We were supposed to eat dinner with you Monday night but instead you went on to glory. I'm so thankful for the time I had with you. But what I wouldn't give to have one more conversation with you about the wars you fought in, hear your words of advice, and your hey beautiful every time I saw you. You had a way of making everyone, whether a complete stranger or family, feel special. You made a lasting impression on my life as well as many others. You were the best Pappaw I could've asked for. You loved my family like your own and I will be forever grateful for that. I couldn't thank you enough for all you've done for me and I want others to know what your life was like.
Although Pappaw Dexter was 92 years old, it still didn't seem like he should have left us. Of course when you experience the loss of a loved one, no time seems right. You can't believe they're really gone. One part of you wants to sit and continue crying and thinking about all the good times you had. The other part of you knows how happy your loved one is and that they are no longer suffering. I have the hope of seeing Pappaw again one day because I know he lived his life for Jesus. He was a warrior here on earth-both in the Kingdom of God and for his country. Dexter Worrell was a man loved by many. He was, and always will be, my Pappaw. In honor of his life, I would like to share a biography I wrote about him last year for one of my writing classes, based on a phone conversation/ interview with him. I hope others will be as inspired by this godly man as I have been.
William Dexter Worrell (Pappaw)
William Dexter Worrell Jr. was born on April 10, 1925 in Glace, West Virginia (Monroe County). His parents were William Dexter Sr. and Leola Worrell and he had 9 siblings: Geneva who was stillborn, Eva, Felma, Wyatt, Bernice, Homer, Matt, Melburn, and Jeanie. He has six children. He has lived in a total of 4 states including Texas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana. However, he has physically been in a total of 40-45 of the 50 states. In his younger years, he was a gunner for merchant ships in the Navy, also known as part of the “Armed Guard.” While his brother(s) were drafted for World War II, he volunteered to fight for the love of his country. This played a role in his travel to other states. Besides fighting in World War II, Dexter Worrell was a preacher and pastored in three different states, one of which was Indiana. He considers his greatest accomplishment in life to be when he found the Lord, or when he received Christ as his Savior. He led hundreds of people to the Lord during services held at churches he pastored or those he traveled to. Because of his background in church and his commitment to the Lord, he states that the most valuable life lesson he has learned is “trust in the Lord.” His piece of advice to me was “Give your heart to the Lord in the day of your youth.”
William Dexter Worrell was a man of honor. Not only did he serve our country but he also served the Lord and made a difference for the Kingdom of God while on this earth. He has impacted countless lives, including my own. A family friend since before I was born, he was there through several milestones in my life. Although his health did not always allow him to travel, I knew he would always be there for me and that he would have some sort of life lesson to extend to me when I saw him next. He enjoyed running around town and going out to eat. He liked to travel to different churches and the ministry was his life. Pappaw won hundreds of souls for the Lord. He was a prayer warrior and you would know when he had been on his knees. He was one of the most generous people I've ever met and one of his favorite expressions was “Until you’re better paid.” He loved his family beyond measure and wanted to make sure they were well taken care of. I am so thankful for the love, support, and godly influence that William Dexter Worrell has been in my life and I hope this account of his life will give him some of the honor due him.
Hold your loved ones tight because you never know which day will be your last with them. Cherish the smallest details. Let them know how much you appreciate them. Don't take your family for granted because someday, you won't be able to tell them how much they mean to you. You can only hope you showed it enough.
Pappaw, you are loved, and will be missed. I can't wait to see you again someday!