By Charles Halton on Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 3:20 pm
The last two weeks have been really busy for me. I taught a one-week intensive course, Old Testament Introduction, Part II. The class was really fantastic; I had great students and it was wonderful to have a very focused time to discuss this topic.
After my last class I found out that my grandfather, Ivan Kenneth Mays, passed away. He was a man of great accomplishments–he commanded the air rescue squadron of the South Pacific based on Iwo Jima during WWII which rescued hundreds of downed airmen including George H. W. Bush, he was a test pilot and one of the first people to ever reach Mach 2, he held many patents, and he raised two wonderful daughters, was a fantastic grandfather and great-grandfather, and a devoted husband to my grandmother for 66 years of marriage.
He was also a wonderful Christian man who ended every conversation with me by saying, “We love you and we are praying for you.” He was a source of incredible support and encouragement to all of his grandchildren. He was always interested in what I was studying and I remember last Christmas in which I took copies of the Sumerian tablets that I’m translating to Austin and we read over them together.
Just a little while ago I landed my first full-time academic job as an Instructor of Old Testament Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I checked my box during the intensive class and found a stack of notepads with my name and title on it–I even have an office and stuff. It is very exciting to have my first academic appointment. I am very thankful that I was able to share this excitement with my grandfather before he died since his support, prayers, and encouragement have been instrumental throughout my life. SDG
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Comment by Angela Erisman
Made Thursday, 26 of June , 2008 at 5:14 pm
Hi Charles,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May his memory be a blessing (sounds like it is).
Congrats on the stationery!
Comment by Kevin P. Edgecomb
Made Thursday, 26 of June , 2008 at 10:34 pm
My condolences, Charles. May his memory be eternal!
It’s good you got to share that with him. Congratulations.
Comment by James Pate
Made Friday, 27 of June , 2008 at 1:25 am
He sounds like a remarkable man! My condolences.
Comment by Shane Cass
Made Friday, 27 of June , 2008 at 8:17 am
Sounds like a man who lived a full life. My condolences to you and your family.
Comment by Jay
Made Friday, 27 of June , 2008 at 12:05 pm
Thanks for the reminiscence and I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m sure he’d be proud of your new position. Congratulations on that.
Comment by David Esrati
Made Friday, 27 of June , 2008 at 11:37 pm
Charles, I’m proud of you for your new job- as I’m sure your grandfather was. Remarkable people have remarkable offspring.
I’m sure we’re only witnessing the beginning of a grand career on your part.
Sorry for your loss- but, then again- how many people have gone Mach 2?
I’m sure he thought it was a hell of a ride.
Comment by Adam McCollum
Made Saturday, 28 of June , 2008 at 2:27 pm
I’m glad you have such fond memories of your grandfather, ×–”ל. Congratulations again on the appointment at Southern!
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Made Wednesday, 2 of July , 2008 at 10:23 am
[...] both Ed Cook and Charles Halton landed new teaching gigs. Congrats to you [...]
