heaven today. Of course my fondest memories of him are as a child and going to visit and collecting pine cones and playing in the hammock in the backyard. Over the last years those closest too him missed this man who was always social and active. However, every now and then a glimpse of him would come shining through even though his body was tired and frail and his mind not quite complete. I remember going and visiting him once and him singing away to karoke. It is quite a sight to see a 90 year old man who can barely keep his eyes open come to life with a little karoke.

My sister started a blog for him and it was fun to keep up to date with everyone's visits. I don't know if Gramps every surfed the web and probably would have been amazed at it or that he had a blog for that matter. In his day he was such a social butterfly that had Facebook existed when he was younger he would have had 1000 friends. The people who cared for him at his new house loved and cared for him a great deal. Even though the gramps we once knew was not totally present the ladies that cared for him never knew the difference and I believe were blessed each day they cared for him.

So, as a family this day comes with mixed emotions. On one hand there is sadness for losing someone so dear and on the other hand there is relief that he no longer has to suffer in such a frail and failing body and mind. We can only hope that when our day comes to go to heaven that those that love and care for us will feel the same. Dance around sweet gramps. We will miss you here but have been left with awesome memories that we can never forget.

Goodbye Gramps

Thanks to all who attended Gramps' service. It was a wonderful ceremony.
BIG HUGE thanks to Lori and Craig for putting together the dvd montage of Gramps' life...it was amazing. I wish there was some way to put it here on the blog, but I think the file would be too big. It's possible that I may be able to upload it to youtube for those of you who missed it. It was really something else!!

I'm including a few pictures here of the graveside service and some family pics. There are over 200 that were taken in the span of those few days. So, here's the link to all of the pictures if you would like to see them or order copies for yourself...CLICK HERE.
To see any of the pics larger, just click on the picture!



A few shots from the lunch after the funeral





Pictures of Peck Family Gathering








Lastly, I would like to end this blog by including a few posts from anyone wanting to share a personal memory of Gramps or Uncle Buddy. Please email me directly and I will just cut and paste your text to this blog. Also, if you have any special pictures that you would like to share, send those to me as well.

It has been a joy of mine to keep this blog. I already miss just driving up the road to see Gramps. I spent more time with him during the last 10 months than I had in probably the last 38 years of my life. It was so special to me to have him so close during these last months. I hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as I have enjoyed posting it.

Send me your memories!! DNMEL@CHARTER.NET
~Melody

Funeral Details

Our Gramps passed away peacefully this morning around 5:15 am. Dave-O, Miriam and Daniel were all by his side. They sang to him and Dave-O read Psalm 23.

Visitation 6-8 pm Tuesday March 3
Funeral 10 am Wednesday March 4

Both will take place at:
Lloyd James Funeral Home
1011 East First Street
Tyler, TX 75701
903-597-6611

Peck family is staying at the Hampton Inn on Troupe Hwy.

If you need more info, call
David 972-841-9237
Bill 214-893-6445

Thanks to all for your love, support and prayers, especially over the last two weeks. We all knew this day was coming, but it is still hard, nonetheless. We will miss our Grampsie so much.

Sunday 2/22/09

I took the kids to see Gramps on Sunday. Mason is singing in a musical in two weeks, so we took the CD and Mason sang his Willy Wonka songs for Gramps.

As many of you already know, Gramps has been getting weaker and weaker. So, I was afraid he would be asleep when we got there. When we arrived, he was sleeping in the chair in his room, but I was able to wake him up easily and he stayed awake the whole time we were there.

All the kids gave him hugs and kisses and Mason sang his songs. Gramps didn't talk much, but I think he knew who we were. He doesn't have his teeth in for these pictures, so that always makes his face look shallow. Otherwise his color is good, but you can tell he is getting tired. He didn't hardly move the whole time we were there.

The kids went to sing the songs for Goldie and Mildred in the other room and I sat with Gramps for a while holding his hand and telling him how much I loved him. His clear blue eyes just stared back at me. It was a good and peaceful moment.
~Melody

Here are a few pictures...

Dermatologist Visit 1/22/09

Yesterday, Dave-O and I took Gramps to the dermatologist b/c a few growths had popped up on his head and behind his ear. It was a beautiful day here and I took some pics...just wanted to share handsome Gramps!
FYI...the dermatologist thinks these growths are probably sebaceous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). He took biopies of both growths and test results will be in next week. More than likely, he will have to have these removed by a specialist b/c they can grow pretty fast and destroy tissue in the process. We'll just wait and see what the biopsy says...
Dave-O pushing Gramps to the car outside of his home




I took these while we were waiting in the lobby...he's just so cute!

Visit January 20

Wow! Can't believe it's the downhill of January already! It had been forever since I had been to see Gramps, so I headed over there today after lunch. Erica told me he had been up all night (I think Dad said they were adjusting his meds to fix this), so he was asleep. He was "watching" the inauguration on TV in his room. Erica sat him up and we tried to keep him awake by chatting, but he was pretty out of it. I brought along a guitar and played for about 30 minutes (I use the term "played" very lightly!!). I did snap a few photos, but not much to report. Maybe next week...
--Melody
Gramps alseep....zzzzz

Me playing the three chords that I know...

When I said goodbye, he opened those blue eyes and gave me a little smile :)