A Norvell Note for February 14, 2022
Vol. 26 No. 07
A Good Friend
Good friends are hard to come by, take time and effort to develop, and are painful to lose. Unfortunately, I lost a good friend last week.
I met Carlis and Charlotte Tucker while preaching for the Cameron Avenue Church of Christ in Colonial Heights, Virginia. In August 1993, a major tornado came through the area, causing significant damage to Colonial Heights and Petersburg. Shortly after the storm, Carlis and Charlotte started attending our church were (to use Charlotte’s words), “You baptized Carlis and recaptured me.” That began a beautiful friendship that would last for eternity.
Carlis and Charlotte became hospitality personified by opening their home to our family and the church family for the next seven years. They hosted men’s breakfasts, ladies’ events, birthday parties, Easter Egg Hunts, and more homecooked meals than I can remember. Their “veranda” became a refuge filled with love, laughter, tears, encouraging conversation, and always a good cup of coffee.
Sometime after we moved from Virginia, Carlis and Charlotte sold their country home, bought an RV, and traveled all over the United States, making friends and spreading love and kind-heartedness wherever they went. We were grateful when their explorations brought them near us to share a meal and renew our friendship. Our last visit with Carlis was in a Cracker Barrel (of course) in Lubbock over the Christmas holidays.
Even as a retiree and an immaculate landscaper, Carlis was a hard worker. He was a quiet man but did not hesitate to offer his opinion. At times, I sensed a sadness in Carlis that seemed to come from a feeling of regret that I never completely understood. However, his desire to help others, genuine love, and laughter revealed his true nature. He had a great laugh!
Carlis was never one to seek the limelight, but he was there if there was a fellowship meal to be prepared at church. But, of course, he did it his way, and he did it well. He was willing to help when someone was in need. And he always had a word of encouragement when he sensed someone needed it.
Carlis loved God our church family, and he loved and encouraged our family. He was a good man and a good friend. I miss him.
I loved Carlis Tucker. And I love Charlotte.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
If you would like to read a few of the particulars of Carlis’ life and share a message with Charlotte, go to the link below.
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