JP Phillips

COM 345

Dr. Rohler

2/22/10

Nila T. Souther

“A Man of God, a man of family, a man of love”

I would first like to open by thanking everyone for coming. We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of a man; a man of wisdom, a man of strength, a man of love, and most importantly, a man of God. (Anaphora) Nila Talmage Souther meant something to everyone here today. Maybe he was your preacher. Maybe he was your co-worker. Maybe he was your father or brother. For me, he was my grandfather, my friend, and my guide. (Parallelism) If I had to use three words to describe my grandfather I would say that he was: wise, giving, and loving.

My grandfather was a wise man. As a kid growing up, whenever I was to enter my grandparents’ house I would know exactly where to find him; in his study reading the Bible. He would spend hours every day researching different verses, writing new sermons, each step creating an ever closer walk with the Lord. Coming from the humble background of his farming parents in the rural mountains of North Carolina, nobody ever expected this man to achieve greatness. He had no high school diploma for the majority of his life, but eventually not only acquired that but graduated from Jerry Falwell’s Bible College. Because one day, he received a call from Above to do God’s will and become a minister. He would go on to preach before thousands, touching the hearts (Synecdoche) of many who would hear his sermons. Many times I came to him seeking guidance in my own life. My grandfather would never tell me what he thought I should do, but he would show me the options that lay before me and possible paths to where those options may lead. He would then tell me to pray to God and let him guide my heart down the path I would go. Yes, my grandfather was a wise man.

My grandfather was a giving man. He was perhaps the most selfless person I have ever known. He devoted his time, energy, and life to everyone else (often times taking a toll on his own personal health). If someone came to him in need, he would most certainly never turn them away. If someone was to take something of his without even asking, he would just turn the other cheek and say “I guess they needed it more than I did.” I can recall several times when my own parents needed help. My grandfather was always there doing whatever he could for us. When my parents were building their house he was there; during their separation he was there; even during my bout with depression he was there. (Epistrophe) He stood by my side many times throughout my life, and today I am here standing by his. Yes, my grandfather was a giving man.

My grandfather was a loving man. He taught me how to play baseball. He helped me blow out my birthday candles. He was at not just my own graduation, but at the graduation of each and every one of his grandchildren. He loved his family and felt blessed to spend every day he had with us. But it was not just his biological family that he loved; he loved his Christian family as well. He would visit them at their homes if they were sick. He made it to every wedding and every funeral. He would spend hours every day in his office at the church making sure that he did all that he could. Yes, my grandfather was a loving man.

As we have gathered here today to mourn the loss, we know that this is not the end for Nila Talmage Souther. This is only the beginning of his spiritual rejoicing in Heaven where he is joined with his own parents, brothers, and sisters. This man’s brief time on this Earth has certainly left an everlasting impression on it. (Antithesis) So, I ask you to remember my grandfather not just today but for forever in your hearts. Remember the lesson that he has left for us all to remember: “It is not the works that make the man, but the man who makes the works.” (Chiasmus) My grandfather was a simple man who did great works, and I am honored to be speaking here today. Rest in peace, “Pawpaw.” Tell “Meemaw” I said hi.