Paw Paw,

I have many fond memories of you. The greeting that you gave your grandchildren (ratcheting of cheeks) is your trademark. Shopping with you and my Uncle Kenny at the grocery store, Army Surplus, Big K, etc. was always fun! I remember how you always tried to take care of everyone. You were a hard-worker at Reynolds Metals as an IronWorker. You came home to work in the garden and sat down to eat dinner sharing your "not so hot" peppers with us. You definitely had a good sense of humor! I do see that in my own son (as my Mom mentioned in her story.) I will never forget you swatting flies when my little brother's hamster was awol. You were doing this innocently, but my little brother thought you were getting after his hamster. It was funny to see him so excited! I remember your big wide grin! I always felt protected when you were around. I enjoyed cooking desserts and treating you with them. You always bragged on me and seemed to enjoy eating my cookies/etc. so! I knew you were a wonderful "Paw Paw". You were definitely one of my heroes growing up. I am glad we got to spend a lot of time with you before you passed away. It has been almost 30 years since I've seen you. I can't believe it has been that long! My memories of you are so vivid that I know they will never disappear.

I didn't know much about WWII at the time - or your efforts in the war. You never told me any war stories. Since I have grown up, I have become more interested in my family's history and history in general. I think your children and grandchildren all take pride in how courageous you were and everytime we see stories about WWII, you are in our thoughts.

I will always love you! Your oldest grandchild,

Kim

James A Murray