Illustration: The Legacy of a Friendly Wave
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professor of preaching and Russell Chair of Christian Ministry at Cincinnati Christian University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Updated
November 08, 2012
CBS Sunday morning news told the poignant story of Woody Davis, a man from Corbett, Ore., who was known for always helping out his neighbors. He frequently would take out his front loader and help with large tasks. His deeds were done gratis, refusing to accept money for his deeds. He also was known for waving at everyone he saw, regardless of whether he knew them.
The town decided to do something nice for him. They started with cutting and stacking wood. Some fixed his car. Some fixed him a fine wooden box. The whole town signed the box. However, the box had a purpose. It was a casket for Woody. He was dying from ALS. He never lost his positive attitude, even saying he was glad he was dying slowly so he could enjoy all the good wishes people were sending him. Woody got to hear the eulogy before he died.
Woody did die. The crowd was so huge they had to hold the service in a neighboring town. After the service, Woody's casket, signed by the town's people, was borne on a horse-drawn carriage to the graveyard. What did people do to further honor Woody? They stood on the side of the road and waved a Woody-style wave as the casket passed.
The town decided to do something nice for him. They started with cutting and stacking wood. Some fixed his car. Some fixed him a fine wooden box. The whole town signed the box. However, the box had a purpose. It was a casket for Woody. He was dying from ALS. He never lost his positive attitude, even saying he was glad he was dying slowly so he could enjoy all the good wishes people were sending him. Woody got to hear the eulogy before he died.
Woody did die. The crowd was so huge they had to hold the service in a neighboring town. After the service, Woody's casket, signed by the town's people, was borne on a horse-drawn carriage to the graveyard. What did people do to further honor Woody? They stood on the side of the road and waved a Woody-style wave as the casket passed.