To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
Ms. Billie Cordell, beloved mother of my friend and littermate Danny Cordell (NHS '70) departed this life on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. Billie is also survived by her son Larry Cordell (NHS '68), her daughters Vickie Cordell (NHS '69) and LeAnn Cordell McClure (NHS '84), along with nine grandchildren and seventeen precious great grandchildren. In her passing Newport has lost a jewel in its crown. There was always a sweet and genuine smile on her face and a kind word on her lips. Even on those occasions in the late '60s when she needed to address the behavior of a group of rambunctious and mischievous teenage boys there was a sweetness about her (I almost referred to such occasions as being "rare," but I think Ms. Billie would have disagreed with me). When I lived in Newport in the 1980s I can recall times when a simple trip to Kroger would lift my spirits because of the greeting I would receive from Ms. Billie. Many will miss her presence in their lives. Her smile is forever etched on my heart. Ms. Billie's death comes just a short five months after that of her sister Geraldine Willhite, mother of friend and classmate Mike Willhite (NHS '70). A funeral service for Ms. Billie will be held today (Saturday, November 29, 2008) at the First Baptist Church in Newport at 2:00pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.
A time to dance, a time to mourn
Also on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 Ms. Lurodine Wilkinson left this life on earth. Many of you will remember Ms. Wilkinson with fondness. I recall her as one of the charming ladies at church and the aunt of my friend Carl Cross (NHS '71). She is survived by daughters Kaye Wilkinson Harris (NHS '65) and Vivian Wilkinson Dunnaway (member NHS class of 1968). The Wilkinson family moved from Newport in 1965 to Rogers where Ms. Wilkinson resided at the time of her death. She is also survived by nieces Carolyn Cross Jones (NHS '65) and Connie Cross Avery (NHS '67). It is certain Ms. Wilkinson will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A time to laugh, a time to weep
In the midst of our weeping, I am confident that Billie and Lurodine would rejoice in our dancing and our laughing together. I was able to drive over to Newport last evening to be present at the visitation for Ms. Billie. It was an opportunity to share hugs, handshakes, and pats on the back with "old" friends, especially with Danny and Vickie. I was able to reminisce and share a few tears and a few laughs with Class of 1970 mates Mickey Doyle, Mike Willhite, and Rickey Harris and with Dennis Williams (NHS '71). A sweet visit with an "old" friend sprinkled with laughter does wonders in healing a wound.
A time to kill, a time to heal
Any reference to "killing" at this time of year deals specifically with football in my book. How 'bout them Hounds! Our Hounds went on a Panther hunt last night in Heber Springs and brought home a trophy win in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs by slaughtering Heber Springs 46-14. They will play Pine Bluff Dollarway in the semifinal round next week. Woooooooooooooooo Hounds, Fight 'Em!
And how 'bout them Hogs! While a trip to a bowl game was lost the previous weekend the Arkansas Razorbacks stepped onto the field at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock yesterday as a decided underdog to LSU. At stake was the consolation prize of the Golden Boot and a heaping helping of pride. With 21 seconds remaining in the game Casey Dick threw a nice spiral pass to London Crawford in the corner of the end zone to tie the game at 30-30. The extra point produced a 31-30 victory to top off a 5-7 rebuilding season under first year coach Bobby Petrino. Mission accomplished.
And the Arkansas State Red Wolves stand 5-5 with two games remaining and a possible conference championship in sight. They play at North Texas today. A victory will lay the groundwork for a showdown with Troy (7-4) next weekend for the Sun Belt Conference title. I'm looking for the Red Wolves to go on a "killing" spree.
Football, football, football . . . . . a favored season in Newport.
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
Turn back to that "time to be born" verse . . . . . today is the birthday of three long time and wonderful friends. Margaret Van Dyke is 103 years young today. Her "forever young" attitude inspires me each and everyday. Jabez Jackson (NHS '59) celebrates a birthday today. Jabez and his family , especially his father, occupy a special compartment in my life. Littermate Nancy Rhodes Fountain (NHS '70) graced life's stage on this day. On our first encounter in this life Nancy threw rocks at Donny Appleton and me. Since that time we have learned to play well together and enjoy a life long friendship. Happy birthday dear friends and a belated birthday cheer to my mother, Lawana, who was 81 on November 25.
A time to plant, a time to reap
It is harvest time in the White River bottoms. Last night Mickey Doyle conveyed to me that he had just gotten out of the fields on Thanksgiving Day. I have discovered that the planting of prayers will reap good rewards. I ask that you hold the Cordell and Wilkinson families in your prayers as they grieve the loss of loved ones. I ask that you offer up healing prayers for those who are experiencing health challenges. On your personal prayer list please place the name of Kristin Honey Blumreich (NHS 2002), the daughter of Sandy Miller Honey (NHS '75) and Michael Honey (NHS '74). Kristin is expecting a little girl due in February 2009. An ultrasound has revealed a serious defect in the baby's abdominal wall creating a greater possibility of a pre-term birth. A full term birth will assist her in being strong enough to experience corrective surgery.
Also add littermate Coy Thompson (NHS '70) to your prayer list. Coy recently had heart surgery to alleviate artery blockage. Please continue your prayers for littermates Mary Wynne Parker Perryman and Mike Brand as well as the many others, known and unknown, who are battling health issues.
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
This time of Thanksgiving is a great time to gather together with family and friends. "Old" friendships are much like weathered stones you pick up alongside a creek bed. You pick them up because you are attracted to them. Maybe it is the coloration, maybe an irregular shape, maybe the texture. Finding it interesting or peculiar, you place the stone in your pocket and it accompanies you the rest of the way on that day's walk. Afterwards you may put it in a special box on a shelf at home or leave one in the pocket of certain jacket. Each one is unique with a special meaning to you and you alone. Such are friends. Am I the only one with such a collection of stones? I think not. It is time to gather these "stones" together in your heart.
"Turn, turn, turn" was released by the Byrds in 1965.
I remain Miles from Nowhere . . . . .
joe
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