Some how you can’t live in Nashville and not love George Jones. I never knew George, but I couldn’t help loving him and his music. And according to the wonderful words everyone spoke at his funeral I’m not the only one who is going to miss him. If you had the opportunity of watching his funeral you know what 
I’m talking about. 
Why I wondered, is everyone saying such nice things about him. I know you aren’t supposed to say bad thing about the dead, at least not right after he died, at him funeral, or in front of his widow, but there is more here.
George was always the common man, a man who sang what we all have wanted to sing, often of lost love, but other failures and disappointments. Like many of us, he had a checkered past. He was know to have a drink or two, too many, too often. He also suffered with drug addictions; but like so many others he was able to conquer these “demons”, as he called them.
Again, like the common man he was, he did not conquer them without the help of others. He turned his life around because of his love for his wife Nancy, and her love for him. In addition he came to know the love of God and found solace, comfort, and strength in Him.
I learned this from watching his funeral. I learned a lot more, too! Charlie Daniels walked to the microphone with a spiral bound note book. Open it and began to read his tribute to George. I was awed! It was a beautiful piece of prose or really poetry, filled with colorful four syllable words. Yes, four syllables, not four letters.
Vince Gill was so choked with emotion he could hardly sing. Former First Lady Laura Bush, gave a very impassioned eulogy. Alan Jackson delivered his version of George’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, and left not a dry eye in the room, including our living room.
But,one of my favorite men there, was Rev. Michael Wilson. Mike is a friend of mine and I was truly surprised to see him there. He was the personal pastor of George and Nancy! His words were so comforting, so inspiring, so down to earth. I told Mary I wanted Mike to preach at my funeral. Not that I’m planning to need one in the foreseeable future, but it’s best to be prepared! If you do not know Mike, you need to. I will not tell you his story, but I will say he is an incredible individual. He and his wife have adopted two Haitian girls and have started an orphanage in Haiti. Please go to his web site, www.mylifespeaks.com. (Mike would not like me promoting him at Georges funeral, but I’m sure George would love it.) George was know as a very generous man. He and his wife helped more individuals then could be mentioned here or at the celebration of his life – funeral. 
At left is a picture of Mike standing in front of his clothes dryer in Haiti! Thanks Mike for inspiring me Thursday and many times in the past. My readers and I will continue to pray for you, your family, and your ministry.
And readers, think of George when you get down on yourself or when you feel your failures are surpassing your successes. Remember Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson when you feel showing your emotions is childish or less than mature. Then remember too, what Mike told us Thursday. Christ went to visit his friends and found their brother Lazarus dead. “And Jesus wept.” John11:35
Thanks everyone for visiting this site. Have a good weekend. And please share this review with your friends who knew George, and those who you feel may need to borrow some of his philosophy. And finally if you or anyone you know are looking for a way to help out in Haiti, please send this on to them, too. They will appreciate it, and so will Mike! Oh, so will I!!