Traditional Sunday: Hamp - (Memories of Dad)

Sunday morning breakfast cooking, and gospel music playing, was a tradition in my house. I find myself doing some of the same traditional type things that my parents did when I was a child. Now I get to share these with my grands. “Hey grandma, can you fix me some grits?”; gospel music playing on the radio, spending time with family...it's tradition, I guess.

When I reflect on this memory, I think of my dad, known to most people as Bill or Hamp; we just called him dad. Born in Cedar Springs, Early County, Georgia, the oldest of eight children, Bill cherished family values. He was married to my mom for 43 years (both deceased); he was a very humble man, husband, father, and grandfather.

We were in the house when the streetlights came on, saying our prayers and in bed before 9:00p.m. When the commercial "Do you know where your children are?" came on, yes, he did! We were in bed. About every other Sunday we spent time at the beach with family and friends. My dad worked in the tire industry all his life, not a person of wealth, but a heart of gold. He had a secondary education, a self taught learner, who lived life to the fullest. I picture images of dad smiling, smoking his cigars, and wearing his sunglasses.

Memories:

I do believe in some way dad played a role in taking care of his younger siblings, making sure the family had food, clothing and shelter. His brothers would always check in with Hamp to make sure he was doing ok...bringing things or just sitting and talking.

Whenever dad got a new car (new to us), he would take the family out for a ride. He loved the Grand Prix, which is what he usually got. Even my brother purchased the same type of car when he started to drive

My cousin’s would say “Uncle Hamp could sure box.” He loved to watch the boxing matches, and I even recall him shadow boxing from time to time.

Everyone loved his fried chicken. Can’t give the recipe away..o;) Believe it or not, I think the same pan he used to cook in is still around.

Dad would always bring fruit (especially grapes) and groceries to the house for his grands. He would pick them up and drop them off at school. This was his exercise – living life and enjoying family. 

My dad William H. Perry Aka Hamp/Bill:  Dance With My Father Again