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– a Florida ‘cracker.. early 50’s
Willie Thomas “Bill” Haynie
Raised on the depression hard red-clay of rural NE Georgia – to experiencing a full life in Lakeland, Fort Myers, Arcadia, and the riches of Sanford Florida
The W.T. Haynie Family
Elaine, Janis, Tom, Mom (Marie), Kristi
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with a simple ‘Amen,’ folks lingered; some took pictures; others mumbled a few polite words, and they left…..
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dispensing of our suits, grandson Gray and I helped Dad into ‘the-saddle’ for his final ride,
Dad
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– and then we covered the trail of a true ‘character’
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when its family, you’re there till the end (Janis)….
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Losing a father is never on the top of anyone’s list – in my own way I find comfort in one of the few places that he and I shared and spent extended time together – riding old highways as he ’ciphered-out’ our surroundings – Dad was real good at ‘figurin’ things out.
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He would wipe the inside of the windshield (defroster didn’t work) with his handkerchief, mix ketchup with his eggs and grits, ’sop’ gravy’ from the supper skillet with a piece of bread and could make a treat out of cornbread and butter-milk. He could tell you the history of a truck from simply walking around it; all the while unbuckling his britches in front of anyone (during conversation) to tuck his shirt-tail in (no big deal). He rolled his own cigarettes (Prince-Albert) while driving (elbows on the steering wheel) and coughed as hard as he worked. That was our ‘Dad’ and that’s how we knew him – he “was what he was.”
I guess life is like a highway, another place with a good seat to appreciate whats right there in front of us, an opportunity to acknowledge others as we pass, a place to remember – and a time to move on.
– bye Dad, and thanks forever for the ride. – “uddddnnnnnn.”
Haynie - simply put 
Great pictures to honor dad. You look like your dad, but there is something about the nose that is different. I just can’t put my finger on it………….
sorry tom, wish i could be there for you like you were there for me. i am soooo glad you got to have a great visit last time with your car. you wrote how you really suprized him and had a great trip cherish that moment. i am sure he is proud of you and your accomplishments. as am i. let me know if you need anything other then prayer. i would cook for you but it would be cold by the time you got it. katie
thanks for your thoughts, they mean alot. its all pretty much been a controlled ordeal to this point. My Dad always looked at things as ‘facts and dealt with them (as far as we know ) with little to no emotions – so it goes – lots of feelings yet to sort out.
I’m sure that it will catch up to me on one of those quiet kayak floats or back road rides.
tom-
great pics. i needed to see those. sure wish i could have been there to celebrate his life with family. hope to see you all soon. love to the family-
matt