Hugh's News & Commentary

I have been reflecting on the funeral service for Mr. William Erby Shaw that was conducted on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at Mackey Mortuary in Greenville, SC. It was really a celebration of his life lived for Christ and the establishment of Christ's Kingdom in the hearts of men and women.

I was one of the very first people to arrive. I got there a few minutes before 10. Only Ann Turner and her husband, Marvin, from Goldsboro, NC, were present when I entered the chapel at Mackey Mortuary, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Ann was playing the piano. Two men were straightening up the chapel to make sure it was in proper order. Later, Willie and Sybil Thomas came, and were practicing. Willie payed his violin and Sybil played the organ. I remembered Willie and Sybil from my three years at Holmes Bible College and Holmes Memorial Church, but I don't think they remembered me. I did speak to them and introduced myself. That's okay that they could not remember me, for when I was a student, there were a lot of Holmes students, and I have changed over the years.

I was privileged to talk with Joseph Franks IV, Martha's son. He told me about his experience in becoming a Presbyterian minister and now a pastor. I was impressed by the schools he attended and his deep commitment to Jesus Christ. He did a superb job as the emcee for the service. All of the men who spoke utilized Scripture which Erby Shaw loved and valued. There was no doubt about it ... the Holy Scriptures and a strong belief in God's promises were dominate.

I thought Larry sang just like I remember him singing when we were students at Emmanuel College. He is one of the finest baritones I have ever heard, and I know he is a good trombone player as well. The song, "Finally Home," was so appropriate for the occasion and their father's desire to go home to heaven.

Jack's tribute to his father,"Reflections from the Family," was simply great and he, as always, added good humor to spice up his solemn and sacred message about his beloved father. All who were present got to visualize what kind of man he really was.  I remember how Jack described the work ethic of his father in Little by Little, and how he taught those same principles to his sons and daughters, and how Jack taught his children. Jack Shaw's book, Little by Little, is one that every young man, especially every father should read. It offers practical ways that a father can and should train his children. Jack's commitment to evangelism is evident in his book and he weaves the Gospel into the storyline with effectiveness without being preachy.

I was impressed with the e-mail Jack read from his good friend, Ravi Zacharias, one of the most powerful evangelical preachers in the 21st Century.

"My dear brother Jack,

"I am in Naples and took aside a few moments of quietness, to pray for the Shaw family. The loss of a father and one who was such a dear one can never be quantified. Some losses exceed numerical categories. It is not just the loss of one member of the family. It is a loss of a life poured out into many. His faith will continue in your lives. His example and contribution will count for eternity.

"Please be assured of our love, our thoughts and our prayers. Jack. If it weren't for founders staring at us with all my responsibilities, I would have been there. Thank you for your gracious understanding. May the peace of our Lord be with all of you. See you before long."

With our love
Ravi and Margi

I don't know how many people were in attendance. I would tend to think there were 450 people or more there. I saw lots of people I know, however, I was not able to get to all of them to speak. I did talk with Dr. G. Early Beatty, A. J. Newton, Willard Wagner, Dr. Richard Waters and his wife, Maxine. I saw Bishop James D. Leggett but could never get to him.  As I left the chapel I saw Brian James and Harrell Queen at a distance. I spoke with many others I did not know, but that is typical of me to meet strangers.

I was so glad I got to talk personally with Jack and Larry following the service on the porch of the funeral home. I only wish I could have gone to the cemetery and to Jack and Jane's home. I really needed to get home to help Melvine. I drove home in Winder, GA, in blinding rain and wind. I took Melvine to get her hair done, a trip that is about 45 minutes from where we live. I did not want her to venture out with threats of tornadoes. Later, we had supper with Stephanie at our choice of Mexican restaurants in Athens, La Fiesta.

It is a tendency of mine to notice many things. I wondered what the wooden casket was made of. I called the mortuary and found out that is was made solid poplar hardwood. It had a reddish tint. It was the most beautiful one that I have ever seen. Then, I noticed the blanket of yellow or gold roses. I guessed there must have been at least 10 dozen to make it 120 roses, the same number of disciples who were present on the Day of Pentecost who were baptized with the Holy Spirit.

I think I was the last person to leave. As I was started to get in my car. I saw the family cars, hearse, and other cars. I stood there beside my automobile at attention to honor Mr. William Erby Shaw, something I learned to do as a child, and later ingrained in me as a Marine.

Dr. Jim Ford was marvelous. He is a medical doctor. He is a wise man, knows the Scriptures and the importance of telling a dying loved one that it is okay to die, to release them from this earthly tabernacle. I think he is the one who said that.

I was impressed by the large family Erby Shaw left: the adults, young adults and teens, and beautiful children. I only knew Martha at a distance, although I do remember talking with her many years ago. I am sure I met Ruby when I attended Holmes Memorial Church. Melvine remembers both of them. She was a student at Homes before I went there in the fall of 1957.  

Mr. William Erby Shaw's service glorified and honored God. It also revealed the legacy of a godly father and a successful businessman who made a difference in his world.  He had a good name as well as wealth. However, his true riches are in heaven.

Written by Hugh H. Morgan, editor, Hugh's News