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| Uncle Charlie and Aunt Tammy |
Josh's uncle, Charles Wright, passed away yesterday and I just wanted to take a moment to honor his life. You would have never known what a legend you were among when talking to uncle Charlie, as we called him. From the first time I met him, about 13 years ago, he would always greet me with a big bear hug and a 'Hey girl' as he wrapped his huge arms around me. He was always the first to crack a joke on my not-so-flattering haircuts, or pick on me about the leftover dessert on my face after a Thanksgiving meal. He was always laughing and cutting up, yet always took a moment to look me in the eye and ask 'Seriously though, how are you really doing?'. After listening intensely to whatever was on your mind he would add in his little doses of wisdom so perfectly, and somehow it was exactly what you needed to hear at that moment.
It wasn't until I had known uncle Charlie for about 5 years until I learned of his legendary men's softball status. You would have never known he was one of the greatest legends whom essentially put it on the map as a cool sport to watch and play in the 70's and 80s. The 'Men Of Steel' as they were called, were created in 1979 as living, hulking billboards fore Steele's Sports Company of Grafton, Ohio, a $4.2 million softball- and - baseball - equipment manufacturer. Charles held the all-time season record of 503 homers and was featured in Time magazine and Sports Illustrated and traveled the world for Steele's Sports; Although you would have never heard any of this from uncle Charlie, he was far too humble to boast of himself and his history with the sport.
When we learned of his heart attack we were not surprised to hear that he was doing none other than what he loved to do..playing softball. It is times like these, when God calls up a soldier like Charles to join him, that makes you hug your friends and family a little longer and reminds you to always say I love you.
It wasn't until I had known uncle Charlie for about 5 years until I learned of his legendary men's softball status. You would have never known he was one of the greatest legends whom essentially put it on the map as a cool sport to watch and play in the 70's and 80s. The 'Men Of Steel' as they were called, were created in 1979 as living, hulking billboards fore Steele's Sports Company of Grafton, Ohio, a $4.2 million softball- and - baseball - equipment manufacturer. Charles held the all-time season record of 503 homers and was featured in Time magazine and Sports Illustrated and traveled the world for Steele's Sports; Although you would have never heard any of this from uncle Charlie, he was far too humble to boast of himself and his history with the sport.
When we learned of his heart attack we were not surprised to hear that he was doing none other than what he loved to do..playing softball. It is times like these, when God calls up a soldier like Charles to join him, that makes you hug your friends and family a little longer and reminds you to always say I love you.
We love you and are going to miss you dearly uncle Charlie.
Love, Rachel
I didn't realize you were related to him. He was mentioned in my Sunday School class yesterday. My friend, Courtney Cooper, knew him from his years of softball, as well. Her dad, Sidney, played on several teams with him years ago. Sadly, Mr. Sidney passed away 2 years ago from Lou Gehrigs. They were both outstanding athletes.
ReplyDeleteBeth, what a great story and I'm so glad you knew of him. It sure is a small world, isn't it? I'll have to tell Josh and his family. Thanks so much for leaving a kind note!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you and your family.
ReplyDelete