Father's Day with Poppy

Remembering a little girl’s hero

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 Memories linger in the hearts of those who have embraced a childhood that was spent with loving parents and grandparents. For one Sparta woman, her grandfather was the true foundation of her existence, a man who possessed a love first and foremost for God, followed by his undying loyalty to his family.

Bula Price said her “Poppy” (Noah Young) was the ever-constant source of security and love when she was a child. Although Mr. Young left his earthly home many years ago, his values and life lessons live on in those he loved.

“Poppy was very special to me as well as the entire family,” Price said. “He loved his family, his community, and most of all his church. He was actually one of the builders of the original East Sparta Free Will Baptist Church. The building is no longer standing, but the church carries on in their beautiful rock building on the same property. My grandmother, Bula Young, taught Sunday School there for over 35 years.”

Price said her grandfather was employed by many people as he could perform almost any job that might be needed. He was a carpenter, plumber, roofer, farmer, and even ran a slaughter house that was located near Town Creek.

She also shared some memories from her nephew, James Young, who passed away last year.

James Young had said he vividly remembered his grandparents visiting his home when he was a child, and they would ride a Trailways bus from White County to DeKalb County and get off somewhere close to Sligo Bridge and continue their trip by walking to his home. Then, around 1949 or 1950, his grandfather bought a Studebaker, and his grandparents would visit more often.

James Young continued to reminisce about the time he spent in Sparta when he visited his grandparents and remembered their kindness and their love.

On this Father’s Day, Price shared a poem written by her mother, Jean Luna, and her aunt, Ruth Cantrell, about their father, Noah Young. But for Price, he will always be “Poppy.”

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(By Jean Luna and Ruth Cantrell)

DAD (written June 21, 1992)

Though you’ve been gone now

Twenty years,

It seems that there’d be

No more tears.

__________

You’ve missed so much

Of our life it seems,

Trying to realize our

Hopes and dreams.

__________

Gone is the pew where that

Old white head would nod.

Now you’re dozing on the

Right hand of God.

__________

Gone is the church that your

Hands helped build,

To modern times and changes

It had to yield.

__________

They say the Lord giveth and

The Lord take away,

I’m glad; to Pete and Mary,

He gave you one day.

__________

You were an inspiration to

Each life you’d touch,

And Dad you are loved,

And missed very much.

__________

On this Father’s Day,

I will not be sad,

For having you as a father,

I’m thankful and glad.

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