It was three years ago today that I lost my Papa.

Jul 4, 2015, 1:43 AM

I know I've posted this before, but I still feel the need to post it again on this day.

On July 4th, 2012, exactly three years ago today, I lost my grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa".

He was a Clemson man. He was recruited to play football by both South Carolina and Clemson. However, his dad thought that South Carolina "wanted to give too many gifts". He had offers from many colleges, but his dad thought the Clemson coaches were the most down to Earth recruiters they'd ever met; and thus, he went to Clemson.

He played for two seasons under legendary coach Frank Howard, including in the 1959 Sugar Bowl against Louisiana State University. http://imgur.com/wwKnA4j

However, family responsibilities required him to retire from college football. Even though he was no longer playing, Howard let him keep his football scholarship.

He went to just about every football game throughout the years, until his knee started giving him trouble. After multiple surgeries, doctors decided it was best to amputate his leg. Of course, he did what any Clemson man would do after a surgery like that and got himself a Clemson leg. http://imgur.com/zVNTrR4

He also loved his country and his state. He often gave money to the Wounded Warriors project throughout his life. He also served in the U.S. Army and National Guard Reserves, and served in the SC House of Representatives from 1980-1988.

His death impacted many people. Shortly after, the SC House of Representatives passed a bill in his name, which was a great honor to him and our family.

Maybe it was fitting he passed on the fourth. Maybe it was fitting that he passed on the day that honors our country, considering how much he honored it in life.

He was a patriotic man. A Clemson man. But most of all, a family man. And I miss him more than I can describe.

R.I.P. Papa. December 17, 1938-July 4, 2012

And with that, have a happy Fourth. Drive safe, y'all.

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That is a great story 6317. It inspired me to post this picture of the grandfather I never had the pleasure of meeting. Thanks for making me a Tiger granddaddy!

In 1935 my grandfather, John Flowers of Camden, accepted a scholarship to play for NC State. Somehow they initially won out over Clemson and several other of the big programs in the southeast at that time. There were no national letters of intent in those days, and upon arriving in Raleigh to find a bunch of foul mouthed city boys he decided to give Frank Howard a call to see if his scholarship was still good (Frank was an assistant under Neely then). Yes it was, and with nothing holding him back he jumped on his motorcycle and headed to Tiger Town. Thank god.

As many of you know, during that time all freshman had to play for the freshman team. All sophomores and up played for the varsity team. During a game in his freshman campaign he fractured his shin so badly that it meant the end of his playing career. Similar to your story 6317, Howard came to the hospital and told my grandfather that the scholarship was still on the table even though his playing career was over. His knee was permanently injured so badly that it kept him from being in WWII. He decided it was time to start a family and get to work and later opened a Shell Gas Station in the Camden area. Thanks for paving the way for me to become a Tiger granddad. I can't wait to see you one day.

(Picture note) - My grandfather was a part of four straight, state finalist teams at Camden from 1931 to 1934. That's him on the first row in the middle as captain. He was a big guy for back then. If anyone has any family history connected to that time in Camden and at Clemson I would love to hear from you. Thanks again for sharing that 6317!

It was three years ago today that I lost my Papa.

Re: It was three years ago today that I lost my Papa.

Thank you. That really means a ton.***

A fine tribute to a great man. No doubt he was proud of his

^^^^^I Agree Also^^^^^***

Thanks as always, Hartins.***

Great story! Thanks!

I really know how you feel.

For sure. It's always rough losing someone so close to you.

Re: It was three years ago today that I lost my Papa.

Thanks for your awesome story, Smed!***

Re: Thanks for your awesome story, Smed!***

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