My name is Cody Joy and I have been in this church my whole life. I am one of the millions of Joys in this church. I would mention them all by name but no one would get to Sports Page until supper time. I just turned 18 so I don’t have as many years of memories as some of you have had. However, I do have a lot of good ones.
I remember many wonderful Sunday School Classes and teachers from early on and the teachers that made those classes so special. Ladies like Shelby Alexander and Libby Stogner have been definite influences on my life. There are many other teachers that are influential but there are too many to mention in a “memory moment.” I have many years of memories helping with the fish fry. Learning from the best group of fish fryers there are – Danny McClure, Eddie Chapman, David Turner, Eddie Todd, Philip McCord, Tim Sudderth, Todd and Ted Joy and my dad, Kevin. Although I say I learned everything about frying fish from this group, I actually taught them everything they know. I have also been influenced by many great people like Jim Stogner, Sarah Kendrick and Nan & Paw Kenley to name a few. Then there are others like Roger McNeill and, well, what else can you say…
My favorite memory, however, is centered around a very special man. Many of you were fortunate enough to know my grandpa, Ronnie Joy. Although I was only given 5 years with him, they were 5 great years. I knew he loved me and he made me a part of his everyday life. And church was no exception. You see he was responsible for ringing the church bell before and after Sunday School. As far back as I can remember until he passed away, he took me with him to ring the first bell. There’s nothing like holding the hand of your grandpa and ringing what seemed like the largest bell in the world, to make a 3 or 4 year old feel special.
I know there will be many more memories in my future here at Paw Creek, some will be happy and some will be sad. Either way I look forward to sharing all those times with my church family.
