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I just returned from the funeral service for a dear friend and brother in Christ, Capt. Tim Peebles of the Hall County Fire Department.
Tim was a great friend and a great man. He had a positive impact on the lives of all he came in contact with. He even had a positive impact on those who never met him in person.
As a fire fighter and emergency medical technician in Hall County for 25 years, the county is full of people who have been touched in some way by Peebles' dedication and sacrifice.
I am reminded of the time our house caught on fire. Tim who was not on duty that night, heard the call on his scanner. He called us on the cell phone to check on us even before the first fire truck arrived.
The day my wife's dad had a heart attack, Tim was the first face she saw when she walked in the emergency room. He sat and cried with us and prayed with us. That is the kind of man Tim was.
I have known Tim and his wife, Dawn, since I met my wife in 1995 and then later on came their precious daughter, Makayla. We have spent many great moments with them over the years. We have laughed together and cried to together. The memories are many ones we will cherish forever.
Memories that comes to my mind are the Christmas Eves at my wife's parents house. For the past 12 years every Christmas Eve we would grill steaks and share Christmas memories and build new ones. This was a tradition that started the Christmas after Tim's mother passed away when he was around 12 years old. I have been privileged to be a part of this special time since I married my wife, Jill.
My mother-in-law recalls the Christmas when Tim showed up at their door with a fruit basket. This tradition continued until this past Christmas when Tim was too sick to come.
As I sat and listened at the funeral service today, I was not sad for him. Sure I will miss seeing him and talking with him. I will defiantly miss cooking steaks with him. I know, however, this was not goodbye, but I will see you again soon. Tim had completed his journey on earth. He had fought the good fight. God had a mansion ready in heaven for him and was ready for Tim to move in with him.
In death, Tim lost nothing but a body that was ravaged with sickness and pain, but oh what he gained! He now worships at the feet of Jesus. He is free from the pain and sickness that so ravaged his body. He walks on a street of gold. He has had a reunion with his mom and dad that will last for eternity.
He is not granted this privilege because he was a great man, although Tim was a great man. He was a great husband, father and friend. Above all of this he was a great Christian who lived his faith so that all could see who he belonged to.
Tim, we love you our brother in Christ, we'll see you again soon. Save me a place at the Lord' table.
the Rev. John Spinks
Oakwood