Dear Papa Otis,

As I began to write this letter and think of you I get tears in my eyes. You have been gone for 40 years of my life, but I still miss you. It was such a blessing to have a grandfather like you. You were such a gentle man and a witness to all about your faith in God. You went to the jail each Sunday morning to pray with and for the prisoners. You were always an encourager.

More than any thing else you loved your wife, your son and your three little granddaughters. We were so fortunate to get to spend summers with you and Mama Irbie. You loved to have us come and you spoiled us rotten letting us eat ice cream for breakfast if we wanted. You were patient and kind. You were so respected as the Vice President of Alto Mills. You do not know this, but when you died many of your black workers drove two hours for your funeral. At that time in history they had to stand out side of the church. They stood in the rain for two hours because of their respect for you. As I young girl of 12 I will never forget walking out of the church and seeing a wall of black faces with tears running down their cheeks. They gave Mama Irbie a rose and told her God had picked one when he took you.

So Papa Otis, I never got the chance to tell you goodbye. I loved you so much and you have always been my hero.

Love,
Martha