"Papa Roots"

Jr. Neils Williamson
December 21, 1926- April 14, 2011

I have been trying to sit down and do this for weeks now! I have been a bit overwhelmed with all the emotions of the last month and haven't been able to find the strength or energy to get to it. But here it is, long overdue!

This is my sweet grandpa! He was not a grandpa by blood but he was a grandpa just the same. This is my step-dads father. He died almost 3 weeks to the day after my grandpa Voyd passed away. What a month!

This man was perhaps one of the most kind, caring, loving men I have ever known. He was a true disciple of Christ and his life was proof of that. I was so privileged to know him and have him love me as one of his own grandchildren. I guess 15years will do that. I always felt like I was a part of his family.

He had recently moved in with my parents, more for good old fashioned company than anything. He was a bit lonely and was loving the extra bodies around the house. He was fully functional and didn't need much assistance. His age just got the best of him.

His funeral was another tear jerker! He too had full Military honors and for whatever reason that just kills me. The Spirit is just so overwhelming. I can not express my appreciation to our service men enough. They do SO MUCH more than we realize. Perhaps the Spirit was so strong because this man was in tune! What an incredible life and example of love he was. He leaves us some big shoes to fill.

Cannon started calling Jr "Papa Roots." I am not sure why but it seemed very fitting. I thought it was so cute. The morning he passed away I was explaining to C that Papa Roots had gone back to live with Heavenly Father. Cannon sweetly said, "Oh so he can live with his grandma?" Jr had a picture of him and Gladys, his late wife, and for whatever reason Cannon always called her Papa Roots' grandma. While we will miss the stories, the laughter, the parties and the overflowing welcomes, I know that Papa Roots is happy with "his grandma" and our Father in Heaven. I am also thankful for children and their sweet spirits to put death in an eternal perspective, for some day we will all see our sweet "Papa Roots" again.

We love you Papa Roots!