Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I Bet He'd Laugh if I Called this "Requiem for a Peanut"

I am saddened to report that my Cousin Peanut, a frequent reader - and occasional character - on this blog passed away last week at the age of 63.

Peanut was my dad's cousin, and lived in the Stamey enclave of Hartsville, South Carolina. The nickname came from his premature birth, and the declaration at the time that he was "no bigger than a peanut." Over time, the nickname grew with him, to "The World's Biggest Peanut."

He shared the family grasp on absurdity, and joked about his wife's tendency to get in scraps at the Wal-Mart. He even claimed to wait outside in the "getaway" truck, with the motor running, every time she went shopping. His favorite breakfast was served at a restaurant called Carolina Lunch...which only served breakfast.

He was good and decent, and worked as a millwright for 35 years. He and his wife raised five children in a little house. His kids all married. His kids have kids.

And my condolences to all of them for their terrible loss.

9 comments:

J said...

Well said. Hope you are doing okay.. Perhaps I can make a stew of my own for you this weekend :)

BG said...

a fitting tribute. family- the ones we're born with and the one we choose- is everything. hugs.

Anonymous said...

My condolences on your loss. Better, in time, to celebrate his life than mourn his loss. I look forward to hearing the Peanut Paean six months or a year hence. :)

Brando said...

A very sweet post--my condolences to the rest of the Stamey clan.

Bud said...

You can also leave your condolences here:
http://www.nortonfh.net/

lacochran said...

I'm sorry for your loss. *hug*

Titania said...

I am sorry for your loss, Shannon... this is a very sweet post. besos, y abrazos...

Lemon Gloria said...

I'm so sorry, Shannon.

Dmbosstone said...

Life is short but sweet for certain. My condolences.