Grandpa, I will miss you very much! I know are happy being back with Grandma. I am sorry that I could not make it to the funeral, but the blizzard conditions and 59 inches of snow for the Virginia area setting a record kept me away. I will still see you one day again and tell you what I always wanted to say to you, "be good or I will cut your ear's off," and reach in my pocket for the knife! I am very happy and sad, that I have had the opportunity to connect back with many family members over some of the things we have shared lately. Some things you don't regret until you don't have the time like visiting enough or reaching out to people to stay in touch. You will be missed by all. Love Steve, Tracy, Derek, Drake and Devon Ward

Dear Connie, Nola Jean and Ronnie,
I last saw your dad at Hickory Creek in March of 2008 when my sister, Patricia was there. I recognized him immediately and we talked about old coon dog days. My dad, Dana McClanahan, and your dad had lots of coon hunts. I remember sitting in your kitchen with the yellow marbled vinyl "modern 50's" dinette set and just admiring those fancy padded chairs and listening to our mom's talk. It seemed at the time like we were there all night waiting for the coon hunt to end but no one seemed to mind because it was such a comfy sweet place to be. It always felt like home and now I guess there was a family connection that we did not know at the time. My cousin, Brenda Ruth Jordan has been doing a lot of geneology research and has found that we are related to Bobos and Loves. I always remember your parents as being so welcoming and warm. It seemed like Nolan and my dad always knew some big secret that kept them chuckling. I last remember Connie as the cute little girl on the bus and Nola Jean as the sophisticated pretty teenager. It has been so long since I have lived around Athens that I have lost track of everyone but I still have good memories. In college, I dated Bill Steinmetz for a while around 1969 and he even came to my cousin, Bill Long's wedding when he married Marcia Maxwell. I had very good memories of your grandmother, Grace.
I pray for the health and strength of your family and wish for the good memories to give you comfort.
Love, Diana

Nodie, Ronnie, & Connie,

I was sorry to hear that Uncle Nolan has passed. I rememeber many fun filled summers when I would stay for a few weeks with all of you. Uncle Nolan always seemed gruff and never said much, but Aunt Mary and him always let us do pretty much what we wanted, as long as no one got hurt. I will cherish those memories forever. I know that he is in a much better place now and is once again with the "love of his life" and that as he arrived, she met him, took his hand, and their journey begins together again.

Connie, Ronnie, and Nodie
We want to tell you that we are so sorry for your loss. Craig has such great memories of him and I love to hear all the stories. I will always remember the day Nodie and I made the drive to visit him for the day, when Nolan Perry was just a baby. I will make sure Nolan (Perry) remembers it also (I have a great Pic.)I know that the stories will stay with us forever; I also know that he is now with your Mom and many that have went before him. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all…Kylene Craig and kids

Nodie,Ronnie & Connie,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad, but we know he is with your Mom and they are both looking down on you three and their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. I will always remember Uncle Nolan's laugh. That little giggle, chuckle he had and the twinkle in his eye when he found something amusing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Dear Dad, First of all let me tell you thank you for being a wonderful father. I have treasured out years together and I love you and will miss you. I have laughed and cried so much the last few days. Thank you for letting me be by your side when you left me. I didn't want you to go but I knew I had to. I whispered in your ear that it was okay and that I loved you and peace came to you. Until I see you again. I Love You "Gramps" Connie