It’s very hard for me to identify my favorite memoires of my Dad, since there were so many. My earliest memories are of him teaching me to play baseball. He was an assisted coach for me and my sisters for the most of our Base/Softball seasons over at Belvedere Park…..when he didn’t get thrown out of the game…Haha that only happened twice I think. He was always involved in our sports activities. He coached my football teams also.
We move from DeKalb to Conyers while I was in the ninth grade. Not before spending my years attending Woodlawn Baptist where met and fellowshipped with many great friends who are still very precious to me and my family.
He was a very loyal and devoted person. He worked at Kliklok/Woodman Company for more than 30 years. I can remember many recruiters calling him with job opportunities throughout the country during his career there. He never considered any. He loved his family at work, spending many fishing and canoeing trips with them and playing bridge during lunch break.
When we settled in at our new home in Conyers, we were blessed with many new and great friends. Building Eastwood Baptist Church was a very special and proud time for My Dad and family. I can still remember the ground breaking ceremony at Gross Lake and the many payer meetings and Choir rehearsals (he wasn’t in the choir for obvious reason) in the Temporary Trailer. I remember him giving his personal testimony at Honey Creek Elementary School while the Church was being built. He was very proud and faithful in his Christian Beliefs.
When I joined the Navy, I remember him coming to my Boot Camp Graduation Ceremony, and our ships commission Ceremony. When I moved to Boston and Seattle after the Navy, my parents were always there to show how proud and supportive they were. There was never an event or location that was too small or far to come and support me and my sisters.
I can’t speak of my dad, without talking about GT. When it came to Georgia Tech, there are only a few folks who can honestly claim to be a bigger fan, which many of you already know. I remember going to football and basketball games at the earliest of ages. I wasn’t there after the UGA game back in the 70’s when he punch a ‘dawg’ in the nose after not being very gracious in victory (my mom can share the details on that one). I was there when he almost took on the whole Clemson fan base after someone slapped the side of his car when I was around 11 or 12 years old. That was kind of scary. He was smart enough to not get out of his car. I was there when the Basketball ref’s were sooo bad at the GT, Auburn or FSU (can’t quite remember) in the 70’s he threw the program at the refs. It was ok, cause so did everyone else. It was a good harmless fun…except for that UGA fans nose. He was very proud of GT and having his children and Grand children attend there was very special for him. He never stopped loving GT.
There is so much about my Dad I’d love to share, but the most important is how much he loved my mother, sisters, and me. If I was around my Dad, I felt safe and secure. Later in his life, I hope I was able to return the favor.
He loved his Son-in-law and Grandchildren, his parents, sister, and cousins. Some of my favorite memories will always be camping, skiing, and fishing at Lake Lanier. Going to South Georgia and Cape San Blas, FL., were very special. We loved vacationing with them on his side and my mother’s side of the family. I know he cared and loved my Mom’s side like his own.
I hope I made you proud Dad, because you sure made me proud.
William Arthur Hadden Jr.
