Father’s Day 2024
As his oldest child, I had a front-row seat on my Dad, Clayton Iles’, evolution from a quiet, reserved young father to an exuberant middle-aged man.
At each season of his life, he was consistently the remarkable man everyone loved.
The Victory Dance
During my sister Claudia’s basketball career, Daddy perfected his famous Victory Dance.
After each playoff victory, he’d celebrate to the delight and astonishment of the crowd. (See Coach Herman Ray Hill on Daddy’s right.)
At some point, Daddy incorporated the Victory Dance into his long softball career. Each home run or big win would result in a home plate dance.
People would glance at me, glove under my arm, as I slowly shook my head and grinned.
What else could I say?
My Daddy, Clayton Iles, was one of a kind, and he was the real deal.
Thoughts on Father’s Day 2024
I’m so grateful for my father, Clayton Iles, on this special day.
Despite being gone for 21 years, I see my father’s fingerprints all over the hearts of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anyone who knew Daddy would agree he was a remarkable man. He had a spontaneous love and joy for the Lord and others, especially young people.
He was a wonderful father to Colleen, Claudia, and me, but I’m equally grateful for the father-figure he was to hundreds of youth during his long ministry. Along with my Mom, his heart was open to every teenager, especially those who might be considered downtrodden by others.
Daddy’s job was surveying for the Highway Department, but his passion was pouring himself into others so he could direct them to Jesus.
My teen friends would often ask, “What’s your Daddy really like at home?”
I’d shrug. “He’s no different at home than he is in public.”
He was a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of guy.
He was the real deal.
He lived a memorable life.
And he was my Daddy.