I have been hesitant to share my thoughts and feelings with anyone (especially on social media) about my grandfather, but I believe that anyone who cares to read/listen about one of the great and influential people in my life would benefit from what he taught me, through example. My grandfather was a man of many achievements, but he only made family and close friends aware of them. He was closely guarded, and I could only boast about him from what I was told (either by him or other family/friends). At his memorial, an assistant/protege told the story of being introduced to my grandfather, who insisted on being called Mister Johnson instead of Doctor (Ph.D.). I often admired his collection of historical artifacts, which he kept in his basement office. As a young, ignorant history buff, I would pilfer through his desk and file cabinets, asking questions which he was always happy to answer. He appreciated the curiosity of my youth and never lost that attribute himself. As a teenager, I focused my attention towards the outdoors and my grandfather shared his knowledge of hunting and agriculture. Lessons of patience, hard work, education, compassion, music, and generosity were instilled in me by my grandfather. The greatest, lasting impression I have of my grandfather was his humbleness. A gentle man who wrote 42 books (possibly more to be published after his death), achieved (and shunned) the title of Doctor, documented various histories of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and was known to many as an acclaimed historian, was laid to rest quietly, by a handful of friends and family in a small cemetery in a rural part of Tennessee. Despite his eschewal of the spotlight, I believe this man should be honored and remembered. I dont recall hearing these words from him (he expected humility in return), but Im proud of you grandpa.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 06:20:13 +0000
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