Today I am remembering the life of my father in law, Ray Andrews.
We received word yesterday morning that he passed away and went to his forever home in heaven.
Just to let you know a little about him…
He was such a godly man, husband, father, and grandfather. He raised four wonderful children who all have become godly adults. He was an incredible husband who served as a servant leader in his home.
He was an excellent Army Officer. He served two combat tours in Vietnam flying Chinooks. During those tours he fearlessly flew into fire and saved countless lives through his actions. He survived a helicopter crash in Korea.
He was a Professor of Military Science at Presbyterian College. While serving a the PMS he got the Army ROTC Programs started at the University of South Carolina and Lander College.
He was also a dedicated teacher. He taught math in Laurens District 55 schools, served as Administrator for Spartanburg Christian Academy, and also served as a mentor for future educators.
And he was a godly ministry leader who led music at churches all over the country.
As my brother in law said, “It was fitting that he passed away on Sunday morning in time to join the most amazing eternal worship service in heaven.”
My husband is traveling to be with his family this week. One of the hardships of the military that I feel so deeply is the distance that we live from our families. It is hard for the kids and I to be away at this time, but our prayers are with Keith’s family as they both grieve the loss of this great man and celebrate the full life that he lived.
I created this scrapbook layout earlier this year and this photo of him and Will is one of my favorites. This photo was taken in Germany. I was not yet pregnant with Jenny and Will was only two years old. We were visiting Edelweiss on a Chaplain’s retreat and Keith’s parents were also visiting Keith’s sister and her husband who were also stationed in Germany with the Army.
Keith’s dad was one of the most honorable and encouraging men I knew. Every time we visited he took a moment to tell me that I was doing a good job with our children. Mothering these four precious children that God has so richly blessed us with is my highest priority and also the source of my greatest feelings of failure. It’s the one thing I want to get right. Somehow, he knew that and always made time to encourage me when I needed it.
When our girls were born so premature and were in the NICU for weeks, he took such an active role in being there. He marveled at how even as tiny as they were, and as early as they came, every detail of them was perfectly formed, even down to their itty bitty fingernails. I remember standing over the incubators looking down on my twin girls with Keith’s dad by my side.
When I was raising our girls their first year, by myself while Keith was deployed to Iraq, I wasn’t alone. Keith’s parents gave me an incredible amount of support. I regret that I didn’t tell them how much I appreciated that. I regret that I didn’t always appreciate it as I should have. He and Keith’s mom took the middle of the night feeding when I was feeding my babies every three hours around the clock. He went with me to give them shots every 28 days through RSV season. He gave and gave and didn’t ask for anything in return.
He was there for the birth of every one of our children and held them with such care and love.
This summer my girls were able to play chess with their Grandpa. It is a memory that I hope they hold on to forever.
We were also able to take him to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. It is a memory that I will hold on to forever.
Keith’s dad was the best man in our wedding. My husband respected and loved his father so much and for good reason. He was a shining example for Keith in how to be a husband to me and a father to our children. Throughout his life, his dad showed him, through his own example, how to be a servant leader.
The legacy that Ray Andrews has handed down to his family and to all who knew him is great.
I am proud to be a part of the family that this great man fathered and led.
Pam in Missouri says
This is a really wonderful tribute to your father-in-law. I’m sorry for your loss but rejoice in the wonderful relationship you had with him.
Jennifer Scruggs says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and a life well-lived. Praying especially for you and your kiddos as you are in TX trying to keep routines normal for them, far away from family as they celebrate Ray’s life. I will also be praying for Connie Jo in the days and weeks to come. I am praying safe travels for Keith and for a comforting time of fellowship with his family. I love your guts!
Jennifer
Connie Hammett says
We are very saddened by the news of the passing of one of the most wonderful Godly men we have known, Ray Andrews, our love and prayers are sent to the families during this time of great loss. During my moms lifetime at First North, he was her ALL TIME favorite soloist. We will miss him in this life but look forward to Another Day, when we all we be gathered together again. I’m sure he and Johnny Harlow are having a wonderful time together!