A Father's Legacy of Love, Service, and Surprises

Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day and reflect on the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebrated yesterday, I honor my father, a WWII Sergeant in the Army who passed away in August 1974 at age 55. His Bronze Star and WWII medals, now cherished in a shadow box, hint at a courage he rarely spoke of. Like many of the Greatest Generation, he kept his overseas service quiet, never sharing how he earned the Bronze Star or rose in rank to Sergeant in under two years. Yet his faith, love for God, family, and country, and quiet strength shaped our lives in foothills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. I miss him every day, striving to live up to his legacy.

Dad’s love was boundless—for my mother, his childhood sweetheart, and for us, his girls. Married 33 years, their love began in youth and lives on in our hearts. He never left without a playful quip, like, “No if nor buts, I’ve got to leave you nuts!”—always exiting with a grin that warmed us. His surprises lit up our lives: he’d come home from the railroad, where his crew admired his fairness, and declare, “Pack your bags—we’re off to the beach!” or “Let’s go fishing!” And he loved sports, so I loved sports too! Family bowling, night fishing from Concord bridge, or playing golf at the local country club, and watching baseball and football games. Dad always shared the joy by including us on these excursions.

On one Tennessee-to-Florida drive, my sister Sherry and I bickered in the backseat, and I’d asked “Are we there yet?” too often. Dad’s patience waned, so I chirped in my best frog voice, mimicking an old comedy—maybe Our Gang—“What’s the matter, mister, don’t you like kids?” His laughter filled the car, easing the tension. He listened to our chatter like it mattered more than anything else. I recall him arguing with my mother only once in all their years together—our family was straight out of Father Knows Best.

In my forthcoming books, From Ashes to God, and Hard Hitting Stories of a Hard Hit People by Ryan G. Dingus, I explore the importance of family history and lessons learned from those who, like my father, lived with faith and resilience. His love taught me that God and family is our anchor, his service showed me courage, and his joy reminded me to cherish every moment.

What lessons or surprises did your father share? Comment below as we celebrate fathers this Father’s Day.