Andrew Pelts

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Your dad was a good man. He will be missed. I remember the good times in the old band days, with field trips and ball games. Prayers to you and your family in this difficult time.

Alex Harderson

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

My dad was one-of-a-kind. Growing up, I never once found myself lacking for attention, guidance, nurturing, encouragement, inspiration, or love. My dad always had a way of solving any problem, fixing any crisis, easing any pain, and calming any fear. There are so many wonderful memories I have of him that I could go on for days. And I’m sure that each of you could do the same, because his warmth and gentle charm so deeply enriched the lives of all who knew him. His friendship carried no price tags, his love had no limitations. But instead of a just sharing a memory, I want to share with you who he was to me.
Dad taught me to look at the world with eyes of wonder, always stirring my imagination and challenging me to search for the truth. He traveled through life with the heart of an explorer, always eager to show me the immensity of nature’s beauty with road trips to parts unknown and long hikes up the mountain just to catch a glimpse of an elusive waterfall for another photo opportunity to add to his menagerie of projector slides – which served as our family entertainment on many dark nights together in our living room. His poetic soul and love for music inspired me to share his love for creative expression through words and lyrics and playing guitar together, both of us equally content to entertain ourselves in private, or to share the stage and our music with as many people as we could pack into a building. His gentle wisdom served as an example for me to aspire to learn, learn, learn. And taught me to follow his example by sharing that wisdom with my own children and those around me. His confidence and steadfast courage, his love for family….well, everything about him offered a shining light to always steer by, even in the strongest raging storm, always leading me back to be on course once again. He taught me to stand up for my convictions, to gain wisdom from my errors, and take pride in my accomplishments.
But perhaps the most noticeable and remembered trait of my dad was his unwavering faith and devotion to the Lord. It is what guided him, grounded him, and what gave him his incredible strength of purpose and the power to encourage and uplift everyone around him. His carpentry work, his poetry, his songs, his sermons, and even his casual conversations with people he would meet in the supermarket all served as opportunities for him to put a smile on someone’s face, a little extra spring in someone’s step, and perhaps bring that someone a little bit closer to the Lord. And somehow he always knew just the right words to say at just the right time to help carry those around him just a little farther down the road of life. A quote from his favorite author, Zane Grey, tells the spirit of my dad’s character:
“Recipe For Greatness - To bear up under loss; To fight the bitterness of defeat and the weakness of grief; To be victor over anger; To smile when tears are close; To resist disease and evil men and base instincts; To hate “hate” and to love “love”; To go on when it would seem good to die; To look up with unquenchable faith in something ever more about to be. That is what any man can do and be great.”
And that is who my dad was to me. A man who never spoke ill of anyone. A man who loved God and his family with fierce devotion. A man who was always content with what he had. A man who faced the world with eyes wide open and never let evil stand between him and his faith. A man who lived a life with nothing to regret or be ashamed of. A man who made the world a brighter, better place for 91 years, and will continue to warm the hearts of all who carry his memory. A man that anyone would have been proud to call their dad. I’ve never known a better father, a better role model, or a better friend. He was everything I have ever wanted to be. I want to say “thank you” to all of you for coming to celebrate my dad’s life, and to share our family’s bittersweet sorrow at his passing. Heaven has his soul and we have his memory – and BOTH will be cherished forever.

Deanna Pritchett

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Waterfalls, mountains, rivers, foliage, dirt roads and people. These are just a few of the things that my dad taught me to appreciate. As I sit in this chapel and listen, I see that you were a master carpenter of not only woodworking but you were a master builder of people. There is not one person who simply knew you dad, each and everyone has a memory, a story, a little piece of you that you so masterfully shared with them just like a painter would sign a work of art you left your mark on all that you met. Your poetry has forever touched anyone that read it, your music was not only beautiful to hear but it reflected your very soul. You were the light in a very dark world. Your unconditional love , guidance, wisdom and faith will never be forgotten and neither will you. I love you forever and always your Moonshine.

Sierra Michelle

Thursday, August 1, 2019

It rains today because a whole City sheds tears for the loss of a good man an angel in disguise walking the Earth for 91 years bringing joy and smiles to everyone you met, returning home to his maker. as you walk through those Gates and are greeted by so many friends remember us, as you greet your maker tell him of your stories because we all know you have so many, as you walk through your heaven play your songs with no pain and so loud we can hear it down here and remember us, remember us because we will never forget you, we will never forget your smile, we will never forget your stories, we will never forget your songs, we will never forget your heart we will never forget your poems, we will never forget your wings that you wore so proudly. Welcome home Granddad I Will Always Love You

Ken and Joan Clayborn

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Joan and I want to send our most sincere condolences to the family after the passing of Basil. I have very good memories of playing music with Basil and my father when I was growing up. He was a very talented and caring man and I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him.

Ken Clayborn
Elkhart, Indiana

Billy Duncan

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

RIP Brother prayers for the family

Veston Harderson

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

I love you Grandad, and am going to miss you very very much. I will miss your singing and that smile you always had. You always put warmth in everyone's heart that came around. I love you so much.

Sharon Bowen freeman

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear about Basil he was family to us. He and daddy can sing with the angels.

Garry Dorney

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Basil was a very interesting soul. He didn't know any strangers. He was a good man
He will be missed by many.

Metta Holman

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Well, my friend, one journey has ended and you begin another. I have your poems in my office. I have the photo you gave me when your family lived on our home place in dear old Hunttown. I will continue to walk those steps and think of you as I climb the hill behind our house. I feel your beliefs will speed you to the new beginning of eternal life. My love to Joyce and Deanna and your family. I think I will now play the CD you gave me!!!!! Sweet memories..............

Tonia Ellett

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Basil will be truly missed. I would always go with my grandparents to their house on the mountain and while the adults played cards Alex and I would to ours until dinner. Lots of wonderful memories!

Linda Mooney

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Goldie Ritchie

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Prayers for family

Lynn Murray

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Miss Deanna,
We are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. I am hopeful you all begin to feel the peace knowing your dad is at rest and now safely home. You've carried and huge and heavy burden all while focusing on the well-being of others. You are our Hero, and please know we are here for you. Take time to heal, and to celebrate all the beautiful memories you have.

Phyllis Gill

Tuesday, July 30, 2019