My first memories of my Uncle Nap go back to when I was a young boy. Most have to do with visits to my Grandmother's house in Macon Mississippi, which was filled with photos of him and other family members and mementos of their lives growing up in a small southern town. I heard stories of his growing up, playing football, of him and my Uncle "Biscuit" spitting in the cookies my Mom would make so they could have them all since no one else would eat them! He was already a preacher in my earliest memories, and I remember being in awe of his love of God and knowledge of the Bible. I remember being a little scared for him when he would tell stories of reading the Word of God while driving his car on long highway tips. I remember one time when I was visiting as a little boy I kept bugging him to take me somewhere with him. I was so excited until he grabbed me up and took me in one of Grandma's rooms then threw me on the bed for a nap...I learned first hand how he got his nick name!
I got to know him best when my folks would send my sisters and me for several weeks to Marigold to stay with him during summers which included a week at camp. How impressed I was at all of his "preacher boys" who would bring their young people to grow in the faith under my uncle's teachings.
I can remember bragging to my friends that my Uncle was the Chaplain to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, something I especially did to anyone who said they were from Mississippi. I was amazed at how many knew who he was, many of whom had been blessed by his ministry.
Uncle Nap, as they lay your earthly body to rest today, I know that you have already fellowshipped with Dad, Grandma, Uncle Danny and many others, but most of all the one who you spent your life serving, our precious savior Jesus. I look forward to seeing you again at the great family reunion to come!
Posted by: Jud Crane - Milton, FL - Nephew
Jul 23, 2012
John
Russell