Grandpa
Many of you knew Buel in many different ways. I knew him as Grandpa. As I sat for nights thinking about Grandpa and trying to encapsulate his life for so many the realization of how difficult this was mounting. Not because I was at a loss for words or ways to describe him, but because the way he lived was so rich and deep, none of these words compacted into a few minutes felt significant enough. As others reached out after his passing, there were several key words that were woven into the many condolences regarding Grandpa. “Good man” was the most common. There are many ways we could describe him: Good is one of them. I believe most people would say they are “good people” but for those that knew him, the “good” that describes Grandpa is much much more. He was tough- I’ve never seen another man smash his finger with a hammer and not make a sound. He was consistent- he was always the same man. Circumstances did not affect his character He was loving- from holding his great grandkids on his lap to sitting with Grandma every day from sun up to sun down He was joyful- though the exuberance can fade with time, it went much deeper. His joy was from the depths of his soul. It was in his smile. He knew the value of hard work and never quit. He taught many of us the value of this. He was humble- he came from small beginnings and I believe he always remembered that. He was charming- he had an easiness about him that was welcoming He was meek- slow to anger and without complaint He was strong- a gritty ‘ole country boy He was lighthearted- I still don’t know how he remembered all those jokes or where they came from, but he had a new one every time we met. The list could go on and many of you could add to this but above all I think he would want to be known as a man who followed Jesus to the day he passed. I do not know a more steadfast man. He knew the value of that relationship and compromised it for nothing. I wish I could go back and witness some of his times of prayer, the quiet and still times, the times the Lord felt close. Above all ways Grandpa could be described, one sentence continues to run through my mind. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In listing those characteristics, you have described the heart and depths of Buel Ray McDonald. This is what hero’s are made of. He was the cornerstone of the foundation which made many of us who we are today. He changed the direction of lives for the good and many for eternity. I can see pieces of him in many of you here. I’m thankful for his example of selflessness and his actions that point us to Jesus. I can still see his smile today and look forward to the day we will meet again. As we mourn the loss, we can rest in the peace and assurance of a reunion one day. Though today, it may not feel that this time will not come soon enough, we are temporarily tasked with carrying the legacy and honoring the hero we all knew. Today we celebrate a race well run, victory over death and the ultimate sacrifice displayed throughout Grandpas life. To my Hero, Well done. Sing and dance away in the presence of The Lord. We can carry it from here until the day we meet again. Love you, Grandpa. Joshua Ray McDonald