Thursday, October 20, 2011

100 years


Bonjour from Campagne Maison




TODAY would be my father's 100th Birthday...WOW


Voy Rivers Gillentine--(the cute little boy standing)


Daddy was the eldest son of eight children born to John and Hassie in Itawama County, MS on October 21, 1911. He led a colorful life and people were drawn to him by his magnetic personality.


By trade, Daddy was a mechanic. If it had a motor, my daddy could fix it. Some people wouldn't let anyone but him work on their automobiles. He also owned and operated a wrecker service and dabbled with used car sales.








Daddy loved to fish off the banks of the Mississippi River. One time he made news in the local paper for catching a 40 lb catfish on a 30 lb test line.















He loved to play Tonk and Dominoes and was very skilled at the games.

I've seen him counting money poured from a brown paper bag--winnings from the "skills" of his preferred art form, on--well, let's just say MORE than one occasion.





You couldn't make coffee too strong for him to drink and he chain-smoked unfiltered Camel cigarettes. He always gave us kids the pennies that came in the cigarette packages, which was always a real treat for us. He could be found sitting at the kitchen table EVERY morning at 4 a.m., drinking his coffee and smoking his cigarettes.


Daddy worked hard, played hard, and fought many demons during his lifetime. Somehow he always managed to survive them all.



He married my mom 1938 and they were married 43 years at the time of his death. Their union produced nine children, all of which are alive today. Each of us carry at least one of his traits and albeit, he was taken from us too soon, we are constantly reminded of him when we see those traits in each other's lives. Although Daddy didn't leave us wealthy upon his passing, he left us rich with memories of him enough to last our lifetime. And for that, we are wealthy beyond measure!



I love you Daddy. Happy Birthday.....I miss you so much!



Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. This is a milestone for me...my 200th post!



Au Revoir,

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Daddy's are special and always leave us too soon. Thankfully, we still have the memories of our times together. TL

Donnie said...

I know which of our Grandfather's traits my brother and I have, and at least one we do not..... LOL... that much revelled Gillentine Charm.

baxtersrus said...

thanks for sharing. It's fun to get to know more of Chad's family. I spent time with your sister this month. She helped me with a project and then took it home to work on it. I sure love her.

Sea Witch said...

What a lovely post. So glad that you shared your dad's 100th with all of us. Hope you and your family are doing well. Sea witch