Had to make it count for something

[Rfturner]

This is my 500th post so i figured it would have to be good. I want to do this as a tribute to a man that showed me what it was to be a true man.

When I was younger there was a man that taught me many things that my phenomenal parents did not. His name was AL Allen, this man would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was a great example to me and to many others. He owned a refridgeration plant that truck drivers would come and deliver fresh produce from the area. It would then be shipped out all across the nation. Sometimes while the truck drivers were waiting he would give them a $20 bill and the keys to his truck and tell them to go get lunch. He fought long and hard with liver cancer and did so with a smile. He died about 8-10 years ago but he is the greatest example of how to really live unselfishly and how to show kindess. He is a living legacy through me each time I tell a story about him.

How are you leaving a legacy and Who was one of the people that was instrumental to you growing up?

 

[Fred]

:usflag: For me it has been Sgt Major Richard S. Davis, U. S. Army retired, Viet Nam veteran and three time Purple Heart recipient. :usflag:

He is still with us today, retired and living in Greenville, Fla., and is such a great individual to have known and been associated with since 1966. Actually he is almost a second father to me as I have known his family all these years and still am associated with his oldest daughter who was and is still my high school sweetheart.

Sgt Maj Davis was always an inspiration to me and many of the others that attended Gordon Military School in Barnesville, GA at which he was stationed following his several deployments around the world and after three tours in Viet Nam. He is a career Army soldier that automatically commanded respect from all that met him. He was always direct and fair in all of his dealings with those of us who were to later become officers and his loyalty to this nation is undeniable and unfaltering.

He is a very true example of a fantastic father to his two daughters, always loyal to his wife, his nation and Christian beliefs. It has indeed been my pleasure and an honor to have known him all these years.

Not having ever been married in my 62 years I really have no legacy to leave to anyone in particular. I can only hope that those I have met and spent time with will have fond memories of me after my time on this good earth has passed. I do have my loyal family made up of a 40 year old parrot, Walter (he calls me "Bird") and my closest companion, "Fluffy" my four year old wild kitten who never leaves my side ... BTW, she never calls me anything aside from late to dinner. Maybe they are my legacy!

Having had a mild stroke back on 31 Dec 2006, I doubt that I will be here much longer as my health seems to be failing more and more these days, so I therefore laugh, play, and kid around as much as possible and always try to freely help others with whatever knowledge I have obtained in my years here.

God Bless America! and May God Bless Each and Every One of Us!