My Graddaddy 1939-2020

On June 10, 2020, a hole was made in our family. Not in hearts, but in our lives when my grandfather, Alan Fryrear was called to his heavenly home.

Some of my favorite memories of Granddaddy are sitting with him in "his room" and visiting about current events, our family, or our spiritual walks. Granddaddy would listen as I would share about where I felt God leading me in life and he would ask questions or advise me. Granddaddy and I are (our family emphasized the importance of continuing to use present tenses when talking about Granddaddy, never past. He is still a part of us.) both detailed oriented people and as my brother shared at the funeral, I loved it when I would meet Granddaddy's eye and we would share a look of mutual understanding as I covered details we both noticed.

Granddaddy and Grandma's heritage

Granddaddy was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and it was a joy to watch him grow leaps and bounds in his faith in his later years. He loved to teach and see others grow. He delighted in the faith of his family and spent many hours encouraging us as we grew older, both physically and spiritually. At the end of the funeral service, my cousin used the Bible study notes in which Granddaddy has described the gospel to clearly share with many we knew weren't saved. It was an incredible tribute to Granddaddy's faith for his own words to be used to share the gospel with so many others.

Granddaddy and I last year

I had over 21 years with my grandfather and I am so thankful. He left a legacy through my beautiful grandmother to whom he was married to for 54 years, two amazing daughters, two handsome sons-in-law, and 11 grandchildren here on earth and 1 in heaven, that he got to meet first, as well as the countless others he influenced over his 81 full years of life.

Granddaddy and 5 of his 7 granddaughters 10 years ago

It is a hard season as we walk through loss, but as I have told several people, I am thankful. I am confident in my grandfather's salvation and he was ready to see his Savior. We serve a loving God.

All 17 of us at our annual vacation in 2017