A personal tribute to the mentors, friends, and trailblazers whose wisdom, support, and example have illuminated my journey. Here, I share the stories of those who shaped our path, inspired growth, and left lasting impressions on the person I am becoming.

MY FAMILY

I come from a family where love was not always spoken aloud, where affection was sometimes hidden beneath the weight of hard lives and quiet struggles. My mother and father, though limited in formal education and bound in a marriage that lacked tenderness, gave us a home that fostered something invaluable: a foundation for growth, for learning, and for becoming better people. They may not have had the tools to express love in all the ways we now understand, but their sacrifices built the very stepping stones upon which I, and my family after me, have walked forward.

To my ex-wife, I offer deep respect and gratitude. For 19 years, we shared a life, raised a family, and weathered storms together. She is a good woman—an admirable mother, a dedicated wife during our time together, and now a cherished grandmother. Her influence on our children is undeniable, and her presence in their lives remains a testament to her enduring strength and kindness.

I am profoundly proud of my three adult children. Each of them has forged their own path, built their own families, and pursued successful careers. They embody the values of perseverance, integrity, and compassion—qualities that I like to believe were nurtured at home but fully realized through their own efforts and character.

And to my seven grandchildren—each unique, each growing, each discovering who they are and what place they will hold in this world—you are the living legacy of all who came before you. Watching you grow is one of life’s greatest privileges, and I carry hope and excitement for the futures you are shaping.

Family is never perfect, nor is it without its complexities. But in reflection, I see a tapestry woven with resilience, love in its many forms, and a continuous striving toward betterment. For all of this, I am grateful.

MY FRIENDS

Tribute to My Friends Who’ve Shaped My Life

As I pause to reflect on the blessings in my life, I find myself deeply grateful for the friends who’ve stood with me through laughter, struggle, growth, and grace. Each of you has been a thread in the fabric of my life, making it richer, stronger, and far more meaningful than I could ever have imagined.

To Richard, my dear and constant friend — thank you for the laughter that lightens even the heaviest days, for listening to my endless moans and groans with patience and humor, and for being ever-present when I needed a companion, a confidant, or just a good laugh. Your friendship is a gift that keeps my spirit buoyant.

To Teri, Darlene, Glen, and David — when Hurricane Katrina tried to sweep away more than just physical possessions, you helped anchor my soul. With your kindness, encouragement, and support, you helped me recover not just my footing, but my sense of self. Because of you, I grew back stronger, rooted in resilience.

To Rick and Evelyn, my chosen family — my brotha and sista — thank you for walking with me on this journey of aging with honesty, grace, and a shared understanding that only time can teach. You make this stage of life feel less like a burden and more like a chapter of wisdom and connection.

To Father Si, Father Isaac, and the members of St. James Episcopal Church, your warm welcome has been a balm to my spirit. In your embrace, I found not just a place of worship but a community of acceptance, love, and shared faith. Thank you for making me feel that I belong.

And to the men’s coffee group at King’s Way United Methodist, especially Charles and Hal, your companionship, your wisdom, and your quiet support have been a beacon for me. Over coffee and conversation, you’ve imparted lessons on life, faith, and friendship that I carry with me each day.

To all of you — thank you for your presence, your love, your laughter, and your wisdom. I would not be the person I am today without each of you. Your friendship is the foundation on which I continue to build my life.

With deep gratitude and love,
Roy

A Tribute to the Teachers, Professors, and Staff of My Educational Journey

To the countless Teachers, Professors, and Staff of every School, College, and University I have been privileged to attend—this is my humble tribute to you.

You were more than educators; you were architects of minds and nurturers of souls. You planted seeds of knowledge that have grown in me over a lifetime. Whether you taught me to read my first sentence, solve an equation, question assumptions, or appreciate the beauty of art and history—you have left an indelible mark.

To the teachers who first opened the doors of learning, thank you for your patience with my curiosity, your encouragement when I struggled, and your joy when I succeeded.

To the professors who expanded my intellect and challenged my thinking, thank you for showing me that education is not just about answers but about asking better questions. You taught me not only facts but how to learn, how to discern, and how to stand with integrity in the pursuit of truth.

To the administrators, counselors, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers, and staff—you were the silent engines of my academic world. You created spaces of safety, order, and nourishment, enabling me to learn and grow with dignity.

Each of you contributed to the mosaic of my education, shaping not just my mind but my character. You taught me discipline, creativity, compassion, and resilience.

I carry your lessons still—in every word I write, in every problem I solve, in every person I teach in turn. Your impact echoes far beyond the classroom, in ways you may never fully see but I will always remember.

Thank you for dedicating yourselves to the growth of others. Your influence is eternal, and I am forever grateful.

A Tribute to the Congregations I Was Blessed to Serve

To the beloved people who filled the pews of every church I had the honor to serve — from Thompson Creek Free Will Baptist in 1965 to West Laurel United Methodist in 2006 — this is my heartfelt tribute and thanksgiving to you.

Thank you for allowing me the sacred privilege of being your pastor. Thank you for inviting me into your lives, your joys, your sorrows, your celebrations, and your struggles. Together we worshipped, prayed, laughed, wept, and grew in faith. You welcomed me into your homes, your hearts, and your families — and in doing so, you shaped my soul and deepened my calling.

It was in your presence that I learned the true meaning of ministry — not merely in the sermons preached or the lessons taught, but in the quiet moments of counsel, the prayers whispered over hospital beds, the weddings and funerals, the baptisms and confirmations, the potluck dinners, and the countless cups of coffee shared in fellowship.

You allowed me to be your shepherd, but you also shepherded me. You taught me patience, humility, grace, and endurance. You forgave my shortcomings, encouraged my strengths, and challenged me to grow deeper in faith.

Though the years have passed and the congregations have changed, I carry each of you within my heart. Every church, every face, every moment of grace — you are all a living testament to the faithfulness of God who called us together for a season.

So I say, with deep gratitude and abiding love: Thank you. Thank you for letting me walk with you on this journey of faith. Thank you for letting me be your pastor.

And may the God who brought us together continue to bless you, keep you, and fill you with peace.

With love and gratitude,

Roy