Meet Chris O’Kelleys Dad
Sunday is Father’s Day. A day to honor all the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, or Father Figures in Your life. Meet Chris O’Kelley’s Dad.
My father passed away about 6 years ago. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him or miss him. I was the 7th of 8 kids and the 4th of 4 boys. At times, I think he was harder on us boys. He expected more from us. He knew there would come a time when we would become Fathers and run our own homes as well. Looking back on it, I’m so glad he did.
2 Things I Did Not Want To Part Of
There were two things as a kid that I just did not wanna be a part of, but that wasn’t an option with my dad. One was every other Saturday, all 4 boys would have to head to Milton’s barber shop in Seneca, South Carolina, and get a haircut. Looking back on it, as my other brothers got older and it was just him and I. First, we would go to the barbershop and then he would take me to Leonard’s to get hot dogs and an ice-cold glass bottle of Coke. In addition, while sitting there I would listen to my dad tell Army stories with the other men and didn’t realize that I was getting to know that side of my dad. However, I had no idea, and boy would I love to get another hot dog, Coke, and about 2 more hours to hear those stories
The second thing I wanted no part of was Country Music. LOL. He loved country music. His favorite singers were Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard ( Wonder Where I Got It). His all-time favorite was Hank Williams Sr. My Father loved going to Nashville and hitting the Ryman to see The Opry. Every time I go into the Ryman, I get chills thinking that many years apart my Father And I both were in the same building listening to Country Music. Often I think, the seat I’m in now, My Father could have sat there! Still gives me Chills. I look back on those days of hating Country Music, little did I know he was putting me onto my career path.
Lessons I Learned From My Dad
- Treat every woman you meet like your Mother
- Always have on clean shoes, people notice your shoes
- Shake someone’s hand with a firm grip
- Always be on time if not early
- Life isn’t fair, so get out and get yours because It will not be given to you
Pictures of My Dad
So if you don’t mind, I’d like to share my Father with you! My Father, Lester V. (Sammie) O’Kelley.
