Today I am both humbled and honored to speak about a man I respect, a man we all loved, a man whose life was worth living. As I stand before you, I find it difficult to sum up 85 years in 5 minutes. Three weeks ago, when Grandpa John's health was failing, I wrote and mailed him a card. I'd like to share my words with you, because I think they sum up how much his presence has influenced my life- (read the letter). I hope someday people compare me to my Grandfather.

There is no man I know who wore the hat of patriarch as well as my Grandpa John. He was a man who was defined by god and family, and in turn, he defined two generations of us with love, guidance and direction. Grandpa was a man of few words, yet no one has ever questioned how much he loved his family. Instead of grief and pain, I feel we should reflect on his life, and how knowing him enriched our lives with context and meaning.

As his grandson and namesake, I am privileged to call John Cooney Brannan my Grandfather. I remember so many wonderful things about him- and feel blessed that we had such a good relationship. Here are just a few examples of how he touched my life. My first memory in the whole world is on my second birthday. Grandpa John was resting in our guest room- and I jumped in bed with him. At grandma and grandpa's, there was always a hidden Butterfinger or 100 Grand candy bar- and you could have one- all you had to do was ask. Grandpa took the time to teach me how to shoot a rifle- and coincidentally- when I decided to shoot at his oranges instead of cans- boy was he mad. Then there was Charleton Heston in the 10 Commandments, we watched it over and over and over again. John Brannan was not one to shy away from a 99 cent whopper at Burger King- and I still enjoy a whopper from time to time. When we played a round of golf in Selma- he had patience while I learned to keep the ball on the fairway. Grandpa taught me how to drive a stick shift, and later gave me my first car. And there was dinner time in High School, he would continually complain I didn't eat enough- of course this was after I ate 3 pieces of chicken, two slices of bread, a helping of mash potatoes and a helping of corn. Grandpa and Grandma were the first to every family function and the first to leave- my grandfather had an unhealthy fear of driving in the dark or the fog. I will desperately miss him praying for our family, before every meal.

Then there were the times he saved me from myself. When I was struggling in high school, and having trouble growing into an adult, he and my grandmother never gave up on me. They provided a home, transportation, pork chops and hash browns in the morning- and most importantly love and encouragement; for that I will always be thankful. As an adult, I could always count on a friendly, caring voice when I called to check in on Grandpa John and Grandma Ella. It saddens me to know John Brannan will not be there at my wedding- or available to hold my children.

We can't talk about Grandpa John without discussing his wit. He had some of the funniest, most insightful sayings- and he wasn't afraid to use them. How about "the night is yet a pup." Or "when the plot thickens, you thin out." My mom remembers "all sunshine makes a desert." Now this wasn't funny, but his point was easy to understand, even for a child. I can remember one time when grandpa was expecting a call from Don Dougherty- he answered the phone "city jail". Of course, it was one of grandma's friends, and he spent the next 5 minutes trying to explain that she had the right number. He was always looking for a laugh.

As I look at the congregation today, I see many sad faces. I look at Grandma Ella, who was Grandpa's soul mate for the past 60 years. I see Ron and Linda who are the children left behind, and Ed who isn't with us today- but remains in our hearts. I look to the rest of the family, and see a testimony of Grandpa's love of family- his legacy. I think if John Brannan were here with us today, he would be pointing at his watch and asking us to move on with our lives.

I know that grandpa would be humbled to realize you've taken time from your busy schedule to join us in bidding him farewell, and on behalf of our family, thank you for the prayers and support.

As we leave here today, let's keep John Brannan in our hearts and our family in your prayers. We will miss my Grandfather tremendously, but as he goes to his eternal rest, we know that he has earned his wings. And they are golden.