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My grandfather was born in Elizabeth City, NC and lived there most of his life.
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In 1940 they did not have 12th grade. so technically he didn't graduate from high school but made it very far.
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One of the things that I most admire is that he was brave enough to join the Marine Corps in time for World War II
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My grandfather was in the Battle of Okinawa and survived. The reason that I admire him from this battle was because he had the courage to go where most were to scared to go.
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After the Battle of Okinawa he was still involved with the Marine Corps and was sent to China.
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After being sent all over the world my Paw Pa was finally discharged from his duties in the United States Marine Corps.
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In 1950 he married the love of his life Eunice Veeren and they had 4 baby boys
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Another reason I admire my Paw Pa is because he had the strength to move past the death of his father.
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My Paw Pa was not an Eagle Scout but all 4 of his boys, Ed, Herb, Mike, and David became Eagle Scouts under him. Even without becoming an Eagle Scout he still had the patience and time to deal with a bunch of crazy boys.
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Probably the biggest reason why I admire my Paw Pa is that he survived lymphoma cancer when modern medicine was not available and everybody told him he was going to die.
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When he got cancer he got too sick and had to retire from his love of agriculture. He had never given up on his dreams and his dreams carried within his family.
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My family had owned that meat packing company since 1918 and they still had the building, but when the packing house closed new doors of opportunity opened..
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When Parkers Packings Co. closed my Paw Pa opened an antique shop and it is still standing today.
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When my Paw Pa died it was the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with in my life. He had lived a great life and will never be forgotten and that old building since 1918 will still stand.
