Elmer - A Hero's Name

I remember avoiding the question, “What’s your grandfather’s name?” when I was young. For some reason the name, Elmer, just seemed like an open target for elementary students – friends or enemies. “You mean like the glue?” some would ask. Honestly, it would bring an embarrassing grin to my face because it just sounded funny when vocalized. Precede that with his first name, Columbus, and you have an all-day topic of ridicule.

Now, that may sound extreme to some. But, to a kid, nothing’s enjoyable about having your own name, or that of a family member, made fun of. Oh, how I wish the feelings I get when speaking his name as an adult would have surfaced when I was young. My chest would swell, my eyes brighten, a smile would appear, and my voice would be clear and proud. I would happily answer one’s question, “Was he named after the glue?” with, “It is spelled exactly the same. However, Elmer’s glue didn’t come into existence until 1947. He was born and proudly named in 1917.

One called him, “Husband.” His wife, Louise, married him in 1935. She was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis and was confined to a wheelchair in 1973 and would require the care of her husband for 21 years. He bathed her, dressed her, lifted her from chair to bed, cooked for her, and loved her until she passed in May of 1994. He was “husband” for 59 years. The wedding ring is still on his finger.

Some called him, “Private.” He was a United States Marine in the years 1942-1945. Private Wright literally stormed the beaches and fought in the trenches with his fellow soldiers until he was wounded in battle by a mortar shell on the island of Guam. He was honored by his country and awarded the Purple Heart. But, the honor was his in serving his country.

Some called him, “Boss”. He was a supervisor for Thomaston Mills in Griffin. He gained respect from other employees by working his way up,  beginning in 1946 until his retirement in 1979. Though he fit the term “bossy” at times, his title of “Boss” was revered as an esteemed leader.

Some called him, “Sir.” This was partially due to the number of years he out-numbered almost everyone he encountered in age and the other accredited to his other job of 9 years as a greeter for Walmart after retirement from the mill. He was a gentleman and respectful. Thus, well deserving of the title, “Sir.”

Four called him, “Daddy.” All southern-born, his daughter, Pat, and his three sons, Rick, Don, and Jeff never hesitated to address him as, Daddy. They all reflect his stability, hospitality, and love for family.

Seven, including myself, called him PawPaw. There was never a delay to visit his home, go fishing with him, mow his yard, eat his wonderful cooking, take a driver’s test with his car (Wait! That was just me). His four great-grandchildren eventually joined the grandchildren and also know him as PawPaw.

Many called him, “Mr. Wright” and yes, “Elmer.” He is indeed known as a good man.

On Saturday night, May 15th, 2010, One called him home; The same One that called him, “Son.” Elmer, this man’s man, became a complete man one Sunday morning in 1998 at the age of 81. He gave his heart to the Lord Jesus and proclaimed Him as his Savior. He served Him faithfully and humbly. Alas, one week after his 93rd birthday, the One who created him; the One who redeemed him, called him, “Child” and said, “Welcome to Heaven.”

A Proud Grandson