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110%er [8015]
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I feel obligated share this on every fourth
Jul 4, 2016, 12:46 AM
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Semi football related...
The fourth of July takes on a different meaning for me and my family. On July 4th, 2012, exactly four years ago today, I lost my grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa".
He was a Clemson man. He was recruited to play football by both SCAR and Clemson. However, his dad thought that SCAR "wanted to give too many gifts". He had offers from many colleges, but his dad thought the Clemson coaches were the most down to Earth recruiters they'd ever met; and thus, he went to Clemson.
He played for two seasons under Howard, including in the 1959 Sugar Bowl against LSU. 
However, family responsibilities required him to retire from college football. Even though he was no longer playing, Howard let him keep his football scholarship.
He went to just about every football game throughout the years, until his knee started giving him trouble. After multiple surgeries, doctors decided it was best to amputate his leg. Of course, he did what any Clemson man would do after a surgery like that, and got himself a Clemson leg. http://imgur.com/zVNTrR4
He also loved his country and his state. He often gave money to the Wounded Warriors project throughout his life. He also served in the U.S. Army and National Guard Reserves, and served in the SC House of Representatives from 1980-1988.
A funny story: He was tired of all the official state whatevers (dance, drink, etc.) so when some school kids proposed the praying mantis for state insect he amended the bill to include the palmetto bug as state bug so it would have to go back to committee. The News and Courier ran this cartoon.
His death impacted many people. Shortly after, the SC House of Representatives passed a bill in his name, which was a great honor to him and our family. http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess120_2013-2014/bills/3443.htm
Maybe it was fitting he passed on the fourth. Maybe it was fitting that he passed on the day that honors our country, considering how much he honored it in life.
He was a patriotic man. A Clemson man. But most of all, a family man. And I miss him more than I can describe.
R.I.P. Papa. December 17, 1938-July 4, 2012
And with that, have a happy Fourth. Drive safe, y'all.
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110%er [6881]
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Re: I feel obligated share this on every fourth
Jul 4, 2016, 6:48 AM
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Great story and thanks for posting the pic of the"Sugar Blues". Most folks have never seen one.
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110%er [8015]
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It's awesome. Glad we were able to hold onto it for so long.***
Jul 4, 2016, 5:22 PM
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110%er [6881]
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Re: I feel obligated share this on every fourth
Jul 4, 2016, 6:48 AM
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Great story and thanks for posting the pic of the"Sugar Blues". Most folks have never seen one.
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All-In [26022]
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Re: I feel obligated share this on every fourth
Jul 4, 2016, 9:12 AM
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Thanks for sharing.
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CU Medallion [67853]
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Re: I feel obligated share this on every fourth- I wish
Jul 4, 2016, 9:35 AM
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we'd redo those jerseys sometime as a tribute. I've always thought they were beautiful (from pics of them).
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