"Cool Whip"

C.W. Smith

January 15, 1953 - May 30, 2008

When I worked at Mae's Restaurant in Seven Springs, I served breakfast to this gentle man a lot. He alway's had stories and jokes to tell. He will be greatly missed! When I was given the news of his death, my heart was torn. I just kept thinking of his sweet wife, who slept beside him the night before having no idea that it was going to be their last night side by side as husband and wife. I was thinking about his three daughters, three "sons", and 2 grandbabies. I was thinking about his parents who have now buried two of their three children. I received the news of his heart attack right before we left for the Center Street Jam. Mom called me. She had just served breakfast to him that morning and he was being his silly normal self. "Good morning Shortcake". "Good morning Cool Whip". Mom and Jackie didn't know that would be the last meal they would serve him. We were going to the Center Street Jam to share the gospel with strangers. Mom said through tears, "talk to lots of people, Shayna. Because you never know." That's right. We never know. And as we drove around Goldsboro that night I just kept thinking "what if this is my last night with Tony... my sweet husband, my bestest friend, my true love..." And we went into Wal-mart and saw my parents and talked to them for a little while. "That could be the last time I see them..." My mind just kept racing with these thoughts. And as I lay in bed that night, beside my Tony, tears still rolled down my face. Just knowing that we have no control over when we're going to die. And knowing that it is going to happen to everyone some day. And knowing that someone I love may die that very night. For it is appointed a man once to die... There were lots of tears shed that day and I prayed alot for this family!! My sweet, sweet husband comforted me with the Truths of scripture. I wish I could remember all he told me that night. All I know is that his words did comfort me and GOD did give me peace. I am so blessed to have Tony Denham as my husband!!!! I will be forever grateful! Yesterday, I went with mom to the funeral service. There were lots of people. There were lots of cars. C.W. Smith was greatly loved by many. And he will be greatly missed! But as the pastor said yesterday, his death should remind us to not take our time on this earth for granted and it also reminds us that we will all one day die. He preached the gospel and I am so glad that he did! A call to trust in Jesus Christ alone! We should live each day as if it were our last, because one day we will be right. I continue to pray for this dear family, that God will comfort them in a way that only HE can, and give them a peace that passes all understanding!!