In Honor of Poppy

In honor of my Grandfather "Poppy," I will not post the remainder of the week.

Billy Joe Cutbirth
(October 4, 1932-July 28, 2009)
A great oak has fallen. Billy Joe Cutbirth departed this world July 28, 2009. He was the embodiment of grit, hard work, and determination and held fast to his uncompromising values. Born prematurely to parents Henry Cutbirth and Annie Jones Cutbirth on October 4, 1932, he survived by being fed with an eye dropper and spending his first days in a shoe box placed in the bread warmer of their wood cook stove. This grit and determined spirit carried him throughout his life.
Billy Joe was well-liked and respected by those he encountered, and when he talked, people listened. Even though he was given the name William Daniel by his parents, as a young boy he convinced his teachers, friends, and family that his name should be Billy Joe. And one day he proclaimed, “From this day on, call me Billy Joe,” so they did, and we did, and he lived on Billy Joe Road in Crane for nearly 60 years.
Billy Joe loved the Ozarks and celebrated his hill-folk heritage, where the figure-it-out and do-it-yourself way is held in high regard. He was a talented carpenter and accomplished farmer, able to do anything that needed done himself. He left this world with calloused hands so thick that they will never wear thin.
He loved to grow a garden, restore antique furniture, attend auctions, and “study things through” for himself and others. Active in community issues, he faithfully served on the Crane School Board for many years, as well as the Stone County Soil and Water Board.
Billy Joe understood the importance of family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, ensuring their needs were met. Billy Joe and wife Helen raised their four children in a caring home on the family farm in the “holler.” He exercised unconditional love for his children, and when discipline was necessary, a look from his sky-blue Irish eyes and a point from his index finger was all it ever took.
Billy Joe served as a more wonderful example of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and neighbor than this world will ever see. He will be sorely missed by all.
He is preceded in death by parents Henry and Annie Cutbirth and siblings Laura Cutbirth, Lorene Hedrick, Freda Baker, Herman Cutbirth, Finus Cutbirth, Barbara Henson, Grace Bell, and Richard Cutbirth.
Billy Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Chastain Cutbirth of Crane, Mo.; children Judy Berkstresser and husband Allen of Crane, Janet “Sis” Cutbirth of Springfield, Mo., Billy “Son” Cutbirth and wife Lesa of Crane, Brian Cutbirth and wife Carol of Clever, Mo.; sisters Ellie Clines of Ponce de Leon, Mo., and Neta Colleen McKnight of Crane; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved him dearly and miss him greatly.