My Reason

Anthony Wayne Padgett

August 4, 1943- January 27, 2009
(3 or 4 years old)

This is my Uncle Wayne.

He was a retired Tennessee State Trooper.

He passed away last Tuesday,

a week ago today.

The real reason I was in Memphis

was to attend his funeral.

(I won't lie, I did buy those Diet coke while

I was there but that's not why I went)

The show of love from his fellow troopers was impressive.

This was the beginning of 8 State Trooper cars that led the funeral procession to the cemetery.

They lined up at the grave site. They folded the flag with precision and dignity. Then handed it to my Aunt Vivian.

My Uncle Wayne was a very loved man by his family, neighbors, friends and fellow Troopers. He had the biggest heart and would give ya the shirt of his back. A Gentle Giant.

This is my parents with my cousin Timothy Padgett. His dad was my Uncle Don Carlos Padgett. We also got to meet his wife Priscilla and spend some time with his sister Jennifer and her little son, baby Brock and their mother's family. They were so much fun and we really enjoy our short visit.

This is my Uncle Wayne's only son, Terry Wayne Padgett and his wife. This was the first time we had ever met him. Even my mom had only seen him in pictures. He seemed happy to finally meet my mama.

The services were held at the Covington Funeral Home. All the music was on tape. The middle song was 'Amazing Grace' song by none other than "ELVIS" himself!!! Harry leans over to me and says,"how apropos" you know, Elvis, Memphis! We both couldn't help but chuckle. Well, y'all know I loved it, seeing that Elvis is one of my favorites. Although Harry never would let me listen to Elvis Radio on the trip. I'd listen to one song and that was enough for him.

We visited with my Aunt Vivian before we left Memphis. While she was in the back room with my mother I went and got my camera and took this picture of her shrine to Elvis, I guess I'm not the only one in the family that loves him. That blue Pepsi can was an Elvis special edition. Wish I would have turned it around. The top and bottom shelves were filled with every book ever written on Elvis' life.

One of the best parts about the trip is the Cinnamon buns that Holiday Inn Express has on their morning Continental breakfast. I think that I shouldn't stay there to often. I have no self control. They are just the best!!