Chuck was a very unique man, truly one-of-a-kind. He was an only child but he had more brothers and sisters than anyone else I know! He took everyone in as family. But his family, oh his family. He loved them fiercely. His wife Zoni, she was his perfect mate. It is not enough to say he adored her. His daughters, Kiersten and Katrina, and his son, Chuck, they were his pride and joy and I think it's safe to say they worshipped the ground he walked on. Then come his two sons-in-law, Randy and Jimmy, daughter-in-law, Deb, and five grandchildren, Kati, Molly, Maegan, Austin, and Cole. I never saw him much around them but I saw them as they had to say good-bye to him from an earthly perspective. I know the love he had for each of them penetrated deep into who they are, and will become, because of his influence upon their lives. As a friend, all I can say is he was the best friend a man could ever ask for. Chuck was tremendously loyal, deeply spiritual, genuinely concerned, there for you through all of life's trials and all of life's joys. Most recently, I would listen to regular, almost daily phone conversations between Chuck and Gary. They could double me over in laughter or reduce me to tears from one sentence to the next. How often do you hear a man say "You're the best friend I ever had!" They played off each other's humor one moment and in the next they'd be sharing scripture and expressing their love, support, and admiration for one another. Both have big personalities but they always made room for each other.
Chuck would not want us to be sad at all right now but how can we not be sad when someone we loved so much is gone, for now. I guess the best we can do is live a life as he modeled before us. Love God, love our family, be good to our friends, be kind to everyone, smile when all is well, and smile even brighter when the going gets tough. Know that God is in control 'no matter what' love Him, 'no matter what' serve him, 'no matter what' and 'no matter what' glorify the name of the Lord.
So bye for now Charlie... as you cast your crowns at the feet of our savior, we thank God for your life, the profound impact it had on ours and countless others. Only eternity will measure accurately.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
