On April 30th my dad retired from his work with the railroad of 37 years!

His company had a Retirement Celebration for him that morning.

His boss began the Retirement Celebration by talking about my dad's integrity and excellent work ethics. His boss mentioned that my dad is a man of faith and that because of this my dad was an excellent employee and will be missed.

Here is my dad receiving his retirement plaque.

The Engineering Department took up money donations from the employees to get my dad this gift certificate. The amount alone speaks volumes for how much my dad was appreciated and respected by his boss and coworkers.

The floor was opened to allow coworkers a moment to stand up and say something about my dad if they wished. Several stood up and it was very obvious that my dad has a reputation around the office of being a very reliable resource for information. Many people shared if there is a question that needs an answer everyone always says, "Go ask Roy."

My brother, Wesley, stood up and mentioned three things that he admires about his father: 1) he has an excellent work ethic, 2) he always kept his family above work and yet was still very successful at work, 3) he taught the family about safety (CSX is big on safety and that has spilled out to everyday living with my dad. He is very safety conscience!)

Little Bug played with the contents of Grandma’s purse …

… but it wasn’t long and she decided to make a great escape!

So under the table she went. Grandpa's boss caught the little runaway and returned her to her family. (Can't take this girl anywhere without her getting into some kind of mischief!!!!) :)

We are so proud of our husband, father, father-in-law and Grandpa and are SO THANKFUL that God gave him to us.

My dad had this chart where he counted down his weeks left to work since May of 2009! Every Friday he would check off one more week! My dad and I are very alike. I had a calendar that I used to count down my last year of teaching.

April 30th, 2010, he checked off his last week.

What a job well done.

I am proud of my Daddy!

- Elaine