Baggett Memorial Concrete bench

In honor of Cindy's dad, J.L. Baggett, Jr., who worked in the concrete construction industry, we added a bench to our flower garden this spring. Her brother, John Dale Baggett, also worked in for concrete companies across the country before his death almost five years ago. JL was proud of his work and was the man they called to finish the job, or correct someone's mistake. He was especially proud of his work completing the Denver stadium. (Cindy and her mom, Winnie pictured above)

Rajaan Bennett, local high school athlete

I was deeply saddened to read about the death of a fine young athlete a few weeks ago. As I have read and listened to the news after his death, I have realized this young man was special. At the age of 10, his dad died and he had to become the man of the house. He spent time helping his younger "special needs" brother, and also became a star football player at McEachern High School, while maintaining a high grade point average. He was recruited by several colleges and recently signed to play at Vanderbilt. But that was before the morning of Feb 18th, when he was killed by his mother's ex-boyfriend in the early morning hours. Why? We will never know the answer to that question because his killer then turned the gun on himself. Rajaan Bennett was a special young man, and it seems he affected the lives of all 2000 students at McEachern High. We are left to wonder what his life would have been like, and his mother, sister and brother are left to wonder how they will live without him. There are many articles about Rajaan on AJC.com - here is the link to one about the special memorial service at the high school last week.

Just 8 days before he died, Rajaan turned in a literature assignment -an essay on "Strength". This was published in Sunday's AJC and since I can not find a link to the article, I will post it below:

"Somebody once told me that 'I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me.'(Phillipians 4:13)

Life hasn't been a walk in the park for me, but I'm thankful for the obstacles, hardships, and accomplishments that God has provided for me. If it wasn't for Him, I wouldn't be the Rajaan Bennett that you know today. I wouldn't have things any other way.

Strength is the ability to do or bear things in the state of being strong. In the year 2000, I moved from the streets of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to the suburbs of Powder Springs. A year later, my dad died in a horrible car wreck, and as a 10-year-old, I knew he wasn't coming back. This tragedy rattled me to the core. I felt as if there was no need for me to live. I wanted to be as happy as the kids with dads and moms.

Some days I would wonder - why me? But eventually, I realized that it was my turn to become a man. As I became older, I came to notice that in life you use strength as a blanket to protect you from this cold world.

I am the oldest of three and I have a brother with special needs whom I have to take care of. I have to balance school, sports, friends and family - and it gets so hard, but I push myself. I push myself like a sprinter who is neck and neck with an opponent with 10 meters left. With the strength that I possess, I feel that I'm Hercules.

I matured faster that all my friends - and there will never be a time that I will give up. I may complain, I may refuse, and I may even cry about it, but I know I have to do what I have to do.

I work hard at whatever I do - just for that Man upstairs to smile down on me with the rays of the sun...and they feel so warm. My drive cannot be stopped or even slowed down, because every obstacle has a way around it. Every day I become stronger from the weights physically, the books mentally, and life emotionally.

There is no limit to my strength and at the end of the day, I want to be known as the strongest.

Canadian Brass Trumpeter, Fred Mills

Fred Mills
(Click to view Guest book)
MONROE, Ga. (AP) - University of Georgia music professor Fred Mills, a Grammy nominee who made numerous records as a trumpeter with the Canadian Brass quintet and performed with several orchestras, has died, the school said Tuesday.

He was 74. The university said he was killed Monday night (Sept 7) in a car crash in Walton County, about 45 miles east of Atlanta. UGA officials said Mills was driving to his Athens home from Atlanta's airport after an overseas trip.

Mills joined the university's faculty in 1996. Besides teaching trumpet, he coached a graduate brass quintet, The Bulldog Brass Society. He had attended the Juilliard school of music in New York, where he got his first job offer even before he graduated.

As a trumpeter, the Canada native performed across the globe - from Sweden's Brass Nova to Orquesta Sinfonica de Aguascalientes in Mexico.

In 1961, he was a founding member of the American Symphony Orchestra in New York. He also was pr incipal trumpet for the New York City Opera, and played with the National Art Centre Orchestra in Canada and the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

Mills also recorded more than 40 albums with the Canadian Brass and was nominated for a Grammy award in 1992.

A statement on the Canadian Brass Web site called Mills a "Canadian treasure who changed the world's musical perspective."

The statement also said he "spent over fifty years helping establish the trumpet as a beautiful, lyrical voice amongst solo orchestral instruments."

UGA officials called Mills an "inspiration to all who knew him."

"One of the finest performers and teachers of his generation, he was at the same time a warm and generous colleague and a dear friend." said Dale Monson, director of the music school.

a special person now in Heaven - Dr. J.R.Faulkner

I decided to add this obit to my blog "to those who left their mark" because Dr. Faulkner was one of those special men in our lives. Not only was he the song leader when we attended Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN (during our four years of college.) He was also one of the leaders of Tennessee Temple College and performed our wedding in the chapel of HPBC on June 4th, 1977. We are looking forward to that day when we will see him again in Heaven. The funeral service is at 2pm today and it can be heard online at WDYN.com.
The OBIT from the Chattanooga News-Free Press:

Dr. J.R. Faulkner Jr

Dr. J.R. Faulkner Jr., 95, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. He was former pastor at Highland Park Baptist Church and past president of Tennessee Temple University.
Dr. J.R. Faulkner was preceded in death by his wife, Magdalene “Matsie” Faulkner.
Survivors include his five sons and their wives, the Rev. Dr. Randy and Connie Faulkner, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Robert and Donna Faulkner, of Chattanooga, the Rev. Paul and Diana Faulkner, of Chattanooga, Peter and Judy Faulkner of Valdosta, Ga., and the Rev. Steve and Judy Faulkner, of Simcoe, Ontario; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and from noon to 2 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2009, at the church with Rev. David Bouler officiating.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Highland Park Baptist Church, Tennessee Temple University, 1907 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404; Baptist International Missions, 8614 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, TN 37341; or Camp Joy, 1907 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404.
Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.

His Biography can be read at www.mem.com(click to read)

remembering Mark Rice

click to view/sign Guest Book

Approximately 8 fire trucks from the Charlotte Fire Dept led the processional to the graveside service.

The funeral service for my cousin Mark Rice was on Friday. It was a celebration of his life and even though we cried a lot, mom and I were honored to be there for this day. The best word to describe the service would be amazing. I have never been to a funeral quite like this one. Mark was a member of the Charlotte Fire Dept and it was truly amazing to see the display of support the firemen gave their "brother" as over 100 firemen walked in to take their seat for the funeral. Then after the family was seated, the Charlotte Fire Dept Pipe Band marched in to begin the service. There were about 10 bagpipers and 8 drummers and they were dressed in Scottish kilts. They played "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" and ended with "Amazing Grace" before marching back out. It was like a scene from a movie, only this was real life. A wave of emotion swept over the audience.

As the two Pastors and the Fire Dept Chaplain spoke to the congregation, it was apparent that they too were moved with emotion this day. It was a sad but happy day as we recognize Mark is now home with God, no more suffering and pain. Mark's Pastor mentioned that the last words from Mark were written on a white board because he could not talk during his last three weeks, "I have never turned my back on Jesus Christ." Mark had also told his mother last week to quit worrying about him and "keep her focus on Jesus." Even in his last days, he was trying to encourage others. The music was very appropriate for the service. I do not know if Mark chose the songs or not. The soloist sang "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy." The congregation sang two hymns, "To God Be the Glory" and "It Is Well With My Soul" and the soloist ended with a medley of songs which included "Sweet Hour of Prayer," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." So fitting was this last song.

Mark's testimony was such that he spent his last few months witnessing to everyone he came into contact with. He loved the Lord and he wanted to serve the Lord with all his heart and soul. I am happy to know that Mark is in Heaven now, rejoicing with the Lord and his dad and many others that are already there.

Click to read Obituary


As we approached the entrance to Sharon Memorial Cemetery, a ladder truck was fully extended with a huge American flag.

Darrell Mark Rice (March 3, 1956 - November 17, 2008)

It was just a year ago that my Uncle Jimmy Rice died. This week we were saddened to lose another member of our family when his son, Mark Rice, died after a courageous 6 month battle with cancer. The following obit was posted at the Charlotte Observer:
Darrell Mark Rice

Mr. Rice, 52, of Charlotte, died Monday, November 17, 2008 at his home. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Worship Center of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. A service to celebrate Mark's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2008 from the Worship Center with The Reverend Dr. Stephen N. Rummage and Reverend John Harrill officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
Mark was born March 3, 1956 in Charlotte, the son of Alva Rice of Charlotte and the late James 'Jimmy' Rice. He was a 1974 graduate of Garinger High School and a veteran of the US Navy. He was a 1984 graduate of LeTourneau College and retired as a Master Sergeant with the NC Air National Guard. Mark served as an Engineer of Engine 29 with the Charlotte Fire Department and was a longtime member of the church he loved, Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
Mark will be remembered for his love of God and as a loving husband, father, and son. He aspired to be a great father and role model for his son, Zach and he was committed to the Golden Rule of 'do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.' Mark enjoyed traveling with his wife, Karen and he looked forward to camping and spending time outdoors and playing sports with Zach. Mark never met a stranger and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his mother, Alva, Mark is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Karen Kerr Rice, their son, Zachary Luke Rice, sisters-in-law, Robin Kerr and Gail Kerr and her husband, Blaine Gregory, and two nieces, Sara Gregory and Emily Gregory, all of Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the family for Zachary Luke Rice or to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215.
Condolence to the family may be offered at www.mem.com. Arrangements by McEwen - Mint Hill Chapel.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 11/20/2008

remembering John

This month we remember Cindy's brother John. He was born on April 20, 1960 and sadly his life was cut short by a drunk driver while working on the job in Orlando just over 2 years ago.

Link to previous post after John's death

James Darrell Rice (September 12, 1930 - November 1, 2007)

My mother's brother Jim died this past week. A lot of people will miss him, most of all his wife of 56 years, Alva and his son Mark and family. We sorrow not as "those who have no hope" because we know we shall see him again in Heaven someday. Cindy and I will travel in the morning and take Mom and Dad to Charlotte for the funeral. view the guestbook

Obituary from the Charlotte Observer:
James Darrell Rice Mr. Rice, 77 of Charlotte died Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the Brian Center. Born in Glen Hendrick, WV on September 12, 1930, Jim was the son of the late John Sherman Rice and Ethel Mae Allen Rice. He served with the US Army during the Korean War and following his discharge moved to Charlotte. Mr. Rice had been employed as a printer with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He retired after 15 years of service. He was an active member of the former Shamrock Drive Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon and a greeter, a role that fit Jim well, for he was known for his warm and welcoming smile. Mr. Rice took great interest in his grandson attending his sporting events, chapel services and school functions. His wife described him as 'a Godly and faithful man and loving husband and father.' Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alva Hill Rice of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karen Rice and grandson, Zachary Rice, all of Charlotte; sisters, Louise McDaniel of Jefferson City, TN, and Martha Franklin of Cowpens, SC. The family will receive friends Monday, November 5th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Mike Jamison and Reverend Stephen Rummage officiating. Interment will take place in Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Grace Crossing Church, POB 44248, Charlotte, NC, 28215 or the Alzheimer's Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC, 28215. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements. Published in the Charlotte Observer from 11/3/2007 - 11/4/2007.

family photo album

We purchased an Epson all-in-one printer/scanner/copier yesterday. Now I can scan all of our old photos we took back in the day. I am posting my first one for the family history blog. This is a photo of a very young Carl with J.L. and Mam-ma Baggett taken in the summer of 1977 on the Galveston Ferry in Texas.

Baggett family photos

Cindy with her best buddy, cousin Leslie. She still talks about how she cried when he had to go to school for first grade!

I was able to get some old family photos recently from Aunt Robbie in Arkansas and scan them onto a CD at Walmart. I have started a Baggett family photo album online at my kodak gallery. For now the photos are from the 1950's-1970's, but will try to add more as I can. We were looking at more photos today of baby Josh and his cousin baby Brandy kissing. Can't wait to post that one! I also plan to do a Franklin family photo album. You should see the pictures I took as a kid of my sisters Debbie and Loretta posing for the camera! I also have photos from the 3rd anniversary celebration of the church my father founded in Cowpens, Calvary Baptist Church, photos from 1968.

Baggett family photos

Last time we visited Arkansas, I was able to pick up a collection of old family photos from Aunt Robbie. Here are a few to share with you all and remember those good old days!





This photo of the Baggett men was taken in the 1950's.

From left to right - J.L. (Cindy's dad), David, Kelsea, Ralph(Sonny), Leslie, Joe and to the right is Mildred (mam-ma)

A photo of Cindy with her mam-ma (Mildred) Baggett also take in the 1950's.

A photo from a long time ago! Now who could that be???

Ralph Morris Baggett (September 5, 1934-May 19, 2006)

Cindy's Uncle Sonny passed away Friday night, May 19, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Here is his obit from the Pine Bluff Commercial...

Ralph Baggett

Ralph Morris Baggett, 71, of Pine Bluff, died Friday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.He was born Sept. 5, 1934, at Pine Bluff, a son of the late Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett.He was reared and received his early education at Pine Bluff.
He also attended the U.S. Army Armor School.He served in the Navy, Arkansas National Guard and the Army where he was an SP3 with the Armored Division. He also served in the 153rd Infantry and the U.S. Chemical Corps. Medical Laboratories Volunteers.He worked as a millwright for International Paper for 38 years before retiring as a supervisor in 1996.He was a member of the Sahara Shriners, Masons, and the American Legion.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Westerfield Baggett, whom he married at Greenville, Miss., his second wife, Dee Martin Baggett, whom he married Oct. 4, 1980 at Pine Bluff, and a brother, J. L. Baggett.Survivors include three sons, Chris Baggett and Zack Westerfield, both of Pine Bluff and Randy Baggett of Miami; a daughter, Christy Garner of Pine Bluff; three brothers, Kelsea Baggett of Garden Grove, Calif., and Leslie Baggett and David Baggett, both of Sheridan; a sister, Robbie Blackstock of Pine Bluff; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Carlin Gray officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Branch Cemetery. Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La., 71103.The family will be at the home of Robbie Blackstock at 5001 S. Main St.

Charles Clinton Franklin (July 9, 1882-Jan. 8, 1946)

photo of the portrait of C.C.Franklin that hangs on the wall in my living room

I just discovered some family history on my dad's side recently. My grandfather, C.C. (Charlie) Franklin, was an active church member, deacon, song leader, and more at the First Baptist Church of Clifton, S.C. The church is located just around the corner from the old "homestead" and about 10 minutes from Cowpens, S.C. Since my grandfather died before I was born, I never knew him or much about him. It was exciting to learn that he was so active in church. On the franklybaggs.blog I wrote about the 125th anniversary of that church last Sunday - link to Franklin family history. A historical marker was dedicated for the church.

dedication of the historical marker

front side of marker

back side of marker

Debbie, April and Philip

photos showing church records from 1922, C.C. Franklin was listed as one of five delegates to the Carolina Baptist Convention.

First Baptist Church records from the 1940's showing my dad's family members.


another view of the church







special cake made for the day

John Dale Baggett (April 20,1960 - Oct. 21, 2005)

I am reminded of the song from the 1960's about how "the good die young". This hit home recently when my wife's brother died in a freak accident on the job. As he was preparing the concrete pump truck for work, someone drove through the barriers and two lanes of closed road and hit John. He died instantly, which is some comfort. John professed to be a Christian when he was young, and we have that hope that we will see him again one day in Heaven. Here are some photos from the last 10-15 years to remember him.


family picture from January, 1993

Photo also from 1993 showing a young John, very young Joel, J.L., Jason and Doris

John and his dad, J.L., taken during the contruction of Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Note the classic look of John in shorts and flip flops!

This photo taken of John at Lake Superior about a year ago.

Yes, that is an alligator John is kissing! This is one of the last photos of John when he was living near Orlando, Fl.

"Mam-Ma" Baggett (Jan. 22, 1914 - Jan. 26, 1999)

Our beloved "Mam-Ma," Mildred Lorena Franks Baggett, was born January 22, 1914 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She married into the Baggett clan on February 9, 1931, in Rison, Arkansas. She was a godly wife and mother and put her life into raising her family of one daughter and five sons. She died in January, 1999 at the age of 85. We miss her very much, but look forward to seeing her again in Heaven.